by Shirley Roe
Jenny's servants worked well with the three servants that ran the household in Gordon's absence. Soon the fire was burning brightly and the aroma of steak pie filled the house. Mary unpacked her clothes, looking around her room. The half canopied bed with a high prettily draped canopy and curtains at the head, sat on the south wall. The windows were lavishly draped in damask curtains matching the pale blue color of the walls. The carpet covering most of the floor was cream, blue and pink giving the room a dainty, feminine feel. She had never seen such a room in her life. She put her clothes in the wardrobe and then went to the children's room to unpack for them. This room had two corner windows overlooking the mountainside. A rococo desk accompanied by an armless chair sat between the windows. Two large beds covered in feather quilts sat opposite the desk. She stood in the middle of the huge room, in tears. Jenny found her there a few minutes later. “Mary?”
“Oh Jenny, this place is so big. I have never seen such a huge home. Our tiny flat could fit in this room. I don't belong here.” The young woman wiped her eyes. Jenny went to her and embraced her.
“You will get used to it, Mary. Just give it time, and yes, you do belong here. You and Tim are family to me. I grew up with Tim, and when I left Watsworth to go to Edinburgh I felt much the way you are feeling now, alone and overwhelmed, but it does get better.” Mary looked at her skeptically.
“But the servants, we have never had servants in our lives. I came in here to unpack and everything is already put away. What am I to do all day?” Jenny smiled at her.
“You are to walk in the beautiful countryside with your children. You can relax in the conservatory and watch Walter, who I am sure will be working on the tropical plants in no time and you can enjoy your time here. There is a study hall filled with books, where you will make sure your children do their lessons. You will be busy. Now stop worrying. Let's go and eat shall we?” Mary forced a smile and she and Jenny went down to the dining room.
After a week, they all settled in. Jenny had been right about Walter. When he saw the conservatory filled with tropical plants, he claimed it as his own. She found him whistling to himself, hands in the soil as happy as a lark. “Walter, how are things in here?”
Jenny looked around at the conservatory, burgeoning from glass wall to glass wall with gardenias, orchids, magnolias and camellias. Hanging baskets with cascades of ivy and philodendrons hung from the ceiling. It truly was a breathtaking place.
“I am very impressed with Mr. Gordon's tropical garden. I had to read about the plants because I have never seen most of them before, but I know what to do now. I like it here, Mistress Jenny.” He picked up the watering can and watered a large Dieffenbachia.
“Yes, Walter, I think all of us will like being in Aviemore.” Jenny was thinking that at least they were safer here than in Edinburgh or London.
Mary, who loved to bake, settled in the kitchen with Nadia, the cook. Being young, Nadia and Mary had a great deal in common. The two struck up a wonderful friendship, and Mary wiled away the hours baking delicious pies and tarts. Jenny was glad that the young woman found something she felt comfortable doing and Nadia was pleased to have a new friend.
Gordon and Tim took Alex and Judith fishing as promised, and that night they had some very, delicious trout for dinner. Country life suited them.
Gordon learned that the loch they were fishing in would soon be closed to the public. He explained to Tim, “The Doune of Rothiemurchus has been leased by Lord Darnley for the past five years. He has been very generous in allowing the locals to fish in his ponds and hunt on his property, however the house has been requisitioned by the army for the duration of the war. We will have to find another fishing spot.”
“I hope this doesn't mean the war is following us. I don't want to have to move the family again.” Tim was concerned by the news. “We had a letter from Eddie the other day. He is in France. I have not heard from Brian for more than three months and I am desperate to have a letter soon.”
The butler returned from town with the mail two days later. Tim picked up the envelope addressed to him thinking it was a letter from his son, but tearing it open, his eyes focused on the opening sentence. It is my very painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying of the death of Brian McKitterek. By his majesty’s command I am to forward the enclosed message of sympathy from Their Gracious Majesties the King and Queen. Brian's dog tags were in the envelope. Tim dropped the envelope to the floor before collapsing onto the hard tile. Jenny rushed to his side, “Tim, Tim what is it?” She tried to revive him. “Gordon, Walter come quickly!”
Mary appeared from the kitchen, her apron covered in flour. When she saw Tim she screamed, “No, no not Eddie. Dear God, not Eddie.” Nadia put her arms around the shaking woman. Gordon rushed down the stairs to Tim's side. Tim was regaining consciousness.
“Tim, what happened?” As Gordon helped Tim to the nearest chair, Jenny picked up the letter that lay at his feet. She read the words and looked at Gordon with tears in her eyes. Slowly he took the letter from her.
Jenny went to Mary and told her what the letter said. Mary sighed with relief before crying over the loss of her brother-in-law. Nadia took Mary back into the kitchen for a cup of tea.
Gordon and Tim went into the study; Jenny joined them. Tim was sobbing. Jenny and Gordon tried to comfort him, but there were no words that would bring his son back.
The next day Tim phoned Brian's wife in Ireland. She had received the letter the day before as well. There would be no memorial, no funeral for Brian McKitterek.
After getting off the phone with the war office, Tim explained to Gordon that Brian had been with the British Forces at Mersa Matruh. Mussolini ordered the Italian army to advance into Egypt. The British, under Wavell, responded with a counter attack. The Italians suffered heavy casualties, but the British also lost many men. Brian was one of them. It was December 9th, 1940, the day Brian McKitterek joined his mother in heaven. The letter arrived on the 23rd of December, two days before Christmas.
Christmas 1940 was subdued. The children enjoyed their gifts and the dinner was excellent, but a dark cloud hovered over the celebration.
Mary coveted the letters from Eddie that arrived just before the New Year and then a call came through during the first week of January, and she spoke with him for the first time in months. He had been allowed to make the call when told of his brother's death. Phone calls were very few and far between in wartime. Mary assured him that they were safe in the highlands of Scotland. Alex and Judith said hello to their father and told him they loved him. Mary was happy to have spoken to Eddie. She told him to be very careful, knowing full well that it was a ridiculous statement. The man was fighting a war. She was more worried than ever, now that he knew his brother was dead. She did not want to lose her husband.
On January 22, 1941 the British troops moved along the coast and captured the port of Tobruk in Libya from the Italians, however it was little consolation for Tim and his family. Later, Gordon was disturbed to learn that 6000 civilians died during the bombings on Clydeside, Scotland, in March of 1941. Only 8 houses from about 11000 survived. The war was coming too close for comfort.
Spring arrived with a sunny blue sky and a warm breeze and the tiny crocus showed their heads above the last hint of snow. Walter was thrilled to find so many plants growing around the grounds of the house. Judith was becoming his constant companion; learning the names of the plants and pointing out new species to Walter. Tim was starting to recover from his grief. Gordon had helped him a great deal. There was nothing they could not discuss and it had helped him to talk about Brian. It was a long winter for him and he was happy to see the spring sunshine. He asked Jenny to go down to the loch with him and so she packed a picnic lunch and the two set off to enjoy the heat of the sun.
There was a fine mist coming off the water. The sun was high in the sky, scattered white puffy clouds lingered. In the distance the Cairngorms loomed large, their
snowy caps glistening in the sunlight. Finding a large log, they set up their picnic and sat facing the calm water of the loch. Sitting with their arms about their drawn up knees, neither spoke as they allowed a soft-hued ease of mind to enfold them. It was a satisfying tranquility, with no need of words to fill the silence. Jenny leaned her face to the sun, enjoying the heat it provided. Tim watched her quietly.
“Jenny?”
“Yes, Tim.” She turned toward him.
“Why didn't you write to me when you went to Edinburgh?” Jenny stared at him in shocked silence. Tim looked at her with pleading eyes. He needed to know, even after all these years.
“But I did. I wrote dozens of letters. Why didn't you write to me?” Jenny protested. He looked at her strangely.
“You did? But I waited and waited and never a letter from you, not even one. How is that possible?” Tim wondered if she was just trying to placate him. “I didn't write because I was waiting for a letter from you, Jenny. Don't forget I didn't know where you were.”
Jenny felt a strange relief in her chest. After all these years she finally knew why Tim hadn't written. He had not forgotten about her. She found it very odd that Tim had not received even one of her letters. “Tim, I wrote as soon as I moved into Abigail's house. I sent you the address and I waited for a reply, but none came. You don't know how upset I was that you didn't write to me. What could have happened to our letters?”
“Did you mail them to the cottage?”
“Of course, where else would I mail them?” A strange awareness loomed on his face. Tim looked as if he had suddenly solved the mystery.
“Mother.”
“Your mother, but what has she to do with my letters?”
“I am sure she threw them away. She always thought I should find someone else. She could be a mean and spiteful woman, plus I was the sole support for the family. It had to be her.”
“That would explain it, but it was very malicious of her.” Jenny was starting to understand. “Tim, I missed you very much when I went to Edinburgh and I wrote to you, telling you all about my experiences and my life. I was very disappointed when you didn't reply.”
Tim looked at her heartbroken. “Jenny, I waited for your letters every day. I missed you with all my heart, Jenny. Now I understand. How different my life could have been if only my mother had not interfered.” He turned away, lost in thought. She took his hand gently.
“Life has a strange way of making us do what we are meant to do, Tim. I know I was meant to marry Harry and have my daughter, Rose. That would not have been possible if I had stayed with you. You were destined to marry Elizabeth. She always loved you, Tim. I knew it when we were children. She gave you three lovely children. Don't ever be sorry for that.”
Tim stared at her. “You are right, Jenny. I don't regret marrying Elizabeth. She was a wonderful wife. But, Jenny, it is you I loved. It is you I love now with all my heart.”
Now it was Jenny's turn to look away. She didn't know how to react to Tim's declaration.
“Jenny, look at me.” Slowly she turned toward him. “I said I love you, Jenny. All of these long years and I still love you.”
He reached for her. At first she resisted, but finally she leaned toward him and let him kiss her. She looked deeply into his eyes. She didn't want to hurt him. “Tim, in my own way I love you too, but I still love Harry. I don't know what you want me to do, Tim.” He was still getting over the loss of his son and the last thing she wanted to do was cause him anymore pain.
“Jenny, I don't want you to do anything. I just want you to know how I feel. I am sorry if I have upset you. You are very important to me, Jenny. I want you in my life whether it is as my lover or just my friend, but I won't lose you again.” He stood up and moved sullenly toward the water. Picking up a stone he threw it across the calm water. It skipped twice. Jenny watched him. She knew he wanted her to say more, but she couldn't allow it. She struggled with her emotions for a few minutes. Finally she joined him. Picking up a stone, she skipped it three times.
“Take that, Tim McKitterek.” She laughed at him. He laughed louder. The years and the problems seem to slip away. Now they were young and carefree once again. He immediately skipped another stone and the two continued the competition for several minutes.
“I win,” he shouted, reaching both hands to the sky in victory. “Jenny, you are wonderful.” She smiled at him. This was the way she always wanted it to be, a comfortable friendship. She did love him. With Tim she could be her fun loving self, no pretense, no restrictions. They settled into a quiet understanding in the weeks and months to come. Tim never mentioned his feelings to Jenny again.
The war raged on, and the McKittereks, and Gordon, Walter and Jenny settled into a country lifestyle. Food was plentiful at the farmer's market. They hiked, fished and went skiing. Nadia took Mary skiing and she turned out to be very proficient at skiing, which surprised everyone, including her. Troops were common on the slopes as many of the British soldiers had come north to learn to ski. Some of the soldiers showed an interest in Mary, asking her to dinner or a drink in the ski lounge, but Mary was a devoted wife. She smiled and politely refused. All she wanted was for Eddie to come home and for this war to be over.
Gordon took over the tutoring of the children. His life as a researcher made him an expert on many subjects and Alex and Judith blossomed under his tutelage. Walter liked to sit in on the lessons and tried to absorb as much as he could.
Jenny volunteered at the local hospital. There were not as many wounded men in the small, remote hospital, but help was needed just the same. She enjoyed visiting with the patients, organizing sing-songs and delivering meals.
Tim got to know the local merchants, spending hours in the local pub discussing business. He made new friendships and some good business contacts that he would develop after the war.
Tim and Gordon formed a strong bond of friendship in their time together. They hunted, fished and took long mountain hikes together and it gave them time to talk about many things that they had experienced, in their lives both at war and at home.
In January of 1943, 400 Norwegians traveled to the Cairngorm Mountain region for training in mountain warfare. A special training school, STS26 was set up. The forces requisitioned three other lodges, Drumintoul, Glenmore and Forest, because of the similarity of the terrain to the winter conditions where they would be fighting. The facility was used for training prior to the raid on the heavy water facility at the Norwegian Hydro Electric plant at Vemork.
Gordon and Tim found the training facility interesting, but also unnerving. Why here in the Scottish Highlands? It was a little too close for comfort. The only reassurance they were given was that it was a secret mission and known to very few. Gordon joked to Tim that if they knew about it, so did the enemy.
Chapter Twenty-Four
It was May 8th, 1945, officially known as VE Day and finally, the war was over. Gordon, Jenny, Walter, Tim and Mary gathered around the wireless. The staff stood behind them listening to Churchill's speech from the balcony in Whitehall.
“This is your victory! God Bless you all. It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation, God Bless you all!”
The small band in Aviemore let out a loud “Hurray” Mary started to cry with relief. Now Eddie could come home; they all could go home. Gordon and Tim hugged each other in great relief, while Jenny and Walter cheered with the staff. “Hip, Hip Hurray. It is over at last.” There was much merriment in the small village of Aviemore and every other small village and large city in Scotland and England. It had been a long five years.
Within the week, they had packed their things for the journey home, making all of them sorry to be leaving Aviemore. It had been a wonderful exp
erience. The children, now twelve and ten had grown a great deal both physically and mentally in the hills of Scotland. The servants had left the day before in order to get the Edinburgh house in order.
The ride home was subdued. No one knew what they were going home to. Many bombs had been dropped and homes destroyed. Jenny had received letters and telephone calls from friends in Edinburgh, assuring her that her home was still standing, but she wondered how her beloved Edinburgh would look. Mary and Tim were even more worried about London.
Arriving in Edinburgh, Jenny was relieved to see the lights glowing in the windows and her house welcoming her home. Jenny walked through the door experiencing that old familiar happiness once again. The servants had worked very hard removing the covers from the furniture, cleaning the entire house and preparing a wonderful meal for the weary travelers.
Everyone ate and retired early. They were all happy to be back. Tomorrow they would decide what to do next.
Tim phoned a friend in London the next morning. His main store was still standing, which meant that Mary and the children still had their flat and could move back in. Mary was wondering how she would adapt to the tiny flat after living such a luxurious life for the past five years, but she was anxious to return. She would miss Nadia, but Eddie would be back soon.
After resting for a few days, Tim, Mary, Alex and Judith headed back to London. Tim kissed Jenny goodbye promising to call her as soon as he got home. She was going to miss him; they had rekindled their close friendship in the past few years. Gordon shook Tim's hand and put his arms around him and hugged him. The two had bonded like brothers and now life would not be the same without Tim. Walter told the children to be very good for their mother and promised to talk to them on the phone when they called. He was sorry to see them go. Nadia bid farewell to her friend Mary. The little band was breaking up and everyone was sorry that their life together was coming to an end.
Jenny and Gordon stood in the laneway waving to them until the car disappeared. “Dear me, Gordon, how will we get used to life without them. I feel as if I have just lost my family.” Jenny had tears in her eyes as Gordon, saddened by their leaving, put his arm around her.