A/N: Apologies for the delay. This one's a filler so I hope you like it.
It was late morning when the door to the Thornton Emporium opened. Frank Kennedy moved out of his desk to greet Mr Hamilton.
"Good-day sir. How can I help you?"
"Good day Mr Kennedy. I've come to talk to you on Mrs Thornton's behalf. Is there somewhere we can talk in private?"
They went into the back room and Henry was offered Scarlett's chair.
"I hope that Mrs Thornton is well. My Suellen is not much of a writer but they try to keep in touch every few weeks. "
It was only as he was coming to the close of his sentence that Frank realised he had inadvertently insulted his wife. He thanked his stars that Mr Hamilton did not comment on the indiscretion.
Henry cleared his throat.
"Mrs Thornton is very well. In fact, it was my honour to inform her of how well you are handling her affairs. She is most grateful and she mentioned that her late husband would have been proud to have called you partner as well as brother-in law. So much so, I've persuaded Mrs Thornton to make you partner in the Thornton Emporium. How does Thornton ad Kennedy sound to you?"
Frank was honestly overwhelmed by this turn of events. So much so that he didn't pick up on Henry Hamilton's less than comfortable position or stature.
Henry was also overwhelmed at the ease he had been able to come up with this scheme. His intention was to promote Mr Kennedy before delivering the news that not only would the role be in name only, but he would not have any control over the new acquisition. He doubted that his client would be as impressed, but he justified that it was necessary.
"My, my. A partner, imagine that!"
Henry shook his head and the man's gullibility."Well, why shouldn't you be? You've done a grand job. Why, you've been such a help to Mrs Thornton, that she feels that an expansion is in order. I've taken the liberty of looking into another location and I wondered if perhaps you would assist with the final selection?"
"Expansion? Why… that would be mighty fine Mr Hamilton."
"There is one thing. I think it would be fitting if your assistant should be involved. You see, I've been informed that he feels that he has learned all he possibly can and is hoping to build his career."
Frank felt his heart turn as all sense of jubilation fled the room. "Wait, he wants to leave?"
"Not at all. In fact, he looks on you as his mentor and you know that there will eventually come a time when the student wishes to flee the nest. So to speak."
Frank had been hurt by the idea that his assistant wanted to leave. He was a good worker despite his tender years. However, he had to concede that it was only natural that young Willy should long for a bright future.
"I only wish he could have spoken about this to me."
"Now now Mr Kennedy. None of that. The boy has such respect for you, it wouldn't be fitting. You must promise not to speak of this with him. Give him your blessing, if you must but nothing more. You'll only embarrass the boy."
XxX
The boy had no forewarning of what was to occur when he returned from his lunch-break. He knew that Mr Hamilton was a good friend and confidante to the late Mr Thornton, his previous employer. In the months since his passing, he had done his best to work hard but it wasn't easy. Especially when Mr Kennedy, the replacement, was so particular about how he wanted the store to be run.
He sighed before entering the store and heading for the back room.
His knock heralded an authoritative, "Enter."
He stood before Mr Hamilton and Mr Kennedy. "You wanted to see me sir?"
"Sit down Willy."
Frank smiled reassuringly at the boy.
Henry cleared his throat. "Mrs Thornton has decided that there are some changes to be made."
Willy's heart shrunk at that. The word changes was rarely a positive thing. Quite often, it meant the loss of hours or worse, a job. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he scarcely heard Henry's speech.
"The first being she wants to move half the stock into a store further down Peachtree street. That store will contain the higher priced and more luxurious items. The remaining will be the lower priced goods."
His tone was polite. "Did Mrs Thornton give a reason for this?"
"My client merely wants to attract more customers and feels that this is the best course of action. She has asked if you will accompany me to the new store and check its suitability."
Henry looked up, questioningly.
"Me?"
"Why yes, of course. We are currently at the 'drawing board' stage and both my client and I feel that it would be an idea if you and Mr Kennedy were involved."
Willy nodded, unable to speak.
Henry smiled, "That's settled then. Are you free now?
The trio set off walking and arrived to in Peachtree Street armed with thriving hive of activity.
There were two stores that proved viable options, one near the edge of Peachtree and one in the centre. Both were in disarray and there was a great deal of work needed but Henry assured them that it would all be seen to.
"It's very exciting, isn't it."
Henry had to smile at Frank's inane comments.
The group reached a mutual decision that the centre store would be the best option, leaving Henry to make the purchase. The store was next to that of Madame Bijoux's, Mrs Thornton's dressmaker. All in all, it was a more open area and the luxury goods, if displayed correctly, would increase profit tenfold.
XxX
It would be several days before the trio reunited to glance at the new store.
"The contractors have already cleared everything, redone the floor and painted everywhere. Shall we take a look?"
Henry stood apart from the two men.
The scent of pine combined with the fresh paint was intense. There was plenty of room for the furniture and other stock. The back room was a very good size and there was a bigger unit for a till.
It certainly was a sight to behold.
"Will Mrs Thornton be paying a visit anytime soon?"
"Not in the foreseeable future. Which is why it is vital that we have the right people running this store."
Willy's heart sunk but he didn't let it show a he congratulated Mr Kennedy.
"Why are you congratulating me? It's I that should be congratulating you."
Henry jumped in. "Oh, do forgive me. I forgot to mention that Mrs Thornton has made Mr Kennedy a partner. Mr Kennedy will be left to run the other store, leaving a vacancy for this one."
He mentioned a salary that was at least double his current one. Willy graciously accepted that this would be his last week of work. His only comfort was that he didn't yet have a wife, nor a family to support.
It was a small mercy…
"Can you do it?"
Henry's question pulled him out of his musings.
"Me sir?"
Henry's sigh was impatient. "Yes you! Who did you think I was addressing? What do you think has been going on for the past few days?"
As Willy's face fell, he softened the vigour of his inquiry.
"Mr Kennedy informs me that you are an exceptionally hard worker and eager to excel. We need someone of that nature to ensure that the business continues to do well. Now, are you the man for the job or are you content to continue as Mr Kennedy's assistant."
"I am sir. I won't let you down."
"I should hope not."
Willy returned home with the sensation of being ten-feet tall. Not only was he responsible for the layout of the new store, he was also out of Mr Kennedy's shuffling and 'helpful' advice.
Finally, he was on his way to making his fortune!
XxX
Later that evening, Henry penned a note to Mrs Thornton, detailing his decision and the outcome. As he sealed that envelope, he stared at the blank piece of paper before him and considered how he should begin. The matter, was after all, very delicate. It should be dealt with properly, otherwise someone's life could be in danger.
"Dear Sir,
I am writing to you I the hopes that you are the man who can assist me.
My client has given me sole charge for the task of finding a certain gentleman of high import. He was Last seen late 1863, after receiving news of his son's tragic fall during the battle of Gettysburg. My client informed me that it was then that he chose to enlist. He hasn't been heard of since.
The man's name is General Christophe Chevalier.
I hope that you can assist me in this venture,
Yours,
Henry Hamilton."
He read the letter back to himself before sealing it and addressing it to one, General Steve Lee. H then copied the letter several times over, accounting for the remaining survivors of the Confederacy.
Surely one would know what had happened to the man.
Henry hoped with all his heart that Chevalier was simply lost. The alternative was too distressing.
