The Winds Of Fortune Episode 03
Mr Theodore Cranby was feeling both elated and petrified.
He checked his appearance again in the drawing-room mirror.
His face was clean shaven, his hair neatly in place and his bow tie straight.
He put his hand in his pocket for the thousandth time – the small box was safely there.
He hoped Minnie liked diamonds. Still, he could always change the ring, as long as she said yes.
He thought she felt the same way he did, but how could he know for sure?
Theo had never felt about anyone the way he felt about Minnie. What a girl!
He knew he was lucky to have caught her interest, but would she entrust herself to him for life?
He’d do anything for her – he hoped she knew that. He couldn’t love her more.
He sat down, then got up again, pacing the floor and staring at his shoes.
He was tempted to have a swig of whisky to steady his nerves, but he didn’t want to turn up at Gusher House smelling of alcohol.
He hoped Archer had followed his instructions. He wanted the Duesenberg full of petrol and gleaming like a new penny.
He glanced at the clock. Where was his father?
He should be leaving. A late arrival wouldn’t enhance his chances.
Still, he’d promised that he wouldn’t go until his father’s return.
His father had seemed troubled and had been emphatic about it, and Theo wouldn’t disobey him.
They had been close since his mother’s early death.
There was knock on the door.
“Mr Johnson to see you, sir.”
“Thank you, Harbinger.”
Theo strode forward, grateful for the distraction.
“Charles, old fellow. What are you doing here?”
His friend grinned and deposited his hat on a side table.
“Just passing on my way to the Egyptian club and thought I’d drop in and wish you luck.”
Charles was his closest friend and he’d confided his intentions to him. The pair had been at school together.
“How are you feeling? Darn uppity, I expect.”
Theodore laughed
“I don’t know what to do with myself. What if she won’t have me?”
Charles grinned and clapped him on the back.
“Of course she will. Decent, good-looking fellow like yourself – who wouldn’t?”
Theodore shook his head.
“I’m not going to be happy until I hear her answer, and I really ought to get going, but Father isn’t back and he made me promise to wait.”
Charles’s face fell and he sat down heavily.
“How is he?” he asked as nonchalantly as he could. “At his offices, I expect?”
Theo nodded.
“I’m not too sure. He hasn’t been himself for several weeks, but he won’t talk about it.
“I hope he isn’t sickening for anything. He’s working far too much lately and he’s very stressed.”
Charles nodded.
“They’re all worried, you know,” he replied.
Theodore knew it, but he’d tried not to focus on the financial news.
Instead, he’d filled his mind with hope for a future with Minnie.
After all, things had been up and down all year, and the market always recovered. Surely they could ride the storm?
“Let’s not focus on that. It’s such an exciting evening,” Charles said briskly, rising to his feet.
“I’ll be back soon to hear all about it.”
Theodore grinned and shook his hand.
“Thank you. Have a good night at the club.”
“I’ll try.” His friend grabbed his hat and headed out of the room.
Shortly after, Theodore heard the sound of an engine and the crunch of tyres on gravel and he was alone again.
He glanced at the clock and was horrified to see that he would definitely be late.
Should he leave despite his father’s wishes, or should he telephone Miss Vandunlan and apologise?
He was just trying to decide when the door burst open and his father appeared on the threshold.
All thoughts of Minnie were driven from his mind. In 25 years he had never seen his father look like this.
His tie was hanging limply from his neck, his hair was dishevelled and his forehead beaded with sweat.
His face, which usually tended to ruddiness, had a grey pallor that Theodore didn’t like at all.
As he moved closer, he could smell the distinct odour of spirits.
His father stopped, leaning against the doorjamb for support, then glanced wildly around.
“Thank heavens you’re here,” he slurred. “I have to speak to you, Theo.”
He staggered forward and, horrified, Theodore grabbed an arm to support him.
He guided him to an armchair and sat beside him.
“What is the matter, Father? Are you ill?” he asked.
“I’m drunk, not ill.” A bitter smile flickered across his father’s face. “Well, I’d better get it over with.
“You’ll probably hate me, but you need to know.”
By now Theo was thoroughly alarmed. He knelt beside his father and gripped his arm.
“Let me send for Doctor Jakes. You’re not well.”
“The doctor’s got nothing that will help me. I’m sorry, son, but you must cancel your evening with Miss Vandunlan.”
Theodore was surprised, but he knew Minnie would understand.
“That’s all right. I can rearrange. I’ll let her know you are not well this evening.”
His father frowned.
“No, Theo. You can’t rearrange. The problem is that you can no longer propose to Miss Vandunlan – ever!”
To be continued …