Chapter Thirty-Eight - Elliot - Taken

The suitcase hit me square in the chest, knocking me back. I grabbed it just as it fell open, littering the cobblestone with its contents.
"And stay out!" the hotel manager growled, slamming the door to finalize his point.

Several noticed the outburst but I paid them no mind, simply kneeling to gather all the clothing up.

That could've gone smoother. I should've followed my instincts and left yesterday but I'd been too busy trying to make it through all the confusion in order to mail Nora's letter; which, because of my lack of education, I'd felt totally inadequate in writing. My spelling was good, but my handwriting wasn't especially fine and I wrote how I spoke. There was nothing formal about it and it made me feel terribly self-concious, but at least, after a chaotic day, it had been sent. I had actually been glad that the rumors hadn't reached the hotel manager until this morning, allowing me a bed for one more night.

"I own the best quality hotel for miles around!" he'd hollered this morning, my things already packed and on the front desk. It bothered me that he'd gone through my belongings while I was busy, but my opinnion had no place for the moment.
"And I'll not have anyone soiling my reputation. I will not be taken advantage of!" he slowly began to back me towards the door, "So I want you to leave, Mr. Snyder, and Heaven help if I ever discover  you even within a block of my hotel!"


I shook my head with a smirk and stood up again, headed for Charles' house. On the bright side, I'd would no longer have to the pay the full amount for five months; only three.

Charles' maid let me in, which was unusual. At this point though, I simply accepted the fact that I'd been welcomed and waited for her to fetch my cousin. When he entered the parlor I noticed a tired look behind his usual smile.

"Have a seat, Elliot."

I shook my head, "I shouldn't be long. I only came to return this." I handed over the suitcase and he accepted it, trying to gauge the full meaning behind my actions.

"I put the rest of the money you lent me inside. I'm really sorry Charles. I really am. I've ruined everything."

"Not everything," he retorted.
I sneered, "You're a saintly soul, dear cousin, but please. List one thing that I haven't completely destroyed."

"Well...actually I believe I may be one of those," he muttered, "People have stopped by offering their sympathies to Mrs. Lettington and I that we were so misused by our very own blood relative. Now I know I didn't spread such news."

I shrugged, "You're a good citizen. People would generally assume you had nothing to do with such falsehoods. "

"Why did you do it?" he rode over me me, "After all, the scheme had originally been mine. It was I that convinced you to come here in the first place. You didn't need to go out of your way to protect us."

"Honestly, Charles," I sneered, "I owe you far too much not to.  And I will repay it in full as soon as I can."

He studied me for a moment and then smiled.
"You've changed Elliot. For the better. I hope you're family realizes that as well."

 Finally, he stepped towards me and offered a handshake. I took it and was surprised when he yanked me into an embrace instead, suitcase and all.

"I wish you luck upon you're return home."

That wasn't yet my decision but I only smiled and pulled away, "Thank you."

***

Everyone's eyes trailed me as walked down the familiar streets. Their smiles and greetings were gone now, replaced with glares and whispers. I simply kept my hands in my trouser pockets and moved on, offering a half-smile to the few who accidentally met my gaze although they would only turn away.

My abilities were limited as to what I could about the situation. All my costumes were with Charles now so I couldn't hide behind them. I was left with the clothes I had worn upon my arrival: a white shirt with a brown vest, trousers, a pair of scuffed boots with a hole in the heel of one and in the toe of the other, and a small cap that I kept crumpled in my hand as there was no use for it now.

"Go back to where you belong, Snyder," a passerby angrily muttered. I chose to ignore him and moved on.
"Poor Miss Ainsworth," I heard another moan, "The dear must be shamefully embarressed."
Someone next to them laughed, "And to think the Grantsville Estate could've gone to him. What a good scheme that would have been!"

I just kept walking,  no apparent destination in mind only a desire for some peace and quiet. And I eventually found it atop a hill with an invigorating view and a shady tree. A little winded from the climb and exhausted from everything else, I sunk down into the grass beneath it and rested my head back on the trunk.

 Three words. Three words had triggered this downward spiral my life had taken. The one's I'd spoken in Mr. Ainsworth's office: Yes. Of. Course. 

Absolutely Ridiculous. You'd think with all the planning and scheming and detail work that went into it, my downfall would consist of something much more intricate. Especially with how confident I had started out.

 

Either way, I needed to decide what I was going to do now. My family had, for the most part, given up on me and left. Though I wasn't officially disowned, I certainly wasn't welcomed. Not unless I had something to offer, which I didn't. Other than an extra pair of hands to pay off the debt and a pair of knees to beg upon of course, but I wanted something more before I returned. Something that could really assist them. And I refused to stay here with Charles until then; it would undo all my efforts in protecting him.

 

So what, then? Elliot Samuelson had left and robbed Elliot Snyder of any place in the world. Not with his family, not here, and certainly not with Nora Ainsworth. Nathaniel Scotts would again snatch up another victory from me with the estate. Not that I cared anymore. Of course the fortune was exactly what I was in the greatest need of at the moment, but I had no honorable reason to be taking it. I had little incentive on the matter anyways as my family wouldn't be impressed with stolen money. And even if there was a reason, I lacked the ambition. Or perhaps not the ambition, but the purpose. There was nothing about the Gransville Estate that I cared enough about to march back into town past all the naysayers.

I suddenly grew weary of the headache and leaned foward with a sigh, looking out across the sprawling town below. My eyes fell on the steeple of the church and I gave a mirthless chuckle.

 

Bertram Hodges was a regular genius. Just as he had said, this whole masquerade had caused me to lose myself. Maybe not my "soul" persay, but something close to it. My body seemed to have only one occupant now: emptiness. I was a slave to my own misdoings. And just as he'd prophesied, I had been taken in the devices I had imagined.

Chapter Thirty-Seven - Nora - Letters

"Not even a week here and you've already gotten a letter. My Nora, quite the social bug, aren't we?" My Aunt grinned and handed the letter over, not another word would be spoken on the matter. Unlike my sisters, my aunt knew not to pry, and left the letter alone.

We were breakfasting together, and I felt some sort of peace, well, temporary peace for the moment. My aunt had been wonderful, and so had London, with no heartache, no gossiping townsfolk, and most importantly, no Elliot.

But the letter brought me back to reality- my problems were still there, even if I couldn't see them. I read the sender and my heart dropped. Nathaniel Scott. Well, it could have been worse-Elliot for example, but I had been hoping for more of a break. Had it been the best scenerio, it would have been a letter from my father, or even better, Hodges, but unfortunately, it was going to be a polite acquaintance letter I would have to reply to.

Careful not to ruin the wax seal, I opened the letter, reading:

"Dear Miss Ainsworth,

Certain situations have arisen, of which I felt the need to aware you, as they do have direct affect on you.

The gentleman you have been aquainted with as a 'Mr. Samuelson', is in fact, not a gentleman at all, but a pauper, whose real name is Mr. Elliot Snyder.

However, you are not the only one who has been tricked by Mr. Snyder's scheming. All of the town was charmed and taken in by his false pretenses, and have only found out recently that he has lied to the whole of us, luckily, and in time too, before your father or the Grantsvillle Estate could fall into his undeserving hands.

Mr. Snyder's mask of deceit was only unvealed upon his family's arrival into town, as they all made known to us what this fellow was really made of.

He's a liar, a traitor, and worse of all, he has played with you and your father's feelings.

I could only hope in writing a letter of my condolence, you would be somewhat comforted, as I know this will be a hard time for you, as for all of us, who Mr. Snyder has hurt.

I hope you won't consider me too forward if I say the only pleasure I get is knowing you will be arriving home soon. I hope you realize that my arms will be free if you feel the need to look for comfort in them. I have always felt a strong inclination to you Miss Ainsworth, and feel you were the least deserving of Mr. Snyder's unworthy affections.

I will be ever looking forward to your reply.

Best Wishes,

Mr. Scotts"


I frowned, setting the letter down. Although I tried to direct them elsewhere, they fell upon Elliot, and how he must be feeling. And though I hated to admit it, my heart ached for him. He'd be alone, friendless, and no doubt, the most hated in town. Not undeserving, well, okay he didn't deserve all of it, and all because of his family. Clearly he didn't have the best relationship with them.

And Mr. Scotts... I frowned as I scanned the last paragraph again. I had no idea what he was thinking or what he expected of me, but whatever it was couldn't happen, even if my heart wasn't engaged elsewhere.

I sighed, making my aunt look up from her breakfast. She gave me a small smile. "Perhaps you would like to go for a walk in the garden this morning? Hmm?"

I grinned at her, she always knew what I needed. "Shall we?"

*

I untied my bonnet as I stepped into the drawing room. The walk had been good-amazing even, but it had to end, and that meant back to the task at hand, writing a letter back to Mr. Scotts. I didn't want to, but if it meant sooner rather than later, I'd sooner be over with it than have it looming over my head like a dark cloud.

Mustering up some kind of response, I spent no time writing out the letter, making the correct responses and adding just enough politeness without it being too formal.

When it came to responding to the dreaded last paragraph Mr. Scotts had written,-I cringed just thinking of it- I carefully debated my words, trying to figure out what I wanted to say. 

Finally, I came up with something;

"I thank you for your sympathies Mr. Scotts, and they do not go unnoticed. However, as of right now, I am not in a postion to accept any  attentions from anyone. You will have to agree with me, that because of the situation at hand, it would be suitable for both of us not to be associated in that way. Although your friendship is very valued and cherished."

Finally, what seemed like hours later, I finished, very satisfied with what I had written. Just as I addressed the envelope, sealed it, and then sent it off with one of my aunt's servants to be sent off, my aunt's doorman entered, another letter in hand.

"For you Miss." He handed it to me, as I sat, dumbfounded. Two letter's in one day? That was very unusual.

I studied the envelope. Where as Mr. Scott's letter had had golden lettering, this one had been scrawled in a hurry; the sender hadn't even taken the time to properly seal it.

Mr. Elliot Snyder the sender line read. My heartbeat quickened. I desperately felt like ripping it open, reading it as quickly as I could for any news from him, but my head got the better of me. I felt disgusted with myself. I should just throw the letter away. He didn't deserve any more of my time.

I flipped the letter over and over, debating what to do. Finally, my heart decided and I opened the letter, promising myself I would read it, but then quickly throw it away without another thought upon him.

"Dear Nora,

I know I don't deserve anything more from you. To be honest, I'll be a little surprised if you do actually read this, as I don't even deserve that from you. But you deserve something from me. Well, a lot of things from me, but an explanation would be a start.

As you probably suspected, this is not my first aquaintance with Mr. Scotts. I cannot say the time has been pleasurable, but nonetheless, you of all people deserve to know the truth.

Mr. Scott's isn't who he says he is. I know, that's quite a statement coming from the likes of me. But it's true Nora- you've got to believe me. He's a fraud, a schemer, a liar of all things.

He's the reason I haven't a penny to my name. You see, before you knew either of us, Mr. Scott and I had an understanding.

What happened is complicated, nevertheless, I'm sure if anyone would understand, it would be you.

See, my parents and I have never had a close relationship, to put it lightly. They've always seen me more of a burden than anything else and I was determined to prove them wrong the only way I knew how. That was, I was going to make enough money to establish myself in society.

I knew Nathaniel for a about a months time, as he was new in town, but he was obviously established and wanting for naught.  He had boasted of being a wealthy business man, even going out of his way to spend his money lavishly on the finer things. When he said he needed a partner in his business, well, I thought it was going to be all too easy. And it had been.

It took only a little persuasion on my part for Nathaniel to allow me into his partnership. Nathaniel showed me the figures, and it all looked right to me. I was quite antsy to get underway, and wanted to hurry it along. The only thing holding us back from making twice the amount of money we were worth, Nathaniel said, was that I had to invest half of the money for the business, and he would provide the rest.

I scavanged for money. I wanted to make it all on my own, but there was just no way. So I did the thing that was the last thing I wanted to do on earth. I asked my father for money.

They tried to warn me, all of them did, and I took no heed. It was my salvation, my proving to the world I could be something. When Nathaniel took my money and ran, nobody was surprised but myself. I was blindsided, fooled. I had taken the bait, just as Nathaniel expected I would.

My parents were furious- I had left them with nothing, lost all my father had worked for, and they wanted to disown me. I had to go, and so I turned to the only man I could-my cousin Charles.

The only good thing I learned from Nathaniel was how to bluff. So that's when Charles and I thought of this scheme. Through letters we talked it over, making it almost flawless. And just when I thought my parents were going to completely leave me to the streets, I left, without a trace, telling noone where I was going.

It was going smoothly, right up until Mr. Scotts and I met again. Neither of us had planned for that.

I only tell you this in hopes you are weary of whatever Nathaniel is planning. I can only imagine what schemes he has in mind for your family.

I am truly sorry for any pain I have caused you Nora. I could utter a thousand apologies and it still wouldn't be enough.

Sorry in all regards,

Elliot"

The letter fell from my hands as my hands flew instead to my mouth. It was all too much to process. But one thing was certain- I would have to go back. There was no running away from my problems; it was time I faced them head on.

Chapter Thirty-Six - Elliot - Ruined

“Sorry, Elliot. Nora left to visit a relative this morning.”

“Oh. Well thank you, sir. I’ll just…” I half-way tipped my hat and shifted my eyes, unable to meet his gaze, “I’ll just try later then.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be necessary, Mr. Samuelson,” he said, almost as uncomfortable as I was, “I’m not sure what you did to Nora but she seemed adamantly against this marriage. I’ve pushed her far enough, as her father, and I’ve decided my loyalties lie with her first. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

So she had broken it off afterall. An official farewell. I was no longer welcomed as a son, just formally dismissed as a businessman. And it was no more than I deserved, especially since she already seemed to have protected my real identity.

“I regret that things didn’t go the way we planned,” I said, being truthful for once, “But I respect your decision, Mr. Ainsworth. You are a very good man.”

He gave me a smile and then shut the door.



I’d have to try explaining it to her in a letter. Of course, there was the chance she’d dispose of it the moment she saw my name on the envelope but it was worth a try. Even if nothing happened between us after this, I wanted her to know the truth.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Samuelson."

I stopped and looked up at the sound of Nathaniel's voice, unable to summon my usual grin
"Good afternoon."

"Recovered from the late ball?" Charolette asked. I hadn't noticed her there until she stepped around Nathaniel, a knowing laugh in her eyes. I finally managed a tight smile and nodded.
"Yes, thank you for your concern."

We fell silent after that. I wanted to just push through the two and move on my way but, according to the crowd sprawling around us, such a motion would be considered suspicious and impolite.
"Charolette, my dear," Nathaniel finally spoke up, "You go on ahead and finish your errands. I'm afraid I'll have to catch up with you in a moment; I need to talk with Mr. Samuelson about some business matters. I shall meet you back at the square."

He lifted her hand to his lips and gracefully kissed the back of it. She smiled and, with an unusual willingness, left to do just that.

My eyes narrowed as I watched this man. What had I ever found so intriguing about him as to fall for his deceptions?

"I see that businessmen aren't the only victims to your scams."
He looked over at me, a confused smile on his face, "What can you mean, Elliot?"
"I don't know," I smirked, "Why don't you ask Minerva? Or was it Nora? Perhaps Charolette?"
A shrug, "My father always said that a man does what he can afford to, Mr. Samuelson. A lesson I'm sure you've learned by now."
"Then you are living far beneath your privliges, Mr. Scott," I thought aloud, frustration and helplessness building up inside me. Here he was, a man with real means. A man who was adored by the Ainsworths and had the general approval of Nora. He didn't annoy her or bother her or hurt her and she liked him. And yet he was wasting it all! Taking her for granted, now that she was gone, and replacing her presence with a woman who was half her intelligence. Half her goodness.
"And suddenly you're an expert?" he smirked, "Oh. And by the way, your dear cousin had some visitors arrive several minutes ago. They seemed most anxious too see you."
He motioned further down the street towards Charles house where a large stagecoach was parked. A rather familiar large stagecoach.
"No," I muttered, the color draining from my face.
He chuckled and tipped his hat, "Nice seeing you, Mr. Snyder."


I raced up to Charles’ door. It was all I could do to knock casually instead of hammering it in. There was a muffled conversation from inside and then the sound of footsteps. To my great relief, it was Charles who answered to door. To his great relief, it was me who had arrived.

“Elliot,” he muttered with a nervous smile, glancing back over his shoulder, “Just the person we’ve been wanting to see.”

“Who’s we?” I quietly demanded, afraid that I already knew.

“Your family was in town and decided to pay a visit,” he smiled tersly, “Any clues as to why?”

I groaned.
“Did you send them the letter?”

“Why would I send them a letter?” I demanded, then, realizing the full meaning of the question, my eyes widened, “What letter?”

He shrugged, “That’s how they discovered you. Someone sent them a friendly postage inviting them to my house.”

I scowled. “Nathaniel.”

If anyone here knew my family’s address, it was him. He must’ve sent it back when, with the banker on my side, it seemed I had the upper hand. It was no wonder he had known of their arrival.

“What?” he searched my face for a greater explanation.

“Charles, dear,” his wife called from inside, “Who is it?”

We were both thrown into a sudden panic.

“Forget the letter,” Charles shook his head, “We’re…we’re just going to have to play this the best we can. If you can get them in on our scheme your reputation could still be safe.”

I sighed. Suddenly I didn't want my reputation. I needed it, but I didn't want it. I was tired of Mr. Samuelson and his lies. It wasn't me. At least, the me I had discovered while I was here. Strange how acting like someone else had helped me to discover who I really was. And pulling an estate out from under a well-meaning and generous man suddenly didn't seem fit that. Or at least, I didn't want it to.

Either way, I followed Charles inside. We walked into his parlor and I was surprised to see everyone there. Not just my parents and my kid sister Margaret. But my eldest sister Agnes, her husband, and my older brother Fredrick Jr. 

Everyone bowed politely, but that didn't hide the complete and utter contempt in their eyes. Before ,I might've cowered or bristled at this, but today it only made me feel regret.  
"Very hospitable for your cousin to let you stay in his home," my mother glowered, "I dare say you wouldn't have managed yourself otherwise."
"It was," I nodded, unsure what else to say. The last time I'd been the presence of these people we'd been in a heated argument. One that ended with my brother walking out, my mother crying, and my father numbly picking up the paper. And it had been me that had caused it all, discovering that Nathaniel had run off with all the money I had invested in him. The exact concequence my family had warned me about.
"So how have you been these past months?" my father asked.
"Fine, thank you."
"What have you been doing?" Fredrick interrogated, furrowing his brows and looking down his nose at me, as he always did.
"I'm...," I sighed, realizing how unrealistic it would sound to them, "I'm about to inherit the Gransville Estate."

They looked as though I had summoned lightning from the Heavens and, for a moment, I thought I might actually have them convinced. Until Margaret spoke up.
"You?" she snorted, "I supposed that would explain the monkey suit."
As usual, she wasn't very disciplined for one of fifteen. I supposed my parents had been too busy trying to discipline me lately.  Either way, her comment seemed to give everyone else permission to doubt as well.
"Enough of this, Elliot," my mother stepped towards the door, "You're coming back home."
"Um," Charles finally spoke up, trying his best to provide me some assistance, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Snyder, but I'm afraid he can't leave."
My father looked over at him wearily, "Mr. Lettington, surely you wouldn't keep our own son from us."
"Well you see," he gulped as their glares shifted in his direction, "Elliot is...Elliot's engaged."
I shot him a look as my mother's face turned scarlet.
"Engaged?!" she stomped up to me.
"No!" I held up my gloved hands innocently, "No. I'm not engaged."
Charles looked at me questioningly and I motioned that I'd explain later.
"Well I should hope not!" she huffed.
Margaret giggled, "She'd truly have to desperate. Or daft to want you for a husband."
"Come Elliot," my father put a firm hand on my shoulder and began pushing me towards the door. I undecidedly let him, trying to sort out where I stood. Naive Agnes didn't help.

"All will be well," she smiled, hanging on the arm of my rich brother-in-law, "You can come home and help pay off the debt. Father has been working ever so hard since you left. And I doubt anyone will miss you here."

The last line was really one I didn't need to be reminded of.  It was only a matter of time before it came true so was it really worth staying? If I left now then Charles would be safe. He could easily tell everyone that I had an unexpected family emergency and had to return home, regretfully falling out of the competition for the estate. I could go back to life as it had been before.

We reached the door to the porch and Charles followed behind helplessly, waiting for me to make a move.
"Sorry our stay has been so short," my mother said,"But Fredrick here must get back to his business. Thank you for your hospitality and for helping us locate our son."

But I didn't want life like it had been before. With my wealthy siblings always flaunting themselves before me. With my parents constantly unsatisfied with my decisions. I had only tried to get rich quickly, as my sister did when she married and my brother did when he took an advanteous business opportunity. Mr. Scott's scam hadn't proved so successful.

This was my only chance at trying to prove myself. Even if I was only proving it to myself. I realized the last place I wanted to be was back at square one. And if they were leaving, then the odds would be back in my sorry favor. And besides that, I still had a letter to write.

"I'm sorry," I pulled away once we approached the stagecoach, "I can't return with you."

My mother sighed, "Elliot, you're being ridiculous."
"No, mother, you just need to give me a chance. The same way you gave Fredrick one. It's the same thing."
"No, it is not," she spoke rather forcefully, her voice only increasing in volume as she continued, "It is not the same thing, son, and you know that. His was an honest endeavor. Your's is no more noble than that of a thief's. Estates aren't handed over to us farmers! And I don't care who these people think you are, you are getting in that carriage and we are driving back home! You've dishonored the Snyder name enough as it is!"

Those bustling on the street around us slowed and stared. At first their attention was on my mother, who was speaking rather loudly for a lady. But after her speech, some stopped all together and every gossiper's gaze turned to me.

Nora - Chapter Thirty-Five - A Change of Scenes

"The engagement is off." The words tumbled out of my mouth, seemingly almost, as if on their own. No, I wanted them out, that was sure, and yet, a part of my ached at the sound of them, rolling off my tounge with finality.

"Wha-? But why? And how? Nora-" My father blubbered, utterly shocked. "You can't, surely you can't with the wedding looming so near-"

I cut him off, taking a deep breath to keep my composure. "Father, I have tried. I tried for you, I tried for the sake of mother, and our family name, but I can't, and nothing you say or do will make me any more inclined to marry that man."

Both Hettie and Minevera's eyes grew wider than their breakfast plates, shocked at such news so early in the morning. I may have ruined breakfast for everybody, but now I had finally spoken my mind, and the restless night of before had been worth it; I finally had come to a conclusion for all this maddening business.

"Nora, you two were getting along so well last night. Everyone even said so, and to give up a man like that for something so petty, and soiling our family name, to create such scandal-" Minevera harshly stated, looking me over with discontent.

"I can assure you, had it been something petty, I would not be standing before you as I am. But can you find it in you to think of my feelings in the matter? Of my heart and what it wants?" I trembled, so close to the edge of tears that I was afraid they would spill over. Yet I wasn't even sure what my heart wanted. Only to get away from here, I was sure.

My father could tell I was upset, and he stood up from his place at the table, stepping towards me.

"I'm sorry Nora-"

"You have to trust in me, Father. This is the only solution. Please, try and understand." I took his hands in my own, and he nodded, slowly, but nodded all the same.

"Does this mean Mr. Samuelson can't come over anymore?" Nelly scrunched her face up, trying to understand.

"Yes, love. You won't be seeing him anytime soon." I felt a few tears escape, and I hurried and wiped them away. Everything was slipping beneath me, I felt. But I hardly had any control.

*

"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" My father asked, not for the 19th time. I knew it was only through biting his tounge that I was getting away with this. Trusting me on this issue was probably the hardest thing he'd ever done. For once in his life, he wasn't the one in charge. But he wanted my happiness, and I knew he put that before any scandal that would come.

"I must." I stepped into the carriage, my body sagging underneath my burdens, both my physical bags, and my emotional ones as well. "I have to leave, just until all the gossip dies down, but I'll be back as quickly as I can. I trust you can last without me until then." I grimaced, my sober joke not lightening the mood.

My mind turned to the man whom all the gossip would be about. For an instance, I felt sympathy. Sure, I could run away, but he would take the brunt of it. Suddenly, my sympathy melted away. No, he was too "rich" and well-liked to have anyone hate him, at least, not if they didn't know the truth. No, surely most of the gossip would be about how I was dumb enough to turn down the most sought-after bachleor in the county.

"Your Aunt Jane will take good care of you, I have no doubt of that." My father shut the carriage door and held my hand through the small window. "Nora, I'm- I'm truly sorry, for all of this."

I squeezed his hand, trying to show him my forgiveness. "Father, you were just looking out for me, I know."

"If you're mother were here, she wouldn't have allowed me to put you in the situation. She was always better than I at looking after you girls." He sighed, looking away, at some distant memory. "I'm sorry I failed you Nora."

I gave a small smile, hoping my father would understand. "You did what you could, what you thought was the right thing."

The driver signaled he was ready to leave, and my father stepped back. "Good bye Nora."

"Goodbye Nora!" Nelly yelled from the porch, making her little rag doll wave with her limp hand.

I waved back as the carriage began to take off. Neither Hettie or Minevera waved, only shook their heads before heading back inside.

Not that it mattered. I was on my way to London, and away from any troubles that would stay here.