The Daughter He Never Knew

Chapter 4: The Driver

Oliver woke in Clara's room before dawn.

The doctor said he was exhausted, hungry, and feverish. Nathaniel sat beside him while Clara slept in a chair, one hand resting on Oliver's blanket.

When Oliver opened his eyes, he tried to sit up.

"Easy," Nathaniel said. "You are safe."

Oliver shook his head. "She isn't gone."

Nathaniel knew he was right. Eleanor had money, friends, and power. A child's word and an old letter might not be enough.

Then Oliver whispered, "There was another man."

"Who?"

"The driver. He lived."

Nathaniel frowned. "The driver died."

"No," Oliver said. "I saw him later at Saint Ormond's Home."

Saint Ormond's was a children's home funded by Eleanor.

By sunrise, Nathaniel went there with police officers loyal to Amelia's family. Oliver insisted on going too, saying he could identify the man.

The building looked clean from outside, but inside the children were silent and afraid. The matron denied everything.

Then Oliver saw him in the courtyard.

A thin man sweeping ashes.

"The driver," Oliver whispered.

His name was Martin Vale. Once police questioned him, he broke quickly. Eleanor had paid him to stop the carriage at the bridge. The plan was to take Clara away, but Amelia fought back. During the struggle, Amelia fell. The carriage was later pushed over the bridge to make it look like an accident.

Nathaniel listened in terrible silence.

Then Martin said one more thing.

"Lady Eleanor kept something from the bridge. She said it would ruin her if anyone found it."

"What?" Nathaniel asked.

Martin looked toward the locked chapel.

"Your wife's last words."