The Fairbairn Fortunes

by Una-Mary Parker

  ‘How lovely to see you. How is little Philip?’ she asked, leading the way into her drawing room.

  ‘He’s wonderful and such a good baby. They always say boys are much easier than girls,’ Beattie replied laughingly.

  ‘You’ll stay and have a cup of tea, won’t you?’

  ‘I’d love that and I’m sorry to turn up like this, but I’ve been to a luncheon party where I heard an astonishing bit of gossip. I just had to come and see you to find out if it’s true.’

  Laura’s heart sank as she guessed what was coming. ‘Who were you lunching with?’

  ‘Priscilla Cavendish. She and her husband live in Grosvenor Square and she invited ten of her girlfriends to have luncheon. I knew most of them, which was fun.’

  ‘Was Honor Montgomery one of her guests?’ Laura asked with a distressed expression.

  Beattie shook her head. ‘No, she wasn’t, but her name was mentioned. Apparently she’d told Emma Fortiscue that Richard’s girlfriend was pregnant and what a shame it was because he doesn’t feel ready for marriage but now he has no choice …’ Her voice faltered as she saw Laura turn pale. ‘Oh my God, so it is true? Caroline’s name wasn’t mentioned so I presumed he’d got himself a new girlfriend. What a bastard! What’s happening? Oh, Laura, what a shock for you, too.’

  Laura covered her face with both hands. ‘Yes, it’s a nightmare but Richard is going to marry her by special licence in a few days’ time. I’d stupidly hoped we could keep it a secret but thanks to Honor Montgomery it’s going to be the talk of the town,’ she added bitterly.

  ‘What about her solo in The Fairy Queen?’

  ‘She’s feeling all right so far and luckily it’s a secret from the ballet world, but I don’t know if it will remain a secret for much longer.’

  ‘Why didn’t you tell me what was happening? Do all the others know?’ Beattie asked indignantly.

  ‘Walter is the only person who knows and I hope he’ll come down to London in a few days.’

  ‘So Lizzie doesn’t know?’

  ‘No one in the family knows. I’ve met Richard’s parents and it’s going to be a Caxton Hall affair. I was going to ask you if I could give a small reception in your house? The Montgomeries suggested Claridges but it would be terribly expensive and I’m not made of money.’

  ‘Of course you can, dearest. What a shock this must have been for you. How is Caroline taking it?’

  ‘She’s determined to continue her career no matter what. I don’t know whether she’s looking forward to the actual wedding. It’s not going to be the big white wedding which both she and I had dreamed of her having one day, but that’s life, isn’t it? Nothing works out the way we planned.’

  Beattie looked thoughtful. ‘That’s quite sad, isn’t it? When are you going to tell the others? Gossip travels like a forest fire and you don’t want them hearing what’s happened from anyone else.’

  ‘I know,’ Laura groaned. ‘I can’t put off the inevitable any longer. I’d better call on Lizzie right away. Oh, God! This is going to be difficult.’

  ‘I’ll come with you. Let’s go now,’ Beattie said, rising to her feet. ‘The car is waiting outside and we can be there in ten minutes. You never know, maybe Lizzie will be so relieved that it’s Caroline he made pregnant and not Margaret.’

  Laura put on her hat and a very smart coat with red fox fur cuffs. Then she picked up her gloves and handbag. ‘At least I don’t have to face Mama,’ she announced pragmatically. ‘She’d have been really shocked at a granddaughter who got pregnant out of wedlock. When you think of it, Mama had nine daughters, six of whom have married and we were all virgins on our wedding night.’

  Beattie giggled and looked at her askance. ‘Speak for yourself, my dear!’ she said in a low voice.

  ‘You mean …?’ Laura looked stunned.

  Beattie nodded. ‘Andrew was very persuasive.’

  ‘Weren’t you nervous?’

  Her sister laughed out loud. ‘I was petrified. Now I have three daughters to watch, although I don’t know how on earth one stops a runaway train.’

  Lizzie was at home listening to dance music on a new His Master’s Voice wind-up gramophone that Humphrey had bought.

  ‘Come in, girls,’ she shouted as the butler announced them. Lizzie continued excitedly, ‘I’ve been to this wonderful shop called Woolworths where you can get the latest gramophone records for sixpence. I want to choose the best tunes for Isabel’s coming-out ball.’ She seized her notepad and pencil. ‘I’m making a list to give to the band that night. Isn’t this one romantic? It’s called “I Cover the Waterfront in Search of My Dreams”.’

  ‘Isn’t that rather a long title?’ Beattie queried.

  ‘It’s the first line,’ Lizzie replied unabashed. There’s also “Let’s Make Hay While the Sun is Shining”! Isn’t that a jolly tune?’ She was whirling around the drawing room with an imaginary partner.

  Laura caught Beattie’s eye and nodded in agreement.

  ‘Some of us have been doing just that.’ Beattie had to shout to be heard over the music.

  ‘I have something to tell you,’ Laura added loudly.

  ‘Wait a minute, I’ll make the music quieter,’ said Lizzie, rushing over to the gramophone where she stuffed a pair of Humphrey’s woollen shooting socks down a hole in the machine. Instantly the sound faded and became gentle background music.

  ‘Come and sit down, girls. So what have you come to tell me?’ Lizzie asked.

  The music had jarred Laura’s nerves and she wasn’t in the mood for light banter.

  ‘That bloody man we met here has made Caroline pregnant …’ Laura snapped. ‘They’re getting married at Caxton Hall and Beattie is very kindly letting me give a family reception in her house.’ Then Laura sank into an armchair, overcome with emotion.

  Lizzie and Beattie looked at each other in silent shock, both hoping this calamity would never happen to their daughters.

  Then Laura spoke. ‘I’m so sorry, Lizzie. It’s supposed to be a secret and I’m going out of my mind with worry. I wish she’d never met Richard.’

  Lizzie rushed over to where Laura was sitting and put her arm around her shoulder. ‘If he’s the sort of man who let’s this happen I wish Margaret had never met him either.’

  ‘That’s what I said when I heard,’ Beattie pointed out. ‘At least he’s going to marry her.’

  Laura felt very relieved that Lizzie and she were close once more and decided to unburden herself completely. This was the moment to be grateful to be part of a large family.

  ‘I’m worried about Walter, too,’ Laura admitted when they’d finishing talking about Caroline’s future.

  They looked sharply at her. ‘He hasn’t gone back to drinking, has he?’ Beattie asked.

  ‘No. I think he’s got a lady friend and I’m terribly afraid he’s going to ask for a divorce. He said he had things to do and while we were talking someone arrived and he told the maid to show a Mrs Hamilton into the drawing room.’

  ‘He’s probably lonely without his sister and this woman is just a friend,’ Lizzie remarked in practical tones.

  Laura shook her head. ‘He’s up to something. I can tell because he’s become rather evasive, which isn’t like him. He’s also booked himself into a hotel instead of staying with us when he comes to London.’

  Beattie and Lizzie exchanged knowing looks and Laura rose to leave.

  ‘I must get home now – Caroline will be back from rehearsing.’

  Beattie got to her feet. ‘I’ll give you a lift, dearest, and try not to worry.’

  Laura gave a wan smile. People had been telling her that all her life and it really didn’t help at all.

  Caroline stared at the words in the telegram she’d been sent. Cold, unfeeling words that made her heart sink with dread.

  Meet me at my flat on Sunday, 3 p.m. Richard.

  Not even a hint of friendliness, far less affection.

  ‘When is he coming back?’ Laura asked. A
t that moment she couldn’t even bring herself to name the man who had caused such a calamity.

  Caroline dropped into a chair. ‘Tomorrow,’ she replied in a flat voice. ‘I’d imagined he’d come here to see me.’ She handed the telegram to her mother. ‘It’s very curt. He’s probably furious that I’m expecting a baby but it’s his fault, too. At least he will be here for the first night on Tuesday. I want him to see what I have to sacrifice for this child.’

  ‘Be sure not to put all the blame on him,’ Laura advised gently.

  ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you, Muzzie. That cable has made me wonder if he even cares for me? Now I don’t know if he even likes me any more. I’m terrified he’ll walk away before we get married next Friday.’

  Laura knew Sir George wouldn’t allow that to happen but she didn’t want to add to Caroline’s fears that Richard didn’t want to marry her. Instead, she said calmly, ‘He won’t do that, darling, and it may be a registry office wedding but you’re going to make a beautiful bride.’

  Laura had designed and made a white silk chiffon dress which was lined with white satin. It had a dropped waistline which was the height of fashion, with floating triangles of chiffon stitched to the skirt which showed off Caroline’s perfect legs.

  That night Laura hardly slept as her fears grew. Richard’s cable had been upsetting. Supposing he really didn’t want to marry her but was being forced by his parents to do the right thing? The thought that her daughter was entering a marriage that was doomed from the start broke her heart. Yet she realized that the life of an unmarried mother would be hard. Where were they going to live? Was Richard’s father going to bring pressure to bear and insist they live in America? Round and round her thoughts went, giving her a headache and she wished Walter was there to allay her fears. Why is he behaving so strangely? she asked herself for the hundredth time. It was obvious he’d met someone else, and her feelings of jealously increased until they consumed her.

  By six o’clock in the morning she got out of bed feeling overwhelmed with worry. One thing was certain. Without waiting to be told she’d take the bull by the horns, and when he arrived in London she’d ask him outright if he wanted a divorce.

  When the ship docked at Southampton Richard caught the train to London and got a taxi to take him to Green Street. Caroline wasn’t meeting him at his flat in Jermyn Street until three o’clock so he had three hours to spend with his parents.

  His mother would be sweet, understanding and supportive but he wasn’t so sure about his father. As he neared his parents’ house he realized he’d only been thinking about himself and how marriage would change his life for ever. Was Caroline harbouring the same worries and doubts? Probably not, he decided. Every girl in the world wanted to get married. That was what the season was all about. That’s why debutants had coming-out balls and mothers with sons were made a fuss of by mothers with daughters. In high society he would be branded as ‘not safe in taxis’, but being pregnant Caroline would be called ‘fast’ and he hoped she wouldn’t mind. Or perhaps people in her theatrical world were more broad-minded.

  ‘So what have you got to say for yourself, you bloody fool,’ grunted Sir George in a low voice so the servants wouldn’t hear.

  Richard had vowed to keep his dignity and act like a gentleman. ‘I’m in love with Caroline, Father, and very proud of her too,’ he replied. ‘She comes from an aristocratic family, she’s very beautiful and I’m looking forward to marrying her.’

  Honor Montgomery said as she kissed him on the cheek, ‘That’s so lovely to hear, Richard, darling.’ Her eyes brimmed with tears. ‘To think that my baby boy is going to get married and you’re so young, sweetheart. Never mind, we’ll make the best of it and I’ve persuaded your father to buy you a nice house where you can set up home when you eventually return from America.’

  Richard looked at his father in surprise. ‘That’s terribly kind of you. I’d assumed we’d live in Jermyn Street.’

  ‘How can you live with a baby in a flat? You need staff and a nanny when you’re married; otherwise life will be hell.’

  Honor sat down on the sofa and patted the space beside her. ‘I’m longing to meet my future daughter-in-law. Perhaps we can go house-hunting together? Her mother came to lunch; she’s quite a determined person, isn’t she?’

  ‘I don’t know. We only met briefly when she and her mother were staying with Lady Lizzie, as everyone calls her.’ Richard’s face lit up as he remembered that night when Caroline had danced for her family and he’d fallen in love with her.

  ‘Are you truly in love with her, darling? No one will blame you if you don’t want to go through with this marriage,’ Honor added.

  At that moment, Richard realized how much he loved and desired Caroline. He longed to share his life with her and have a family of his own. He was ready to grow up and take on the responsibility of a married man. Turning to his mother with glowing eyes, he said, ‘Yes, Mama. I really love her and you must both come with me on Wednesday night to see the first night of The Fairy Queen. You’re going to fall in love with her too when you see her dance.’

  When Caroline pressed the front doorbell of Richard’s flat her heart was thundering in her ears. More nervous than before a performance and more frightened than when she visited the doctor to have her pregnancy confirmed, she felt faint when she heard his footsteps coming to answer the door. Then she looked up into Richard’s face.

  ‘My darling girl,’ he said, taking her in his arms and holding her tightly. She instantly burst into tears as she clung to him.

  ‘I thought you might be angry with me,’ she sobbed.

  Richard picked her up in his strong arms and carried her into the bedroom of his flat as if she’d been a child.

  ‘How could I be angry with you, sweetheart? It’s my baby you’re carrying and, best of all, we’re getting married on Friday. You’ll be my wife.’

  ‘I know my mother went to your parents …’ she began in apologetic tones.

  Richard silenced her with a kiss. Then, looking into her eyes, he said, ‘I’ll admit I was a bit shocked at first but when I really thought about it I was always going to ask you to marry me because I really love you. It’s just happening sooner than I’d planned. What about you and the new role you’ve got? Will you be able to do it now?’ There was genuine concern in his voice. She looked so frail and delicate and he decided he wouldn’t tell her he was bringing his parents to the first night.

  Relaxed and lying on the bed beside Richard, Caroline had never felt so happy and so secure in her life. She was going to have it all. Her career, Richard to love and look after her and their baby.

  ‘I love you so much,’ she said impulsively as she wiped away the tears.

  ‘There’s only one fly in the ointment and it’s a jolly big one,’ he said with sudden seriousness.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘While you’re the toast of the town at Drury Lane I have to leave next week to sail back to New York for another three months.’

  Fifteen

  London, 1923

  Diana clapped her hands in delight. It was the first time she’d seen the elegant house in London which Robert had rented for the season. ‘It’s beautiful, and so light and spacious,’ she enthused, looking around the immaculate drawing room which overlooked the trees in the communal gardens of Royal Avenue in Chelsea. At the other end another window revealed their own private courtyard where exotic plants flourished.

  ‘We will be able to give marvellous parties here, won’t we? This is the most beautiful townhouse I’ve ever seen. Wait until the others see it.’

  Robert smiled with relief. Diana had longed for a house in London for some time, especially when she realized what fun Laura, Lizzie and Beattie seemed to be having. There was Emily and Archie to consider, too. Her daughter was going to be presented at court in May and Archie was already at Oxford reading History, so they could invite their friends to the parties she planned to give.

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p; ‘It’s so beautifully furnished too,’ Diana continued.

  ‘Who are the owners? They’ve got such good taste,’ she asked Robert as she looked around at the heavily draped brocade curtains with swagged pelmets.

  ‘You really like it?’ Robert inquired cautiously.

  She looked at him curiously. ‘Why do you keep asking if I like it?’

  His smile broadened. ‘The truth is I haven’t rented it for the season.’

  ‘Then …?’ She stopped abruptly and looked dismayed.

  He started laughing. ‘I haven’t rented it because I’ve bought it, hook, line and sinker.’

  Diana gave a girlish scream of excitement as she flung her arms around him his neck. ‘How? Why?’ she gasped.

  ‘I had to sell a bit of land but I knew you wanted a pied-à-terre in London. The previous owners have gone to live in Australia so I bought all the contents as well. Then I began to have nightmares in case you hated it.’

  Diana looked into his eyes. ‘How could I not like it, darling?’ she exclaimed, kissing him. ‘I’m thrilled beyond words, and Emily and Archie will adore it too. How can I ever thank you?’

  Robert raised his eyebrows. ‘How about another dirty weekend in Paris?’ he whispered.

  She laughed playfully. ‘Any time, any place and anywhere, my darling!’

  Later that day she decided to drop in to see Laura, who had her hands full because of Caroline’s pregnancy and forthcoming marriage. When she rang the front doorbell of Laura’s flat she was relieved to hear footsteps hurrying to open the door and Laura stood there, a pale shadow of her former self.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Diana asked, kissing her on the cheek. ‘How is Caroline?’ she added anxiously.

  Laura led her into the drawing room. ‘Everything is such a mess,’ she said, her voice breaking. Then she told Diana about the latest developments. ‘So Richard has to set sail to go back to New York the morning after the wedding. Poor Caroline is desperately upset and he’ll be away for three months. Meanwhile, I have to face the prospect of Walter wanting a divorce,’ she added.