When the Least Favourite Doesn't Care

Finding Hope

The loss of Victoria made being at the manor unbearable. William attended the finest boarding school in the country and was very rarely home, even when he was Gerald would take him on to the estate or to various social occasions. His intentions were clear; firstly, to make it crystal clear that William was being prepared for the role and responsibilities of being a Lord and, secondly, to deprive me of time with my brother. The cold hallways were unfriendly where they had once brought joy as I sought William out in games of hide and go seek. Victoria's chambers were stripped off everything that was hers as though she had never existed. They only hint of a woman having recently lived in the house were the two portraits that now hung in the gallery: the one of Victoria which had been on display at her funeral, and the other of Gerald beaming proudly at his heir who stood tall at his mother's side, while Victoria smiled demurely.

The emptiness of the manor filled me with despair. So great was the pain I knew I could not set foot in the house again unless William was there or it was absolutely necessary for me to do so. If Gerald noticed my absence he mentioned nothing, no doubt he was glad of my retreat. Luckily my friends noticed my melancholia and were quick to rally around me. Those days were dark yet would have been darker still without them.

It was Tom who helped rescue me from my sadness. The academic year was ending, graduation was in sight and many students were making plans for their future. Tom approached me on a fresh spring day and asked if I would walk into town with him. I should have been studying yet the hours I had spent had provided me with no knowledge, only a headache so I welcomed the distraction. The promise of summer was in the air as we strolled along the riverside, following the scenic route into town. Understanding my emotional state Tom walked alongside me in silence, only speaking in response to remarks I made. On reaching town I followed Tom's lead as he navigated the streets and people until suddenly he stopped outside a run-down building.

'What do you think?' he asked cheerfully.

I looked the building over, wrinkled my nose and answered, 'it has seen better days.'

'Oh, Lars, stop mucking about.'

'It is a wonder it is still standing Tom.'

'It is old to be sure, they are not made like this anymore.'

'For good reason.'

'Oh lighten up,' he chuckled. 'Seriously, what do you think of it?'

'Well, I said before crossing the street to get a better look, 'it is quite big, been empty for some time so would need much in the way of repair. The location is good, very good in fact. Why do you require my opinion Tom?'

'Well, let us go to the pub for a bite and I will tell you my grand plan.'

'You have a grand plan? Heaven forbid.'

'Behave Lars or I might just change my mind and speak with someone else,' Tom said with a light hearted tone.

'Sorry, I shall behave, that is, at least until I have heard your grand plan.'

'Thank you.'

Lunch was had a pub a little down the street from the building Tom had been so interested in, in fact, we could see it from our window. With the meal eaten Tom looked to me and stated, 'I want us to be a partnership Lars.'

'Steady on Tom,' I laughed, 'I haven't even finished my drink yet.'

'You are a wicked man, you do know that?' I blew him a kiss in response. 'People will talk if you behave like that my Lord Lawrence.'

'I am not a Lord yet and who cares what people say? They have spoken enough of me and my family over the years, a little more won't hurt.'

'Have it your way.'

'Why thank you kindly. Now, this partnership? What exactly are you proposing?' In response to my question he glanced at the building with a smile. 'Really? The run-down building? Why?'

'Well, I happened to speak to the person who owns it a few nights ago. He is desperate to be rid of it – says it belonged to his brother-in-law and he has no use of it. He wants it off his hands quite badly, he offered me a price. Between us both we can afford the building, the repairs it will undoubtedly need –'

'Undoubtedly.'

'And we will be able to turn it into a business.'

'So we come to it. What business?'

'Can you not guess?' Tom's eyes gleamed with happiness, his smile suggesting the answer was entirely obvious. I shook my head. 'Lars, you are insufferable at times. I want us to become a partnership in a law firm.

'That's a wonderful idea I just don't know if the law is for me. I am much happier with numbers and happier still with machines.'

'Ah, but wait. We will be solicitors for the people Lars, helping people like those who live on Gerald's estate, people who would normally be squashed underfoot without a second thought.'

'I still –'

'The best bit? The second floor used to be apartments two in fact. One for each of us - you would not need to go back to the manor. And you mentioned machines, you know where we are right?'

'Yes, we are on – '

'We are less than twenty minutes from your mother's factory. You could work there, doing the accounts and fixing the machines whenever you wanted.'

'You know, it is not the most absurd idea I have ever heard.'

'What are you talking about? It's a great idea. A grand plan!'

'We are not ready; no one will want to instruct us.'

'Pfft. We both have first class degrees and we have both been working in reputable firms for nearly a year. Besides, the purchase of the building, repairs, outfitting of the firm and apartments will all take time – say another year. That gives us the chance to gain more experience in the field and build up a small client base. Anyway, between us both we are known by the more common side of society, who will be happier to instruct someone they can trust rather than some snob who will look down their nose at them. And, if that isn't enough, we both have many wealthy friends who will through the odd case our way I'm sure of it. We will be honest, affordable and successful. We probably won't make a fortune but do either of us want one? We already have more than enough.'

'Alright Tom, you have yourself a partnership,' I said as I held my hand out to his.