Twenty One Part Two

Lady Eleanor moved the drapes aside to look out at the raging storm. The rain was blown in from the side, as the wind moaned and howled like a wild banshee through the trees. Lightning flashed out across the sky, creating sheets of light that lit up the wooded area behind the estate. The trees were losing their leaves, appearing black and skeletal against the grey of night.

The thunder continued to roll, starting out as a low rumble the roar then crescendoed to a booming ending, causing Eleanor to cringe.

Eleanor shivered from her shoulders down, as she gazed out at the tempest that raged beyond the rain spattered panes. Water ran in rivulets down the glass, and a chill emanated from the casement.

The storm's intensity had risen mightily in the last hour, Eleanor hoped and prayed it would lessen by morn.

A fire burned in the hearth to her left, warming the cozy sitting room she occupied, that adjoined her bedchamber.

Ellie watched as the tempest released it's fury with conviction. She was glad to be inside where she was safe and warm. Her mind darted quickly to prayer, for any homeless unfortunates who were not inside, safe and warm on this chilly eve.

The discussion over supper with Violet had touched on a nerve. Violet had told Ellie most of his story, about how he and Brutus had become pirates so they could learn to sail, and how he had been given an opportunity to take over as captain. That he had never wanted to harden into the kind of man he had associated with in that circle. How he had used his position as captain, and a false reputation, to answer what he felt was his call in life.

Violet's desire to help the innocents had brought back memories of Bernard, of Ellie and Bernard's efforts to do the same. In Bernard's case, to do whatever he could think of to do, to help ease the suffering of others who just needed a bit of help. In her case, to help Bernard in any way he asked.

No one ever thought anything amiss with a Lady pawning fancy items. Gambling debts to pay were always a viable excuse. One that others would simply laugh off as eccentric on her part.

Bernard, himself, sold most of the things he smuggled, the fine wines, brandies and silks, but the jewellery and expensive trinkets were Eleanor's domain.

Ellie could not deny she was always a little tickled when she walked out of the pawn shoppe knowing she had gotten one over on her distant cousin, the King.

He had plenty of wealth as it was, and it was only a small amount here and there for winter coats, shoes and foodstuffs. Bernard cared for as many basic needs as he could.

Once in a while there was a promising child, who could do well for his family with an education, and Ellie had added from her own funds to support schooling. There were three boys she funded at the moment, and she had seen twelve others graduate to a career. Those she helped now, by passing their names along, such as Nicholas Hardy, who had studied architecture. Others she helped to find employment, such as Harold Turnkey who was now a solicitor.

Ellie believed in helping where she could, as she had helped Bernard, he had always been a inspiration to her in giving to others. He had spent his life wishing he could do more.

Elizabeth was right when she said that Violet was a man her Papa would have loved. Ellie also could not help but to agree with Violet and Elizabeth, that God had to have reached out His hand and brought the two of them together. Others may have said it was fate, but Eleanor knew better, and Bernard would have loved their story.

One of Bernard's favourite things, had been to look at something after the fact, when he could look back and see where God had been at work. A long awaited answered prayer, or a quick and to the point miracle, Bernard loved them all.

He would raise his face heavenward, shake his finger at the sky and laughingly state, "You just love to amuse and amaze us, do you not?" He would then grin and shake his head.

There were just so many things Ellie missed about Bernard, and the things she and Bernard had done. They had turned to each other through their loss and love for a wonderful woman, and in turn had become the very best of friends.

Ellie let the drapes slide back into place, she wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her hands up and down her arms as she walked to the hearth, lowering herself down into the fireside settee. She pulled her afghan over her lap, letting her mind wander, as she gazed into the colourful, crackling flames.

Violet had spoken of a home for orphaned children. Of his dreams to give them a secure, happy childhood. Of giving them opportunities, to learn in a school, to eat well and grow healthy. To teach them a trade that would carry them through life as they grew older.

Ellie had realized as Violet had spoken, that she had done exactly that very thing for Elizabeth when Bernard had passed away.

Ellie had been a part of Betsy's life always, from the time Bernard received the wee tot into his care, until the day he passed, Ellie had seen to Elizabeth's health and welfare right beside him.

Betsy's grandmother, Lady Penelope, had been Ellie's best friend for years. Penny had fallen in love with Bernard, a young, handsome pastor, and had married beneath herself, with never one regret. Their marriage had been full of love, laughter, and service unto the Lord.

Penny had passed away much, much too soon, and very unexpectedly, giving birth to Bernard's son Alexander.

Bernard had readily accepted Ellie's offers of assistance when Alex had been so tiny. Both Bernard and Ellie were grieving Penny's loss, even as they fell in love with this new, tiny life she had left them with.

So deep down, Ellie truly did feel as if Elizabeth were a part of her own family, just as much as Arianna and Will were. She had helped to raise Alex, Betsy's father, and then Betsy also, when the time had come.

However, Ellie had known when Bernard passed, that Elizabeth felt as if she must make her own way in life. So Ellie had trained Betsy to be a Lady's personal maid, knowing she would be a perfect match for Arianna. It was the only thing Ellie could think of, to keep Betsy close, safe, and still under her watchful eye.

There was not any reason why Ellie could not now train other girls, just as she had Elizabeth.

Ellie had not had to miss Elizabeth at all, once she went to work in the Duke's household, as Ellie had gone also. Arianna had just come of an age to attend balls and soirées. William had asked Ellie to step in, guide Arianna through her coming out, and chaperone her through her following seasons. It was the most sensible answer, considering Kathleen was not there to do it herself.

But now, Ellie would need something else to occupy her time, as neither Arianna, nor Betsy, would be needing her any longer, grown and married they would go their own ways.

Ellie had this large estate, it housed herself and her staff. There were many empty rooms that could be filled and made useful. Her staff was even bored, playing endless rounds of cards in the kitchen half their time, as there was only her to care for and her needs were few.

And she had wealth. Her father had provided well for herself and William, his ships for years had plied the trade routes, even now they brought revenue in to provide for her brother and herself. She could do with her property, and her monies, whatever she wished.

She found, she felt strongly, that she wanted to continue her and Bernard's work. She had never felt so useful, as when she had worked side by side with him, distributing the funds to the needy. She could easily turn her estate into a home for young ladies.

Then Ellie thought, she would not only want to help children who had lost their own parents, and had no family to go to, but there were also young women out there struggling, who had found themselves in a compromising circumstance, after making a foolish mistake.

Everyone made mistakes, and Ellie had seen firsthand, while helping Bernard, that those young women needed help also.

It was much more difficult to find employment when a young woman had a babe to care for, and no husband to help and support them. Many had to give their children up. The overburdened homes they had for those children, were dismal, depressing, sad places. Places that would often give the children to the factory owners, where their lives became expendable.

Violet was right about that. The factories were full of children that no one cared enough about, to get them out of those horrid places.

Ellie could offer these women an additional option, if she allowed an assortment of women to stay, those with children, and those who were in the family way, they could help care for one another's children as well, if outside employment could be found for some of them.

The more Ellie thought on the idea, the more she warmed to it.

Ellie was a spinster herself, she had never married, never had children of her own, and she did not want to grow old alone. There were many good, useful years left in her yet.

Will and Arianna had their mother back, they would not be needing her any longer, but there were others out there who could.

Ellie made a decision right then.

By God, she would do it. She would talk more to Violet, and see about working in tandem, with him and Betsy, to maybe relieve a bit of suffering in this world. She had nothing better to do. And who knew, it just may bring some joy and laughter, some companionship and love, into the remainder of her life which stretched out before her as a clean slate.

Ellie felt buoyed just having made a decision. She would instruct her staff in the morning.

She would inform them of her decision for their future. They could then make things ready, while she sojourned to London, and then on south, to Violet's hometown for the wedding.

Ellie rose and went to the window, peeking behind the drapes once more at the wind driven rain, and felt an impatience to be on her way to the ship. She had missed Elizabeth, and wanted to visit and hear all the details of her and Arianna's adventure. It was hard to be patient, knowing that Betsy was only a short space away, and that she could have her curiosity appeased at any time, if it were not for this storm.

Storm, or no storm, Ellie would go and join them tomorrow. She had been extremely lonely while the girls had been gone. Then William had left, going after them, so many months ago. And Will, well, Will was much too busy sowing his wild oats, to cater to his aging aunt.

Ellie could put aside her dislike of storms, she would not mind waiting out the storm to leave for London aboard ship, if she could see Elizabeth. She would send word to Violet in the morn that she would be joining them, she would do so just as soon as she had instructed her staff.

With that decision made, Ellie hoped once again that the storm lessened a bit by morn, and let the drapery fall back into place. She went through to her bedchamber, removed her robe and snuggled down into her bed.

Thoughts of the future, and her house feeling alive and useful again, filled her mind. Her thoughts took her round and round quite a few different ideas for quite a while, before she was finally able to seek her Lord, and then her rest.

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Oh my it's going to be fun, the daughter and I have some surprises coming! ;)