Fortune's Fool

Chapter 2

John had laid awake most of the night trying to think how to earn Evelyn's love. By morning he had thought of an idea.

"Hello John, how are you this morning?" Treves asked.

"I'm very well," he began, "Mr Treves might I ask a favour of you?"

"Of course John, what is it?"

"Could you...take me into central London? If you aren't busy today."

"Why yes. Is there anywhere in particular you wanted to go?"

"Well, yes there was. I...I want to buy something for Evelyn." he said sheepishly.

"What did you want to buy?"

"Well I thought maybe some item of jewellery."

"But you have very little money John. Could you afford it?" Treves looked at him concern.

"I have enough. Please Mr Treves, I want to get her something she'll really love."

"This wouldn't be to try and win her affection now would it?" Treves smirked.

John flushed scarlet, "No, no, nothing like that." his voice quivered.

"John, you can tell me." Treves took a seat next to him.

"Alright, I admit it. I'm trying to win her affection." he looked away from Mr Treves.

"John, you don't need to buy her something to prove yourself to her." he said, putting a hand of reassurance on John's.

"But how am I supposed to compete with William? He's rich and handsome and well, everything I'm not." John sighed.

"Oh John, people care for more than looks and wealth."

"I know that Mr Treves, but look at me. Who could ever love me?" he grew slightly tearful.

"Someone who isn't facile enough to care. Someone like Evelyn."

"Someone like her would never love me. No one would ever love me." a sole tear trickled down his face.

"Nonsense John. She is the kindest, most sincere girl I have ever met."

"So you say Mr Treves. Now please, can you take me into the city centre?" John was keen to end the conversation.

"Alright John. I tell you what, I'll give you some money to put towards your own."

"Oh Mr Treves. I couldn't take your money. I could never pay you back."

"Think nothing of it. Consider it a gift." Treves smiled.

"Oh thank you Mr Treves. I am forever in your debt."

"Here you are." Treves handed John several bank notes.

"You know John...I must say I'm not all too fond of William. He strikes me as a very conceited and unkind man."

"Really Mr Treves? I thought you would want Evelyn to be with someone like William."

"Not if they're horrible. I dare say I would rather see her with you than him."

"Oh Mr Treves, you don't mean that. Why on earth would you want your daughter to be with me?"

"Because you're a kind, intelligent and caring man."

"You do flatter me so."

"It is not flattery John, I mean it. Now let's go and get that present."

****

Treves cast a disapproving look at those who ogled at John as they looked around the jewellers.