The Dowry

By Frances Walter

"A wife brought, sold and married with the stroke of writer's ink.

A young woman quietly changes society's rules and thwarts a theft by marriage of her family's estate.

Greed turns to murder.

All takes a stand to take the Dowry.

Who will survive to possess the Dowry?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 3, 2009
• ISBN: 9781469122540

Frances Walter

“Simple imagination to get inside the mind of the law breaking perpetrator. Catching a person who willingly breaks the law. A decision on how to catch him and what to do with him after you have gone through the system. I am wearing the shoes of the Detective and must decide how all persons involved affect each other and the final outcome. Conscience and the laws of justice. How to use them. I was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I have no special credits to literary writing. Imagination that grows. Every day crime and bad guys. I enjoy a good murder mystery. Authors who write and I can not put their work down. I call some of my work dark and bent. My emotion? Anger brings out a more sinister side of the writing works. My style, as if you are standing in the middle of the room watching it all. I unravel the plot as you go along, as you read, a few twists and turns. Sometimes you are not sure if the villain or Detective will win.”

Book preview

Chapter One

There must be a better way to do this. An arranged marriage. A Bride purchased with a contract. To, ‘Love, Honor and Cherish’. No problem. Then, to top it off, the Woman’s Father has to produce a suitable dowry, to seal the agreement. A woman is sold and purchased all in the same signature.

Time was ticking. Whatever happened to freedom of choice. Does that only apply to a select few?

She had tried to stall as long as she could. According to tradition, she should have been married at the age of eighteen. She had bought herself three years.

My dearest, Selena. You have to give in sometime. I want to ensure you are taken care of. I am not a well man. The Doctors can only give me medicine to dull the pain. I can barely walk. I do not want to be a burden. I want you to be happy. Alexander Etherington pleaded.

Father, you have enough money to buy up half the land in London. How can you consent so easily to a man who is not English. Did you have Bartholomew do a background check on this man. He has letters of credit. Character references. All that is good. Anyone with money can have documents bought and paid for. Thomas Carlsberg is very charming, but he just showed up from the Americas. Why would he pick me out of all English society? Please Father, have Bartholomew do some private letters. He would inherit all your estates. You do not have a son. Stupid English law prohibits me from owning property.

Selena Etherington was an only child. She had watched society put people in different classes. Rich. Educated. Sons. Daughters. Married. Unmarried. Business. The short list. She wished she had the power to change things.

Selena decided to break all the rules. Hiding behind the face of a child, she read everything she could take out of her Father’s library. Twisted and tricked her Father’s closest friend and lawyer, Bartholomew Gault, to teach her the laws of the land. Banking procedures. Income and expenditures.

Pretend I am Father’s son. Protect me against people who want his money, so I won’t be a pawn after he is gone. Make sure I have my own living allowance. Does Father read everything he signs? Set up the documents no one can challenge them in a court. Teach me. Or give me the books to read.

Selena, you are a clever girl. I will arrange for you to visit with my family. Under the guise you need children your own age to associate with. My wife will help.

With a pending marriage arriving on her doorstep, she was ready for any surprises that could be thrown at her.

Selena had everyone working for her better good. She used pure logic to get what she wanted.

Chapter Two

All the papers were in order. Proper letterhead. Barristers and solicitors that could be checked.

Are you sure? If these are questioned, no one could tell they were forgeries? I am to come into a lot of money. My future wife can not own property according to English law. Perfect. I can stay here for a short period of time. Tie up all loose ends and eventually liquidate all the assets.

How are you going to ensure that? You have the Etherington lawyers, estate records and banking institutes to deal with. How much of a short period of time?

After I am legally married, I will borrow funds, like a personal loan. Under the pretense I have to have the funds transferred from America. You have all the letters of credit and my supposed capital value.

Thomas, do not rush this. They say the English are starchy and put priorities on respect. Slander and un-gentlemanly behavior is not tolerated. You promised me a hefty slice of this estate after we pull off the hoax. Do not rush.

Daniel, you did the research on the Etheringtons. Are you sure no family will contest the inheritance laws? You made sure Selena is a no-frills daughter? She will not question any legal decisions made regarding her care keeping and welfare? Thomas asked all the questions, they had faced when they decided to do this charade.

I followed her for weeks. No special interests. Dull suppers at Bartholomew Gault’s home once a week. Selena Etherington is a pretty woman, but no other suitors. She should not be any challenge. Get to know her. Find out if she has an interest and indulge her in that field. Probably at little cost to you.

Daniel Dawes had been hired as a silent partner. A front person with enough legal knowledge and contacts to pull off the game.

Too bad Thomas Carlsberg had to get married to score the money. Maybe she’ll get sick or die in childbirth. English weather was hard to swallow. Daniel Dawes realizing how much work had to be done just to get rich.

Thomas, make sure you make any new changes legal. Hire an English solicitor. Show you want to fit in. Not just a stranger moving into the wealthy Father’s house. Don’t make a spectacle of yourself. You can not hide you are not born and bred here. Try to act like money is not a priority. Inherited by hard work. Not from the broken backs of others. Try not to side with people. Think before engaging your mouth.

Are these people that much work? Money can not talk circles around them? Money can not open doors? Thomas thought he could walk in and marry into money.

The English are different. Class distinctions. Money. Even foreigners have their place. Questionable reputations. Thomas, this is more complicated than you are admitting. Make sure you plan every step you take. Or, stop this before it blows up. Daniel was losing a battle to keep Thomas from putting his foot in his mouth.

Six months. We will have the money at our finger tips. I’ll start siphoning large amounts. If you want to leave after that, I understand.

Who is going to watch your back?

I will be right behind you. I am the visitor, correct? Stay long enough to get me to easy street.

Fine. Daniel agreed. At the same time, he saw disaster.

Chapter Three

M r. Etherington, must we make this such a large social occasion? A quiet ceremony. A handful of guests for the wedding dinner? I would like my sister here, you have not allowed enough time to arrange a message by ship. Thomas Carlsberg was being dictated by time. His excuses were falling on deaf ears.

Mr. Carlsberg, I am not well. I would like to see my daughter married and happy. I am sure your family will understand. Unless, you feel you are being rushed? You can decline the betrothal. We can make appropriate apologies. No one will be embarrassed.

Alexander Etherington set his rules to protect his daughter and the marriage agreement. Alexander Etherington refused to sign any documents to release Selena’s dowry to Thomas Carlsberg. No marriage. No dowry.

I will dispatch a letter to my sister. She can come and visit at her convenience. I apologize for my lack of sensitivity to your health. Thomas Carlsberg swallowed some of his pride and conceded.

*     *     *

Bartholomew, we must talk. The wedding is only a week away. I have run out of time. Are you absolutely positive all my trust papers are in order? I have my own money set aside, no one will dispute?

Selena, dear, I will not disappoint you. I do not much care for Mr. Carlsberg. Your Father has agreed to let this marriage take place. He refuses to sign your dowry over to him, unless this union is legalized. A small advantage. Bartholomew assured her.

Where do you hold all these papers? My Father’s safe or at the bank?

At the bank. All your Father’s papers are there.

If my father dies, can you promise me those papers will be held in private. I do not want Thomas to know. Anything pressing, I will consult you.

Yes, Selena. I can arrange all of that.

Thank you for your trust and confidence. My Father would be pleased that you took care of his business and his personal affairs.

*     *     *

Selena agreed to a simple ceremony and dinner. She did request her wedding dress and veil be designed in the latest fashion. The best white satin and laces for trim. The ceremony at the church cathedral. She specifically asked for the Bishop to do the honors. Selena spared no expense on flowers and candles.

Selena enjoyed her wedding day, pretending it was an annual social event. For something she really did not want, she made the best of it. All the proper social graces.

Thomas doted on her during the evening. Held her hand or escorted her on his arm walking across the room.

At times Selena was left alone, as if a guest. Thomas visited with the men, he didn’t consider the day as anything out of the ordinary.

A man of little emotion? Or none? Selena watched the man who was to play her husband. She never considered a better way to describe the arrangement.

The evening ended. The guests left. Selena pleased the evening was pleasant. Her family was not on a list with the gossip mongers. She had no intention to set the stage for bad snips of talk to start.

For an arranged marriage, Selena did not care if the marriage bed should be used or shared at all. If Thomas demanded, or was inclined, she was there. Nothing more. Perhaps, later, if she had misjudged Thomas’ feelings, and proved wrong, she could care for him.

Tasha, Selena’s personal maid, helped her dress for the night. On occasions, she was pleased money could buy the very best in handmade garments. She never wanted to flaunt her tastes. She had been taught by the best governesses and private tutors to give her grace, manners and etiquette. Now, she was the Lady of the house with money and position.

Thomas knocked on the door. He had learned that English custom prohibited entering rooms unannounced.

Selena, you looked beautiful. You will be the talk of London for weeks.

I do not care for gossip. We had our wedding handled with taste and respect. Not a spectacle.

Come here, Selena. We are alone. We do not have to be so straight-laced. No prying eyes. Thomas looking at his new prize.

Selena didn’t move. Shy? Distant?

He reached out to embrace her. She stiffened under his touch. The whiskey was over-bearing. He kissed her gently. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Kissed her firmly to see if she would respond.

Selena, I think if you put your arms around my neck, like this. Relax a little, you would find this pleasant.

I am not accustomed to being touched in personal places.

You are my wife. This is acceptable. You will find you will like this side of life.

If you wish.

I do not want to force you.

Force me? I will not tolerate being hurt.

Selena, calm down! You are an innocent. I promise I will be gentle. You will come around. Thomas kissed Selena gently. She tried to respond by putting her arms around his neck.

Thomas tried a different approach. Selena was obviously not a street walker. Her innocence would have to be met with all the charm he could muster. He was warned not to rush. He suddenly had to take his foot out of his mouth.

Selena survived Thomas’ husbandly intentions. Pleasant, upsetting. Perhaps she could get something good out of the arrangement.

Chapter Four

Three months later. A general routine was formed.

Selena had watched Thomas slowly take over as the Master of the house. The staff treated him like a guest. Courtesy. They assumed he would tire of England and leave for home on one of the ships that came into the harbor.

Thomas seemed to be always doing business in her Father’s study or at the office in the city center. Selena wanted to know what he was doing. It was not her place to pry.

Thomas, we have been invited to have lunch at the Gault’s home at three. I must reply.

I have business to take care of. You go, Selena. You need to go out. Socialize. Arrange for the carriage. They will understand. One of us is better, than none of us showing.

Yes, Thomas. If you wish. I will check on Father before I leave. He is feeling poorly.

Thomas only nodded. His way of dismissing her.

*     *     *

Daniel had set up the papers and proposals for the next stage of this marriage arrangement. Alexander Etherington’s health was failing. He would take advantage of his state.

Mr. Etherington, do you feel well enough to discuss business. We can talk and you can consider what I have to say.

Can you not talk to Bartholomew Gault or the bank. They would be more objective and alert. I tend to drift off to sleep. Quite rude. Can not stay alert for long periods of time.

Five minutes, Sir. I am having difficulties transferring funds to finish business in the Americas.

What about Selena’s dowry? Utilize some of the funds for your needs and then replace the monies borrowed.

I invested part of it. Better banking interest. The rest is for expenses and any emergencies we might encounter.

I see. Good decision. How much?

Ten thousand pounds. In English money. I have all the papers set up. I will send my assistant back to my home to complete this. It should only be a loan for ninety days. Depending on the weather for sailing. Simple, but legal. All you have to do is sign.

Alexander Etherington was losing his attention span. Drifting off to sleep. Thomas gently pushed at his arm to wake him. Just sign, sir. It’s all legal. Two signatures. Thank you.

Thomas smiled at his success. He would try again soon. Repeat his objectives. He left Alexander Etherington’s bedroom.

He rang the bell cord to fetch the footman.

Tobias, please take this message to my assistant, Mr. Dawes. It is easier than bringing him here. Thomas patted the boy on the head. Handed him a coin for his loyalty.

Thomas was pleased at his work. He had pushed the trust to this point. He had set into plan other transactions, he would have to bide his time.

The bankers were working with him. Money was talking. Thomas was slowly fitting into select circles.

He would give Selena a little more attention to secure his relationship with her. He would have to set the stage for his new house guest. He would have to ensure Selena believed her position as Mistress of the house was not in question.

Chapter Five

Thomas approached Alexander Etherington on several other occasions, got him to sign promise notes for smaller amounts.

He watched him from a distance and would catch him on days he was not lucid. Or at times, he had woken from an afternoon nap. Sometimes on the pretense it was for house hold expenses. Thomas had him so confused he did not know what he signed.

Thomas had set his stage. He would have it all in one more year. He only had a few more things to do.

The house was in place.

Selena had taken to drawing. She was trying to paint ladies in beautiful dresses. Trying to pose them in garden scenarios. Or more difficult settings. Standing in an open meadow, with flowers, and clouds. The wind whipping their skirts, as in dance.

She played with dress designs and hats. Colors and fabrics. Could something come from her imagination?

A tap on the door.

Miss Selena. There is a Lady in the entrance. Says she is expected as a guest by the Master. Have you been informed of her arrival?

A Lady? No. Give me a moment to tidy my dress. I will attend to this myself.

Thomas had not said anything about a guest. Was he pushing his position? Assuming he could do anything without consulting her? Perhaps a little late, she would deal with this.

Good day. I am Mrs. Carlsberg. This is the Etherington home. May I help you? We were not expecting guests.

I have an invitation from Thomas to come. Just tell him I am here. We will straighten this up later.

Abbott. Please take Miss… Selena realized the lack of introductions.

Bettina Carlsberg. Thomas’ sister.

Miss Carlsberg, to the drawing room.

Tea? Miss Selena?

No Abbott. Selena was not in a hospitable reception.

Thomas? Selena walked into her Father’s study.

Selena, I’m busy. Please return later. Next time knock.

Excuse me? Knock in my own home? She shook her head. Thomas, we have a guest. She says you invited her. Bettina Carlsberg.

Why did you not say so? Where is she? I hope she was not left in the entrance. That would be rude.

Selena looked at him. Rude? How many times had he blurted out opinions without thought?

Thomas, she was taken into the drawing room. Why did you not tell me you were expecting her.

I invited her. I did not think she would accept. I told her of our marriage. There was not enough time to bring her here for the ceremony. Let us not keep her waiting.

Bettina, you are here! How wonderful. No telegram? Did you have a good trip?

Contemptible weather. Poor service and accommodations. How did you ever manage such a dreadful trip?

It was tolerable. You must stay to get over your trip. Thomas rushed. He forgot Selena was standing there. He embraced Bettina, as if she was leaving as fast as she arrived.

Excuse me… ! Selena interrupted.

Selena, my apologies. My sister, Bettina. My only family. A bad habit. We get talking and forget ourselves.

The two women calculated the other. New rivals or just Thomas’ lost sister?

Selena, we must arrange a special dinner for Bettina. Can we invite some friends over to make introductions?

Thomas, invitations must be sent out in advance. Our friends have families and social calendars. I will talk to the cook for an extra guest. She will do her best, as she always does. We can arrange a dinner in two days to introduce her. We do not demand social engagements on an hours’ notice.

I see. Thomas seemed miffed at the lack of theatrics. Can we at least put her in a nice guest room?

Thomas, all our are rooms are nice. You are giving your sister a poor impression of our status.

Selena, we are less formal at home. I forget protocol.

Selena pulled the servants cord. Abbott showed himself immediately.

Abbott, please take Miss Carlsberg to the Greenwich room. She has luggage. If you need extra help, please call whomever you require. Thank you.

Selena gave instructions to the staff. A new guest. Uncertain of the visiting time.

Another new change. Selena did not find this acceptable. Husband or not, she should have been consulted. It was time to assure her house was given more of her personal attention. A closer hand.

Chapter Six

The staff adjusted to their new guest. They had thought they had weathered the worst when Thomas Carlsberg had moved in.

Different food. Undisciplined hours. Noisy. Rude. Demanding. Whispers if they had employment or a new home on the streets.

Thomas, how long are we going to stay here? Your wife, as you call her, does not want any changes. I want to go home.

I have to stay here at least one more year. I do not have control over all of the estate. I have borrowed large sums of money and put the funds in other banks and investments. This is not our home. There are rules we have to follow.

Another year? I will go crazy. Can you not shorten it?

Bettina, Etherington is still alive. I thought he would be dead by now. That is my next job. As for you, we could fit you into English society. A living allowance, new clothes and trinkets for your pleasure. Fair? Time would go faster.

Then make it worth my while. I do not like this arrangement. Fix this soon.

Yes, Bettina. Thomas kissed her gently.

Thomas gave Bettina her own money. Gave her a crash course on its value. Signed letters of credit for clothes and shopping.

He gave her the rule not to have any frivolous affairs with the men. Gossip was as bad as a newspaper headline. Take Daniel’s advice and try to fit in. Become friends with Selena.

Bettina agreed. She was going to make some of her own changes. Selena was going to take a back seat to her. Bettina was going to become the new Mistress of the house.

Servants? They were going to listen to her and her rules or be dismissed. Thomas would have to move up his time schedule.

*     *     *

Thomas was glad he had his own suite of rooms. More room. More privacy. The staff liked the arrangement better. Loyalty to Selena. Less hassle.

He tried to keep things normal. More business. He left Selena alone and declined many luncheons and dinners. Daniel had voiced his disapproval. Thomas thought he would gain more respect by being a high powered business man.

His next step to put him as head of the estate would take careful planning.

Staff. Their duties. Hours of service. He needed to come and go and never be seen. Make sure it was the right time.

Selena checked her Father faithfully every two hours after she rose in the morning. As his health declined, her routine was more rigid.

Alexander, wake up. Time for your medicine.

It’s not morning. Let me sleep. Alexander Etherington waved him away.

The Doctor left instructions for a night dosage. Drink this.

Only a glass of water. Thomas had the excuse to wake him from his sleep.

There. Time to sleep. Thomas made him comfortable. No more time to drag this out.

Thomas reached for his bed pillow and covered his face. Muffled sounds and struggling to free him self from the smothering. Thomas released the pillow, gave him a chance to catch his breath. The wheezing stopped. Thomas repeated the action and put the pillow back against his face. A little longer. Released it. The man had no strength to fight. Thomas wanted to ensure he had stopped breathing on his own. He finally laid still.

Thomas rearranged his covers on the pretense he was fussing with the covers. He placed the pillow partly on his face to look as if he had covered his own face.

He closed the door. Another stage in his plan. He should have the control when all the other formalities died down.

He would have it all. Selena would not be difficult to control after that.

Chapter Seven

Selena wanted her home back to normal. A sister-in-law she had no intention of keeping in her home. The staff seemed more unsettled since her arrival. Apart from the fact she was not English, you would assume she was the Lady of the manor. Thomas would either have to send her home or set her up in her own suite in London.

Tasha brought her pre-breakfast tea. A habit she had gotten in soon after her and Thomas decided on separate rooms.

Tasha helped her dress for the day. Selena would help her Father with his breakfast. Sit and read to him. Her routine for the last few months. The hour was perfect. No Thomas. No Bettina. Quiet.

Selena opened her Father’s bedroom door. She pulled open the drapes to brighten the room. The weather had brought in a fog and light rain. Perhaps it would improve by mid-day.

Father, are you awake? Look at the covers. You had a restless night? Father? Are you well? Selena straightened the covers and moved the pillow from beside his face. Father?

Selena touched his hand to get his attention. He did not move or wake with his usual smile. Today he let her down. The shock was embracing her like the cold fog outside. The involuntary scream left her lips.

Father! No! Selena rang the bell beside his bed. Pulled the servants cord for a reply. Why are they taking so long? She rang again.

All the head staff emerged. Yes, Madame. What’s wrong?

Call the Doctor. Send someone in person. Bring the Doctor back in one of our carriages. Immediately. Do not argue! She looked at the head housekeeper. Not impressed with the delay. Where were you, Mrs. Talbot?

Mr. Thomas, and Miss Bettina needed my assistance.

I see. And since when did they take priority over Mr. Etherington? I rang four times.

Since…

Never mind. I will take care of this problem later. Now go! Selena was never abrupt with the staff. Not really family, but they were given proper respect for their work and loyalty. What had changed?

The Doctor came within the hour. Checked him in private. Selena sat in a chair outside her Father’s room. She refused to leave or be comforted.

Thomas checked on her. Walked away because of her despondence made her impossible to console. His coldness to her sorrow made her realize, he was not part of her family. An outsider.

The Doctor came out. Took her gently by the hand. Miss Selena, it seems your Father woke up. Had a dream and thrashed about. Tried to get comfortable and accidentally covered his face. He stopped breathing.

Thank you, Doctor. You are kind. Would you like tea before the staff takes you home?

Only if you join me.

Selena set out tea. This one of the few times she did the service herself. The staff just stood back and watched. Totally in awe. ‘The Mistress doing a