Chapter Eleven

Sadly Mrs Hale died on the Monday evening, adding one more woe to Carrie's burden. She tried not to get too down but at times it was hard. The Hales didn't try to cheer her, which she was glad of, and though they made a pretty depressing little family somehow they drew strength from each other. Carrie had never been part of a family like that before, her family usually sought to attack each other in times of trouble, taking their misery out on others.

On the second day, Carrie managed to rouse her spirits enough to make the arrangements for Mrs Hale's funeral. She felt thoroughly ashamed of herself for wallowing such self pity when the woman who had opened her home to her had just died and her family was grieving.

Thankfully the reverend and undertaker were very understanding and helpful. Dixon also mentioned that Mrs Hale had on occasion spoken about her funeral and she was able to give Carrie a good idea of what Mrs Hale would have wanted.

In the event though, she didn't get to attend the funeral she had arranged. Societal norms in this time said that women couldn't go to funerals but Carrie had every intention of flouting that rule. That is, until Dixon ran into Leonard's, an old acquaintance from Helstone. He knew all about Frederick and the mutiny and it was decided that Fred must leave that night.

Carrie felt bad for him that he couldn't attend his mothers funeral but at least he had gotten to say good bye to her. As he was packing he showed Carrie the ring he had bought for Dolores. She was too young to get engaged yet, but he had bought the ring some time ago and was just waiting until he could ask her.

The ring was quite small and the stones were only what she would have called semi-precious, yet from the way he talked about this Dolores, it was probably quite expensive. At least, he didn't seem like the kind of man to skimp on a ring when he was obviously deeply in love with this girl. That gave her an idea.

She caught the train to London with him and they booked in at a hotel overnight, Fred offering to pay. The next day he was to see Mr Lennox and she intended to get her jewellery appraised.

In the event Fred was unable to see Mr Lennox before noon the next day, so he offered to accompany Carrie.

Though Carrie didn't place a great deal of importance on material items, her jewellery meant a lot to her because each piece had been a gift for good performance. The pendant for passing her GCSE's with As and A stars. The earrings for passing her A-Levels. The ring for passing her grade 8 piano exam. When she wore these they were proof that she was capable of succeeding.

The broach was the only piece of jewellery that had come from her mother and it was made of synthetic diamonds created using the ashes of Friday, her childhood pony. The diamonds had been mounted into a horse shaped broach and varied in size from ¼ ct to 1ct and had a ¼ ct black diamond as an eye.

Technically speaking they were exactly the same as diamonds, even down to usually having imperfections, though they often had fewer than naturally formed diamonds.

She had decided to go to a few jewellers to have the jewels appraised and see what they would offer her to buy them and when the first jewellers valued them, she was floored!

Since they had been gifts, she didn't know how much they cost in her time, but comparatively speaking they seemed to be worth much more here.

The most expensive piece was the horse broach, which Carrie did feel a little guilty about, but she kept reminding herself that technically, right down to it's molecular composition, it was a real diamond. After each jeweller had appraised them, she asked what they would offer her to buy them.

The first and second shops disagreed on their valuations by almost five thousand pounds. Both also offered slightly less than they had valued them at, citing that they would need to make a profit on them.

In the third shop, a Mr Raison valued them higher than both the other shops and offered Carrie exactly what he had appraised the jewels at, saying that he would reset many of the stones from the broach into other jewellery, which he could sell for a greater cost over all.

Since she didn't have a bank account yet and didn't want to carry cash, she arranged to return that afternoon after Fred had seen Mr Lennox and exchanged the jewellery for a bankers draft.

"You're rich," Fred teased after they had collected the bankers draft.

They were heading to the railway station, Carrie's hand resting on Fred's elbow. Carrie grinned at his words, for indeed she was rich now.

"What will you spend it on?" Fred asked.

"I don't know. I suppose I should buy us a house."

"Us?" he asked.

"Your family has taken me in and treated me as one of their own, I think it only fair I treat them the same. I wonder what houses in Milton cost?"

"I can't claim any knowledge of that," Fred said. "But I thank you for your kindness to my family. My mother said you had some very odd ideas but that she liked you very much."

"I can live with odd," Carrie shrugged, then her mood darkened. "It's just a shame she won't get to share in this joy with us."

"But she will be happy that you're looking after her husband and daughter."

"I hope so." After the turmoil of the last few days, Carrie felt herself overcome with emotion.

"Oh no, you must not cry at such a happy time," Fred gently chided, handing her his handkerchief.

"I know, it is very ungrateful of me." She quickly got herself back under control and dried her eyes.

They soon arrived at the station and bought their tickets, Carrie heading north to Milton and Fred journeying south to Portsmouth.

"I know we only met recently, and in rather unhappy circumstances," Carrie said as they prepared to part company, "but I feel like I've known you forever."

She thought most people probably felt that way after meeting Fred, for he was such an affable and kind hearted person that it was easy to like him.

"Well, I suppose you are the next best thing to a sister now," he said.

"I've never had a brother," Carrie smiled.

"Well then, the next time we meet I shall be sure to climb a few trees with you and taunt you with some captured insects so that you have a true appreciation of what having a brother feels like."

"That I believe I will pass on," Carrie laughed, then hugged him tightly. "Now, you take care on your journey home. And please write if Mr Lennox has any news, good or bad."

"I will. You look after yourself too, won't you?"

"I will," she assured him. "Say hello to Dolores for me."

As she rode back to Milton, Carrie felt lighter than she had for some time. She had means now. She could never have dreamed how much her jewellery would be worth here, especially since so few women wore diamonds, she had assumed they were unpopular. How wrong she had been.

The first thing she would do was buy a house for them all. Then a piano. She could even give lessons on it if she wanted.

Then perhaps she could buy more houses to rent out? Yes, that would be a good long term investment and provide them with a regular income.

Her mind immediately went to Mr Thornton as the best person to ask for advice but she couldn't ask him any longer. That thought dampened her spirits somewhat and try as she may, she was unable to revive them again.

III

The house was in a nice area of Milton and a little further away from the mills and so slightly less smoky. They kept most of the same furniture since it had a history with the family, though Carrie did buy a new furnishings for the dining room and the front parlour, in other words the public rooms. The furniture was nice but not overly expensive.

Her only luxury was in purchasing a Broadwood grand piano, which took pride of place in the front parlour (or the fancy sitting room, as Carrie thought of it).

Mr Hale had a study where he could teach his students and Miss Hale could use the rear parlour (the less fancy sitting room or family room, as Carrie called it) while Carrie could teach piano in the front parlour.

Mr Hale spoke with some of his students and their families and advised her on what she could charge. Sadly it was only a fraction of what Mr Hale got for his teaching, but this wasn't supposed to be her main form of income anyway. That's why she was buying more properties, two mid sized ones, like the one in Crampton that could be more easily rented than larger properties could and some commercial properties, since the rents for such premises were generally higher. She wasn't foolish though and still kept some in the bank for a rainy day. She hoped that the rental incomes and her and Mr Hale's lessons would cover their living expenses and perhaps allow her to put a little more into the bank every month.

Of course news of her new found wealth had spread like wildfire, though most reports were highly inflated, and she found herself inundated with new friends and acquaintances. She wasn't particularly inclined to make friends with these people but she knew well enough not to alienate them, especially when she was trying to build her business. One thing her mother had taught her was the necessity of forging relationships. As such she accepted most of their dinner invitations, if only for appearances sake.

Mr Thornton had heard of Miss Preston's good fortune, for surely no one in Milton hadn't, but unlike them he got his information from her banker, Mr Latimer, who coincidentally happened to be his banker also.

He was pleased to hear that she was making solid investments and not spending wildly because although he couldn't have her, all he really wanted was for her to be happy.

She had kept to her word and was never around when he went to see Mr Hale, though he longed to see her again, even if only for a moment. As he walked through the town his eyes roamed around him, seeking her out, though so far he had not been successful.

That was about to change though, for he had been invited to the Waverley's dinner party next week and after casually enquiring, had been informed that the Hales and Miss Preston would be attending also.

Carrie might have said he felt as nervous as a virgin on prom night, but such crude though evocative language was beyond him, even if it was true. He wondered if she would rescind her acceptance if she knew he was coming and as such he hadn't replied until the last acceptable moment.

As he approached the Waverley house he began to feel slightly sick but he forced himself to ignore the sensation, then as he stepped into the parlour his breath literally caught in his throat, for there she was in all her glory and he found that his memory of her had been sadly lacking when compared to the reality.

She laughed at something her companion said, though he knew her well enough to realise it was false.

"Thornton, my dear fellow, how are you?"

And with those words the spell was broken. Carrie turned to him, looking almost frightened. Had he really scared her so? He didn't think so but the reality was unavoidable. It didn't take her long to smooth her features out into perfect serenity again and turn away. Thornton turned his attention to Mr Waverley.

He couldn't help but notice how many men surrounded Carrie all evening and he was forced to remember his dinner party, when hardly anyone had spoken to her. He supposed her fortune made her a much more attractive proposition now.

Thankfully every time he looked over she seemed like she was trying to stifle her boredom, which gave him hope that at least he would not lose her to anyone present this evening.

When dinner was called he found himself sitting next to her. A most agreeable place to be but not his idea.

"Mr Thornton." She flashed him a sickly sweet smile. "How lovely it is to see you again." Each work dripped with sarcasm.

"And you," he smiled, not rising to the bait.

"I suppose this is your idea?"

"Why would Mrs Waverley consult me over the seating plan?"

Carrie was forced to agree that she wouldn't, not that she would admit it.

They ignored each other for the rest of the first course, only talking with others at the table until the plates were cleared.

"You look lovely this evening," Mr Thornton said quietly.

Caught off guard, Carrie could only reply. "Thank you."

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine."

He smiled and turned away again, content with a polite exchange for now.

The main course and desert were served without any further conversation between them but Carrie was on tenterhooks the whole time, wondering what he was going to do next.

In the end it was their hostess who put Carrie on the spot, not Mr Thornton.

"I say, Mr Thornton, have you heard Miss Preston play yet?"

He had heard about her giving lessons.

"I regret to say that I have not have that pleasure."

"Oh, you simply must, she is a beautiful pianist, isn't she?"

There was a general consensus of yes from the table, even from some who had never heard her and Carrie blushed.

"And she has done wonders for Emily's playing, why she has come on in leaps and bounds since Miss Preston began teaching her. Perhaps we can convince Miss Preston to grace us with a song after desert."

"But the gentlemen will remain at the table, surely," Carrie smiled sweetly, though it was a little tight at having been thrust into the spotlight like this.

"Then let them stay. I'm sure once they hear your playing, they will be drawn through to hear you better anyway."

"We'll see," Carrie smiled.

After desert the ladies retired to the drawing room while the men stayed at he table , drinking brandy and smoking cigars. Nothing more was said about Carrie playing and she breathed a sigh of relief until the gentlemen joined them.

"Now Miss Preston, I hope you have not forgot your promise," Mrs Waverley called from across the room.

Carrie had promised no such thing but she could hardly embarrass her hostess by causing a scene. Besides, the Waverley's had been very good about recommending her to other local families.

"Of course not." She smiled as graciously as she could and made her way over to the piano. She didn't have any music with her, obviously, so she opted to play Memory from Cats since she knew it by heart.

She could feel his eyes on her as she played and though she didn't have any music to focus on, she kept her eyes downcast, looking at her hands so that she didn't have to look at him.

When she finished everyone clapped and she wondered what they would think if they could actually see the musical that song came from, the cast dressed in costumes and cat makeup!

Mrs Waverley called for a second song and though she protested she was pushed into it. She played Exogenesis Symphony by Muse.

When she was done they applauded politely again and she stood up to make it clear that she was done. Thankfully Mrs Waverely didn't press her further.

However, in not looking at the people around her as she played she had made a fatal mistake, because Mr Thornton was suddenly beside her.

"That was exquisite," he told her, his voice full of warmth and love.

Carrie swallowed and wondered where her glass of wine had gone.

"Thank you," she kept her hear bowed because she knew that if she looked at him, it would be her undoing.

"Perhaps you might like to teach Fanny. She has been having lessons for years but has never really mastered the instrument."

"I believe I am full at the moment, but perhaps after the new year."

"Do I really frighten you that much?"

Carrie looked up, shocked by such a statement. Then she remembered why she had refused him. He might be sweetness and light now, but she had seen another side of him.

Mr Thornton noticed the hesitation in her eyes and how her resolve suddenly hardened and he began to wonder, was she really afraid of him or was that an excuse?

His behaviour had been inexcusable that day but she didn't seem afraid of him. Mr Watson interrupted them then and Mr Thornton drifted off to speak to someone else, realising that he must not press her too hard.

As he lay in bed that night, his mind kept drifting back over her actions and reactions earlier that evening and while he was sure he had seen genuine fear in her eyes, he didn't think that she was frightened of him, per se. He began to ponder what kind of threat he actually posed to her because he was certain, with all her karate skills, that there was very little that frightened Miss Preston.

Or maybe he had it backwards, he realised. Maybe everything frightened the girl and she just showed incredible bravery in fighting back.

He began to realise that his judgement of her was wrong, had always been wrong.

The first time he met her he remembered that he had thought her shy. Once he heard her story, he had put her reticence down to her not knowing the customs here, but now he saw that she actually was shy, though practised at overcoming it.

When she had spoken about being attacked when she was 14, she said of how helpless she felt, lying waiting for help. Of course she had felt powerless, having been overcome by two men but perhaps it was her disposition to feel powerless, perhaps that is how she had been raised.

He remembered Fanny attacking her behaviour for fighting and how initially Carrie had not defended herself; only Fanny's continued taunts had finally goaded her enough to defend herself.

He remembered her saying that her father had a temper and that she would never live her life in fear again. Had he been violent? And yet she still carried a photograph of him in her purse and had more on her laptop. Clearly she still loved him.

He groaned and wiped a hand over his face, as though washing without water. Of course!

She had loved her father and he had betrayed her trust in him and broken her heart, possibly because he was violent, but certainly because he had a temper.

Mr Thornton could see now that the power he had to wound her far exceeded any black eye, for he had the power to break her heart again.

He wouldn't, of course, he had just been half crazed that day. Who wouldn't be after hearing such an outlandish tale and finding out that their perfect vision of a woman was impure? It wasn't in his nature to react violently, he was a calm and rational man usually. He had examined his behaviour closely since she sent him away and truly that had been an aberration.

Now the question became, how could he prove that to her?