Doubting Abbey

by Tonge, Samantha

  ‘Three, two, one, action,’ said Gaynor.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ said Charlie to the camera. ‘Get dialling those numbers – there’s one hour left to get your votes in… And, to help you make up your minds, perhaps, here’s something unexpected. Out of the blue, the Earl of Croxley’s brother has arrived. The Honourable Richard Croxley and his lovely wife have been away on a cruise and, undoubtedly, knew nothing about their daughter’s involvement – or not—in this show.’

  One of the cameras zoomed in on Richard’s face. His wife was sitting next to Lady C.

  ‘A friend alerted us to this matter when we returned from our trip, two days ago.’ Abbey’s dad said and sighed. ‘I can only apologise for my daughter putting you in this impossible situation, Gemma. And we’ve had words with Rupert for not giving us the heads-up. We had no idea. But you did a sterling job. Well done. We’ve watched most the episodes on catch-up. It was quite a marathon.’

  ‘Oh, um… Ta,’ I stuttered.

  ‘But, as for Abigail…’ said Richard and ran a hand over his bald head. ‘We can’t understand why she would let us – and the family—down. I suppose the situation in Africa couldn’t wait…’

  ‘She wanted to tell you,’ I mumbled.

  He leant on a nearby chair. ‘I’ve thought it over and…well…since watching the footage of that evacuee reunion—how having somewhere safe to stay with responsible adults changed children’s lives… It made me think… Perhaps I misjudged young Zachary. It’s shaken us, to be honest, that Abigail would go to such lengths to help him, and I can’t say I’m not worried about her safety, but I’m also…immensely proud.’

  ‘Abigail’s a good girl, Richard,’ said Lady C.

  He nodded and glanced sideways at the Earl. ‘I reckon Mama would have been proud of her as well.’

  ‘She wanted to do the right thing,’ I said. ‘It was urgent. She asked if I’d help out. And Lady C… Lady Constance… has been amazin’—really supportive.’

  ‘You knew about this, Connie?’ asked her sister.

  Oops – foot in mouth again. I’d forgotten that this fact hadn’t come to light in my interview with Charlie.

  Lady C blushed. ‘Yes. I… know what it’s like to spend your life as a spinster, dreaming about the past. I wouldn’t want that for anyone, least of all my darling niece, Abigail. She’s happy with Zak and I’ll do everything I can to protect that.’

  ‘This is all very heartening, folks,’ said the Baron with a snort. ‘But how about we get to the real reason I rang the Earl’s brother, to say he should be here.’ He stood up. ‘Tell us, Richard, mate… You Croxleys are such a proud bunch, mouthing off about the importance of family values. So how come you ain’t seen your brother since you lasted visited the estate, ooh, fourteen years ago?’

  ‘My, my, Nick has been busy,’ said Edward and his top lip curled. He couldn’t take his eyes off Richard, though.

  ‘You two brothers have been estranged for years,’ continued the Baron. ‘Thirty-two exactly.’

  ‘Since Edward was born,’ Harry chipped in and sniggered. ‘Funny coincidence, that.’

  ‘Stop filming,’ said the Earl.

  ‘You aren’t serious?’ said Charlie. ‘Surely you can see, Lord Croxley, the public would find that highly suspicious. It would leave them feeling you had something to hide.’

  ‘Which you have!’ said the Baron and clapped his hands. ‘Let’s cut to the chase: admit it. Edward is Richard’s son – not yours. That’s at the root of your fall-out.’

  What the…? How…? The Earl sat back down and suddenly looked even older, like a wizened centenarian.

  Richard? Edward’s dad? Nah, that didn’t make sense – yet there was no angry reaction or laughter at such an idea. Edward didn’t even flinch.

  ‘Edward is illegitimate,’ said Harry. ‘He shouldn’t even inherit Applebridge Hall. The Earl’s younger brother, Richard, is officially the next in line – and then his son Rupert, I presume. The Croxley remit for winning this show is based on nothing but tall stories.’

  ‘How did Nick find out?’ said Edward quietly.

  ‘You don’t deny it?’ said Charlie.

  ‘No. All these years, I’ve lived with this lie.’ Edward’s cheeks flushed. ‘It’s not been easy – don’t ever think that, viewers. But I…we – tried to do the best for our ancestors.’

  My mouth parched and my heart raced. Really… I mean, really? All this time Edward had lied? What a hypocrite! How could he give me such a hard time for my two weeks of pretending I was someone else, when he’d done that all his life?

  And yet, thinking back to Edward, head in hands, in the library, and to his reaction to comments about thoroughbred Croxleys and him wishing he could be more forthright… Plus moments when he’d seemed to want to say something important to me – all of this made sense now and pointed to a mega tortured soul. A mega tortured soul who treasured honesty above everything, yet was expected to tell porkies about himself.

  I caught Kathleen’s concerned eyes. She didn’t look surprised. But then the loyal cook had previously hinted that Edward had deception in his life. She must have known.

  ‘Nick got suspicious when looking into Abigail’s history,’ said Harry. ‘People in the village never remembered seeing her here before. And Gemma and Abigail’s neighbour, Chelsea, once overheard something about a long-running Croxley feud.’

  ‘So Nick asked around,’ said the Baron. ‘Eventually, he tracked down a housekeeper who’d worked at Applebridge Hall in the eighties. She spoke of how well the two brothers seemed to get on until Edward was born. Apparently the Countess—’

  ‘Stop,’ said the Earl in a croaky voice. ‘That’s enough. Don’t bring my wife into this.’

  ‘Your wife was much younger than you when you got married, wasn’t she?’ said the Baron. ‘Twenty-three to your forty-two. You naughty boy…’

  ‘Don’t use that filthy tone with regard to any member of my family,’ spat Edward.

  ‘Ooh, I could talk all night about your ma, if you wish.’ The Baron’s eyes narrowed. ‘I don’t do losing – I do whatever it takes to win. Nick tracked down several more former employees. Like a gardener who once heard the Countess sobbing by the pond, a few weeks after she moved into Applebridge Hall…’

  ‘The Countess was an incredibly special woman,’ said the Earl finally, ‘and…’ he glanced at his brother ‘…I should have appreciated her more when we first got together. But…’

  ‘This all happened just after Papa died,’ murmured Richard and shot the Earl a sympathetic glance. ‘Applebridge Hall was in crisis, with major electric and plumbing issues as well as a few surprise debts of our father’s to clear. After a few whiskies one night, you let slip that you didn’t think we’d make it through the winter, financially. It was all on your shoulders, James. The next day you joked that it was the alcohol exaggerating the situation.’ His voice broke. ‘I should have been more help.’

  ‘It was my responsibility,’ said the Earl. ‘And Rosemary bore the brunt of my black moods. Papa’s death came just after I’d proposed to her. I…I’ve thought about it a lot, over the years. How I closed in on myself and hardly spent any time with her, for those few months. She’d moved away from her parents. Richard, you were practically the only friend she had. You were both the same age…’

  ‘I never planned… It was just one night, James. Unforgiveable. I… was smitten with Rosemary from the moment you introduced her, however much I tried to fight my feelings and keep my distance, spending time away from Applebridge Hall. But one evening I found her alone and crying. We talked for hours. I tried to cheer her up.’ He shrugged. ‘One thing led to another and we both hated ourselves, afterwards. We wanted to tell you and I kept away as much as I could.’

  ‘I assumed your absences from our home were because I took everything on and wouldn’t let you help,’ said the Earl. ‘I knew how passionate you were about catering and Dad always wanted you to follow your dream
. I just thought it was your business dealings that kept you away so much. It made sense for Edward to inherit – you’d hinted often enough that you wouldn’t have wanted to be in my position, as heir.’

  ‘I would have given up all my plans in an instant if I’d really understood what pressure you were under,’ said Richard, eyes all shiny. ‘I just assumed you were overcome with grief for our father. But you’re right – I never felt like you did about Applebridge Hall.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘The irony is, Rupert is the exact opposite to me and would do anything to run a place like the Hall. Guess genes will out eventually…’

  ‘What happened when you found out the Countess was pregnant?’ Charlie asked the Earl, as everyone listened for the reply in absolute silence.

  The Earl cleared his throat, stood up and paced the room. ‘I was unable to have children. Rosemary knew this before I proposed. It made no difference to her. That’s the sort of woman she was, so…’ He stared into space for a moment.

  ‘So, we came to an agreement,’ said Richard. ‘I’d leave once and for all and never return. James would bring the baby up as his own. It… It suited us both, although… It’s been more than hard, not knowing Edward – my son.’

  ‘So, Lord Edward,’ said Harry sarcastically, ‘you’re not really an aristocrat with rights to a fancy mansion at all. You’re nothing but a bastard.’

  I snorted and opened my mouth to hurl insults back, but Edward caught my eye and gave a shake of his head.

  ‘You think titles, big houses mean anything to me?’ he then said to Harry. ‘I’ve always known the circumstances of my birth and my parents…’ Edward glanced at Richard ‘… all of them, did what they thought was best for me. I’d sacrifice everything to protect the Hall but that’s because it’s where my ancestors were born, grew up and died. I may not be the direct heir, but I’m still a Croxley.’

  ‘That one last time I visited,’ said Richard, ‘Rosemary told me how very happy she was with James.’ He glanced at his wife. ‘The Countess and I both agreed how happy we were, in the end. I thank God daily for the day I met my wonderful wife.’

  The Earl cleared his throat. ‘I never forgave myself for the way I treated Rosemary in those early months. I made it my life’s work to make it up to her.’

  ‘Och, never a day passed without the Countess humming,’ said Kathleen, cheeks flushed bright pink.

  ‘She always spoke of you in the highest terms,’ said Mr Thompson gruffly.

  ‘Abbey hoped this show might bring you two brothers together,’ I said.

  ‘How touching,’ said the Baron and sniggered with Harry.

  But Richard was looking into the Earl’s eyes, then slipped his arm around his older brother’s shoulders. A lump swelled in my throat. Finally, Richard pulled away and turned to Edward.

  ‘I’m sorry – about all of this, young man. Maybe now… Perhaps we can… I’d like to be part of your life, Edward.’

  ‘Let’s not get carried away with sentimentality,’ said the Baron and stared into the nearest camera. ‘Despite all that guff on their stupid blog about being honest, remember, you voters, the Croxleys are nothing special—their family history is just as full of secrets and tacky scandal as anyone else’s.’

  ‘Absolutely correct,’ said Edward. ‘That’s the point. We’re just trying to save our home, like anyone else would. We’ve never held ourselves up as perfect… Not a day has passed, in my life, without hating the deception—people treating me like someone special as the heir to Applebridge. I guess…’ he glanced across at me ‘it’s made me judge harshly others who lie. I’ve been forced into deceiving everyone I meet. It’s hard to understand why anyone would choose that type of life – even for a short time.’

  ‘I’m sorry to have burdened you with that responsibility,’ mumbled the Earl, a tear hanging from the corner of one of his eyes.

  ‘Don’t ever apologize to me over this,’ said Edward firmly. ‘The Croxley family means everything to me. I’d die to protect our name.’

  Richard shrugged. ‘We’re no different from Million Dollar Mansion’s viewers. We all have skeletons in our closet…’ his eyes twinkled ‘…apart from the one our grandfather’s cousin buried under the maze.’

  The Earl’s face brightened. ‘Bless me, Dickie, I’d forgotten that story.’

  Charlie Chingo raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Just before our father died, part of the foliage died in the middle,’ the Earl continued. ‘The gardeners dug it up and stumbled across human bones. Then Papa recalled a tale from his childhood, about Grandfather’s cousin, Ned, accidentally killing a love rival in a fight after a party. Apparently, Ned buried the body in the middle of the maze. Grandfather didn’t tell anyone about it until the day he died, and at that point people just thought it was the morphine talking.’

  ‘So, there you have it,’ said Charlie, as Gaynor glared at him and made various animated hand movements. ‘Viewers – you have a lot to think about as we go to an interval. But, before we do…’ He glanced at Gaynor, who was nodding frantically. ‘We just have time to screen some rather special footage. No one else has seen it, apart from me and the editing crew… We couldn’t manage a live satellite link, but our contacts managed to track Abigail Croxley down in Africa and shoot this earlier today…’

  Everyone in the room gasped. I leant forward and stared at the screen. It flickered for a moment, there was some crackling and… I clapped my hands! Perspiration on her brow, yet hair tidily tied back and in smart khaki trousers and matching shirt, there stood Abbey in a barren field, sun beating down.

  ‘Hello, everyone…’ she said nervously. ‘To my surprise, yesterday, a journalist appeared at the orphanage to fill me in on what’s going on.’ Her voice wavered. ‘First and foremost, I beg of you, British public, don’t blame my dear friend Gemma for her deception. She stepped in to help after much persuasion. Her good heart saved the day and meant I could have a shot at saving both the African orphans and my family home. Plus…’ her eyes glistened ‘… have a chance at reuniting my father and uncle…’

  ‘Emotional poppycock!’ boomed the Baron.

  Oh, Abbey. How I wished she was here. I could hug her tight – tell her that everything between her dad and the Earl had turned out all right.

  ‘And Edward…’ she continued; Edward sat more upright ‘… I know you did try to contact me and Rupert over the years… I’m sorry we weren’t in a position to reply. One day getting to know my cousin… It’s always been something at the back of my mind and turning down this opportunity wasn’t easy.’ Her face broke into a smile. ‘Just let me say, I am hugely thrilled to have another brother, instead. I can’t wait to get to know you now.’

  Oh my God. Of course. Abbey was the half-sister he’d hardly ever met, both of them having green specks in their blue eyes. He must have been doubly disappointed when my true identity was revealed. What with Rupe, now Edward was one of three siblings and not on his own.

  Edward’s face flushed and softened. For one second he looked like a little boy who’d just been handed back a lost toy.

  ‘As for my parents,’ continued Abbey, ‘I’m told they are back from their cruise and there, at the final. Please, both of you…’ she stepped forward to the camera ‘…try to forgive my lies. But Zak means everything to me. In fact, I think I might stay out here longer than expected. Daily, the number of orphans grows. But I’ll be back for Christmas. Why don’t we…oh, I don’t know…have a big family reunion? Baubels and tinsel, fruitcake and turkey – these are all things the Croxleys can at last enjoy together, in the same room.’

  The screen flickered.

  ‘Must dash,’ she said. ‘Best of British. I miss you all awfully. Gemma, I’ll write soon! And stiff upper lip, everyone – even if we don’t win the money, we’ve done our very best. The ancestors couldn’t ask for more.’

  The screen went blank.

  ‘Sentimental rubbish!’ boomed the Baron again. ‘Baubels and tinsel?’ He shook his he
ad. ‘Vote with your heads, viewers,’ he yelled at the camera. ‘I wouldn’t trust these Croxleys with a cent, let alone a million dollars! Don’t be swayed by the promise of Christmas sparkle.’

  But everyone ignored him and his son. As the interval began, the room was silent for a moment and then filled with chatter. However, Edward sat down quietly to one side while Roxy got us drinks. Much as I wanted to go over, Richard beat me to it. Then the Earl joined them and the three men talked quietly. Eventually, Edward gave them both man-hugs. The Croxley men showing such emotion? My throat ached – by now I understood just how much that meant.

  During the forty-five minutes off-screen, I chatted with Abbey’s mum. She wanted to know everything about the African trip and couldn’t help giggling as Lady C and I described my crash course in how to be a lady.

  ‘It’s time for the result, folks,’ said Charlie, after what seemed like just a few seconds. ‘Everyone into position.’

  The make-up girl busied herself with her powder and brushes.

  ‘Three, two, one, action!’ said Gaynor, as I crossed my fingers.

  ‘Rightie!’ said Charlie, to the camera. ‘Here it is – the result of Million Dollar Mansion. Viewers, you’ve been voting in your thousands. The lines closed ten minutes ago. The result has been checked and verified. Please don’t ring the numbers any more as your vote won’t be counted but you may still be charged.’ He grinned around the room and waved a card. ‘So – who has the Great British Public voted to be worthy of this enormous amount of money? Baron? You’ll spend it on converting Marwick Castle into a top-notch hotel?’

  ‘Yes, siree. Babes, beers and banquets. Marwick Castle will gain a worldwide reputation for twenty-first century fun in a medieval setting.’

  ‘And Applebridge Hall?’ said Charlie in a softer voice.

  ‘The Applebridge Food Academy shall be our pride and joy,’ said Edward, eyes bright and forehead lines disappeared. ‘Once outstanding repairs have been done, the prize money would be invested and give future generations the chance to safeguard everything we cherish about our home – the burial ground of our ancestors; the antiquities paying tribute to everyone who has ever entered its doors – aristocratic or not. People residing with us at the Academy will be given a tour, so that they too can share our history. Plus, ultimately, we’d like to strengthen our links with the village and, as in years gone by, recruit more staff from the local population.’