THE OTHER SIDE

PART 5  (FINAL)

Tom began to recover and gain strength. His appreciation aside he could not fail to see Beth in a different light. He watched her with intensity for she would hold the key to unlock his troubled mind. Sleep did not come easy. Within the early hours one morning he awoke startled. His mind in turmoil he remembered Beattie had a sister Milly. He would keep his own counsel until it was time to leave. Inquisition tormented him for this was too much of a coincidence.

Beth knew in her heart she could not loose him for he was her father and benefactor. Unbeknown to each other they were piecing together the truth.

Milly was making breakfast one morning. Beth entered the kitchen, “Good morning Milly”. Milly pointed to the freshly brewed pot of tea, “Good morning lass, just brewed. By the way I think it’s time we found somewhere for Tom to move on. He is getting up and around the house now. I will miss his company, He’s a fine man but we need to get back to normal; I should be back at the Centre full time”. Beth could feel the panic rise and tried to catch her breath,

“Yes I realise that Milly, give me a couple of weeks and I’ll find him somewhere”. She needed time to think and consider her line of action.

Tom had taken a fondness to Milly. He knew she would be the one he could

confide in and would approach her gently with his unanswered questions.

Milly was baking scones for the Centre when he entered the kitchen, “Would you like me to put the kettle on; have a break?” Milly turned round, “Good idea, I’ll just pop these in the oven and they can bake”. As they sat at the table Tom fidgeted nervously with anticipation, “You know Milly I am much in your and Beth’s debt for looking after me, I’d have been back on the streets by now my dear. I’ll find shelter somewhere; you both need to get your lives back to normality”. Milly sipped her tea and placed the cup back on is saucer, “Beth will sort something out for you and you’ll always be welcome here to drop in. Yes I need to get back with Beth at the Centre but I’ll miss our chats”.

Tom took his wallet out from his pocket for now was the moment, “You know Milly I consider it only decent I should tell you a bit about myself. He drew his tattered photograph of Beattie and Beth from the wallet, “My dear I believe your name is Potterton, I was not prying but noticed it on some paperwork you had been completing one morning. May I be so bold as to enquire if you know of this lady?

Perhaps a distant family member? Her name is Beattie and I fathered the little girl along with a twin brother”.  Milly felt the colour drain from her face, she felt weak and confused yet managed to keep composure and listened. “You see Milly, owing to personal status I was unable to marry her. She fought to keep the girl but unfortunately the boy was taken in by a wealthy family to be educated, which I funded. It was a family decision and one taken out of my control in my circle. I loved their mother for she was beautiful and flamboyant yet kindly and gentle. Of course I had to marry and managed to produce two sons but it was a miserable existence. The marriage was disastrous and when they came of age I walked away. Of course I was disinherited from the family Estate which left me penniless but I will find a job and accommodation; get back on my feet”.

Milly needed time to gather her thoughts for he wanted answers, “Just let me check the scones Tom, I think they’re ready”.  The truth was now out full circle

She took out the scones and placed them to cool on he rack, “I will have a word with Beth tonight and see if she has heard of a Beattie Potterton, leave the photograph with me”. Tom passed it across, “Thank you Milly, I’ll go upstairs and read, I’ve taken far too much of your time”. It was only then that Milly remembered him, of course he had aged but yes the face was familiar.

Beth arrived home earlier than usual. Milly looked pale. “Milly are you unwell?”

Milly beckoned her to sit down, “I have something to tell you lass and I don’t know how you will take this”. She showed Beth the photograph. “From where did you get this Milly?” “Tom showed it to me this afternoon. He asked if we knew her. Beth you have this photo of your mother also, I don’t know how to say this but he is your father”. Beth was unparsed. “Yes I know Milly, I knew when he fell at the Centre. I looked for ID  and found his card, Lord Rothbury, that’s why he is here”.Milly angered, “You never mentioned it to me, how could you”. Beth gently touched her arm, “I am so sorry, I was so shocked and would have told you eventually. I was terrified he would die and wasn’t sure of your reaction to him being here”. Beth burst in to tears. Milly cradled her in her arms. “Its ok Beth but I have something else to tell you, you were a twin and have a brother”.  Beth held on tightly to her Aunt, “We must find him. Please call Tom and bring my photo down, it’s in the top drawer in my room.”

Milly felt unsteady as she climbed the stairs. She found Beth’s identical photograph. “Tom can you come down please?” As he entered the parlour he found Beth sobbing and saw Milly give her the photograph. “This is my mother and I knew when I bought you here that you were my father”  Tears filled his eyes, “Where is your mother Beth, I must find her?” “She died from pneumonia about a year ago”, Beth wiped away the burning tears with a soft cotton handkerchief, “Is it true I have a brother, a twin? Tome looked into her eyes, “Yes my dear, your mother fought to keep you but he was taken in by a wealthy family. It was not my doing; it was the family. I loved your mother Beth but couldn’t marry her. It would have brought disgrace and detrimental gossip to the family. I did marry

because it was the thing to do but it couldn’t work”.

Beth brushed the hair away from her face, “Then we must find my brother”/

Tom fidgeted nervously, I still have the address of where he was brought up.”.

“Well, in that case I shall make a visit” Beth said forcefully. “I will go

Tomorrow” . Tom looked anxious, “He should have his inheritance too; I wanted you both to inherit at eighteen. It was the least I could do.”

The next day Beth made her way to No.5 Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge.

She knocked on the door. A woman, well groomed in her mid forties opened the door. Beth took a deep breath, “I hope you will not mind but I am looking for James Rothbury”. “He is no longer here, please do not call again” and the door closed. Beth sobbed and made her way back along the square. A woman stopped her, “Are you all right my dear, can I help?” Still sobbing and barely able to speak

Beth said, “I was looking for a James Rothbury. He is my brother”. “Come with me, I may be able to help. The woman lived only a few doors away. She poured Beth a small Brandy. “Now my dear what is your name?” Gaining composure Beth said “My name is Beth”. “Well Beth, James did live here until he was eighteen. I believe he was due an inheritance and in fact he did get it but his foster parents at No.5 got hold of It  soon after from his bank account by forging his signature.  Disgusting couple they are; not popular around here. He moved into a bedsit in Hackney. I heard from him a couple of months ago, he keeps in touch, saw him grow up. Here take his address. Such a lovely boy but his foster parents thieved and left him penniless.”. Beth breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you so very much, I shall go there now”.

Beth arrived at the address in Hackney. The area brought back memories of squalor, depravity, the child eating a crust on the curb and the stray hungry dog. Nervously she knocked on the door. A scruffy long haired young man opened it. She observed his features, a younger version of her father. “I am looking for a James Rothbury and have this address. Does he live here please?” “I am James” came a well educated and quietly spoken voice”.  Beth felt her heart pounding. “I am your twin sister”. The young man looked shaken, “Oh yes” he punched the air and hugged her. “I knew you existed but never thought I’d find you; I wouldn’t have known where to begin, this is unbelievable”. They continued crying and held each other tightly. “James, do you have a telephone?” “There is a pay phone in the hallway here”. Beth opened her purse for coins and called a taxi. “Will you come with me, I beg you please and I will pay a taxi back for you.?” He slipped on a tatty anorak.

They arrived at Beth’s house in Chelsea. She excitedly put her key in the door.

Shaking with emotion she called Tom. “Tom, please meet your son and my brother. The puzzle was complete.