Westminster 1822

The Mysterious Lady

Oscar scanned new letters that arrived for him early that morning. He was about to abandon them when his youngest daughter strolled into his study. Her dress swayed as she walked behind the desk and planted a kiss on her Father’s lips.

‘Good morning Father.’ Ella beamed.

Oscar set his letters down and eyed Ella from above the rim of his spectacles.

‘It must be a good morning my darling. What do I owe such splendid treatment?’

Ella rolled her eyes but her smile never died.

‘I wanted to check up on you Father. I love you very much. I’m glad to see you’re in stunning health.’

Oscar removed his glasses and narrowed his eyes at Ella. He raised her he knew her better than what anyone gave him credit for.

‘Father don’t look at me like that I’m being sincere!’

‘Well forgive me Ella because you often have more important things to do that check up on your sick Father like the tea party you’ve arranged for today.’

‘Well yes but you are the most important thing to me Father.’

‘If you say so my dear. Do you plan to announce your engagement to your friends at this tea party?’

Ella leaned back in her seat. ‘Speaking of engagements—’

‘Because I think it’s best to keep it speculation until the ball in a week.’

Ella grimaced and rolled her fingers into a fist.

‘A ball Father? Is that what you did with Emily’s Mother?’

The Oscar frowned and picked up his papers, avoiding the gaze of his daughter.

‘Yes of course. It’s the proper thing to do when all families and friends are present.’

Ella grinned. ‘You know Father I don’t even know the name of my own sister's Mother. Strange don’t you think?’

Oscar rubbed his forehead. ‘Your Mother never wanted mention of her in Westminster.’

Ella rose from her seat and strolled to the table by the open window. She traced the glass bottle of scotch on the little table. She pulled the top off and poured herself half a glass.

‘Is that so Father?’ She lifted the glass to her red lips.

Oscar hammered his money fist on the table. ‘Why must you dig up the past! Let the memory of my wife be Ella! Let the ghost of the past be, let them be!’

Ella shook her head. ‘Now, now Father don’t aggravate yourself.’

Oscar coughed and rummaged his pockets for a handkerchief. Ella rolled her eyes and sipped on the drink.

‘Then maybe you should leave. I need to rest.’

Ella raised her glass to him. ‘To your health Father.’ She downed the drink.

***

‘Emily, aren’t you going to your sister’s tea party?’ Agrona asked.

‘I never go to those things.’ Emily fiddled with a whole in her dress.

‘You’ll have to. When you’re Lady Bentley you’ll be expected to host and throw balls.’

Emily grumbled and collapsed on her bed. Agrona rolled her eyes and sat on the edge of the bed.

‘You know your Mother loved balls.’

Emily shot up. ‘Really?’

Agrona nodded.

‘If you tell me about my Mother I’ll go to the party.’

‘That’s blackmail Emily!’ Emily giggled. Agrona wanted the best for her, not in the way Furlong did. She loved Emily, Furlong didn’t want to fail. Emily was gentle and wild. She wanted to be free, Agrona couldn’t blame her it was what everyone craved.

‘I promise I’ll wear my finest dress and entertain Ella’s snobbish friends.’ Emily opened her wardrobe and traced the satin gowns.

‘What did she like to wear Agrona? What was her favourite colour? I’ll wear that.’

Agrona's eyes furrowed and her chest swelled. Even the way she spoke reminded her of The Lady. Agrona was treading on forbidden waters. She opened a door she’d been warned to never open.

‘She loved everything Emily. Wear the pink gown, it’s a lovely colour on you.’

Emily shut the wardrobe and leaned against it. Her gaze travelled to Agrona.

‘You always do this. You never tell me anything. But it seems you want to tell me everything.’

Agrona stood and walked to the door. Many secrets filled her heart her loyalty held the key to their release.

‘Somethings are better left in the past my dear.’

***

Emily strolled down the staircase in her pink dress flowing graciously as she descended. The tea party was in the garden.

Giggling and enthusiastic greetings sounded from outside. Carriages halted at the front of the Castle. Emily hadn’t attended many of these before. Her Step Mother never minded, there were times she insisted Emily’s presence wasn’t needed. A ploy to make people forget she existed. For some it worked.

Emily gingerly walked to the front door. She poked her head out. Some many young maidens with bonnets of many colours, pearly white gloves and expensive dresses. Servants guided the girls to the garden where small white tables and chairs awaited them.

‘Lovely to see you again Penelope.’ A girl in a blue bonnet told a girl in purple bonnet and purple dress.

‘Lovely to see you too Angela. Have you heard the Marquess of Westminster is in poor health?’

The ladies moved away from the house. Emily followed close behind to hear their conversation. If it concerned her Father she might as well know what they were saying.

‘My goodness that’s hardly the news on the town! I heard from Susan that Ella’s engaged to her brother Harris.’

Penelope’s hand darted to her chest. ‘My word! Ella marry Harris Kelly? Why she’d never she said so herself!’

‘I believe it’s a reliable piece of news.’ Angela smiled, pleased with herself.

‘Do you think that’s why she arranged this party?’

Angela shrugged. ‘Ella loves to host, Penelope. Anyways, Lady Amelia tells me Ella’s older sister is engaged to her brother in law!’

Penelope froze. ‘Elton Bentley’s off the market! He’s engaged to Ella’s poor uncultured sister! How tragic! Social suicide! I must get better connections Angela.’

Emily stopped and let the ladies proceed. She watched as women laughed and chatted. Emily couldn’t sit among them and blend in. They’d whisper and stare.

Emily went to a place of sanctuary and peace. A place hidden by tall grass hedges. Emily looked at the dying plants and dried grass. She should have brought a watering tin. The garden felt neglected.

She fiddled with the roses when heels clicked against the stone walkway, signalling her sister’s arrival.

‘Hiding of course.’ Ella said, her fan in her hands.

‘I’d rather be around dead plants than gossips and snobs.’

‘Always eccentric Emily. This is the life of every high class ladies life. No expectations.’ Ella circled her sister and spoke calm and slowly.

‘I know my fate.’ Emily crossed her arms.

‘It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to marry Elton.’

‘Ella, are you aware that your friends think so poorly of your engagement to Harris Kelly.’

Ella shrugged. ‘So do I. I have no Intention of marrying him. I don’t tend to be made a fool of Emily and I won’t let you make me one.’

Ella grin challenged her sister. Footsteps sounded followed by Agrona’s appearance in the garden. Ella scrawled at her.

‘Forgive me My Ladies. A letter came for you Emily. From Elton Bentley.’

Under Ella’s spiteful watch Emily unfolded the envelope and only managed the basic message before Ella snatched it from her grasp.

She tore the paper and slammed it on the graves on her siblings. Emily understood her sister, she didn’t want the man, she wanted the status, she wanted to flex superiority over all those women sipping tea from tiny cups. Emily had never seen so much rage in one person’s eyes.

Ella would stop at nothing to have that power. Emily feared just what that would be.