Not mine.
Chapter 41
Bella explained to Mrs. Cope, as best she could, the situation at hand. She wasn't sure how much of the information Mrs. Cope retained due to the happy, chattering, and running girls. Mrs. Cope gave Bella a very distracted 'Of course, dear' and returned to the delights racing about her kitchen.
Bella picked up her carpet bag and walked into town to see about hiring a carriage to take her back to the orphanage. She had brought her old dresses thinking that one of the older girls could use them, they still had lots of wear. She wasn't quite certain as to why Mother Superior insisted she bring the music box, but she did as was ordered.
The journey back to the orphanage seemed longer than the last time she took it with Dr. Cullen. So many things in her life had changed since then. Two years had passed. Bella was taller, more confident, still shy, and in love. Bella thought back to the letter Edward had sent. He seemed so taken with this Alice that Bella was happy for him. Glad that he had found someone so perfect for him.
Bella managed a long nap and woke refreshed as the carriage entered the port town she lived in before. She would have to walk to the orphanage but was looking forward to stretching her legs after the long ride.
It was nearing suppertime when Bella arrived at the orphanage. There were many hugs and kisses from the sisters that had help to raise Bella. They were quite amazed at the changes she had undergone in the passage of time. Gone was the timid little girl who almost never spoke. Before them was a young lady in a pretty moss green dress who had poise and grace.
Bella gave the extra clothes to one of the sisters and made her way down to the kitchen to help with supper. She met with Mother Superior after the children were put to bed. It was a very quick meeting with the promise of a very long one tomorrow. Bella's old room was occupied but a bed was found for her with one of the novices.
Bella sleep was not restful. There were too many conflicting thoughts running through her mind and she lay on her back sifting through them. Morning came early and Bella fell back into the routine of the orphanage. Soon enough it was time to meet again with Mother Superior.
Mother Superior was not alone in her office when Bella knocked on the door. There was an elderly gentleman sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk. There was another gentleman, much younger standing to the side near the fireplace.
"Isabella, good, you're here. Please have a seat." Mother Superior welcomed her into the room. As was habit, Bella bobbed a curtsey and made her way to the other chair in front of Mother Superior's desk.
"These are the gentlemen I wrote to you about, the one's that needed to speak with you. This is Mr. Call and over there is Mr. Newton." Mother Superior gestured first to the man in the chair and then to the one by the fire.
Mr. Newton gave a small bow. Mr. Call reached for Bella's hand, holding it tightly in both of his. His hands were warm and his eyes gentle but apologetic. He spoke first, leaving the other man to be a mystery.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, my dear. I'm very glad to meet you. I represent the family of your late Step-Mother, the Clearwater's."
Bella was shocked and concerned. What could her family possibly want with her? She didn't know anything about them. They had never had any contact with her in all the years since she entered the orphanage.
"Is there some sort of trouble?" Bella asked before Mr. Call could continue.
"No, no trouble. Mr. Clearwater was her younger brother. There hadn't been any contact with her family in years before she died. She had been disowned and had brought great shame to the family. Shortly after she left, she married your father. After the circumstances surrounding her death, her family was so appalled by what happened to you and your father that they moved to a different country. They didn't want to traumatize you further by inserting themselves in your life. Mr. Clearwater was the last remaining member of the family, he never married or had any heirs. He left the home they owned here and half his estate to you. It is not a huge amount but the house is a very grand one, in the same area as the people you work for now. The other half of the estate is going to the orphanage. I just need your signature on some documents and to give you the title to the house." Mr. Call looked very pleased with himself to be presenting such a bequest.
"But why me, I didn't do anything to deserve this?"
Mother Superior just smiled at the girl.
"See it as an apology, a recompense. You could sell the house and buy a small cottage, you could leave service and be your own woman. You could do almost anything you wished."
Bella thought about this for a few minutes. She could have a new life if she wanted. She could live in a small cottage and work solely for herself.
"Thank you." That was all Bella could think to say. She would have to ponder her future later when she was alone.
She read through and signed Mr. Call's paperwork. He handed her the keys and kissed her cheek in a very Grandfatherly was. He said his good-byes and Bella was left in the office with Mr. Newton and Mother Superior.
AN:Thank you.