She opened the box and gazed in astonishment at the rope of large lustrous pearls coiled inside it. She looked up swiftly. ‘They’re beautiful. I … ’
‘Let me tell you a story before you say any more,’ he intervened, taking the rope from the box and letting it hang from his hand to gleam in the sunlight. ‘I’ve spoken of this to no one, including Kitty.’
Charlotte could not take her gaze from the creamy pearls. ‘How very mysterious you sound.’
‘Not mysterious. Reminiscent,’ he said quietly. ‘Lottie, whilst I was in Cairo two years ago I was contacted by a certain Contessa Pallini, who asked me to go to her villa. She was … is … a most cultured, vivacious creature whose elderly husband had vanished in the desert some years before, during an expedition.’ His expression was inexplicable to Charlotte who had no notion what was to come. ‘An almost certain widow, Floria had met and grown to love Lieutenant V.E.R. Ashleigh.’
‘Vorne!’ exclaimed Charlotte. ‘She knew Vorne during that terrible campaign?’
Vere nodded. ‘When she heard, as people in the East so mysteriously do, that Vorne’s brother was in Cairo, she sent for me. I think she had no idea then of making the gesture but, after we talked for some time during which she learned that I intended to follow in our brother’s footsteps to Khartoum, she took off these pearls and gave them to me.’
‘I don’t understand,’ she said. ‘They look very costly.’
‘I’ve no doubt they were. Vorne presented them to Floria as he left for Khartoum. She never saw him again.’
‘If she loved Vorne, why give his parting gift to you?’
‘Because she saw a family likeness in me, and because she believed, as we all did, that I was also going to my death in the desert.’
‘But … why give her pearls to someone who might lose them along with his life outside Khartoum?’
‘She told me to send them to the girl who had driven me to make such a gesture for love of her.’ A wry smile touched his lips. ‘By then I had almost forgotten Annabel, so left the pearls in the bank with instructions to return them to Contessa Pallini on my death.’ He laid the rope in the box again. ‘After Atbara I returned to Cairo. Floria introduced me to Armand Lisère and obtained my first commission with The Illustrated Magazine.’ He moved away to stand by the fire. ‘I fell a little in love with her … but I was not Vorne. When I left for the final push to Khartoum I gave her my pearls. I’ve remained uncertain what to do with these until you told me of your intention to marry John. I knew then that you should have them.’
‘Surely, Kitty … ’
‘No,’ he interjected swiftly, ‘two Ashleighs have been connected with this necklace given with love. The woman to wear them should be an Ashleigh, also. I give them again with love, Lottie, and as a tribute to your courage in breaking with tradition to find happiness, as we all have.’ When she still hesitated, he said, ‘Would you rather they went to Annabel Bourneville with my thanks for sending me to the war? Or, more appropriately, as a memento of the man whose memory she revered above all else?’
This confession of why her brother’s engagement had been broken came as something as a shock, but she responded warmly. ‘Of course not! Forgive me, Vere.’ Reaching up to kiss his cheek, she said, ‘I shall treasure and keep them in the family.’
His smile was one of pure happiness. ‘Let’s no longer keep poor John waiting anxiously for his beautiful bride.’
Charlotte thought no more about the curious story surrounding the rope of pearls, her concentration centred on the import of the following hour. Kate sailed through her role in style, but John was uncharacteristically nervous throughout the ceremony. He only began to relax when he emerged with Charlotte to find the domestic staff assembled in the hall, to offer good wishes, and an embroidered counterpane for their linen chest. The bride promised them some wedding cake, and her husband thanked them for their kindness and generosity.
Cook had provided an excellent wedding breakfast. Kitty entertained them with tales of her days in Kimberley, which reduced the formality of Knightshill’s aura and eased John’s nervousness. Charlotte was grateful to her sister-in-law, and to Vere who had championed their cause. She knew her future would be filled with contentment, yet one thing spoiled what should be the most momentous day of her life. What had started as a small dark blob on the horizon grew until it overshadowed the happy gathering and drove her to her feet.
‘You must all excuse me for a short while,’ she said to a ring of surprised faces. ‘There is something I must do.’
Clunes registered even greater astonishment when Charlotte arrived at Sir Gilliard’s door. Aside from stammering his good wishes, the former batman seemed incapable of thought or action as the satin-clad bride declared her wish to visit her grandfather.
‘He … he is eating luncheon, Miss … madam … er … ’
‘Mrs Morgan, Clunes,’ she informed him calmly. ‘I’ll announce myself.’
The sitting-room was yellow with lamplight. The sun had not shone for her wedding so the house was dark within. After the conviviality she had left, the sole figure at a small table beside the fire struck a note of bleakness. She hesitated momentarily then realized that she had achieved something extremely rare. Sir Gilliard was rendered speechless by her appearance. It did not instantly occur to her that a female figure in a shimmering pale dress, appearing without warning before eyes dulled by the years, might cause an ageing heart to quicken with fright. Yet it was a stronger emotion than that. Frozen into stillness, the man who had put the fear of God into many others stared at her and croaked, ‘Caroline!’
For several seconds Charlotte was as shocked as he. Her impulsive act had cruelly, but unwittingly, suggested a ghostly vision of her grandmother — the young wife who had run off with a lover leaving her husband the butt of humiliating scandal. Full of remorse Charlotte walked further in to the room, yet still those vivid eyes gazed at her in chilling fashion.
‘Grandfather, it’s I, Charlotte,’ she ventured. ‘I did not mean to alarm you.’ Frankly afraid then, because his expression was so tortured, Charlotte halted and hastened to explain why she was there. ‘I know you were disappointed by my decision and I’m deeply sorry that you should be, but this is my wedding day … and I have come to ask for your blessing.’ Fear made her rush on. ‘You have cared for us all since Father died, and Knightshill has always been home to me. After Mother left you were our only guide and teacher. We all spent wonderfully happy childhood days here. When the others went away, we two continued the familiar routine. I know you have always wished Margaret and I had been boys, and took little interest in our feminine occupations, but we are both fond of you and grateful for all you have given us. I especially, as the one Ashleigh who stayed at home.’ She took a breath. ‘John is an honest, loyal man who will make me a good husband … but my happiness will only be complete if you take my hand and wish me well.’
It was as if the entire room held its breath, until Sir Gilliard said in strangled tones, ‘You look so like her. Why have I never seen it before?’
‘Like Grandmama?’
‘A bright little creature. All smiles and laughter,’ the old man mused, away again in another world. ‘They told me I would rue the day, but youth never heeds wisdom until it’s too late. Her laughter died when I sailed to India without her. Didn’t understand that infants rarely survived the rigours of the country.’
Charlotte crossed to him in concern. He appeared to have already forgotten who she was. The filet of chicken with macédoine of vegetables lay half eaten on his plate. A full glass of wine stood beside it. The past had overtaken him and would not retreat.
‘That was too long ago,’ she suggested gently. ‘It does not matter now.’
‘Both parents approved,’ he continued, as if she had not spoken. ‘Why should they not? She was but eighteen, in full health and in possession of a handsome dowry. In return, she would gain entry to a distinguished family and live in luxury on a fine
old estate. Ah, yes! It was a grand affair in true military style. The abbey was filled to overflowing with some of the greatest names in the country. Her father was determined on making it one of the events of the year.’ He sat for a moment, his face working. ‘Great mistake. Scandal was all the bigger because of it.’ Kneeling beside him, Charlotte laid her hand on his arm. ‘It’s all forgotten now. You’re known for your gallant deeds in the field; the way you led men to victory. You’ve had a splendid life. We all respect and admire you for that.’
Blue eyes seemed to bore into hers, yet she felt they saw nothing but introspective images. ‘Had to put in double the effort. Had to achieve more than most. When a man’s revealed as a fool he has to overcome that humiliation before he can ever begin to advance. Hard on him. Can never let up. Never!’
Distressed over the way she had resurrected something so painful, Charlotte sat back on her heels. The story of her grandmother’s infidelity had never before touched her as it now did, because the brand of love between a man and a woman had been unknown to her. Relating her grandfather’s experience to her own life, she began to understand and feel compassion. What if John should later abandon her for a fascinating woman passing through the district? What pain he would cause her. If she were part of a large group — a regiment, for instance — how much worse the shame and sense of failure. This stern old man suddenly became a very dear person in the winter of a loveless life. If only she had realized the fact sooner.
‘You can let up now, Grandfather,’ she told him with eyes growing moist. ‘Vere is happily settled at Knightshill and about to welcome his firstborn. He’ll live up to your high standards, never fear. Margaret has found her perfect partner and become a very successful diplomatic hostess. Val has redeemed his reputation with a commission and a decoration for gallantry, and I … I have formed an honourable alliance which allows me to relinquish with grace the position I have held here for so long. Your family have also had to overcome humiliations, and have done it with your example to follow,’ she added fondly.
Sir Gilliard frowned. He studied Charlotte for long moments as he returned to his surroundings. ‘You think so? Only one lived up to expectation. Died a hero.’
‘Val’s a living hero. So is Vere, I suspect. Don’t neglect them. They so much want your approval. And so do I. Please give me your blessing.’
For a while she believed he had retreated once more. Then he patted her hand resting on his arm. ‘Come and see me sometimes. I am a trifle lonely now the days have grown dark.’
‘Of course I’ll come,’ she assured him warmly. Then she obeyed impulse and kissed his cheek, something she had not done for many years. ‘Thank you, Grandfather.’ When she reached the door, he called after her in stronger tones, ‘When this boy is born, be sure to give me the news without delay.’
Charlotte returned to the parlour uncertain whether he had, in fact, known who she was.
*
Kitty went into labour two days before Christmas. Having had Simon she knew what to expect, but Vere was appalled by the extent of her suffering. Experience of battlefields did nothing to prepare him for the sight of a woman in anguish, particularly one he loved. After twenty-eight hours, Kitty knew something must be wrong. Simon had not taken so long, nor had his birth caused so much pain. She confided her fears to Vere who immediately overrode Dr Alderton’s protests and sent for a physician from Salisbury who was experienced in difficult cases. He blamed himself for not engaging the man from the outset, but Kitty had been happy and confident whilst George Alderton declared all to be normal.
When Charlotte came to his rooms early on Christmas Eve, Vere expressed his sense of anxiety. ‘Lottie, unlike Grandfather, I have no fanatical desire for a son — for any child — if it means I shall lose the dearest person on earth.’
‘Shhh, you must not think of that,’ she told him.
‘Dr Barker will know what to do. John has gone to the station with Ned to meet his train. They should be back before long.’ She took his arm in the affectionate gesture that two years ago had irritated him. He now found it comforting. ‘Have you eaten anything since breakfast? Starving yourself will be of no help to Kitty. Let me call Stoner to bring you some dinner.’
‘I couldn’t eat anything at the moment. Perhaps when Barker has conferred with Alderton and set my mind at rest.’ He sighed. ‘Alderton is old. I know he’s been the family physician for years, but that very fact should have told me Kitty should be placed in the care of a younger man. I will never forgive myself if … ’
‘Please, Vere, you must have faith,’ Charlotte insisted. ‘Kitty is strong and healthy. She has had a child before. There is no reason why she should not have this one safely. She will undoubtedly be tired and possibly have to keep to her bed a little longer than usual, but I have no doubt that you will have a happy wife and a child when the church bells ring in Christmas Day. I suppose he will be named Noel or Crispin … perhaps Nicholas.’
Vere began to relax. She sounded so confident. Since her marriage his sister had bloomed. She had become a new, assured woman. It was strange to think that she and John had been living side by side for so long without recognizing an obvious attraction. Only when left at Knightshill alone had Charlotte been free to get to know John well, he supposed. Perhaps she would one day have a child. Poor Charlotte — poor women to have to suffer as Kitty was in order to bring others into the world. He thought then of his mother who had had eight children — two of whom had been stillborn. To have endured so much pain to produce a dead child; to have reared six only to abandon them for a chance of personal happiness when forced to choose between them and a man she loved! He must believe that a widowed life at Knightshill under Sir Gilliard’s rigid regime had been so unbearable she had had no choice but to escape.
He was jerked from his thought by the sound of voices in the corridor. ‘That will be Barker.’ He strode to the door and flung it open in relief. ‘Thank God!’ he said as he shook the hand of a tall, bespectacled man in his early forties. ‘Thank you for coming at short notice. I think Alderton needs your opinion on my wife’s condition. She has been suffering for almost two days.’
Dr Barker merely nodded, unsmiling, and pointed in questioning fashion at the door across the room.
‘Yes, I’ll take you to her.’ Vere moved forward hastily.
‘No, I will examine your wife and discuss her condition with Dr Alderton, then give you my assessment. Please wait here, Mr Ashleigh,’ the new arrival said briskly, before vanishing into Kitty’s dressing-room which led to the bedroom.
‘He knows best, Vere,’ Charlotte said.
He ran a hand over his hair. ‘I hope to God he knows what to do to put an end to her ordeal.’
John, who had brought Dr Barker up from the station, came to stand beside Charlotte. ‘I don’t mean to be disrespectful in any way, but I’ve sat up all night enough to know that young ‘uns take their time coming into the world. It’s the same process for livestock as it is for people, you know, and sometimes a little help is needed. Dr Barker will best be able to give it, never fear.’
The minutes dragged for Vere as he stared at the door through which Barker would reappear with encouraging or bad news. A diversion was caused when Clunes came yet again at Sir Gilliard’s instigation to ask if there was anything to relay. Vere lost his temper.
‘We have a critical situation here, man. My grandfather must not send you again to compound it. When there is anything to tell him, he will be told. If he cannot accept that, put it into words he will understand. A communiqué will be issued when lines of communication are reopened.’ He said the last sentence with such force Clunes’ mouth tightened.
‘Very well, Mr Ashleigh. I’ll tell the General he’ll be the first to know and you will tell him straight away. I’ll not intrude on your privacy again, sir.’ He went out with such military erectness and precision he could well have been on guard duty.
‘He lives in a world of his own — one you surely un
derstand, Vere,’ Charlotte said with a hint of sympathy. ‘He and Grandfather have never left the army.’
‘I understand it well enough,’ he replied rather savagely, ‘but one can’t apply military procedure to childbirth.’ His heartbeat quickened as Dr Barker beckoned him from the dressing-room, and he hurried forward with nerves tense. ‘Is my wife … ?’ A frown silenced him until the other man closed the door to speak to him more privately on the subject.
‘Mrs Ashleigh is having a prolonged labour because there are two babies in her womb. They are both in incorrect positions for birth, at present. I shall endeavour to move them to allow this to take place. I must warn you, however, that your wife’s strength is diminishing hourly.’
Vere grew cold. ‘What are you trying to tell me?’
‘Exactly that. She is growing weak from her lengthy ordeal. If birth is long delayed the second child has little chance of survival.’
‘And my wife?’
‘We shall do all we can.’ He frowned again. ‘I suggest you take some rest. It will be some while before I have any news for you.’
After waiting for several minutes in the dressing-room that bore the fragrance of Kitty’s lotions, Vere returned to Charlotte and John with the details he had been told.
‘Twins!’ cried Charlotte. ‘How is it Dr Alderton did not know?’
For the first time Vere took in the truth of what had been said, yet he felt no pleasure. Kitty was his sole concern. If the babies died he supposed she would be deeply upset, but he cared only that she should survive. If she did he would never want her to go through this again, heir or no heir. Val would have to do his duty in that direction instead.
‘Alderton is too old,’ he repeated heavily. ‘I shall engage a younger man to attend us.’
‘You’ll also require a nursemaid for your children. Nanny cannot look after two babies in addition to Kate and Simon.’
Vere sank into a chair. ‘We don’t have two babies yet, Lottie.’
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