by Shirley Roe
“I don't know about that, Jenny, especially if she has no memory of us. It might be more difficult for us to see her like that, than to remember her the way she was.” Gordon's face was shrouded in a faraway look. His eyes were sad. “Her husband will be there for her. Besides with Europe in turmoil, traveling to the continent might not be the best idea right now.”
“My goodness, Gordon. When I remember all the years we spent together with Harry and Amy and the children, I sometimes wish I could have it all back. We were all so happy back then. I miss Harry every day of my life.” Jenny dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. She could not believe that she cried every time she thought of Harry, even though he had been gone for more than five years. “ I have to tell you, Gordon, if it wasn't for Walter, some days I wish I was dead.”
“Don't say that, Jenny dearest. You are a lively, vibrant woman. We did have some times together. Do you remember that scoundrel Ian Murphy? I saw his son the other day.”
“Ian Murphy, there's a name from the past. It was years ago that we heard that he died, probably in some married woman's bed or from alcohol poisoning.” Jenny shook her head from side to side in disgust.
“The best part of that story is that Cindy Wilson and her son ended up with his fortune, in a strange turn of events for the Murphys, after shipping her off to Ireland to have the child twenty five years ago.” Gordon poured tea from the china teapot for both of them.
“Yes, I was shocked when I learned that the gatekeeper, Miss Carter was her aunt and had actually introduced her to Mr. Murphy. Apparently, when things turned sour, Miss Carter recorded all of the documentation and produced it in court years later. Amazing what goes on behind closed doors.” Jenny nodded, picking up her cup. “Thank you, Gordon.”
“Justice is what I call it. Ian Murphy always was trouble.”
“I am just happy that Harry outlived Ian Murphy. Harry was always haunted by that man and the terrible things he did to our family. Not only him, but also his uncle and we can't forget that his mother's carriage ran over Harry. Dear God, they were a curse on our lives. I can still remember how Harry smiled when he read the obituary.”
“Yes, I have to tell you, Jenny. I was always worried that Harry would do something to Murphy. Thank God, he never did.” He reached for Jenny's hand.
“Oh dear, Gordon, where have the years gone? What will become of us? ”
“Life goes on, Jenny. Look at all of the wonderful years you have spent with the Red Cross and all of the charities you have helped. You and Harry had a wonderful marriage; your daughter is a lovely young woman and you and I are dear friends. Edinburgh is a better place thanks to you, Jenny. Now cheer up, I think I hear the hellions at the door.” Jenny stood, turning towards the commotion in the hall.
Rose's children Andrew and Sarah, burst into the room. At seven and nine they were a handful. “Grandma, Uncle Gordon, we are here!” They ran to Jenny, almost knocking her off her feet.
“Children, how lovely to see you. Let me look at you. My how you have grown since I last saw you. Where is Mommy?”
“Right here, Mother. How are you, Uncle Gordon?” Rose walked into the room and Jenny could not help but think of Harry. Rose looked exactly like her father. She was tall, with dark hair and his piercing brown eyes. She hugged her mother and kissed Gordon's cheek.
“How is Jake, Uncle Gordon? I read in the newspaper that he is handling a very big case in court this month.” Rose laid her jacket on the back of the chair. Walter appeared and removed it. He took it to the hall and hung it in the closet. Gordon and Jenny laughed.
“Yes Rose, he is doing very well. I am proud of my son, the lawyer. I just wish I saw more of him.”
“No woman in his life yet?” Rose was wearing a blue dress that was very flattering. The shoulders were full, the waist trim and the skirt hung softly, wider at the hem.
“No, not yet. I am afraid I shall never be as lucky as your mother and have grandchildren.” Jenny gave Gordon a sideways look. He smiled at her knowing she understood his sarcasm. They often shared an unspoken private joke; it was something they had developed over the years.
“Well, it is not from my lack of trying. I have introduced him to dozens of eligible women over the years.” Rose took the chair next to her mother.
“Rose, that is a lovely dress. Is it a Chanel?” Jenny was admiring the fine fabric.
“No Mother, a new designer, Elisa Schiaparelli. All the rage on the continent.”
Jenny took Rose's hand. “I miss you, Rose. Thank God for the telephone. Gordon, you and I have seen some changes in our lives; first automobiles and now telephones, the world is changing quickly.”
“Don't forget airplanes, Jenny. I am still amazed that something that big can fly through the air.” Gordon lifted Sarah up and settled her on his knee. She sat still for about one minute before squirming.
“It is lovely to hear your voice, Mother, even through all the static. The children are always thrilled to talk to you.” Rose reached into her bag. “Sarah, go and play with your brother. I am afraid they are full of energy after the long train trip from London.”
“Sarah, you and Andrew can go and find Walter. I am sure he will have something interesting to show you.” Jenny was happy to have the room filled with laughter again. The two dark haired children ran from the room giggling at some shared secret.
“Mother, here are the photographs that Ralph took when we were here last. He wanted me to be sure and give them to you and he sends his love. He's sorry he couldn't come with us.”
Jenny took the photographs from Rose. “Why, Rose these photos make me look much younger. Tell Ralph I am eternally grateful. I was afraid I would look like an old woman.” There were dozens of lovely shots of her in the garden, in the house and one particularly flattering shot of her on the stairs. This one she gave to Gordon. “Here, Gordon, now you can talk to me even when I am not with you.” The two laughed. He put the photo in his pocket.
“I also brought you a new family picture.” Rose handed Jenny a framed photo of her family. Ralph, tall and blond, and Rose and the two children, all dark headed, stood in front of the Eiffel Tower. Broad smiles told how happy they were.
During her visit, Rose told Jenny that the family was thinking of moving back to London. Hitler was growing greedy for more and more power and land, and Ralph felt that they would be safer back in England. Jenny was happy to hear the news. She missed her daughter. Ralph was a successful photographer, and Jenny knew that he could work anywhere. The train between Edinburgh and London was very convenient and she could visit often.
Rose and the children's visit went very well, but after two weeks, Jenny was happy to see them off on the train. She loved the children dearly, but they were tiring. Even Walter was worn out after the visit. “Now the house will be quiet again.” Walter was a man of few words and Jenny laughed.
“Yes, Walter just the two of us. Nice and quiet and peaceful, just the way we like it.” Jenny took his arm and he walked her to the car.
Walter and Jenny had a quiet routine to their lives. Every night they sat in the dining room and enjoyed their evening meal together. It took Jenny months to convince Walter that he should eat with her instead of in the kitchen with the rest of the staff. Now he was very comfortable with the arrangement. He knew which fork to use, how to pour the wine and was sure to thank the maid when she served him. Jenny was proud of Walter. After supper she would read with him for an hour before he retired to his room. Walter managed most of the words, but often Jenny would have to help him. He especially liked books by Rudyard Kipling.
The following week Gordon went to the reunion in one of the large hotels in Edinburgh. His six pals were waiting. “Chaps, good to see you.” The men were older and wiser than they had been at the first reunion, but the camaraderie was still strong. “Spuds, nice to see you. Sandhog, old pal. How are you?” Gordon clamped his pal on the shoulder. It was good to see all of them again.
“Not bad, Scot
ty, and you?” The men replied in unison. The old nicknames still stuck after all these years. Gordon and the men enjoyed a wonderful lunch of roast beef, roasted potatoes and peas. Conversation turned to politics.
“What do you think of Chamberlain? He doesn't have much experience with foreign affairs.”
“True, but Europe is in crisis right now, so he better learn fast. I hope we don't have to watch our sons march off to war like we did.”
“The bloody Germans are making a lot of noise about the Jews. Synagogues, stores all burned to the ground. It is not a good scenario.”
“Good thing old Seadog isn't here to see this. He would be signing up again.” The men laughed at the reference to their friend, Seadog. He was a dedicated defender of the Empire.
“Don't forget the Japanese. There is a lot of unrest in China and Japan.”
The conversations continued, each man praying that his son would not have to experience what he himself had seen. After a great meal and good conversation, satisfied, they sat in the smoking room of the hotel enjoying a good cigar and brandy. An hour later, four of the men retired for the night, leaving Gordon and his mate Sandhog alone.
“So, Tim, how is life in London?” Gordon had always liked Tim McKitterek. The two had shared much in the trenches of WWI and Tim, like Gordon, had aged. His red hair was dusted with white and his face showed the years, but his tall frame was still straight and strong.
“I am enjoying the business, Scotty. McKitterek Mercantile has six outlets now. It keeps me busy, but I miss my wife, Elizabeth. She passed away last year of pneumonia. The children and the grandchildren are my life now. I have some pictures of the grandkids.” Tim showed Gordon his photos. “Hard to believe my son, Brian, is thirty two years old. It makes me feel old.” Tim loosened his tie. “How about your son, no wife yet?”
“No, I think I am destined to be a man alone, no wife, no grandchildren and a son that is too busy to see his Da. I'm sorry to hear about your wife. My only joy is my dear friend Jenny. She is like a sister, but was actually married to my wife's cousin. She lost her husband several years ago and we have a comfortable companionship. Here I have a picture of her.” Gordon took the picture out of his pocket and handed it to Tim. Tim stared at the picture for several minutes before speaking.
“Did you say her name was Jenny?” Gordon reached for the photo, but Tim was still staring at it as if he had seen a ghost.
“Yes, Jenny Mitchell, widow of Doctor Harold Mitchell. Why do you know her?”
“I think I did once. Was her name Jenny Barstow before she married?”
“Let me think. Yes, I believe it was Barstow. Dear God man, you look like you are going to faint. Here drink this.” Gordon pushed his brandy toward Tim who gulped it down.
“Where is she? Where is Jenny now?”
“Jenny lives out in Leith, by the Firth of Forth. This is very strange, the two of you knowing each other. How do you know her?” Gordon was growing uneasy. This coincidence seemed very strange indeed.
“We grew up together in Watsworth. I never thought I would see her again.” Tim was still staring at the photo before, reluctantly he handed it back to Gordon.
“It is a small world, isn't it?” Gordon could see Tim wanted to know more.
“Tell me about her, Gordon. Is she in good health? Does she have any children?”
“Jenny is in excellent health and yes she has a daughter, Rose. She will be surprised to hear that you and I know each other.”
“Perhaps she has forgotten all about me. It has been a very long time.” Tim's expression was sad and lonely and Gordon felt very sorry for the man.
“Would you like to see her? Tomorrow morning after the fellows tour Edinburgh Castle, you and I will go and see Jenny if you like.” Gordon suddenly realized what he was saying. “I think I should ask her first though, if that is alright with you.”
Tim agreed and Gordon bid him goodnight. Tim went to his room in the hotel. He poured himself a large whisky and sat staring at the streets of Edinburgh. Jenny, my Jenny I have found you at last. Will you want to see me?
Gordon went straight to Jenny with his news. “But Gordon, not Tim McKitterek from Watsworth. How is it possible? It has been more than thirty years since I saw him, and now you tell me you were seeing him twice a year at your reunions. Is this some kind of a cruel trick that God has played on me?” Gordon was surprised at Jenny's reaction. Perhaps it had not been a good idea. Gordon had no idea what the past held for Jenny and Tim and now he was worried that he had caused a great difficulty for Jenny.
“I have mentioned Sandhog many times over the years, Jenny.”
“Sandhog? Who is Sandhog?”
“Tim, Tim is Sandhog. It's slang for miner. All of us had nicknames; I guess I never referred to him as Tim when relating my stories to you. He refers to me as Scotty, for obvious reasons.” Jenny seemed upset. Gordon tried to placate her.
“You don't have to see him, Jenny. Please don't upset yourself. Did something bad happen between you?” Gordon put his arms around Jenny. “Tim said you knew each other back in England, I only thought you might be friends.” She was shaking.
“No, Gordon, nothing bad. In fact, he was my best friend. I always thought I would marry Tim, but after I came to Edinburgh, he didn't answer any of my letters and I knew I had to move forward. Of course, then I met Harry and the rest is history.” She seemed to be regaining her composure. He released her and she sat on the settee. “Sandhog, well I wonder how he liked that?” She snickered. “Yes, I think I would like to see him very much.” Gordon sat beside her. She turned to Gordon and pecked him on the cheek. “Please bring him around tomorrow afternoon for tea.”
He felt much better. He was curious about the two knowing each other and he couldn't wait to see them together. He liked Tim very much and if he could bring Jenny some joy by bringing her an old friend, then Gordon was happy. Gordon turned to leave. Jenny added, “It looks like I shall have a reunion as well.”
Gordon smiled, “Yes, Jenny dearest, it looks like you will.” He pecked her on the cheek and left her alone. Jenny retired for the night. As was her habit, she kissed the photo of Harry that sat beside the bed. “Good night, my love.” She lay in the darkness thinking about Tim and wondering what he would look like after all these years. Tim McKitterek, here in Edinburgh. I can’t believe it.
Chapter Twenty-One
Tim stared in the mirror. In the reflection he could see the hotel room and the remains of his breakfast on the room service cart. He looked at the lines in his face and the white flecks in his red hair. His finger traced the scar that ran from his hairline to his eyebrow. What will she think of you now, Tim old boy? Jenny, my Jenny after all these years, I just can’t believe we will see each other again. He could feel his heart beating in his chest. I feel like a schoolboy.
Walter and Jenny finished breakfast and Walter went out to plant the new rose bushes. Jenny stood in the hallway and looked at herself in the mirror. Dear God, it as been more than thirty years, it seems like a lifetime since I have seen Tim. What will he think of me? She fixed her hair. Taking another look in the mirror, she decided to go and change her dress. She wanted to look her best. She was very excited about the visit.
Gordon picked Tim up at the hotel. He could sense his friend's nervousness. “Relax, my friend. Jenny is looking forward to the visit. She said it was more than thirty years since the two of you were together.” Tim smiled at him.
“Thirty years and a lifetime, Scotty. I am shaking like a school boy on his first date.” The two men laughed heartily as they drove the streets of Edinburgh.
As they passed the Edinburgh Zoo, Gordon told Tim about the recent birth. “We have just had our first litter of wolf pups born at the zoo. Everyone is rushing to see them.”
“Wolves, my goodness, I must go and see them before I leave Edinburgh. Some of the lads were going to the zoo today. We are certainly enjoying our trip to Edinburgh. I am glad you suggested it.”
/> “Have you never been to Edinburgh, Tim?” Tim looked out of the window remembering the one and only time he had come to this city.
“No, Gordon, this is the first time.” He lied.
Gordon showed Tim the huge rock outcropping known as Arthur's Seat as they passed. “I've seen pictures of it, but I didn't realize it was so big. They say the view from the top is spectacular.”
“That it is. You can see all of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and the surrounding countryside from the top of Arthur's Seat. People travel from miles around to climb to the top.”
The men enjoyed their time together on the trip to Leith. As the car pulled into the long laneway, Tim grew more nervous. Gordon sensed his friend's unease. “Relax will you, man? She is happy that you are coming. Why are you so nervous? You were anxious to see wolves at the zoo. Jenny is a lovely woman; she won't bite you.” He laughed. Tim joined him and the tension was broken.
The butler answered the door. “Gentlemen, please come in. Mistress Mitchell is expecting you.” He took their coats giving Tim the once over. Tim was wearing a very expensive navy blue suit with a small pinstripe in the fabric. The shoulders were padded and broad giving his tall frame a fit and trim appearance. His shirt was white and starched and he looked very professional. The butler was curious about the visitor, however asked no questions. He simply directed them to the great room where Jenny was waiting.
Jenny stood looking out the large window at the river below. She loved the view from this room. It was helping her stay calm. She slowly did her breathing exercises. She was nervous but excited. She wore a beautiful pale blue Coco Chanel two-piece suit with a single strand of pearls at her throat and her hair was pulled back in a chignon. She looked both elegant and sophisticated. Hearing voices she turned toward the doorway.
After more than thirty years, standing in her great room was Tim McKitterek. She would have recognized him anywhere. She stared at him. He stared back. Gordon watched the pair with interest.
Finally Gordon broke the silence. “Jenny, this is my friend, Tim McKitterek. I believe you already know him.” Jenny blinked as if coming out of a trance. “Tim, this is my dearest friend, Jenny Mitchell.”