The Secrets of Tenley House

by Patricia Dixon

  By the time Vanessa had manoeuvred Georgie to her bedroom, Kenneth arrived and at the sight of his wife, he sighed and felt so desperately sad. Taking her from Vanessa and then into his arms, he let Georgie cry it out. Over her head, he spoke softly to Vanessa.

  “You go and have some fun, my darling. I’ll take care of things here, go on. Enjoy what’s left of your birthday.”

  Nodding silently, Vanessa backed out of the room, closing the door then made her way forlornly downstairs.

  As the band played and the guests danced the night away, Kenneth ran a bath for his wife and helped her undress. While pouring warm water over her frozen skin and shaking bones, he too shed tears, speaking softly to his incoherent wife.

  “Oh I do love you, darling girl, I really do, but we can’t go on like this, can we? What am I to do with you?”

  Kenneth washed Georgie’s hair and then helped her stand, towelling her dry before wrapping her in a blanket and helping her beneath the sheets. Once she was comfy, he flicked off his shoes and lay beside her, holding her close as he listened to her shallow breaths. Had she been conscious, Georgie could have held on to the memory forever. She would have heard his words of love and the promises that Kenneth made, but as it was, their last night huddled together was lost forever in a haze, confused by pills diluted in a sea of bubbles.

  While Kenneth’s tears mingled with Georgie’s damp hair, he lamented the end, one that heralded the beginning of his future. It was something he had tried to resist but now longed for – a new life with Simon, far away from Tenley.

  Sandy

  Outside, the rain continued to pour as Sandy stirred the soup pan and waited for the kettle to boil. It was approaching lunchtime and she had decided to serve something simple, the last of the cold meats from Christmas and whatever lingering leftovers she could lay her hands on. Georgie had bought so much produce from the butcher’s that Sandy had been forced to freeze the majority of it, confirming her worries that the lady of Tenley was slowly losing her mind. The day before, she had cancelled their usual New Year celebrations and instructed Kenneth to ring round and tell everyone to bugger off. As a consequence, they would be eating beasts of every description well into 1985, as long as they all still lived there.

  Two days had passed since Sandy had stumbled on Kenneth and his visitor… not quite stumbled, she had crept up on them and listened to their conversation and now knew all she needed to about her employer and his dirty secret. Oh yes, she had considered blackmail and even telling Georgie what she had heard but both courses of action might have led to her dismissal. The thought of being parted from Vanessa far outweighed the pleasure she would get from outing him, or how much money she could extract in return for her continued silence.

  Once common sense prevailed and she had spoken with the Lord, Sandy knew that the end was in sight and all that she had craved might soon be hers. She prayed so hard for a sign or an answer and eventually, with God’s help and the calming influence of one of Kenneth’s finest malts, Sandy worked it out.

  To her shame and for which she had prayed forgiveness, Sandy wished that Georgie had done everyone a huge favour and fallen from the parapet, one less Tenley to deal with. It had even crossed her mind as the drunken slattern knelt before her and confessed to such wicked sins, that with one quick push it would all be over and her rival for Vanessa’s affections would be gone forever. It had been mention of the baby that saved Georgie because when it came down to it, Sandy just couldn’t take the life of an innocent unborn. If the slattern wished to kill her child that was her business, and the good Lord’s.

  When it came to sinners, there was nobody more abhorrent than Kenneth and to think she had lived under his roof for over twelve years with no clue about the depths of his depravity. It was there in the Bible, written in black and white; Leviticus 20:13, irrefutable proof he was a sinner and it was quite clear how he should be punished. Sandy assured herself over and over that she wasn’t a hypocrite or an accessory because while she had witnessed and frowned upon their bohemian lifestyle, she had never condoned it. To think she had skivvied after him and their ragtag group of wasters from all walks of life, who came and went, all the time turning a blind eye to their lascivious behaviour. But to realise Kenneth was everything Phyllis had said he was, came as a great shock.

  What pained Sandy most was that her precious child had been ripped from her arms and given to a man like Kenneth and then, through no fault of her own was left motherless. To add insult to Sandy’s injury, akin to an open wound or loss of a limb, Vanessa had been brought up by Georgie. What cruel fate had sentenced her to this? Forced to look on, impotent and sidelined. It made Sandy shudder.

  She had finished laying the table, another whim of Georgie’s that only served to irritate Sandy, this insistence on eating in the kitchen whenever the fancy took her. She was a hypocrite that’s for sure. Georgie once told Sandy, as they peeled potatoes for chips, that it reminded her of her childhood and mealtimes in the kitchen at her grandparents’ house. Sweet as the notion appeared, Sandy couldn’t equate this rosy image with the scrunched-up letters she’d found in the bin, the ones from a Mr and Mrs Nibley. None of her family came to visit yet the maternal side exchanged cards, but only on birthdays and Christmas. It was all very awkward for Sandy when Georgie refused to take the call from her mother, saying her grandmother had passed. Flowers were sent but apart from that it seemed as though Georgie had cut her family out of her life. It was all very odd.

  Anyway, the kitchen was Sandy’s domain and she resented the intrusion even though it was something that Vanessa enjoyed, but then again she loved everything that Georgie did or suggested. At least eating in the kitchen saved the walk to the dining room which was in a rather sorry state after the ceiling collapsed. The never-ending rain and the sight of a sloppy mess on the polished parquet had sent Georgie into meltdown.

  Lately it only took the slightest thing and Georgie would crumble, her nerves were shattered. Despite Sandy’s criticisms, she did have a heart and it was pitiful to see the woman in such a state and all because of him, Kenneth. Trouble was brewing. Sandy could sense it from the moment she woke until she retired in the evening. It was like static in the air. Despite them having a decent and peaceful enough Christmas, it was clear that something had to give, it was like waiting for the bomb to go up and it was grating on Sandy’s nerves.

  Her little nest egg had grown to a substantial pot, topped up nicely by Kenneth’s hush money she was ready for any eventuality. Georgie was going quietly mad and if all went as Sandy hoped, Kenneth would soon be history which meant Vanessa, in the absence of a father and sane mother, would be in need of a shoulder to cry on and a steadying influence.

  So as long as she timed it right, Sandy was convinced that her patience would be justly rewarded. Her precious daughter, on hearing of her real mother’s devotion and sacrifice, and after realising everything Sandy had done on her child’s behalf was for the greater good, Vanessa would fall into her arms, reunited forever.

  Straightening her aching back, Sandy walked to the utility room and unhooked her raincoat. It was time to look for Kenneth who had reluctantly acted on her suggestion that the overflowing gutter had backed-up and needed clearing. Looking back at the table, she wondered if her efforts had been for nothing, then again no matter what, Vanessa was unlikely to refuse food, a crisis mild or major never seemed to affect her appetite.

  Lifting the catch, Sandy stepped outside and looked upwards and as she did, the sun burst through, causing her spirits to lift, knowing it was God’s way of smiling down on her, letting her know He was watching and on her side. Closing the door behind her, Sandy went in search of Kenneth.

  Kenneth

  The wind howled and torrential rain pounded Kenneth’s sodden raincoat. The hood tied fast around his head still left his face exposed and drenched as he hauled the ladder from the gardener’s shed and carried it back towards the house. Trust the blasted gutters to block while Ernest was aw
ay for the New Year, but then again the old chap really shouldn’t be going up ladders at his age. It was about time they took on someone younger and able-bodied. But that was a task he would save for another time as there were more pressing matters to attend to, like the waterfall cascading from the blocked gutter that had caused the roof above the dining room to leak. Currently there were strategically placed buckets lining the parquet floor and above, a rather gaping hole had been left by soggy plaster. That was another job on his list, to get the builders in to repair the ceiling. At least it wasn’t urgent, not since Georgie had cancelled their usual New Year celebrations, a decision which had left Kenneth hugely relieved.

  After the incident on Vanessa’s birthday, things had really gone from bad to worse and it had taken all Kenneth’s strength and mettle not to run away to London and hide from everything. Although the idea was tempting, as was spending time with Simon, Kenneth owed it to Georgie and Vanessa to stay and sort out his affairs and do the right thing by them both. It was a chore he dreaded and his fraught situation had not been helped one bit by the surprise visit from his angry lover and then, what could only be described as a similarly frank inquisition by the pious bloody housekeeper.

  Kenneth sighed as he placed the ladders against the wall and pulled on the thick rubber gloves he’d found in the shed, not looking forward to scraping out the gutters or the climb. He hadn’t a head for heights and the stomach for whatever gunge he was about to dislodge. Still, he actually preferred being outside even if it was in such dire weather because the atmosphere inside was simply awful.

  After a protracted conversation with the family solicitor where they discussed minor alterations to his will along with his obligations and options, Kenneth decided to ponder a while. He was adamant that if he divorced Georgie, she was to get a much larger settlement than their pre-nup stated, and that Vanessa was to take control of the estate. She was of age and it was her right. He would not sell it from under her feet, everything would go to her.

  Steeling himself for the climb, he looked down at his hands, unsure whether the gloves were a good idea as they lessened his grip. Hearing the rumble of thunder in the distance, he decided to plough on, the task ahead firmly on his mind, as was his wife and daughter and the troublesome events over Christmas. Shaking his head as a flash of lightning streaked overhead, Kenneth began his ascent, determined to get it over with, just like everything else.

  The morning after Vanessa’s party, Kenneth entered their suite to find Georgie sitting by the window, gazing into nowhere as she listened to music, her choice of song quite apt and her way of broaching a most painful subject. Placing the tea tray on the table, Kenneth took the chair beside Georgie and listened to a song from Evita, such a sad lament, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’. It summed up the situation and Georgie played her role perfectly, holding out her hand to Kenneth who enfolded it in his before she asked the question.

  “So what happens now?” Keeping her eyes fixed firmly ahead, Georgie sounded resigned. There was no fight left in her and while he knew she was being melodramatic, Kenneth didn’t deny her the moment as it gave him time to think.

  Kenneth was at a loss, so used to her taking the lead in everything, but this time it was down to him, he had to sort it out. The thing was, he had no clue how to go about it. Instead he focused on his wife and the more pressing issue of her physical and mental health.

  “All I care about right now is getting you well. I mean that, Georgie. We can’t even contemplate the future until you are fit and strong so I suggest we take a trip up to London and consult Dr Humphrey. He’s very understanding, and I’m sure between us we will have you right as rain in no time.”

  “What, so you can be rid of me once and for all, the second your conscience is clear?” Georgie refused to look at Kenneth who was hurt by her accusation and unnerved by her calm deliverance of every sentence.

  “Georgie, that’s not the case, far from it. You are my wife in both the law and my heart and therefore I will not abandon you. I don’t know how many times I have to say it for you to believe me.” Kenneth was becoming exasperated and on the precipice of anger.

  Perhaps it was his tone that flared a more spirited response from Georgie, her voice sarcastic. “I’m so sorry if I’ve misjudged you but really, do you blame me? My whole existence is falling apart and you expect me not to worry, to fear for my future. But you are right about one thing and I have already made arrangements to see the doctor after Christmas, but I won’t require your presence, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

  “Why not, and when did you arrange this? Is it your chest? I’ve told you to cut down on the cigarettes, darling, you really must try harder.” Kenneth was worried and also felt shut out.

  When Georgie finally turned to face him, Kenneth presumed he was going to get a ticking off for lecturing her and as she held his stare, waited for an ear bashing.

  “It’s nothing to do with my chest. I’m pregnant and I need to get rid of it, the sooner the better. There, now you know. Judge away.” Georgie turned from Kenneth, satisfied by the look of utter shock on his face. The record had ended and the quiet of the room was suffocating.

  Over the years, Kenneth had learned from experience that if one had nothing sensible to say, it was often best to remain silent, thus avoiding putting one’s size nines in it. This was one of these situations. He had no quarrel with her decision. It was definitely for the best under the circumstances but then again, this might be her last chance of becoming a mother. Kenneth felt he owed her the opportunity so would do the honourable thing if required.

  “Do you want to get rid of it? Are you sure? I would stand by you if you decided to keep it. We could say the child is mine… for propriety’s sake and all that. In any case I wouldn’t want you to make a hasty decision.” Whilst Kenneth meant every word, he desperately hoped for all their sakes Georgie would decline.

  Turning once more, Georgie swiped away a tear then addressed Kenneth matter-of-factly, laying the subject to rest in her unusually calm manner. “I’m positive. I would be a dreadful mother even if I wanted to keep it, which I don’t. And I have never yearned for a baby of my own so the day after Boxing Day, I will head up to London and some clinic or other. Dr Humphrey has taken care of all the details. I’ll be back a couple of days later and that will be the end of the matter. But I thank you for your kind offer, it means a great deal. Now, let’s move on to other arrangements.” Georgie straightened in her seat and pulled the blanket over her knees.

  Kenneth saw her lips tremble and he could tell she was trying so hard not to cry. When she was composed and after a sip of cold tea, Georgie continued.

  “Laurie would like to stay for Christmas and then he’ll be heading back over the pond soon after. I expect it’s the last we’ll see of him because from the looks of it he’s rather ill, no matter how much he tries to convince me otherwise. Is it alright for him to stay?”

  Kenneth cleared his throat and shuffled, disturbed by Georgie’s acceptance of her own fate and that of Laurie. It was as though she was emotionally disconnected and on autopilot.

  “Of course, Laurie is always welcome here but surely you are wrong, he was having a ball last night and he hasn’t mentioned a word to me about his health. Perhaps you could get him to see a doctor here, have him checked out by one of our quacks.”

  “I’ve already suggested it and he refused so we must respect his wishes, just as I expect you to respect mine.”

  Kenneth’s heart pounded and he could feel the blush rise from his neck to his cheeks, silenced by the firmness in Georgie’s tone, reminded now of his mother and how she would imperiously lay down the law.

  “I want us to have one last Christmas together and for Vanessa to remain oblivious to my predicament and the situation between you and I. I’d like to hang on to the dream for a while longer if we can.”

  It was at this point, Kenneth heard the catch in Georgie’s throat and when he looked, saw the tears escaping fre
ely from her eyes. A lump formed in his own throat which he cleared with a cough. “Of course, Georgie, whatever you suggest. I will be happy to comply.”

  Kenneth could’ve kicked himself, angry at his own impotence at such a vital time. Her heart was breaking and as always she was stepping into the breach, rescuing him from himself. Just as he was feeling less threatened, the tone changed with Georgie’s next question.

  “Now, tell me about you and Simon, what are your plans? I presume he has made some for you.” Georgie was slowly reverting to type, a hint of sarcasm in her voice which had lost its softness, there was an edge to it.

  Kenneth sucked in air and willed himself not to stammer and waffle. This was his opportunity to get it over and done with, repeat the words Simon had been subtly drumming into him for months. It was now or never.

  “He’s going to live in America and wants me to go with him, to San Francisco. He’s been offered a job there at a research facility. He believes we can start a new life and not have to hide away from who we are. I told him I had to think it over, that it’s not as easy for me. I can’t just pack a case and hop on a plane. I have responsibilities here, to you, Vanessa, the estate. I don’t know if I can leave it all behind so I asked him to give me some time, to speak to you and perhaps come to an arrangement.”

  “And how did he take it, your dithering?”

  Kenneth ignored the slight even though it was on the money. “He was upset and angry but I think he understands, although he didn’t take kindly to being told he wasn’t welcome here and was rather bolshy when I ended the call last night.” Kenneth recalled the conversation with Simon where for the first time he experienced the petulant side of the young man he was considering leaving his life for.