The Secret Orphan

by Glynis Peters

  You will find enclosed beer labels bearing the Canadian flag for your project.

  It only leaves me to wish your household a Happy New Year, and good fortune for 1939.

  Your friend,

  Jackson St John

  Elenor held the letter to her chest and stared out of the window. The first flurry of snow had fallen in Coventry and touched the city with its white embrace. She looked down at the letter and skimmed through the words for a second time.

  ‘Oh Jackson. The kiss was perfect. I hated that you left so suddenly, and how could I ever forget you? And yes, I will join you for afternoon tea,’ she whispered, placing the letter back into its envelope. She took it to her room where she slid it underneath her nightwear.

  Downstairs, she ate breakfast alone and ventured into the kitchen where Victoria and Rose were discussing the reason why Rose would not be staying up until midnight.

  ‘It’s not fair, Elenor. Mummy and Daddy say I have to go to bed,’ Rose grumbled and pouted.

  ‘Well then, you must do as you are told. And if I know my aunt’s and my own sleeping habits, we both will miss seeing in the New Year. How about we make a fuss over it in the morning. Anyway, I wanted to ask your mummy if you could spend some time with me today. My aunt is unwell, and I need to fetch her a few things from the pharmacy. But when I return maybe you’d like to join me in my study.’

  Victoria clapped her hands together.

  ‘A good idea. Keep you out of mischief and begging me to death.’

  ‘Don’t be long, Elenor. Hurry back. What shall we do to celebrate our New Year tomorrow, Bake a special cake for breakfast, Mummy?’

  Elenor left Rose chatting ten to the dozen at her mother and headed into town. She spotted George in deep discussion with another man near one end of the high street, so took the entrance at the other. She had no desire to be introduced to a friend of George. He looked a spiv, and she’d come across a few of them when walking through town in the past.

  She entered the chemist’s shop and purchased items to aid her aunt’s digestion, and headaches, both of which were not improving. In the newsagent’s she purchased two scrapbooks, a box of crayons, a box of pencils, and a pot of glue.

  En route home, she went into the department store and hunted down Mrs Green and Sally.

  ‘Enjoy your New Year celebrations,’ she said to them both as they stood near Mrs Green’s desk.

  ‘The same to you,’ Mrs Green replied.

  ‘Aren’t you stepping out with your Canadian friend?’ Sally teased.

  ‘No, I am not, I am not stepping out with anyone.’ Elenor gave her friend a light punch on the arm.

  She whispered to Sally from behind a cupped hand. ‘I did receive a letter from him though. He sent beer labels for my project.’

  Mrs Green smiled and made her excuses to attend to a customer. Sally linked her arm though Elenor’s and guided her into a vacant cubicle.

  ‘Tell me what the letter said. Did he mention the kiss?’

  ‘Why I confide in you Sally, I’ll never know,’ Elenor said and laughed.

  ‘Quick, before Mrs Green comes back. Tell me,’ Sally insisted.

  ‘He apologised. Happy? Oh, and he is coming here in a couple of weeks and invited me to join him for afternoon tea.’

  Sally clapped her hands. ‘How exciting.’

  ‘I must go, my aunt is really not well. I’m worried about her.’

  ‘Oh, listen. There’s a drama group setting up at the end of the month. Fancy joining with me? It will be fun,’ Sally said.

  ‘I’d like that, especially with you, it will be good to do something different. I’ll speak soon. How exciting.’

  Sally gave Elenor a swift hug and they left the cubicle in time to see Mrs Green back at her desk.

  ‘What have you girls been up to? Chatting about Canadian air pilots no doubt – our Sally will lead you astray, Elenor. Give your aunt my regards, and a Happy New Year to you both.’

  ‘I will, thank you.’

  Elenor hurried from the store and outside, she glanced around to make sure George was not lingering and crossed the road. She heard him before she saw him.

  ‘Miss Cardew, wait,’ he called out.

  Elenor pretended not to hear and didn’t stop.

  When she stepped into the kitchen Rose sat at the table alone.

  ‘Elenor!’

  ‘Hello Rose. What are you up to?’ Elenor said as she unloaded her bags.

  ‘I’m cleaning these things for Mummy.’

  Elenor saw a pile of silver items in a heap, many tarnished and some she’d never seen before.

  ‘She said it will give me something to do until you get home.’

  ‘Well, I’m going to see my aunt, and then I’ll be free. I’ll come and fetch you.’

  Elenor met Victoria at the top of the stairs.

  ‘How’s my aunt?’

  ‘Still coughing. She’s weak today and didn’t want the curtains open.’

  ‘I think I’ll have the doctor to her. Would you ring him for me whilst I pay her a visit? I’ve got a few mixtures the chemist gave me. They might help.’

  She tapped on the door and entered the dark room. It smelled of lavender oil.

  Her aunt lay back in her bed and her pale face looked much thinner. She snored gently, but her chest rattled out a dreadful sound. Unwilling to disturb her, Elenor laid down her purchases and left the room. At the bottom of the stairs Victoria was talking to the doctor on the telephone, and Elenor left her to collect Rose.

  ‘My aunt is quite unwell, so we will work quietly in my study until the doctor arrives. No running around the house, understand?’

  ‘I’ll be as quiet as a mouse,’ Rose said and pressed a finger to her lips.

  ‘Good girl.’

  As they walked along the corridor, Elenor wanted to laugh. Rose tiptoed to the study with large exaggerated steps, and when they met her mother she pointed to the study without a word.

  ‘What on earth is the matter with her?’ Victoria asked as they watched her daughter tiptoe into the study.

  ‘I told her to be quiet due to Aunt Maude being unwell. She does make me giggle. Tell me when the doctor arrives, although I’ll no doubt hear him.’

  ‘He apologises; he’s to check another patient first and will be about an hour.’

  ‘It’s not overly urgent, and she’s sleeping.’

  ‘You are giving her the best care. I know you sit beside her in the night. You must be exhausted, and yet it doesn’t show.’

  Elenor gave a wan smile. ‘I nod off when I can during the day. I don’t like the idea of her needing help and being unable to call out. Right, let’s get this young lady working on her school project.’

  ‘You spoil her, but I’m grateful she’s not under my feet. I give her tasks.’

  ‘The silver polishing didn’t get finished. I don’t recognise it, is it my aunt’s?

  ‘Yes, she wanted it polished to give to you. It belonged to your mother’s family.’

  ‘Oh. I had no idea. Don’t worry yourself over it, Victoria, I’ll clean it another day.’

  Chapter 18

  Inside the study Rose was looking through an encyclopedia and turned to a page showing a large brown bear.

  ‘Look. Jackson said he saw a bear once. I’d be so scared. He said you mustn’t run from them, but I would. I’d run and run so fast the bear wouldn’t be able to catch me.’

  Elenor peered over her shoulder. ‘My goodness, that is a big one. I think I’d run with you. I’ve a few things here which you might find useful. I thought we’d start with Canada as we know someone from there. Your friends at school won’t have some of these things. Jackson has promised more.’

  ‘Do you love him, Elenor?’

  Rose’s question threw Elenor into a quandary. She thought she did love him but was definitely not going to share it with the young girl.

  ‘He’s a friend, Rose. A pen-pal. Someone writing interesting things to me.’


  ‘Will you put them in your scrapbook?’ Rose asked and squeezed an overgenerous amount of glue onto the back of a beer label.

  ‘Yes, anything he sends which will teach me more, I’ll keep here.’

  Sticking down her own labels Elenor tapped her scrapbook.

  ‘This is fun. I think Jackson likes England, but Canada looks exciting. Great big Christmas trees everywhere, look at this picture.’

  A knock at the door announced the doctor had arrived, and Elenor left Rose reading.

  After checking over her aunt, he beckoned Elenor downstairs and once in the parlour he wasted no time.

  ‘I’m afraid your aunt is dying, Elenor. I fear she has a disease which has taken a great toll on her body. There is no gentle way of telling you, and I know you want to hear the truth.’

  Wringing her hands together, Elenor thought of the painful loss of her aunt.

  ‘How long do you think she’ll last? It is horrible hearing her fight for breath.’

  ‘Not long. More days than weeks. Possibly hours. It will be a blessing. She’s been fighting this for some time now, but her medication is of no use. Keep nursing her as you are. You have been good for her. She talks of you with deep affection.’

  After seeing him out, Elenor checked in on Rose, then went to her aunt. Victoria was in the room helping Maude get more comfortable.

  ‘You’re awake,’ Elenor said and gave a cheerful smile.

  ‘For a few minutes, yes. Sit with me until I nod off again.’

  ‘Rose is in the study, Victoria. She is happy enough. Please would you bring us tea, I’m sure my aunt would appreciate a cup.’

  Victoria left the room and her aunt settled back into the plumped pillows.

  ‘What is your news? What is the news about the threatening war?’

  ‘The war news is quite depressing, Aunt. It scares me. I do believe it will happen. How did you cope during the last one?’

  ‘I ran on hope. Each day I rose and thought of those fighting. I sent up a prayer, we all did, even those of us who didn’t attend church made an effort. It was a dark time in our lives. In some ways I am fortunate.’

  After waiting for a bout of coughing to finish, Elenor wiped her aunt’s face. Sweat beaded upon her brow and across her lips. Her blue tinged lips.

  ‘How are you fortunate, Aunt? You are unwell.’

  ‘Precisely, I won’t see the war arrive. Oh, don’t look so shocked. I know I am near the end of my life. My concern is for you – and that little girl downstairs. With her parents, she will be evacuated away within a blink of your eye.’

  ‘Not from here. London maybe. But enough talk of you not seeing it arrive. ‘

  ‘Be realistic Elenor. I trust you to face the reality of what is happening around you. Enough of this gloom. Have you heard from the young pilot? Ah, I can see from your face that you have. I like him, he suits you.’

  Another bout of coughing weakened her aunt into another sleep just as Victoria brought in the tray of tea.

  She shook her head at Elenor and pulled a sad face.

  ‘I’ll sit with her, you go and get rest. George has come home and is now giving Rose a lesson in silver polishing. Everything comes with a lecture with him,’ Victoria said.

  The annoyance in her voice was not missed by Elenor.

  ‘I’ll go and have a nap. Call me if she worsens. I want to sit beside her tonight. She did the same for my mother and it is the last thing I can do for her.’

  Back in her bedroom, Elenor pulled out Jackson’s letter. It gave her comfort. Two hours later she woke from sleep still clutching it and read it again.

  She looked at her watch. Five-thirty. Her stomach growled for food, but she had no desire to eat. She freshened her face with cool water and went downstairs. The house was silent. An eeriness fell around her, and she shivered.

  Opting for a cheese sandwich and a cup of cocoa, she watched the milk bubble in a pan and contemplated her future. Without her Aunt Maude, she had no choice, she would have to return to Cornwall. Although it did run through her mind to ask Mrs Green if there was a vacancy in the store. She and her aunt had never discussed what would happen to Elenor after her death, but it was time for Elenor to make her own plans.

  She took her food into the front room and sat beside the roaring fire. Either George or Victoria had banked it high, and she was grateful for its warmth. The previous day’s newspaper was filled with articles about the pending war and statements from government ministers. A new enemy threatened her future and Elenor could not shake off the miserable mood which had struck her since leaving her aunt’s room.

  The door clicked open and Rose peered inside.

  ‘There you are. Mummy said do you want to eat yet?’ she said, her voice soft and low.

  ‘Thank you Rose. Tell her I’ve eaten. I will go and sit with my aunt soon, so ask her if she could bring me a milky drink around eight o’clock?’

  ‘I will.’

  With a sudden bolt across the room, Rose threw herself into Elenor’s lap.

  ‘I’m sad,’ she said with a sob in her voice.

  ‘Darling, we all are, but we must be strong. We must also remember my aunt needs to be in a better place now. Her old body is too tired to stay here.’

  Elenor put her arms around Rose who crawled onto her lap and curled into a ball with her arms around Elenor’s neck.

  ‘I like her. She’s my pretend grandmother.’

  Elenor’s heart went out to the girl. Aunt Maude had a role in Rose’s life which none of them were really aware of.

  ‘And she likes you, and probably pretends you are her granddaughter. Now, go and give Mummy my message and I’ll see you in the morning.’

  Placing a kiss on Rose’s forehead, Elenor eased Rose onto the floor. She’d have loved to stay with the child snuggled on her lap, but her duty lay elsewhere.

  She stood and stretched her legs, then climbed the stairs armed with writing materials and reading books.

  She entered her aunt’s room which now appeared dark and stuffy. Her aunt’s breathing worsened throughout the evening, and when Victoria arrived with a hot drink at eight, they both knew there was limited time left for her. Elenor read poetry and from a prayer book her aunt kept beside her bed. Victoria sat and sewed until ten, and left Elenor for the night. Elenor curled up in the chair with an eiderdown around eleven o’clock. Sleep didn’t come easy. The town clock boomed out midnight, and she fidgeted. The clock on the dresser ticked the minutes away, and Elenor caved into the moonlight filtering in through the curtains and went to the window. She pulled the eiderdown around her and stood watching out in the street. At the top of the road two men leaned against a wall, the glow from their cigarettes stood out against the dark brick. A third man joined them, and she recognised him as George. He handed over what appeared to be a large white envelope and stood talking for a moment. When he turned back towards the house, Elenor stepped back into the shadows of the room. What was he up to? George’s recent behaviour could only be classed as out of character. Or was it? Was he a man with a past hiding behind the skirts of a woman he clearly had no affection for, and a child for whom he had no patience. Was he really a tutor?

  So many questions ran through her mind and soon Elenor, tired of thinking about the man, allowed her thoughts to drift to another. What did Jackson want from her? Was she a passing fancy whilst he visited England, something she knew her aunt feared? Or did she mean more to him, much as he did to her?

  A sudden noise from her aunt disturbed her thoughts and Elenor raced to her side. She lifted her hand and held it firm.

  ‘I’m here, Aunt. Elenor’s here. You are safe.’

  Large tears dripped from Elenor’s chin as they poured down her cheeks.

  ‘My pilot wrote to me. I love him. You made me recognise love. Thank you. Rest now. I will be fine. Sleep now.’

  For another hour she sat holding her aunt’s hand until sleep took hold and she napped in the chair. The sound of a blackbir
d calling woke her, and she struggled round from her sleep. A deep sigh from her aunt caught her attention. Her aunt’s skin was cooler, and her breathing had intermittent rasps. They held hands until only the clock made a sound in the room. Elenor noticed the covers did not rise and fall anymore.

  This was it, the end of their time together. The day she had dreaded, possibly the end of her life in Coventry. She chided herself for the selfish thought.

  She went to the door and called softly for Victoria. George came out of their room first.

  ‘Please call the doctor, George.’

  Victoria came into the room pulling on her dressing gown and went to her aunt’s bedside. She nodded to Elenor.

  The doctor arrived and signed papers to say his patient had died peacefully in her sleep.

  When they were downstairs Elenor paced the room wringing her hands with worry.

  ‘What happens now, Doctor?’

  Elenor had so many new questions with the event of her aunt’s death.

  ‘Your aunt was not only a patient, but a friend. She confided in me and gave me instructions for this day. All will be taken care of and I am to ensure you are not troubled with the formalities which follow a death. Victoria will take care of you. Stay here until instructed otherwise, understand? These are your aunt’s wishes.’

  Numb with grief, Elenor slumped forward in her seat.

  ‘She was too kind to die. We didn’t have long enough together. I am frightened.’

  A crystal glass with amber fluid was placed in her hand.

  ‘Drink the brandy. It’s medicinal. I will ask George to sit with you while I make arrangements for your aunt.’

  Shaking her head, Elenor rose to her feet.

  ‘It is kind of you – the brandy and help, but I only need the latter. As for George’s company, no thank you. I will go and attend to my aunt with Victoria.’

  The doctor stepped into her pathway as she went to leave the room.

  ‘A young lady has no need to deal with such matters. Leave it to Victoria.’

  ‘Young I might be, but I am her family, it is my duty.’

  The doctor gave a soft smile.

  ‘Maude said you have a caring heart. Go to your aunt, mourn and grieve her. I can see what she meant to you.’