Chapter 65: Train Station
Abel knew that they were nearing the train station because the scent of coal and smoke had thickened in the air.
"Oh, looks like we’re here," he said as he peered outside the window.
He could see porters carrying languages, vendors shouting their wares, and the steam billowing into clouds of smoke from the locomotives inside the station.
The youth had seen factories, dockyards, and spires piercing the fog before but never had he laid eyes on a structure such as this.
As the carriage came to a stop, Abel opened the door and stepped out, gazing at the train station in slight surprise.
Although the previous Abel had come here once several years ago when Thomas had left for Winchester, this was technically his first time. So he couldn’t help but marvel at it.
He then helped Emily alight the carriage, meanwhile, the driver grabbed her luggage.
"Harold, do wait a moment," said the lady to her driver. "Kindly see that Mr. Bishop is dropped at the Trust on your way home."
"Yes, young lady," the old driver pressed his hand against his chest and gave a light bow.
He then glanced at the blond youth who was gawking at the train station in amazement before turning to Emily and asking, "Would you like me to accompany you to the platform, or..."
"No, that won’t be necessary," she said with a gentle smile. Gesturing at Abel, she added, "This gentleman shall be accompanying me inside."
"Yes, my lady. I shall wait here then," said the driver. He then added with a warm smile, "Please have a safe journey."
Abel then carried Emily’s rectangular leather bag and accompanied her to the station.
As they ascended the steps leading to the platform, he noticed the stationmaster in a navy frock coat shouting orders to a group of porters. Then, there were also newsboys waving the fresh edition of the day’s papers.
Passengers swarmed the platform and Abel saw that many of them were foreigners. There were gentlemen in tailored coats and ladies in traveling attire and bonnets with netted veils.
It was a wonderful experience for the youth.
"Is this your first time here?" Emily asked, seeing his curious actions.
"No, I’ve been here before," said Abel. "A few years ago I came here to drop my elder brother."
"Oh?" Emily’s eyes flashed with interest. As the pair sat down on one of the many benches along the platform, she inquired, "Is your brother in the army?"
"No." Abel shook his head, chuckling. "He works as a junior clerk at a bank in Winchester."
"Is that so? Might I ask which bank he’s with?" Emily asked.
The giant steam locomotive was currently resting on the tracks, hissing and groaning as it relelased plumes of smoke into the air.
Conductors in dark uniforms walked along the train’s length, calling for passengers and ensuring the cargo was secured in the freight cars.
There was still some time left before her train departed.
The journey to Winchester would take a little more than six hours, and considering that she would not have anyone to talk to until she reached her destination, she decided to chat with Abel, getting to know him more.
"Hmm." Abel stroked his chin. "It was a private bank. I think it was called Horse? Horse & Co?"
Emily brought a gloved hand to her mouth and started to chuckle. A moment later, she gently corrected him, "Mr. Bishop, I believe you mean Hoare’s & Co."
"Ah, that’s the one!"
"Private banks in Winchester are typically owned by affluent families or established partnerships. Hoare’s & Co. is among the oldest banks in the city, renowned for serving the city’s wealthiest clientele," Emily explained with clarity.
"Your elder brother must possess quite a keen mind to have secured a position at such a prestigious institution."
Hearing her praise Thomas, Abel couldn’t help but feel pride bubble up inside his heart. "Yes, he was always good with numbers."
Thinking about the past and how the man had taken care of him after their parents passed away, Abel felt nothing but gratitude and love for him.
"He’s sacrificed a lot, you know, Miss Thompson," he said with a reminiscent look in his eyes. "There were times when we couldn’t afford to buy oil for lamps, so Tommy would go out on the streets and study under the lamppost."
Emily offered a sincere smile. "He does seem a fine, principled man—hardworking and honorable."
"That he is." Abel nodded.
The youth then recalled the contents of the letters Tommy wrote to him in the past and couldn’t help but chuckle.
"He would always complain about how much his superiors would make him work, and how meager his weekly salary was compared to how much he was working..."
Suddenly, his voice trailed off as he realized something, and he couldn’t help but murmur, "Now that I think of it, despite complaining about his meager wages, he would never forget to send money to me every month."
His lips curled up into a warm smile. "He really is such a nice elder brother. I am so happy that I have someone like him as my family."
In his past life, he was an orphan with no familial ties.
But in this life, he had Thomas Bishop.
Even Emily’s heart was warmed hearing Abel speak such nice words about his brother.
She thought for a few moments before speaking with a smile, "I happen to know a few individuals at the Bank of Albion. If you wish, I could make a quiet inquiry, perhaps see to it that your brother receives a formal offer."
Abel’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You’d do that for me?"
But he soon calmed down, his eyes gleaming with caution. "Then... is there something you’d like me to do for you?"
"You are indeed a most cautious fellow," Emily murmured with a hint of amusement. "Very well, I shall grant you this favor, and in return, you shall owe me one someday. Is that fair?"
"Okay, but you cannot ask me to do anything beyond my means!" Abel struggled to contain the excitement in his heart.
"Then it is settled." Emily smiled. "I daresay your brother will be writing to you with good news before too long."
"Thank you..." Abel spoke sincerely, "Thank you very much, Miss Thompson!"
"You’re quite welcome, Mr. Bishop." Emily then reached into her leather satchel and retrieved a folded paper before handing it to the youth.
"What’s this?" Abel asked curiously, unfolding the paper and reading its contents.
"A ritual art to summon my herald," said the lady with a faint smile.
"Naturally, this goes without saying, you must first acquaint yourself thoroughly with the principles of ritual arts before making any attempt to summon it.
"You may send your letters through it. Should you have any inquiries regarding the occult, do not hesitate to write to me."
She paused for a moment before adding, "Naturally, I can only divulge the knowledge I am permitted to share."
Abel’s eyes widened in surprised as he saw the step-by-step guide on how to set up the ritual. There was also an incantation written in Enochian!
"And this herald... this is like... does it deliver letters in a short time?" He asked in astonishment.
"It does indeed." Emily nodded, finding the youth’s reaction quite amusing. "No more than a few minutes, I assure you."
Abel was dumbfounded and he couldn’t help but wonder, This is like...
The occult version of a messaging app!