Free Fenella J. Miller by A Debt of Honour Page B

money, he couldn’t dress as he does or ride such a horse. I believe he has a house in Grosvenor Square. But he cannot be a man of real substance or why would he fraternize with such as Wydale.’
    Her brother was no doubt correct. Then she remembered something he had said about his family estate, when he had been pretending to be seeking out John Constable the artist,
    He had mentioned the family home, Longshaw, she thought he had called it, but had also mentioned having an estate of his own.
           Her thoughts were interrupted as the lawyer was announced. He began without preamble. ‘Good morning to you all. I have the documents you require. The names of the companies inscribed thereon are very hopeful, very promising indeed.’ He walked across and placed the box on the desk.
    Eliza waited for Edmund to move then remembered that these papers were addressed to her, so it was up to her to open them. She got up and, with slightly shaking hands, removed the first of the five papers. She recognized the name of a manufacturing company. She knew this was making its owners and shareholders rich beyond belief. She untied the red ribbon and flattened the paper.
    Edmund lent forward eagerly. ‘What does it say, Liza? Tell us at once.’
           ‘Good Heavens! It seems I hold five hundred shares in this company. Mr Firmin, how much are they worth, do you know?’
    The elderly gentleman rubbed his hands and beamed. ‘My dear, Miss Fox, those shares are worth at least ten pounds a piece, that is over five thousand pounds that you’re holding.’
           ‘Mama, come and open one of these, Edmund you take another. I do believe we might have the answer to our prayers right here in this box.’
    Twenty minutes later they were sitting in the drawing-room sipping coffee and eating slices of cook’s delicious plum cake. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and even Mr Firmin was included in the celebration.
     ‘I can hardly believe it. Your father was a clever man, Miss Fox. Five years ago none of these companies were more than starting out, he would have bought the shares cheaply.
    He was always an astute businessman and he has left you a tidy legacy.’
           ‘I do not see why he would believe I should disapprove of his investments.’ For once Edmund was able to demonstrate he was more worldly than she.
    ‘Child labour, Liza. They make their money by employing children and women on pathetic wages. I believe they also take children from the poorhouse and make them work a so-called apprenticeship.’
           ‘I see. I knew that children were employed in factories, but there are many Members of Parliament who are against this practice, and I’m sure it will be banned eventually.’ Eliza could hardly refuse to sell her shares, just because they were made by exploiting women and children. A rough estimate of the value of shares was almost £25,000. Not quite enough, but perhaps Lord Wydale could be persuaded to wait for the rest until the next quarter’s rents came in.
     The lawyer replaced his porcelain cup carefully on the side table. ‘Forgive me, ladies, Mr Fox, I must take my leave. As I am to sell these shares for you I must go to London and put matters in hand. How soon do you require the funds, Miss Fox?’ He had not been told the whole, but he had guessed the urgency of the matter.
    ‘It is a debt of honour that we have to pay and we have three months to find the money. Will you be able to sell by then? ‘
           ‘Yes, Miss Fox. The shares will be snapped up as soon as they’re available. I shall have the money to you long before the deadline, never fear.’
    Edmund rose and shook the older man’s hand vigorously. ‘Sir, you’re a good friend to
    this family. I hope we can rely on your discretion?’ The older man looked offended and Edmund realized his mistake. ‘I do apologize, sir, I’m used to dealing with such matters. Miss Fox has had to