Titanic - The Heart Goes On By HL Griffiths
(Sequel to The Heart Never Lies)
Chapter Ten– Cals plan
Mid October 1912
Philadelphia
Gerard
I had received a letter from Emily at breakfast, avoiding Cals sarcastic eyes I took myself into the grounds of Crosswinds to read it. I put a light coat on as the weather was turning chilly.
I wandered down to the lake and sat down on the bank and watched the water lapping gently.
Emily had been so distant. She had left to go home nearby and had been tearful and depressed. I was almost hesitant to read it but I slowly opened the rich paper and read her words
"My dearest Gerard
I miss you so, I apologize for my behavior these last few weeks, and I believe the wedding plans were getting a bit much. Marriage is such a big step. Please don't take this as a sign I don't love you. Gerard you will never know how much and I adore you and you make me laugh and when we are together I am so happy.
Please come and visit me at my parent's house where we can talk simply and not have any intrusion from your family. Wishing you would come to visit me soon.
Your dearest Emily"
I frowned, I was pleased at her declarations of love but the reticence to our marriage was still there, when I had first proposed she had been ecstatic and had cried tears of joy. I could not understand her sudden adversion to matrimony and being near my family. I would have to visit her and reassure her. As I though this I heard voices nearby. Father and Cal. The voices carried as they were walking through the grounds. I stayed sitting down on the bank where they could not see me.
My father's voice was hot and angry. Cals voice pleading and wobbly.
"Bonner told me Caledon, that the Bukater Wench also took the diamond after raiding your safe, Can you imagine hearing it from your dammn Valet rather than you."
"I meant to tell you Father but" Cal blustered.
"It's a good job Bonner has tracked them down in Wisconsin. The ticket master at The Santa Monica station saw them board a train. You will have to get down there quick smart. Bonner will come with you"
Father's voice grew more cutting.
"You will get that girl back, and the diamond too by whatever means do you understand me Caledon?"
I gasped not believing what I was hearing. The voices were growing fainter as they walked away form my hearing.
"We know she is with another man, in Chippewa Falls by the name of Jack Dawson" my father raged "You will retrieve both goods no matter what; Bonner will assist you he is well practiced, and keep all this quiet!"
"I will Father, I will leave this evening, and oh I am so sorry" Cal was bleating obviously under pressure
"You are a bloody Hockley Caledon, don't be an embarrasment like your mother was, you find that that girl and the necklace and marry her and I will reinstate you to your fortune do you get that?"
"Yes father..." The voices faded from earshot
I was breathing heavily. I could not grasp what had just happened. My brother was obviously going to extract Rose from where she had fled to from him to be with another man. I had had heard rumors at the club she had been having an affaire with a steerage passenger and had lead Cal a dance. She had always been feisty. So it was true!.
But I was shocked that Cal was going on orders to get her back no matter what! so he could force the girl to marry him so Father would give him his millions back as well as getting back the gaudy necklace he had insisted on buying for Rose I am sure she'd hated it, it was like Cal, big ostentatious and cold. I could not take in how cold and callous he really was! And my Father to boot!
I would have to warn them I would tell Father I was visiting Emily then friends in New York but I would really go to Wisconsin and find this Jack Dawson and Rose. I could not let my brother get there first. He was capable of anything!!
I ran from the lake crushing Emily's letter in my hand as I went.