Now Gladys had to confess, but before she talked to James, she looked up at the sky and silently talked to God, asking him to tell James to forgive her. “We were happy, James. Toughie came to the flat after the performance and it was like we had never been apart. It was so wonderful that we were both overtaken with passion, and I know it was wrong, but we spent the night together.” James didn’t look very forgiving but she made herself say, “Now I find I am with child.” Then she began to cry again.
James was not only shocked but embarrassed. He had never discussed the subject of pregnancy with anyone, not even his own wife. He was tempted to excuse himself and run off, but he was a gentleman, and Gladys was obviously in a great deal of distress. He paced back and forth in front of her. Finally, he stopped and said, “Oh, dear. Well I suppose you should marry as soon as possible. I shall be sorry to see you leave—we all shall.” He was quiet for a minute, then he smiled and in a cheerier voice said, “I say, why not have the wedding here at Four Oaks?”
“There won’t be any wedding, sir. Toughie is already married and he has gone to America. He will never know about the baby.”
James paced back and forth once again. The act of adultery was not something he could ever condone, and he felt somehow that Gladys had betrayed him. He had put her on a pedestal without knowing it.
Finally, he stopped in front of her and said, “Gladys, you realize that now you have gone and thrown everything you have accomplished away. Your behaviour was not the act of a lady. It was the act of an ignorant and selfish woman. You have a daughter to consider, and I cannot forgive you for putting your needs, or, I should say, your desires, before her welfare.”
James sounded so angry that Gladys was certain he was going to toss her and Dolly out on the street, or worse still, report her to the police. She should never have told him about killing Gaylord. Not knowing what else to do, she began to plead, “Sir, please do try to underst—”
He stopped her, “No, Gladys, the only sinful act I can condone is what you had to do in order to escape from that hell you lived in. Although I admire your tenacity and your struggle to make something of yourself, I do not understand your irresponsible actions with that young man. What on earth do you intend to do now?”
Gladys hung her head and cried, “I really do not know, sir, but perhaps if you would allow me to work for you just until my condition is noticeable, I could save enough money to enable me to look for lodgings in town and perhaps earn enough with my sewing skills to pay rent and keep Dolly and the baby in food. If not, I am afraid it shall be the workhouse for us.”
James paced back and forth again without speaking for what seemed to Gladys the longest minute she had ever known. Finally, he stopped and, looking down at her, said, “Give me a few days to think it over. It has been quite a shock, and I need time to digest it all.” Then, without another word, he left.
Chapter Twelve
During the next week, both Gladys and James avoided making eye contact with each other. The stress of waiting for James to make up his mind was so nerve-wracking that Gladys almost asked him to stop torturing her with suspense. Finally, he sent for her to come to his library. When she entered the room, he appeared as nervous and uncomfortable as she was. He motioned for her to have a seat. The way he paced back and forth without saying anything convinced her that his decision wasn’t going to be favourable.
When he finally broke the silence with a loud cough to clear his voice, she almost jumped off the chair.
James was having trouble finding words to convey what he wanted to say, but at last, he looked down at her and blurted it out in such a rush that each word ran into the other. She stared at him with a puzzled expression until he realized that his outburst was incoherent.
After a few deep breaths, he calmed down and began again, this time in a much quieter manner. “I have thought this over very carefully, and I have decided that the best thing for you, and for Dolly, would be for you and I to be married.”
Gladys could hardly believe that she heard him correctly and was afraid to answer in case her ears had deceived her. James could see she was struggling with the idea, and he feared he had made a fool of himself. His face turned red with embarrassment, and he regretted his offer.
Then Gladys asked, “Did I hear you right, sir? Did you just ask me to marry you?”
It was too late for James to refute his words, so he just nodded his head.
“I am sorry, sir, but you have taken me so by surprise that I really do not know what to say.”
Without looking at her, he answered, “You need not say anything right now. I have made you a proposal and shall leave you to think it over. But I would suggest the sooner, the better.” Then he quickly left the room as he added, “Let me know when you decide.”
James didn’t have to tell Gladys that a swift answer was imperative, and she only took the rest of that day and that night to come to a decision. She realized that marrying James would not only solve her problem, but provide her with a life of luxury, and Dolly would benefit as well. However, she was not the least attracted to him physically. He was twenty years her senior and had none of the rugged features that she admired most in a man.
The knowledge that she could hurt him nagged at her like a festered sliver, but so did the thoughts of being sent to the workhouse. She spent most of the night imagining what her future would be like if she were to say yes to his proposal and then what it would be like if she said no. She had her answer ready when she came down to breakfast in the morning.
It was the most difficult decision she had ever made and the most magnanimous. She met him in the library again, and before she could change her mind, she told him that although she appreciated his thoughtfulness, she had decided to refuse his offer.
James was surprised. He was sure that she would jump at the chance to secure a future for herself and her two children. Her refusal also hurt his pride. He could have had his pick among the wealthy single women in the town, and here she was, practically penniless with a bleak future ahead of her, and she still had the audacity to say no to his proposal. His voice had an edge to it when he demanded to know why.
She stated candidly that, although she knew how generous his offer was, Toughie was the only man she could ever love. Then she tried to explain how she felt.
“When I left Old Nichol, it was as though I left my real self behind, and I have been living a lie ever since . . . that is, until Toughie took me into his arms. For the first time in years, I felt like I didn’t have to pretend anymore. Can you possibly understand what I mean, sir?”
James had no idea why, but he did understand, and he replied, “Yes, I think I can. We all live a great deal of our lives in pretence.” Then, as though addressing the carpet, he added in a melancholy tone, “Pretending to be happy when we’re miserable is . . .” He didn’t finish his statement, but instead shook his head slightly.
After a moment, he ran his hand over his face, as though to brush away unwanted memories, and said, “Anyway, Gladys, I want to thank you for being so honest. However, I think you may have misunderstood my intentions. You see, I have never known what it is to have good friends, except for my brother, Keith, and I suspect his feelings toward me were based on duty, or pity.”
“No, sir, never. Keith had nothing but respect for you. The way he spoke, it was clear he looked up to you,” Gladys insisted.
“Thank you for that, but what I was attempting to say is that I did not realize what a lonely and introverted soul I had become until you came to live here. Thanks to you, I now have friends, and this is a way I can repay you. Will you please reconsider?”
When she didn’t reply right away, he continued, “And, as you know, I am very fond of Dolly. I would like to provide her with a secure future. The marriage would also legitimize your unborn child, and as to any worries you might have about our relationship becoming anything more th
an a friendship, you may count on my word when I promise that shall never happen.”
His promise was all it took to change Gladys’s mind. She searched for words strong enough to express her gratitude but could only say, “I think that you are the kindest man I have ever known, James Hornsby, and I would deem it an honour to be your wife. I would be a fool to refuse. And, sir, you have my word that I shall make you a good wife, but what about Mary?”
“What has Mary to do with this?”
“I know your Aunt Jean was hoping you would marry her.”
“Why would she think such a thing?”
“Perhaps because she comes from a well-to-do family, and she’s beautiful; even I can see how you might be attracted to her.”
“Perhaps Percy is, but she is nothing more than a friend to me. And as far as that goes, you are equally as attractive, and I am not in love with you.”
Gladys clapped her hands together and without thinking said, “I’m so happy to hear that. I mean I . . . oh my, I don’t really know what I mean. But we have had some good times together, haven’t we?”
“That we have, and I shall look forward to many more. And, Gladys, you are wrong about who you are. You are no longer the poor little urchin you were when you were growing up in the ghetto. You have been through a metamorphosis and are now as gracious a woman as though you were born into aristocracy. From now on, I do not want to hear another word about that little waif, so forget the past and concentrate on being the mistress of Four Oaks.”
But Gladys knew James was wrong. That poor little waif would always be hiding behind whatever disguise she wore. Nevertheless, she smiled and thanked him.
James was sincere in his desire to help Gladys when he proposed, but his reasons were not entirely unselfish. His lack of romantic passion toward the opposite sex often troubled him. He hoped that by appearing to be a happily married man, it would add normality to his life. Besides, Gladys was good company and would see that the household was run in an orderly and pleasant fashion.
They went to London the following week and were married by a justice of the peace. Gladys was astounded by James’s generosity and thoughtfulness. Instead of taking her to his flat where she and Toughie had spent their last minutes together, James rented a large two-bedroom suite in an expensive hotel. The suite’s furnishings were so grand and the service so pampering, that Gladys would have loved to stay a month, but because they were anxious to announce their marriage to everyone back home, they decided a few days would do.
James insisted Gladys order a wardrobe more suited to her new role as mistress of Four Oaks, but when she found out how costly it would be to have the outfits made, she suggested buying some bolts of material and making her own.
James refused in such a curt and firm manner that she knew it would be futile to argue. Although she knew she should be thrilled with the prospect of having so many elegant gowns, she couldn’t help but be disappointed. Now that she owned a sewing machine, she would have preferred to create her own styles. On the other hand, she was delighted over the respect and high regard she and James received as they went from shop to shop.
It was apparent that James was enjoying it too, and he wasn’t the least bit reticent in offering his advice on which styles and colours were the most becoming for her. Fortunately, he had good taste.
Gladys was amazed when she happened to glance into the back of one of the shops and saw how many girls the proprietors had working for them. It seemed to her that each girl had a certain job to do, allowing the gowns to be put together in a factory-like manner. The thought of how wonderful that would have been for Millie crossed her mind.
The patterns and materials in the shops were of the latest styles, and Gladys, being quite a seamstress herself, knew which ones to choose.
She had never seen anyone spend money so freely. The entire time they were in London, James spent money in such a blasé and, in her opinion, irresponsible manner that she was afraid they would return home penniless. When she had agreed to marry James, all she could think about was securing a decent future for her and her children, but now she was beginning to understand what it really meant to be the wife of a wealthy husband.
As they were riding from one store to another in a cab, Gladys wondered what sort of an allowance James was going to provide her with. She wouldn’t be surprised if he gave enough to enable her to buy whatever took her fancy. Oddly, the thought didn’t thrill her. Money could never provide her with what she most longed for.
James and Gladys spent four days in London: the first day getting married and signing all the necessary papers, the next two days shopping for Gladys’s wardrobe, and on the last day she persuaded James to purchase two stylish outfits along with accessories to match because it had been a few years since he had bought new clothes for himself.
In one of the stores they visited, Gladys happened to notice a lovely silver case containing an extravagant looking dental set consisting of a toothbrush, a tooth powder box, and a tongue scraper, all crafted in sterling silver. She had never seen such a thing before and pointed it out to James.
When they were back in their suite that night, James presented her with it as a wedding gift. She knew it must have cost a great deal, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness, so she thanked him profusely, saying that he couldn’t have bought her anything nicer. However, she knew she would never use it since she liked her old bone-handled toothbrush and brushed her tongue with it as well as her teeth. Nevertheless, she thought the silver set would look exquisite sitting on her washing stand.
When they left London, they left with boxes of hats, shoes, scarves, gloves, and other accessories to go with the outfits they were having made.
Dolly and Blossom had persuaded Ruby to take them along when he went to the train station to meet James and Gladys, and they were standing on the platform waiting as the train came in sight. Being at the station with the rest of the waiting crowd and seeing the big engine approaching was still a thrill and a novelty for not only the girls but many of the adults as well.
As soon as the train came into view, someone shouted, “Here she comes!” and Dolly and Blossom couldn’t contain themselves. They began jumping up and down and clapping their hands. They kept it up until Dolly saw Gladys and James step down from the train.
When Dolly held out her hand to greet her mother, Gladys ignored the gesture and gave her a big hug instead. “How wonderful of you to come and meet us!” she said. Then she hugged Blossom and added, “Come on, you two, let’s leave the luggage for the men to collect.” She took the girls’ hands in hers and swung them as they made their way to the buggy.
All the way home, Gladys chatted happily about the sights they had seen and the luxurious hotel where they stayed. When they arrived at Four Oaks, Jenkins hardly had time to welcome them home before James said, “Jenkins, please instruct all the staff to assemble in the parlour in thirty minutes. I, I mean we, have an announcement to make.” He and Gladys then retired to their rooms to freshen up.
When her mother said they had stayed in a hotel instead of James’s flat, it had given Dolly a hint of what the announcement would be, so she followed Gladys into her sitting room and, with a sly grin, asked, “What else did you do in London, Mama?”
“You will just have to wait until we are all together. Then I shall tell you, my dear.”
Dolly felt let down. She didn’t think it fair for her mother to treat her like one of the staff. If what she suspected was true, she should be the first to be told and not have to find out at the same time as the rest of the household.
“Run along now, dear, and please tell James I shall be right down.”
When they were all together, James said, “I have asked you all here to make an announcement. As you know, Mrs Pickwick and I have just returned from London.” He paused and cleared his throat before continuing. “I am happy to announce that we were ma
rried there two days ago.”
At first, the servants were at a loss for words, but Freda broke the silence by clapping her hands, and the rest joined in.
As soon as they stopped, Jenkins bowed and said. “Congratulations, sir, mum.”
They both thanked him. Then Gladys looked at Dolly and asked, “What do you say, darling?”
With a weak smile, Dolly offered a half-hearted congratulation, but the look of disappointment on her face was so apparent that Gladys knew she had made a mistake in not confiding in her before accepting James’s offer.
Putting her arms around Dolly, she whispered, “I am so sorry; I should have told you.” The sincerity showed in her eyes, and Dolly couldn’t help but forgive her.
Before James dismissed everyone, he informed them that Gladys was now the mistress of the house and must be treated with due respect. He said a new housekeeper would be hired as soon as possible, along with a lady’s maid for Gladys. Then, having no idea what else to say, he asked Gladys if she had anything to add.
Gladys looked at them for a second while collecting her thoughts. Then she said, “I have enjoyed working with each of you, and I hope you have felt the same about me.” They all nodded enthusiastically.
“I shall endeavour to find a housekeeper who will have the same respect for those under her as I had. I expect all of you to maintain your high standards of work and loyalty to her as you did toward me. I shall still be here if any of you are in need of my help, and, until we find a good and honest housekeeper, I shall continue with the job myself. Now, are there any questions?”
Jenkins spoke up, “Mum, will you be taking your meals with sir?”
Gladys didn’t get a chance to answer before James said, “Yes, Jenkins. Both Mrs Hornsby and Miss Dolly will take all their meals with me, either in the conservatory or the dining room, unless otherwise requested.”
The first dinner they shared together as a family was in the large formal dining room. The table was long enough to seat thirty people, and they looked and felt so lost sitting down at one end that after Jenkins and the footman left the room they broke into laughter. That was the last time they ate there unless they had guests. The conservatory was closer to the kitchen, had a table large enough for three people, and was much brighter.
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