The pleading look Joshua sent to Sara made her say, ‘Then we do accept your very kind invitation.’
‘Excellent!’ The Andersons were all clearly delighted, and James hurried off to fight his way through the crowd surrounding the twins.
Chapter Eight
The Andersons lived in a beautiful mansion on the outskirts of Winchester and Sara loved the house the moment she walked inside. It was larger than their London house but, unlike the air of discord prevalent in their residence, this place immediately engulfed them in a feeling of happiness.
James was excited to see them, and as soon as introductions were over he took the twins to the music room, stating that it was at their disposal at all times. No one would be offended if they wanted to work with their tutor while they had the chance.
‘We’ve had the piano tuned for you.’ He beamed at his friend. ‘Try it.’
‘But we have only just arrived.’ Lillia looked doubtful. ‘It would appear very rude of us to shut ourselves away in here so soon.’
‘No one will mind and I know they will love to hear you play and sing.’
Lester didn’t need any further urging. It was a fine instrument – almost as good as the one he had at home. He played a short piece and nodded with approval, and then he winked at his sister and played the introduction to a carol.
Giving a gurgle of laughter, Lillia pulled James and the professor to stand with her by the piano. ‘We will all sing together.’
General George Anderson strode into the entrance hall of his house to greet Alex Stansfield and his parents, Charles and Jane. ‘We are delighted you could join us.’
‘Thank you for inviting us.’ Alex tipped his head to one side and smiled. ‘I hear your musicians have arrived.’
‘Isn’t that a happy sound? All the youngsters have joined in.’ George laughed and then immediately became serious, leading Alex to a side room. ‘Want a quiet word with you before we become immersed in the festivities. Gilbert Holdsworth hasn’t come, and that’s a damned shame. I wanted to meet him. His wife is a charming, well-bred woman and I can’t understand why he isn’t here spending time with his delightful family. Not right.’ George shook his head. ‘It’s as if the man doesn’t want to meet any of us. What do you know about him?’
‘Nothing. I’ve had my captain searching army records, but the only one we’ve found by that name would now be over a hundred years old. Bob’s still looking to see if some records have been lost.’
‘Hmm, unlikely. I’ll see if I can unearth anything. Now, come and meet everyone and then we can join in the carol singing.’
Everyone in the house had gravitated to the music room and was singing at the tops of their voices. Alex laughed with amusement when he saw Joshua standing by the piano and conducting the singers as if they were an orchestra. It was a delightful scene and when he looked at Sara’s happy face he knew what George had meant. How could any man leave his beautiful wife and lovely children to spend Christmas away from him? At that moment he felt a pang of regret that he had never married and had children of his own. The army was his life. It was a choice he had made, but when Sara turned her head and smiled at him, he wondered if it had been the right decision. Returning the smile, he stepped towards her. If her husband was foolish enough to abandon her at this time, then he would happily keep her company for the next few days.
Ruth stood in the entrance hall and peered round the pile of parcels she was carrying. She grinned. ‘Uncle George, they’ve come!’
He dived to catch two parcels as they toppled from the heap. ‘We told our guests not to bring presents – we have plenty for everyone.’
‘I’m not a guest,’ she replied, loading him up with more packages. ‘I’m your niece so that makes me family. The blue presents are for the men, gold for the women and pink for the children. Help me put them round the tree and then I want to meet these wonderful musicians I’ve heard so much about.’
‘Don’t you want to change first?’ he asked as they arranged the colourful boxes with the enormous pile already around the tree.
‘I’ll do that later.’
George shook his head as he watched her run towards the music room, determined not to miss the fun. She was incorrigible, and he adored his independent niece. Her character had shown up when she was just a baby. If anyone tried to help her when she had been trying to walk she would scowl and push them away, making it very clear that she was going to do this on her own. The child had grown into a lovely young girl who knew her own mind. When she had announced that she was going to become a nurse, no one had tried to stop her.
He stood up and went to join the carol singers, a smile on his face. Ruth should have been a boy. What a fine soldier she would have made.
His wife, Emma, caught him before he made it to the music room. ‘As soon as there is a pause in the singing, would you tell them that refreshments are in the dining room? Many of our guests must be hungry after their journeys. James didn’t give me a chance to see if they wanted anything. The moment Sara and her children arrived he whisked them off to the music room.’
‘I know, and as soon as his friend started playing everyone else rushed in there. We are going to have a musical Christmas, my dear.’
‘Do you think the twins would entertain us one day?’
‘I am sure they would. From what James has told me, music has been their whole life. He felt Lester was distressed when he arrived at the academy, but he settled in and did well after Alex allowed him access to the piano in the lounge. It was kind of Alex to allow him to do that.’ He paused for a moment. ‘It’s a shame General Holdsworth couldn’t come. I would have liked to meet him.’
‘So would everyone,’ his wife replied.
George shrugged and opened the door. ‘I’ll break this up so our guests can have something to eat and drink.’
‘Hello. I’m Ruth.’ She held out her hand to Lillia. ‘James is my cousin.’
‘Lovely to meet you.’ She juggled with a plate she was holding so they could shake hands. ‘Have you met my brother yet?’
‘I haven’t been able to get near him. Every female in the house wants to talk to him.’ She grinned. ‘He’s so handsome and I bet he looks wonderful in uniform.’
‘He does, but he shouldn’t be training to be a soldier.’ Her eyes showed her concern as she looked across the room at her adored twin, but she quickly put a smile back on her face. ‘You look smart in your uniform as well.’
‘I’ve just come from the hospital and haven’t had time to change yet. Let’s find a place to sit so we can talk, and as soon as your brother is free you can introduce me to him. I’ll just get some more food – I’m starving.’
Lillia waited while Ruth piled a plate with delicacies. She was curious to find out why a girl from such a wealthy family should be working as a nurse.
They found a couple a chairs away from the crowd so they could talk without raising their voices. Always direct, Lillia asked, ‘What made you go into nursing?’
‘It is something I wanted to do.’
‘As simple as that?’
Ruth nodded. ‘I didn’t need to work for a living. My family expected me to do the social round, get married and have a family one day, but that wasn’t enough for me. I have always had a need to be useful, to help people, and nursing was a way I could do that.’
‘Do you enjoy it?’
‘I love it.’ Ruth’s smile was brimming with enthusiasm. ‘It isn’t always easy, of course, and some girls give up because they can’t handle some of the distressing things we see. I wouldn’t want to do anything else because at the end of each shift I really feel as if I’ve helped someone. I don’t need to ask what you are going to do with your life. I have heard so much about you and your brother’s talent that it is obvious music will be your road in life.’
‘We hope so, but that is some way off now Lester intends to stay at the academy. I’m finding it so hard without him …’ Her voice shook with emotion.
‘We had such plans, but they have now been thrown into disarray.’
Ruth put down her plate and took hold of Lillia’s hand. ‘Would it help to talk about it? I’m a good listener.’
‘Well … if you don’t mind hearing other people’s problems it would be a relief to talk to someone. Now my brother isn’t with me all the time I don’t have anyone to discuss things with. Letters are not the same. We have never been apart before …’
Seeing her distress Ruth stood up. ‘Let’s find somewhere more private. You can talk freely to me. I never repeat anything said to me in confidence.’
James watched the girls leave the room and nudged his friend. ‘Wonder where they are going? About to discuss the latest fashion, I expect.’
‘No, my sister is upset about something.’ Lester made a move to follow them but James stopped him.
‘I forgot you are aware of each other’s feelings, but if she’s worried about something, my cousin is a wonder at dealing with problems. That is what makes her such a good nurse.’
‘I ought to go to her.’ Lester struggled with the feeling of distress coming from his twin, surprised she hadn’t come straight to him. Things were changing now they spent less time together. They mustn’t be so reliant upon each other, and that was something they were very aware of. He took a deep breath and waited, his thoughts centred on his sister. Gradually he felt the tension ease and a sense of relief sweep through him. She was all right. He turned his head and smiled at James. ‘I think you are right about your cousin.’
‘She’s a marvellous girl and you can trust her. Ah, here comes Mother with your tutor. I don’t need to be a mind reader to know what they are after.’
‘Nor I.’ Lester laughed, completely at ease now. The look of eagerness on the professor’s face was all too familiar.
‘Emma wondered if you and Lillia would give a concert one evening,’ the professor said immediately. ‘I told her that of course you would.’
‘Only if you would like to,’ Emma said hastily. ‘You are our guests and we want you to enjoy this time with us, so please don’t feel under any obligation to do so.’
‘We would be delighted to.’ Lester was having difficulty keeping his amusement under control. The professor was almost dancing with excitement.
‘That is very gracious of you. Would you mind if we invited a few more friends?’
‘Not at all. When would you like us to entertain your guests?’
‘Would New Year’s Eve be all right?’
‘Perfect.’ Joshua beamed. ‘That will give us time to prepare a programme.’
‘Why don’t we use the ballroom, Mother?’ James suggested. ‘We will be able to get more people in then.’
‘It would be more suitable, I agree, but the piano in there is not good enough for Lester.’
‘We could move the one from the music room.’
‘What do you think?’ Emma asked Joshua.
‘Show me where the ballroom is, dear lady, and I will decide if it is possible. We would have to be very careful with the piano, but I could tune the instrument in the ballroom myself if needs be.’
‘Splendid! Your expertise will be gratefully accepted.’
The boys watched them hurry away and James smiled at his friend. ‘That is very kind of you. Mother will be absolutely thrilled to fill the house for your concert.’
‘We have been apart for months and it will be wonderful to perform together again,’ Lester said with a smile.
Chapter Nine
Sara didn’t think it was possible to pack in another person. The Andersons must have invited the entire district. Joshua had been working with the twins all day preparing the programme for tonight, and was clearly relishing the chance to have his favourite pupils perform to such a large gathering.
At last the doors were closed and Alex came to sit beside her. ‘We have managed to get everyone in. News of your children’s talent has spread and every invitation has been accepted.’
‘Where have they all come from?’
‘Emma and George seem to know everyone,’ he laughed. ‘But from what I have seen of your children, I don’t believe this will make them at all nervous.’
‘They won’t be,’ she replied confidently, ‘but I am.’
‘You don’t need to be. They are exceptional musicians. I have never seen Joshua so excited and I have known him all my life. He adores his twins – as he calls them.’
‘It is lovely to see him so happy. He has been horrified by the thought that he might lose them.’ She turned to face Alex. ‘Thank you for being so kind to my son at the academy. Music is life to him and if he couldn’t play then I don’t know what he would do.’
‘A talent like that shouldn’t be stifled. When I heard him play it was difficult to understand what he was doing at the academy. I believe it was his father’s wish?’
‘My husband arranged it and would not be persuaded to change his mind. He felt they were too isolated from real life and too dependent upon each other. It was hard to see my children parted for the first time, but they are coping well.’
‘They are, and if it is any comfort to you, your son will make a fine officer. He has good leadership qualities and is popular with the other cadets.’
‘Thank you. Ah, I think they are about to begin the concert.’
Alex sat back and relaxed, looking forward to the evening ahead. He had spent a good deal of time with Sara, and from their conversations he had the impression that her marriage was not a happy one. When she spoke about the twins, she always referred to them as her children, never theirs. He had come to like and admire this elegant, dignified woman, and to think of her as unhappy made him sad.
Joshua stepped forward and the room fell silent. His introduction was brief, but the love and pride he felt for his pupils was evident.
The programme was varied and included something for all tastes. Alex had been aware that these youngsters were good but, as he listened to them this time he realised just how talented they were. Now he could fully understand Joshua’s distress at seeing the boy set on a path away from music. He still had the girl as a pupil, of course, and her voice was glorious, but there was something extra special about the boy. He watched him closely, noting the total concentration as he played, the smile he gave his sister in the lighter moments. Alex was struck again by the feeling that Lester looked familiar as he sat at the piano. Who did he remind him of? A name just wouldn’t come to mind though.
When the concert came to an end the room erupted in rapturous applause, and as he turned to congratulate Sara on her children’s talent, he caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes. It was clear to him that this was what she wanted for her children. He could almost feel the pain, and his heart went out to her. There was something very wrong about this family, and he suspected it all rested on her elusive husband. He wished they had been able to get to the bottom of this mystery, but they hadn’t unearthed any information at all and had almost given up. They would have to keep trying, because if he could do anything to help this lovely woman then he would.
The few days with the Andersons had been filled with laughter; they had played games and eaten far too much food. Lester and James had even gone out running one morning in order to keep fit. Lillia watched as the boys ran round a large field at the back of the house. It had turned into a race with them doubled over and laughing at the end. She was happy her brother had found such a good friend, but it was hard to see him moving away from her. That was selfish, of course, and going their separate ways would have been inevitable sometime in the future. It was difficult to accept, though, because it had always been just the two of them, but not any more. Her twin was happy and she had no right to interfere.
‘I’m so pleased James has found such a splendid friend.’ Ruth came and stood beside her.
‘I was just thinking the same thing. They get on well together.’ This was all very new for both of them. They had been close, even being tutored at home, and their who
le attention on learning and music. She could see now that it was right for them to come out of their own sheltered world and meet other people. It was going to be good for both of them, for they must certainly go in different directions with their careers, and their desire to be musicians hadn’t changed. It would never change, no matter what detours they were forced to make along the way.
‘I know twins can have a special bond, so does it upset you to see them together?’
‘No, but what does upset me is seeing all that talent going to waste. I have a voice, and with more training I should be good enough to achieve my ambition of one day singing opera on stage, but my brother is the real musician. He is special and, I believe, meant for a great career as a concert pianist.’
‘I agree that he is an accomplished pianist, but you are underestimating your own talent. You already have a glorious voice with so much feeling in it that it brought tears to my eyes. I am sure you will both achieve your desires for musical careers. In the meantime it won’t do any harm to see what else there is in the world to enjoy, will it?’
‘You are quite right, of course.’ She smiled at the girl she had become quite friendly with in just a few days. ‘How did you become so wise?’
Ruth pursed her lips as she thought about that. ‘I’m not sure I would class myself as wise, but nursing makes you face all aspects of life.’
‘Perhaps that is something I should do. What do you think?’
‘From what I’ve seen of you over the last few days I believe you have the qualities needed for the nursing profession. It would have to be your own decision, though. Don’t do it if it is only to fill the void of your brother moving out on his own. Think about it carefully.’
‘I will.’
‘May I offer a few more words of wisdom?’ Ruth asked.
When the Music Stopped Page 7