Billionaire Flawed 1(208)

Emily, wait, stop, Helen said as she ran over the lawn. Emily what's the matter? Emily saw a bush and darted behind it. When Helen caught up with her, she heard Emily's sobbing interspersed with the hideous sound of her retching.

Oh, my Lord, dear Emily, what on earth is the matter? she said as she pushed the bush to one side to get to her cousin. When she saw her, Helen was shocked. Emily was on her hands and knees, her eyes were red, and there were the remains of vomit on her chin.

Emily looked up at her with glazed eyes. I want you to take me home, now. And I want you to deliver a message to Mr. Dirksen. Tell him I never want to see him again. Tell him to go to hell.

But Emily..... Helen was about to ask why.

Shut your mouth and do as I say, Emily growled. Helen nodded and was silent during the journey home.





The journey to the prison didn't seem as long this time. Perhaps because it was more familiar, Emily thought. As they drew up to the huge door, her mind thought over what had happened since the last time she'd seen her father. Edward Dirksen was her first thought, but she was relieved when she was interrupted by the coach driver who swore when he couldn't get the door open. Push from inside he shouted. The ample woman sitting next Emily pushed against it with her posterior and it sprung open.

Emily waited at the same table as the last time. It was a different warden, he looked kinder. A few gruesome looking men walked into the room and sat down with their wives. When Henry walked into the room, Emily immediately began to cry. Both his eyes were half closed and swollen, and he cold barely walk. As he limped towards her, she put her hand over her mouth and bit into her finger.

Father, what have they done to you? she howled. Everyone in the room started across at them.

Don't be upset Emily, he said as he sat down. I'm alright.

But you don't look alright. I'm going to see the warden about this. Emily stood up, but her father stopped her.

Sit down, he commanded. She did. I was beaten up by some people over money. A very kind man helped me, I'm recovering. Please, Emily, stop crying, I'll be alright.

Emily sniffed and wiped her nose. I'm sorry, but seeing you like this has been a terrible shock. I've brought some food for you, look. Her father peered through his swollen eyes to the bag she was holding. The sight of fresh red apples, and a pot of strawberry jam lifted his spirits.

So tell me, Emily, what have you been up to? How are Aunt Beatrice and your cousins?

Well, I think.

You think?

I left London, and went to stay with Aunt Prudence in Norwich.

But why? My sister has no children for you to socialize with.

Emily looked at her father's hands. They were black, and some of his nails were lifting off. Because a man of cousin James' acquaintance has wronged me in the most terrible way, and I couldn't bear to be anywhere near him.

And how are you feeling now?

Emily wanted to say, devastated, weepy, nauseous and crushed, but didn't want her father to be concerned about her. I'm fine. I will never let a man treat me like that ever again. I will never suffer from a broken heart, ever again.

 He patted her hand and looked into her eyes. I love you. You are all I've got in the world, and when I get out of here, I'll build us another splendid house to live in, and the best tree house in England.

Emily nodded and smiled, but the thought that he may not survive long enough crossed her mind, and her smile turned into a frown.





Throughout the winter, Emily visited her father as often as she could from her home in Norwich. Each time, she took fresh fruit in an attempt to prevent him from succumbing to some of the horrible diseases in the prison. Aunt Prudence proved to be an accommodating host and kept Emily amused. It had been a long cold winter, and Emily began to think of London and the new season. She didn't want to see Edward again, but she wasn't going to find a husband in Norwich. She needed to go back to the city and find a man to settle down with before she became too old. Aunt Prudence was loathed to see her go, but understood. Indeed, it was Aunt Prudence who suggested she should go and stay with her sister in law, Mary Coates, who lived in the heart of the city of London.

When Emily arrived, she was pleased to see she was right in the middle of all the action. Mary was married to a banker, and the bankers lived in the city center, in magnificent town houses. Eighteen Jackson Row was just like all the others in the street. A black railing surrounding a small front garden, and a black front door with a window above it and a brass doorknocker in the center.

When Emily arrived for the first time, she was greeted by Christopher Coates, Mary's son. Agreeable, Emily thought as she looked at the tall young man. He was dark, and his eyes told her that he was a kind soul. Over the coming weeks, she became very fond of him, and they began to spend more and more time together.