(no subject)
Title: Bluebells and roses.
Chapter 20.
This is the next part of an AU/AU, a tribute to a great short story and a marvellous film.
Timeline: before the introduction chapter, we’re swimming between end of 19th and beginning of 20th century.
Thanks as usual to all of you who read and posted a review. It is so important for me.
Disclaimer: intellectual property of Ms. Proulx, no commercial use, no copyright infringement.
Special thanks also this time to my dear Beta Sam, her help and support is really precious for me.
Ennis didn’t believe it at first, but Mr. Harris showed him and Jack the reports.
As soon as they left the agency, Ennis asked the carriage driver to stop on the Strand; he told Jack that nearby, in the Inner Temple area, Lord Alcott’s youngest brother, Michael, had his renowned law practice.
While they walked, Ennis seemed absent, but Jack noticed the beauty of the place and the series of tall buildings, caught a glimpse of the gardens, surrounded by red brick houses, tried to stop to look closer at an iron gate. Ennis was moving fast, he stopped only to ask a young man, who was carrying some envelopes, where Mr. Alcott’s office was.
After turning some corners and walking past an old church, they entered a building with the names of barristers written on both sides of the main door. Jack managed to read the top two only. He would have always remembered the beauty of the place, but also Ennis’ absolute hurry. Now his curiosity increased.
Ennis showed his card to a man at the entrance and soon they were led to the second floor, where Mr. Alcott received them in his private room and offered them two comfortable chairs beside the window.
“Dear Ennis, I’m sorry I’m pressed for time, but please take a seat. It has been a while.”
“Yes, Mr. Alcott, I think our last meeting was at my father’s burial.”
“Bad memories, Ennis. And I heard about your sister. Condolences, Mr. Twist. If I remember well, you and Lureen had a child.”
“Yes, Mr. Alcott, a boy.”
“My brother informs me about your family sometimes. He writes that he adores your daughters, Ennis, and in his last letter he added that you might need the help of our family.”
“I’m afraid so Mr. Alcott, I spoke with your brother a few weeks ago.”
Ennis briefly explained the situation and the recent developments.
The lawyer listened with his hands intertwined on the mahogany desk, and when he heard about the investigation he called one of his clerks to cancel his next meeting.
“The situation isn’t simple, Ennis.”
Mr. Alcott was very serious and both Jack and Ennis later admitted they were really worried about the possible scenarios this seriousness implied.
They had always silently agreed to hide their true relationship from everyone, but Ennis had had to be honest with Lord Alcott. It was a risk, but they were terribly afraid to be discovered; Ennis had heard hints of conversation and gossip once in a while some important people being caught in compromising situations, and the results were always dishonour, disgrace and a bitter divorce.
Ennis told Jack he would rather give Alma all his fortune than lose Jack and his daughters.
Lord Alcott’s reaction hadn’t been what Ennis expected. The old man had been a little disappointed, but in the end admitted he had imagined something like this. With a father like Charles Delmar, he said, children could grow up saints or murderers, nothing in between.
Mr. Alcott was speaking again.
“I think we can come to an agreement with your wife without opening a case. Obviously, if Lady Delmar won’t cooperate, you should have collected enough facts against her by then.”
“My wife seemed too …mild last month, and I’d prefer an amiable solution, too. For my daughters. Maybe you could just suggest the presence of some elements against her.”
“This could be a more expensive idea, she could demand more money to free you.”
“I know, but I followed your brother’s suggestion and appointed Chalmers and Co. as accountant and administrator of my estate. I’ve had to care for my late sister’s family, there was a will, you know.”
Ennis looked at Jack, who nodded briefly.
“Very good choice, I dare say.” The lawyer confirmed.
“You could call them and ask for more details about my financial position, so we can decide how much I could give Alma to divorce me without difficulty.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow morning, so we could arrange a meeting with your wife next week….excuse me,” he said when somebody knocked at the door.
Mr. Alcott left the room.
“We should tell him the truth” Jack said.
“I don’t know, Jack.”
“If he’s your lawyer, he should know everything, plus you spoke with his brother…at the beginning he said Lord Alcott wrote about you. Maybe he …”
“My godfather is the most reserved man on earth, but I’m afraid you’re right.”
“If you prefer, I’ll tell him, I could take the blame myself.”
“Nobody is to blame!”
“I know, but you’re his Lordship, anyway….let me do it, please.”
Ennis nodded and stood up, looking out through the window, catching a glimpse of river Thames.
He hated to admit to himself that he was ashamed of his real nature, that sometimes he’d preferred his and Jack’s paths never crossed. But his fate was to be there, listening to Jack’ careful and polite words.
“Mr. Alcott, there is something you better know before going on.”
“Please Mr. Twist. ”
“Lord Delmar and me, we are more than simple relatives or friends …we’ve developed a deep bond during the last few years, and although this bond could be considered unacceptable…”
“Mr. Twist, Ennis - Ennis turned suddenly - I think your private choices should remain private. This won’t change my opinion about the case.”
“Thanks, Mr. Alcott.”
“Thanks again.” Ennis added. “Your brother reacted the same way.”
At the meeting Ennis arranged to discuss the divorce, Alma Beers Delmar wasn’t so surprised when she entered the main parlour of the house and saw Michael Alcott. The strong, old bond between the Delmars and the Alcotts was her worst fear; she knew Lord Alcott deeply loved the offspring of the late Lady Delmar.
She had tried to delay the meeting twice, once pretending to be constipated, the second time saying that one of her old Indian acquaintances was stopping over in London for a few days. It wasn’t true, but she needed time to contact her investigators and her own consultants.
Alma was very disappointed because no proof against Ennis was available in the end, but she decided to play along. Her sureness that there was something between Ennis and Jack, more than a simple friendship, was really strong. She asked for the help of her group of friends, tried to contact some old schoolmates of her husband, but Ennis was considered quite a perfect man everywhere she asked.
Her suspicions increased in proportion.
Ennis had changed so much since Jack had been back from the USA, there had to be a reason!
Alma had the best lawyer her friends could find, Lord Thompson, who had proved his ability with the famous divorce of Baron and Baroness of Wigley.
The two men were long time enemies in the London courts, and Mr. Alcott explained to Ennis that the elaborate style of Lord Thompson was a good cover for his professional faults.
To prove it, Lord Thompson spoke first after he was introduced and described deeply the richness of the English justice system.
Everybody was bored after ten minutes. Ennis gave Mr. Alcott a glance of desperation. He hadn’t imagined the meeting would develop that way.
“Stevens!” Alcott blurted out after some time.
“What?” Thompson asked.
“It wasn’t Costello and Stephenson, but Stevens. The famous case of the murder in Dunbar Castle, 1875. But we could avoid wasting time in remembering a man who killed his third wife after the first two died in strange circumstances. We are here to discuss a divorce settlement for the sake of two young children.”
Once he started, Michael Alcott went straight to the point; he had been so careful in listening to Lord Thompson to find a breach in his speech.
“To get back to the situation at hand, Lord Delmar offers a large new flat in London, one in Bath for the summer season, four servants paid by himself plus 100.000£. He wants full custody of his daughters. This offer is surely better than the previous one, having added Bath and a larger amount of money.”
Mr. Alcott had spent two hours with Robert Chalmers to examine Ennis’ financial position and together they had fixed the amount that could be given Alma.
“‘Better’ is a question we should discuss more carefully. Lady Delmar is a young woman who has a relevant social position and she needs larger estates, plus a more appropriate house staff. “
“Lord Delmar’s previous offer included only the London flat plus a sum for monthly support. I think this proves he has further considered the various needs of Lady Delmar.”
“I think there are some aspects that should be discussed together. Lady Delmar had been worried when it was reported to her that her husband was behaving strangely.”
“We can examine whatever you wish, but I don’t think the figure of lord Delmar should be discussed.”
“Our kingdom has a strict moral code. Especially for young gentlemen. The basis of the empire is founded on it.”
“Surely, Lord Thompson, but Lord Delmar is well respected in our society. He’s good to the poor, according to the church, and he has followed his mother’s desire to support the county orphanage.”
“That’s about money, while I’m referring to morality.”
“Lord Delmar is immoral, you mean?”
“Well, I’ve hear often in London…”
Ennis was following the confrontation with fear, he didn’t like the allusions Lord Thompson was making.
“But please, Lord Thompson, show us your perplexities.”
“I’d prefer to avoid it, if you perhaps would agree to change the divorce settlement.”
“Lord Delmar does not wish to make any changes,” Michael Alcott said, looking at Ennis, whose heart was beating like after a long run although he still appeared quite calm.
Alma was visibly nervous, clutching an handckerchief . She had been ordered by her lawyer to stay silent and hated it, so in the end she blurted out, “It’s that nasty man, Jack Twist, they’re always together!”
Ennis was afraid he was going to have a heart attack. In that moment he hated Alma with all his heart.
But Michael Alcott was smiling.
“Mr. Twist? Miss Lureen’s widower? Are you trying to say something, Lady Delmar?”
Lord Thompson lifted his arm to stop Alma, but she didn’t follow his advice. “Two men together, it’s sinful! I’m ashamed! My daughters…our reputation destroyed, and the family name.” Alma stood up then sat again, sobbing, or pretending, Ennis thought.
“Alma!” Ennis’s tone was quite menacing.
“I’m sure, I’ve seen them together, in our house, lots of times, Jack has ruined my husband.”
Mr. Alcott replied calmly, “I believe that if two people live in the same house it’s normal to see them together frequently.”
“Lady Delmar is simply explaining her maternal fear of the effect these rumors will have on the Delmar family.” Lord Thompson had finally manage to stop Alma’s babbling.
Mr. Alcott picked up one of his papers and smiled to Ennis.
“Don’t worry”, he said in a low voice.
Then, in a more formal tone, “I think the reputation problem isn’t ours, Lord Thompson. In fact we have detailed reports about the private life of Lady Delmar.”
“Oh, please proceed, Mr. Alcott, I’m eager to read and confute them.”
He didn‘t notice that Alma had changed her expression and her face had turned pale.
TBC
Chapter 20.
This is the next part of an AU/AU, a tribute to a great short story and a marvellous film.
Timeline: before the introduction chapter, we’re swimming between end of 19th and beginning of 20th century.
Thanks as usual to all of you who read and posted a review. It is so important for me.
Disclaimer: intellectual property of Ms. Proulx, no commercial use, no copyright infringement.
Special thanks also this time to my dear Beta Sam, her help and support is really precious for me.
Ennis didn’t believe it at first, but Mr. Harris showed him and Jack the reports.
As soon as they left the agency, Ennis asked the carriage driver to stop on the Strand; he told Jack that nearby, in the Inner Temple area, Lord Alcott’s youngest brother, Michael, had his renowned law practice.
While they walked, Ennis seemed absent, but Jack noticed the beauty of the place and the series of tall buildings, caught a glimpse of the gardens, surrounded by red brick houses, tried to stop to look closer at an iron gate. Ennis was moving fast, he stopped only to ask a young man, who was carrying some envelopes, where Mr. Alcott’s office was.
After turning some corners and walking past an old church, they entered a building with the names of barristers written on both sides of the main door. Jack managed to read the top two only. He would have always remembered the beauty of the place, but also Ennis’ absolute hurry. Now his curiosity increased.
Ennis showed his card to a man at the entrance and soon they were led to the second floor, where Mr. Alcott received them in his private room and offered them two comfortable chairs beside the window.
“Dear Ennis, I’m sorry I’m pressed for time, but please take a seat. It has been a while.”
“Yes, Mr. Alcott, I think our last meeting was at my father’s burial.”
“Bad memories, Ennis. And I heard about your sister. Condolences, Mr. Twist. If I remember well, you and Lureen had a child.”
“Yes, Mr. Alcott, a boy.”
“My brother informs me about your family sometimes. He writes that he adores your daughters, Ennis, and in his last letter he added that you might need the help of our family.”
“I’m afraid so Mr. Alcott, I spoke with your brother a few weeks ago.”
Ennis briefly explained the situation and the recent developments.
The lawyer listened with his hands intertwined on the mahogany desk, and when he heard about the investigation he called one of his clerks to cancel his next meeting.
“The situation isn’t simple, Ennis.”
Mr. Alcott was very serious and both Jack and Ennis later admitted they were really worried about the possible scenarios this seriousness implied.
They had always silently agreed to hide their true relationship from everyone, but Ennis had had to be honest with Lord Alcott. It was a risk, but they were terribly afraid to be discovered; Ennis had heard hints of conversation and gossip once in a while some important people being caught in compromising situations, and the results were always dishonour, disgrace and a bitter divorce.
Ennis told Jack he would rather give Alma all his fortune than lose Jack and his daughters.
Lord Alcott’s reaction hadn’t been what Ennis expected. The old man had been a little disappointed, but in the end admitted he had imagined something like this. With a father like Charles Delmar, he said, children could grow up saints or murderers, nothing in between.
Mr. Alcott was speaking again.
“I think we can come to an agreement with your wife without opening a case. Obviously, if Lady Delmar won’t cooperate, you should have collected enough facts against her by then.”
“My wife seemed too …mild last month, and I’d prefer an amiable solution, too. For my daughters. Maybe you could just suggest the presence of some elements against her.”
“This could be a more expensive idea, she could demand more money to free you.”
“I know, but I followed your brother’s suggestion and appointed Chalmers and Co. as accountant and administrator of my estate. I’ve had to care for my late sister’s family, there was a will, you know.”
Ennis looked at Jack, who nodded briefly.
“Very good choice, I dare say.” The lawyer confirmed.
“You could call them and ask for more details about my financial position, so we can decide how much I could give Alma to divorce me without difficulty.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow morning, so we could arrange a meeting with your wife next week….excuse me,” he said when somebody knocked at the door.
Mr. Alcott left the room.
“We should tell him the truth” Jack said.
“I don’t know, Jack.”
“If he’s your lawyer, he should know everything, plus you spoke with his brother…at the beginning he said Lord Alcott wrote about you. Maybe he …”
“My godfather is the most reserved man on earth, but I’m afraid you’re right.”
“If you prefer, I’ll tell him, I could take the blame myself.”
“Nobody is to blame!”
“I know, but you’re his Lordship, anyway….let me do it, please.”
Ennis nodded and stood up, looking out through the window, catching a glimpse of river Thames.
He hated to admit to himself that he was ashamed of his real nature, that sometimes he’d preferred his and Jack’s paths never crossed. But his fate was to be there, listening to Jack’ careful and polite words.
“Mr. Alcott, there is something you better know before going on.”
“Please Mr. Twist. ”
“Lord Delmar and me, we are more than simple relatives or friends …we’ve developed a deep bond during the last few years, and although this bond could be considered unacceptable…”
“Mr. Twist, Ennis - Ennis turned suddenly - I think your private choices should remain private. This won’t change my opinion about the case.”
“Thanks, Mr. Alcott.”
“Thanks again.” Ennis added. “Your brother reacted the same way.”
At the meeting Ennis arranged to discuss the divorce, Alma Beers Delmar wasn’t so surprised when she entered the main parlour of the house and saw Michael Alcott. The strong, old bond between the Delmars and the Alcotts was her worst fear; she knew Lord Alcott deeply loved the offspring of the late Lady Delmar.
She had tried to delay the meeting twice, once pretending to be constipated, the second time saying that one of her old Indian acquaintances was stopping over in London for a few days. It wasn’t true, but she needed time to contact her investigators and her own consultants.
Alma was very disappointed because no proof against Ennis was available in the end, but she decided to play along. Her sureness that there was something between Ennis and Jack, more than a simple friendship, was really strong. She asked for the help of her group of friends, tried to contact some old schoolmates of her husband, but Ennis was considered quite a perfect man everywhere she asked.
Her suspicions increased in proportion.
Ennis had changed so much since Jack had been back from the USA, there had to be a reason!
Alma had the best lawyer her friends could find, Lord Thompson, who had proved his ability with the famous divorce of Baron and Baroness of Wigley.
The two men were long time enemies in the London courts, and Mr. Alcott explained to Ennis that the elaborate style of Lord Thompson was a good cover for his professional faults.
To prove it, Lord Thompson spoke first after he was introduced and described deeply the richness of the English justice system.
Everybody was bored after ten minutes. Ennis gave Mr. Alcott a glance of desperation. He hadn’t imagined the meeting would develop that way.
“Stevens!” Alcott blurted out after some time.
“What?” Thompson asked.
“It wasn’t Costello and Stephenson, but Stevens. The famous case of the murder in Dunbar Castle, 1875. But we could avoid wasting time in remembering a man who killed his third wife after the first two died in strange circumstances. We are here to discuss a divorce settlement for the sake of two young children.”
Once he started, Michael Alcott went straight to the point; he had been so careful in listening to Lord Thompson to find a breach in his speech.
“To get back to the situation at hand, Lord Delmar offers a large new flat in London, one in Bath for the summer season, four servants paid by himself plus 100.000£. He wants full custody of his daughters. This offer is surely better than the previous one, having added Bath and a larger amount of money.”
Mr. Alcott had spent two hours with Robert Chalmers to examine Ennis’ financial position and together they had fixed the amount that could be given Alma.
“‘Better’ is a question we should discuss more carefully. Lady Delmar is a young woman who has a relevant social position and she needs larger estates, plus a more appropriate house staff. “
“Lord Delmar’s previous offer included only the London flat plus a sum for monthly support. I think this proves he has further considered the various needs of Lady Delmar.”
“I think there are some aspects that should be discussed together. Lady Delmar had been worried when it was reported to her that her husband was behaving strangely.”
“We can examine whatever you wish, but I don’t think the figure of lord Delmar should be discussed.”
“Our kingdom has a strict moral code. Especially for young gentlemen. The basis of the empire is founded on it.”
“Surely, Lord Thompson, but Lord Delmar is well respected in our society. He’s good to the poor, according to the church, and he has followed his mother’s desire to support the county orphanage.”
“That’s about money, while I’m referring to morality.”
“Lord Delmar is immoral, you mean?”
“Well, I’ve hear often in London…”
Ennis was following the confrontation with fear, he didn’t like the allusions Lord Thompson was making.
“But please, Lord Thompson, show us your perplexities.”
“I’d prefer to avoid it, if you perhaps would agree to change the divorce settlement.”
“Lord Delmar does not wish to make any changes,” Michael Alcott said, looking at Ennis, whose heart was beating like after a long run although he still appeared quite calm.
Alma was visibly nervous, clutching an handckerchief . She had been ordered by her lawyer to stay silent and hated it, so in the end she blurted out, “It’s that nasty man, Jack Twist, they’re always together!”
Ennis was afraid he was going to have a heart attack. In that moment he hated Alma with all his heart.
But Michael Alcott was smiling.
“Mr. Twist? Miss Lureen’s widower? Are you trying to say something, Lady Delmar?”
Lord Thompson lifted his arm to stop Alma, but she didn’t follow his advice. “Two men together, it’s sinful! I’m ashamed! My daughters…our reputation destroyed, and the family name.” Alma stood up then sat again, sobbing, or pretending, Ennis thought.
“Alma!” Ennis’s tone was quite menacing.
“I’m sure, I’ve seen them together, in our house, lots of times, Jack has ruined my husband.”
Mr. Alcott replied calmly, “I believe that if two people live in the same house it’s normal to see them together frequently.”
“Lady Delmar is simply explaining her maternal fear of the effect these rumors will have on the Delmar family.” Lord Thompson had finally manage to stop Alma’s babbling.
Mr. Alcott picked up one of his papers and smiled to Ennis.
“Don’t worry”, he said in a low voice.
Then, in a more formal tone, “I think the reputation problem isn’t ours, Lord Thompson. In fact we have detailed reports about the private life of Lady Delmar.”
“Oh, please proceed, Mr. Alcott, I’m eager to read and confute them.”
He didn‘t notice that Alma had changed her expression and her face had turned pale.
TBC