1

My Dear Miss Brookes,

As I am certain you would not intentionally harm me in any way, I feel it my duty to forgive your neglect. But South America? What has crept into that innocent head of yours? 

I have forgiven the time you abandoned me in Germany and heaven help me if I have not quite forgiven the time you visited Spain the summer I was forced to spend with my Aunt Gertrude. But what could possibly have enticed you to go to South America? 

I have of course gleaned every possible bit of information from that bone-headed brother of yours, but I see in his explanation not one hint of the explanation I am looking for. Since when have you had the slightest desire to go galavanting off in search of anything remotely scientific. I admit there has been a time or two that you have mentioned your Uncle's ambitions and "dreams" but I would not have thought it possible that you took any interest in his studies. And now on a whim you join in his work and head off to the Amazon. Dear girl, do you not know what dangers that forest holds for a girl of your stamina? 

But I suppose you know your own limitations and it is not for me to judge if you think you have the spirit and strength to go searching for treasure or whatever it is that eccentric old uncle of yours thinks he will find. 

But I must say that your timing is inconceivable. Right before the Winter Ball and our annual Christmas Party. We have not missed a year planning it together and I think you are a rather poor sport backing out on me with no official resignation from the committee. 

There, I am done criticizing your faults. I suppose I must wait for one of your generous letters and judge the situation when I am better acquainted with it. 

I have just returned from visiting my horrid Aunt Gertrude in Leeds. The only consolation I get from these trips is the wonderful array of fabric Father allows me to pick up on the way. Really dear, I don't know why you so stubbornly refuse to join me on my visits. I admit there is little else to do there but I should think you would find sufficient enjoyment in my company. But with your running off half way across the globe, I don't suppose I know you as well as I had thought. 

I found the most delectable shade of green silk. It was a bit pricey but even Father couldn't refuse me when he saw how perfectly it matched my eyes. I am having it cut into the most beautiful gown this end of London has ever or will ever see. I intend to wear it at the Winter Ball of which I have to remind myself you will be absent from. 

I realize that there is no end to my complaining of the tireless hours I must spend with my Auntie while in Leeds, but I was given a small bit of incentive to make my stay a fortnight longer this time round and I couldn't resist. Do you remember that dear American girl the Greer's so kindly allowed in their home three summers back? Well, she has made a return visit and brought with her the most attractive and entertaining fiance. I say, I wouldn't mind snatching one of those American men for myself. They can be so shockingly vulgar and delightful all at the same time that I hardly know whether to laugh or cry. But it made my stay all the more exciting and that is why I simply had to stay longer. 

I got to take June (the American girl) all about town and I must have spent half my dowry on new gowns and shoes. I bought the most splendid pair of boots. You would have had a heart-attack at their bright red color but I simply couldn't resist. 

I could go on and on about my delightful adventures but it is not nearly the same as telling you in person. We will both have to wait until you return and I dare say you will have wonderful things to tell me yourself. 

Forgive me dearest if my writing is a bit shaky in this letter. I have not yet arrived in dear old London and this horrid train is hitting every bump and turn along the way. 

Father returned home two weeks back and will be sending sweet Gerald along with the carriage. His last letter hinted at some changes in the business and you know how I abhor him changing things without my supervision. Sometimes I feel as if the whole thing would collapse without me constantly keeping an eye on it. I love dear old Daddy but I cannot wait until the business is wholly mine and I won't have to worry about his dear heart giving out with the strain of business matters. Before he left Leeds I made him promise to speak to Mr. Jennings as soon as possible and fix up any little loose ends with the business deed. But I have no fear that the whole thing will come out well and I will soon be your dear friend the Business Woman. 

As letters take awfully long to reach South America, I will postpone sending this and wait until I can give you the full details of my taking over the business. Oh dearest friend, can you believe it? At long, long last I will be doing something! To Rome with all the balls and festivities that I endlessly speak of! And to high heaven I go with business!

One Week Later:

My Dearest, most loyal and trustworthy Friend,

Your betrayal to me seems but a small thing in comparison with what I found waiting for me at the end of that blissful train ride. 

As I made my way past the crowds of people and luggage, I was greeted by that dear old man Gerald and he took my things and seated me inside the carriage. I sank back into the upholstered seat and drank in the remaining moments of peace before I would be forced to take over my daily roles as mistress of the house. 

When we were nearing the Bernard's old place, Gerald called down to me and apologized for the delay but the master had asked that he pick up a young gentleman on the way back. 

I was a bit annoyed as I was quite anxious to get home but I relented and we pulled up to a spacious and well kept street lined with cozy little apartments. I had no idea who Father would wish to associate with in such a part of town but I was soon to find out. 

Gerald opened the door and in came a well-groomed young man of about twenty-five. I noticed first off that he had a pleasant spirit about him and was rather keen to smile. He nodded his acknowledgment of me but we remained silent as Gerald climbed atop the carriage and started off. In the silence I took in what I could of this man's appearance without looking too conspicuous. 

He is a bit above the average height and has a strange sort of authority about him. Not one that would awe you or make you feel the slightest bit inferior, but more an authority that comes from confidence in ones-self and ones actions. Mind you, these were first impressions. 

His hair curls just the slightest bit around his face and when he smiles one side tilts up more than the other and forms the perfect dimple. His eyes are a deep brown but not the sort of brown that gives one the shivers. All together, his face is perfectly honest and wonderfully put together. And his voice only confirms the aura about him. 

He started the introductions, as a gentleman rightly should. He tipped his hat slightly as he spoke and gave a sort of half-formed smile, while his voice lilted in a way that made me think of our trip to Ireland not two summers back. 

"Miss Kellaway, if you will allow me the pleasure, my name is Samuel Rush." My expression changed from slight confusion to full comprehension at the name and he nodded his head. 

"My father has told me a great deal of you Mr. Rush." I was most definitely friendly and he relaxed back against the seat after releasing me hand.  I am sure you remember the Mr. Rush that Father was so good to tell us of almost too often. I believe Father hired him almost a year ago and he has been working abroad ever since. 

I inquired as to where he has been working and he told me of business but I will not bore you with the details. 

"What brings you to London Mr. Rush?" 

He smiled affably and then raised his brows. "Your guess is as good as mine Miss Kellaway. I arrived almost two weeks ago and still Mr. Kellaway has told me nothing of why he sent for me. But perhaps today is my lucky day." 

At this Gerald pulled up to my dear old house and lifted me down. I had a sudden urge to rush for the grand door and throw it open where I knew I would find my daddy waiting with open arms as he has been all my life. But I resisted the childish urge and behaved myself. 

Mr. Rush took my arm and we walked slowly to those grand doors that I long to see every time I have been away from  home longer than a week. 

Father was there to greet us with open arms and I wasn't the least bit embarrassed when he fully embraced me and left poor Mr. Rush standing there unsure of what to do. But he eventually welcomed him, though not in the same way, and we were made our way to the small front room where Father prefers to meet with good friends. 

As much as I wanted to stay and be with Father and silly enough as it may sound, Mr. Rush, I excused myself to go to my room and spent a good hour unpacking my own things and relishing in the feeling of home. 

It was dinner time when I saw Father again. Mr. Rush had left and we sat down to a grand meal all to ourselves. You would not be interested in the majority of our conversation so I will only tell you about the important stuff. 

"Father, as much as I enjoy conversing about the King's poorly gate keeper, you have kept me in suspense long enough. Please tell me what you have been beating around the bush at all night."

For indeed, he did seem rather nervous and nearly every time there was a lapse in the conversation he would fiddle with his left sleeve, which is not like him. 

He smiled rather uncomfortably and shook his head. "Nothing m'dear. We'll talk later. You must be exhausted." I shook my head to show that I was not in the least inclined to do anything but talk at the moment but he was already standing and bidding goodnight. 

I again shook my head but this time in confusion and I was soon left to myself. Father can be so stubborn that I had no thoughts of pushing the point. I did go up to bed and found that I was more tired than I had initially thought. 

Father was busy as usual the following day and we did not see one another until late. I was in the front room and he came to join me, this time with a little more confidence and I was certain he would tell me whatever it was he was going to tell me. But my hopes were disappointed and we went our separate ways after a few minutes of trivial conversation. 

When I descended for tea the following day, I was surprised to find Father home and with him Mr. Rush. I fixed my dress and went in. 

It was clear at a glance that Father was happy and that was a great relief to me. I had been so worried that what he kept edging around was something bad that I had hardly slept the night before. But what did disturb me was the look that came upon his face when he saw me. A shadow passed before his eyes and I couldn't help but feel the urge to leave so that I could see him happy again. 

They stood and greeted me with due respect and Father urged me to take a seat next to him. I did so and arranged my skirts to their best advantage. 

Mr. Rush mentioned leaving but Father insisted he stay and he was soon seated again and talking in an animated manner with Father. I listened a while with the utmost interest but I won't narrate what was said as I am certain you would have no interest. 

The conversation eventually lagged and Father took a deep breath and turned to me. 

"Ember," Mr. Rush raised his eyebrows at the name and I gave him a slight glare out of habit. "As you know, Mr. Rush here has been working for me for almost a year now. He has accomplished some wonderful things and I am certain you would agree with me when I say he is one of my top employees."

I nodded my head and urged him to go on. He turned his face away but still addressed me, sounding more nervous than I have ever known him to be. 

"I have decided to make some changes around the business that concern you. I know you have always intended to take over the business when I retire next year, and up till now I have had no problem with that. But... some things are meant for men and others for women. I am in no way disregarding your abilities in business m'dear, but Mr. Rush has many of the same abilities and to add to all that he is a man and well... To make it short, I have asked Mr. Rush to take my position in the company when I retire." 

The smile on my face froze as did every function of my body. Father glanced back at me and I simply stared at him in astonishment. Mr. Rush looked terribly uncomfortable and wouldn't make eye-contact. 

I stood abruptly and left the room. What else was I to do? Father had chosen his battle ground and it had worked. I simply could not make a scene in front of Mr. Rush. I was fuming with rage but there was little I could do to release it. 

I grabbed my own coat and stomped out into the chill autumn air. I walked for some time until I wasn't certain where I was but luckily enough for me I soon spotted your home. How I longed to rush in to you and tell you of my troubles! If only you were here to comfort me. I have not been able to bring myself to speak with Father since. I actually sent a note home saying that I was spending the night at your place. No one minded of course and Nurse Gemma was awfully good to me. 

Oh dearest, dearest friend, what am I to do? Father has taken away from me the one thing that actually meant something to me. I have worked so very hard to gain his trust and convince him that I could do as good as any man with his company. But all in vain!  He has given it away to an Irishman! (Mr. Rush is originally from Ireland.)

But I weep these tears all in vain. I must do something or I will die!

Father is leaving in the morning for one of his lengthy business trips and this time I am not to go with him. Though I find solace in knowing that Mr. Rush is also not to go. But that small piece of solace is completely obliterated in the request Father has made to me. He has asked that I spend whatever time I can in coaching Mr. Rush about our business afairs. As if anything could be more humiliating! Not only does Mr. Rush now know how deeply this has hurt me, but now I personally have to teach him the in's and out's of the company that was so close to being mine. To think that Father would hand the business over to someone who has only newly come into the business when I have grown up bartering and selling my entire life! As if Mr. Rush even knows the price difference between a shipment of lace from the West Indies and a shipment of silk from India. 

I am totally and completely disgusted. 

I suppose I will simply have to show my dear old Father what a nincompoop he has put in charge of his dear old Kellaway & Keets.  

 Oh dearest, did I tell you that old, old Mr. Keets has finally passed away? We all expected it of course but it is so sad to have one's friends die. He has left his share of the business to Father and so we have no need to worry about working with a new partner. He was a good old soul but frankly, I am surprised he lasted as long as he did. After all, he is nearly twenty years older than Father and Father is no longer a young man, or even a middle-aged one. 

 I am determined to feel indisposed for the next week at least and then I suppose I will have to start working with that despicable Mr. Rush.  Wish me luck!

   

  Your Dearest Friend,

Ember Kellaway