Todd Balgair's Adventures in the Gold Rush Act 1 Stage 1 Chapter 1

Perfect World?

Slamming the ledger shut, he almost welcomed the intense anger that ignited in his heart. Why does he always treat her so badly, he thought. He raced through the corridors, passing generations of stern family members hanging dignified on the wall of the castle. Portrait eyes that followed him with disapproval. He didnt care about his actions, right then and there, his sister was not to be treated in such a way, not while he was there to stop it.

Leave Sarah alone, Charles, The words were soft and dangerous. Todd stood in the doorway of the ornate parlour, his eyes the colour of a storm filled sky. His hands clenched, his heart racing with excitement. His face almost matched the colour of his flaming hair.

His sister rushed to Charles, sheltering him from Todd. She was aware of Todd's quick and violent temper. Her reddened eyes stared at Todd fearfully, and her small hands fluttered as she smoothed her crinoline skirts. He meant no harm, Cubby, really. Charles is just trying his best. A lacy handkerchief dabbed quickly at her eyes, she was ashamed of her tears.

Charles turned to face Todd, and his composure never wavered. He looked at Todd's fists with distaste. Charles prided himself over his ability to control the rest of the family.

Put away the fists, little boy. This is a parlour, not a boxing ring, Toad.

Todd grimaced at the cruel nickname from his childhood and struggled to control his emotions,

mastering his rage with difficulty. Anger rose impulsively, as it always did. Charles mastered him, as he always had. He sighed, and let Sarah lead him into the room, with hands still trembling with fear. He sat next to her on the settee, as she wished him to.

If she does not marry, she must choose another path, Charles said, sitting on an armchair, with the confidence and arrogance of a King in a throne room. That's all I said. You know as well as I do, we cannot afford to support her forever.

Sarah patted Todd's hand, with a mother's affection. She was composing herself slowly, as the tension levels in the room were abating. I am quite prepared for a future of servitude...

Genteel servitude is not real servitude at all, anyway. Governesses and companions can have very fulfilling lives, I am told, Charles added, glancing carefully at Todd's face, wondering if the words would spark another tantrum. The older man was sizing up Todds next move, and Sarahs hand trembled as it rested on his briefly.

Todd was not sure what to say or do for a moment. I'd like to know how Father would view this problem, he grumbled, wishing that their Father would actually do so, and knowing that he would not be bothered. His hands relaxed and he leaned back on the settee, stretching out a little. He was tired and irritable. The day had been long and very tedious. There was a smudge of ink across his face, from where he had rubbed his forehead. The remains of a headache still hovered close to the surface. Although the accounts were in order, and everything was going well, the mathematics of it all was annoying, and the actual sitting still exhausted him.

Charles relaxed, aware that the threat level had eased. Todd realised that his elder brother had been preparing for a physical scuffle, as he saw the tense muscles in his brothers body relax slowly. He

remembered the times when they had pitted themselves against each other physically, and Charles had always been the wounded one. As a man, Charles probably would have the better fighting style because the childhood humiliation of his baby brother knocking him down, would have caused Charles a great deal of embarrassment. So the fight would have been a good one, Todd mused.

Charles handed his brother a small whiskey, and prepared himself one. Charles sank gratefully into his soft chair, and both of them watched the fire for a few moments.

Sarah was happy to see that her brothers were at last calm, and began talking about the village and the activities that were going on in the local area. The men were foolish, irresponsible drunks, and the women were just managing to feed their children, the school children were doing fine, the local troublemakers were up to their old tricks. On and on, blah blah blah....It helped to relax the men, and they just let the words roll over them.

Todd watched her talking, but not actually tuning in to her words. He always admired the way her hair fell about her face, in dark ringlets, curling at her ears, and the way her hands moved as she spoke on things that interested her. Her green eyes were alight with excitement. She reminded him of the portrait of their mother, which hung in a dark corner of the library, unnoticed and forgotten of everyone else in the family, except himself.

And you will never guess what came today, Cubby! Please say you will come with me! It will be so exciting, Sarah suddenly said, making the men glance at her with surprise. She bounced a little with excitement, and grabbed Todd's arm tightly. Todd glanced at Charles, startled, and Charles shrugged, picking up the newspaper. He started to read it, for the fifth time that week, deliberately avoiding the rest of the conversation. Charles already knew what the fuss entailed, apparently, and didnt share the excitement.

We have an invitation, Cubby. Please say you will come with me. Charles says he is far too busy.

Todd glanced at his brother with annoyance. Then of course he would go with her. Whatever was she going on about? Where was she going? What was the invitation?

Uncle Graham Scott and Aunty Margaret want us to stay at Scott Manor. There will be dancing. There will be so many new people to meet. Her eyes were glowing with enthusiasm. Please say yes.... And she was off again, talking about who was likely to be there, and Todd tuned out to all that female nonsense.

The mention of dancing and new people had caught his attention, and his mind was just as excited as Sarah. The change in routine was just what he needed. And he may finally discover what all the fuss was about in California.

Sitting still at a desk all day was so annoying, even though his enthusiasm for the problems at hand never wavered. The challenge had been a good one from the outset. He had looked at the finances with horror and worked hard on solving the many problems that they presented so his family would never have to worry about money again. At least not in his lifetime. They could even support a spinster sister indefinitely.

Learning and working through the investments had been a challenge, and quite risky until he had gotten a handle on it and mastered it. His personal finances were more than adequate, sometimes he wasnt sure what his income was, his investments growing as he bought more real estate. His family would live in comfort for a long time, without dirtying their hands with actual labour. He had insured and entailed as many assets as possible. Convincing Charles of the economic value of such a move

was not difficult. Charles was the head of the house in many ways, their Father being too ill. Power of attorney lay with Charles, but Charles was well aware of Todds skills, having persuaded him to take on the task in the first place. Charles even showed his gratitude occasionally, with small allowances and presents that were more a token than anything of actual worth.

Dancing, new people, new ideas, beautiful women. The lively interaction with his peers. His mind could imagine the fun to be had in such an environment.

All that fuss, for not much gain.... Really, you are both children....Grow up and accept responsibility... Charles grumbled from behind the newspaper, his voice dictatorial. It made up Todd's mind completely.

My responsibilities are under control. From this point on, I can employ a clerk to take care of the accounts. It just needs management now, Charles. Maybe Aunt Margaret has a suitor in mind.... We are hardly experienced in such things, and she has had all her daughters married off now. She must be some sort of expert.

Sarah clapped her hands with delight.

Charles shrugged. When you return home, a decision will have to be made, Sarah. He rose, deliberately placed his whiskey glass on the side table and left the room.

So you are coming with me, Cubby!

Someone has to protect you, Todd said, watching her with amusement.

She was so beautiful when she was excited and happy. He wondered with amazement at the way her tears had given way to laughter within the space of half an hour. Women were amazing creatures, he mused. Full of intense emotions and reactions. Not that he had been exposed to many women. Their mother had died in childbirth. Surrounded by so many brothers and a favourite sister, and then an education dominated by strong and opinionated men, Todd was completely astounded by the ways of the female.

She was laughing, kissing him on the cheek. It does seem like you need some responsibility, young lady, Todd said, mimicking their older brother, his joke deflecting his embarrassment.

He smoothed the sparse ginger hairs growing haphazardly on his face, vaguely wishing he could grow a proper beard, as Charles had managed to do quite easily. He would have to share the fuzz off when he ventured out into polite society, he thought with annoyance.

She sat at the pianoforte, played some scales, and then a light hearted tune, singing softly to herself. Todd rose and brought a huge colourful atlas back to his seat and began to flick through it. What was that rumour that had filtered down to him through letters from friends and colleagues from college? Gold in California? Where on earth was that place, anyway? He flicked to the appropriate page and let his mind drift to the adventures that men were having there right now. The excitement of discovering something so rare and important, he would love that. Even though he was rich enough to perhaps buy whatever he wished right now....

He had a house in London, and another in Edinburgh. They were impressive houses, and it had taken a while to be able to afford to purchase them. Now the rents were almost a guaranteed income and he was planning another purchase of bricks and mortar in the near future. He had shares in a wonderful racehorse, sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, always making sure he didn't lose very much at all.

He kept the number to just the one racehorse at a time, aware of the many people around him who had won and subsequently lost enormous fortunes. Gambling was a habit had deplored and avoided. He saw money as a tool used to protect his family, and its purpose was always firmly in his mind. It was a weapon of defence primarily but had the potential to be used as a form of attack if the need arose. He had a family to protect, even though it was only a few people and an ancestral home and Castle. He would protect them solidly, and have some fun along the way. He had few wishes for he had been raised as a true Scot. He had frugal tastes, but when he spent it was always something of high quality and in small amounts. Charles always made sure that all his familys practical needs were met in every area, although socially they had always been very isolated.

Sarah's voice was pretty and it always soothed him when she sang. You are so musical, Sarah. Maybe you should teach music to children, or perhaps work at the school. Something fulfilling close to home, not too far away...

Sarah looked up at him. Children are such a nuisance...

You don't mean that! Todd sat shocked for a moment. Surely women never felt that way, children were a natural thing, weren't they? It was instinctual for a woman to want to care for them.

When you are a wife and mother you will feel differently, Todd said softly.

He wondered what life would be like without his elder sister around. They had been close companions for most of their lives, and wrote to each other every couple of days when apart. One day she would fall in love and live elsewhere. She was going through a stubborn phase and it would pass soon enough. Charles always overreacted to defiance, but there was no real need to push the issue. They merely needed to sit back and let things take their course. That was Todd's feeling on the marriage

issue.

He saw her examining her appearance in the large mirror on the wall close to the pianoforte. Her eyes clouded with displeasure, glancing at her hair and her face and her clothes. Todd wondered what was so unpleasant, she always looked quite attractive to him. She was not exactly beautiful, at least not all the time, but not displeasing. Average looking, and fine enough for any man, any man of honour.

Do you wish you had accepted Mr McLeod's proposal last year? You would have an establishment of your own, away from all this big brother knows best attitude. Maybe you would have had a baby of your own. Todd thought back to the older gentleman that had offered for his sister. His father had bothered to talk to the suitor about terms and contracts and whatever, which was quite an occasion. Charles had thoroughly approved, which made Todd have doubts on the older man's suitability. He hadn't lived far, and he was very wealthy, and quite a jovial gentleman.

Mr McLeod was an old widower, who has since been married. He has grown children. He didn't have any love or need for me and I didn't love or need him. Someone else fitted the role very nicely. The new Mrs McLeod is a lovely young woman. She needed him. She has probably grown to love Mr McLeod, as much as he dotes on her. Remember her adorable little boy. She brought him with her when she visited at Christmas.

You could have married that Carlton fellow. I know he was deadly dull, and not very handsome, but he could have taken care of you. She made a rude face at him. This is an unprofitable and uncomfortable attitude to take. You do know how it affects Charles. Carlton is a very wealthy man in need of a wife. All those lands of his....Charles had looked forward to a joint venture of some kind. Marriage would give you a power that you have never held before. It would get you away from this messy household. Treat it like a business venture, get what you can out of it.

You have been listening to Charles too much, Cubby, Sarah said, sternly.

You have been reading too many Shakespearean love sonnets, my dear.

Are we starting to argue, Cubby?

Despite himself, Todd grinned and laughed. It was an old game, one that always managed to bring them both back down to earth.

I hardly know. I never think before I speak, it saves time you know.

Or so Old Mr Maxwell used to say, she sighed. How ever did you achieve such marks? If you always speak without thinking, how did you ever become a solicitor?

Todd shrugged and glanced out the window. Oxford seemed a lifetime ago. Charles had strictly discouraged him to practice, and sometimes, when he was bored, he wished he had gone against his brother. He had always talked himself out of leaving, and reasoned that he could help and guide his sister through life if he remained at Balgair Castle. His brother was happier to keep Todd at the Castle, than to change their arrangement, so there was no tension between the brothers except over their sister.

Sarah distracted herself by getting out her needlework. She started burbling with female topics and gossip again, which was tedious but relaxing at the same time, so he kept up the pretence of listening a little longer, although he allowed his mind to wander.

Clouds were gathering again. It was very dreary and had been for weeks. This was the way it had always been, Scotland this time of year was a dismal place to be residing. It was far too cold, far too rainy and far too muddy to ride, or much outside activity at all. He had read most of the books in the extensive library, written all his letters for the week, and the next newspaper was due to arrive in another three days. The castle walls exuded a dampness through the old stone walls, and even transferred the gloom indoors, to worsen the situation. What a tedious existence he led!

All that dancing, and ladies, and new people.... At least it wouldn't be boring. To get away from Charles and his rules and expectations of absolute obedience, that would be an adventure in itself.

***

The sun shone so wonderfully that he took his horse from the stable and rode him wildly through the moor land close to the imposing family home. Balgair Castle had been there for centuries, built solidly on a small island on the Loch, as had the family itself, stern and strong and protective. The stone bridge was massive and well constructed, and the battlements had been effective in their day, and the family history was littered with stories of battles and wars. The galloping cleared his head, wiping the cobwebs away so effectively he felt happy, even though the wild ride messed his ginger waves into tangles and splattered mud over his outfit.

After wiping the miry clay from his boots, and despairing vaguely over the state of the rest of him, he joined his sister and brother in the dining room for breakfast. Sarah was eating her thin toast and butter, and Todd enjoyed his normal fare. Charles grunted over the newspaper a grumpy good morning, and promptly ignored them.

Sarah was still beside herself with excitement, and suggested a picnic, which Charles immediately

declined on grounds of being too busy. Everyone disregarded the idea of their Father accompanying them, his illness kept him in his rooms, and he rarely ventured out. Todd voiced his opinion that the weather would not hold, and quickly recanted, seeing his sisters eyes cloud with growing disappointment. She was just as bored as he was, with no horse to gallop wildly through the mud, he realised with a little pang of guilt.

Let's make a day of it, then. I suppose Cook has enough food for such an adventure, Todd said doubtfully. He wondered if in reality he spoiled his sister by giving in every time her face fell with disappointment. She was his only sister, and as he had no desire to find a woman to commit to at the present time, she was the only woman in his life, so what was the harm in it?

Let's make it a feast, Sarah said with her prettiest smile.

***

The road was slushy and muddy as they made their way through the town. Todd was doubtful the little cart would be able to traverse the puddles without getting bogged in the mire, but kept his words to himself for a change. If it happened, it happened, and if it did, chalk it up as another adventure, he told himself. He wondered whether the change of clothes would be repeated a couple more times before the day was over. He wondered if hed rather stayed behind with an atlas. He wondered if it would rain. He felt a little down-hearted, escorting ladies on picnics wasnt his idea of excitement, even if they were a favourite sister.

Sarah insisted on stopping, and he wondered for a moment if she had seen a problem with the cart or the horse pulling it. She jumped down, without waiting for him to assist her, and tried to heave the picnic basket down with her. Todd hurriedly took that burden from her, and noticed there were two

picnic baskets.

I didn't want to argue with Charles again, you know how he is, she whispered, as if Charles was in the same vicinity. Poor Mrs Maxwell, she has so little...

Todd realised what Sarah had planned and he was pleased. He was not one to plan these little trips of charity but he wholeheartedly endorsed them. Such trips take planning and he was not good at such things, and planning took all the excitement out of everything anyway. Todd spontaneously gave anonymously whenever he thought about it, huge sums of money at irregular intervals, which delighted and surprised people, but he couldn't be relied upon for regular normal contributions.

Miss Balgair, it's an honour to have you visit, the older, floury woman stammered with surprise, as she ushered them into her tiny home. She brushed her hand repeatedly on her already dusty apron. She had been baking bread, and flour had covered her from head to foot. Master Todd, she added, as he took her hand and bowed. She gave a frantic curtsy in reply, glancing down at her dishevelled appearance.

Todd smiled, placing the large basket of provisions down on the small table. She never had been very good at her own housework, but had been an excellent maid in the nursery before her marriage, assisting their Nanny well. He knew her clumsy ways, and knew her kind heart, remembering her generosity to him when he was small. Watching her bright green eyes twinkle with delight, despite her slight discomfort about being surprised, made his heart warm.

Unfortunately we're unable to stay very long. Would you like to join us in our picnic? Sarah offered, gently. She started sharing out the provisions from the basket, handing them to the bewildered woman.

Mrs Maxwell blushed and shook her head at the invitation. Too much to do, Miss. Whatever would my man say? This, this is grand...

Mrs Maxwell walked them back out to the cart, and after Todd had helped his sister into the cart, she paused by his side. I know what you did the other day, sir, and I'm ever so grateful. I know Mr Balgair would think it a shame and a waste of good money...

Not at all, Mrs Maxwell, not at all. My brother is a proud man, that's all. She nodded and turned back inside, as her youngest child started to wail.

Todd flicked the reins and moved the cart on. He had paid the family's rent once more, from his personal allowance, and had thought he had done it anonymously. Obviously the woman knew him too well. He thought about the family, and longed to smash the drunkard husband's face with his fists for all the poverty, heartache and shame that he brought to his wife and children. They had been a respected family before his drinking had destroyed him. Mr Maxwell had been the head groom at the Castle in Todds childhood and youth and he had held him in such high regard that he was like an elder brother.

Sarah placed a hand on his arm, drawing his attention back to the present, and to her. He slowly relaxed, and patted her hand with affection. She was sometimes so much like a second conscience. What would he do without her, he wondered once more. ******************************************************************************