Grecian styling had been introduced, which took the hair to the back of the head. It had been a usual style in 1913, but Josephine had never tried it. Many women had begun to have what were known as permanent waves, but Josephine had no need for artificial curls. Her own hair was abundant and absolutely natural with lavish curls, chestnut in colour with lovely streaks of lighter and darker strands, which, Josephine knew, many other women would have given a fortune to have possessed.
After she’d found her perfect frock for the party, Uncle Roderick also urged her to purchase some other lovely day dresses, cashmere chemises, and a new coat, as well as several pair of suitable shoes for the arrival of winter.
Then the two found their way to the menswear department at Harrods’s, where Roderick was outfitted in proper evening wear for the Winthrops’ party. Josephine convinced her uncle that it was time for him to add to his daytime wardrobe, and since he now had men who did the actual labor on his land, he had no need for the rather seedy apparel that comprised his wardrobe. He chose a multitude of shirts, a gray cashmere suit, and several Norfolk jackets for hunting and leisure. Naturally, shoes, gloves, and hats were added. When the day was over, they were both enormously worn out. Their feet hurt, and both were tired from trying on clothing all day.
Arriving back at the hotel, they were happy to see they hadn’t missed afternoon tea. They went to their rooms, had a wash, and then returned to the lobby. A sumptuous tea was being served. They’d eaten nothing since breakfast, so they filled their plates with a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, including cucumber, egg mayonnaise with cress, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and coronation chicken. There were also warm scones with clotted cream and curd, and a variety of cakes and pastries. Naturally, they had their choice of a wonderful range of teas. The feast ended with a selection of delicious sweets, including pain au chocolate, peanut butter fudge, sugar plums, and truffles.
Josephine couldn’t remember ever being so filled with such delicacies.
Andrew came in while they were enjoying the high tea, and he sat down on a soft, comfortable sofa. They invited him to join them. He answered by telling them that he would sit a moment but had enjoyed a hearty luncheon with a chum from school. Their merchandise was being delivered, after necessary alterations, so Roderick and Josephine described, as best they could, the purchases they’d made. Andrew, too, had added several suits, shirts, and ties, as well as the obligatory evening wear. They discussed attending the theater that evening, but each was too tired to think of going out again.
Later in the evening, they developed an appetite again and rang room service for sandwiches. Then they took to their chambers for a much-needed lie-down.
Josephine fell asleep and dreamed about her lovely, new gown, the Winthrops’ dinner, and Win.
***
It was a dream-filled week. Although Josephine and Andrew had made London their home all of the years their parents had lived, they were both older and appreciated it so much more. They visited places they’d seen before but viewed them through new eyes. Josephine, in particular, appreciated the antiquity of the city. She didn’t even remember having visited Westminster Cathedral, although she had, and they even took journeys to such places as Hampton Court, the incredible estate that Henry VIII had built for his second wife, Ann Boleyn. They hired a car and driver, exploring charming villages in the Cotswold Hills, lunched at the ancient Lygon Arms Hotel, and continued on to Bath, Salisbury, and ancient, mysterious Stonehenge. They even discovered small villages they’d never heard of before. Josephine vowed to return to Awre-With-Blakeley, a wonderfully pleasant hamlet that contained an old church dating to before the year 1000.
Their last night in London, they attended The Girl on the Film, which had opened its London production at the Gaiety Theater on April fifth. Each of them had forgotten how much they enjoyed live drama. Andrew made the return trip to Hampshire with them. He’d completed his classes and would begin his new employment soon. Of course, that meant a return to London. He had been fortunate in having been offered an apprenticeship reading law with one of the City’s top solicitor’s firms.
CHAPTER FIVE
When the train arrived at the Winthrop-on-Hart station, it felt good to be back in familiar territory. Their train pulled into the small station, and Josephine turned to her brother.
“How strange it is that a person adapts so quickly to unfamiliar surroundings. Here I am, having spent the majority of my life in London, yet home is now the village and countryside surrounding Uncle Roderick’s farm.”
“Yes. I know,” replied Andrew. “I feel the same way. I, too, have grown to love the English countryside. If my Oxford degree wasn’t in law, I’d be sorely tempted to spend the rest of my days in this area. However, employment opportunities would be nearly impossible to find.”
“You might, at least, give it a try, Andrew.” Roderick spoke up. “If I remember correctly, your chum Tom Drew, the physician, thought he would have to settle in London. Yet, he was able to find an elderly physician who was ready to sell his practice in Winthrop-on-Hart. You never know unless you try.”
“I just may do that, Uncle,” Andrew answered, as he helped to gather their valises and various boxes of purchases. “However, it seems a bit rude to accept an offer, as I’ve done, and then turn around and tell them I don’t want it.”
Although automobiles were being manufactured in various parts of the world, for the most part, horses and carriages were still the prevalent mode of transportation for short distances. Trains were the means most people used to journey from small villages with larger cities. Win owned a Rolls Royce and, of course, the family had a chauffeur. Uncle Roderick still depended on the horse and carriage, although he did have his new automobile. Still, it had been easier for her uncle to wire the stationmaster and request that a car and driver be made available for them. The automobile was waiting at the station. They were laden with much more baggage than they’d had upon leaving. The lovely gown, intended for the dinner party, lay carefully in a large box, protected by tissue-paper. Each of the men had their own purchases, too, but the hired driver assisted in getting everything organized in the vehicle. Josephine wondered if she would be seeing Win again before the anticipated dinner. He’d said he would be riding Black Orchid each day until Ascot, which took place during the first four days of June. It was now late May, so the event was rapidly approaching.
***
As it turned out, Josephine did not see Win again between the end of May and the start of the Ascot race the beginning of June. Although she kept busy, visiting with her brother and tending to her garden, she couldn’t help but think about her handsome neighbor and wonder when she might set eyes on him next.
***
Win was, of course, not actually riding Black Orchid in the world-renowned race. He had a well-respected jockey doing the honours for him, as he sat in one of the enclosures, though not the Royal space. He did sit with several of the well-known owners of many other horses running that day. 1913 was a special year at Ascot, because it was the year that the Ascot Authority Act was initiated, which continued to manage the racecourse for many years thereafter.
Black Orchid did not perform well, but the excitement of owning a thoroughbred running in the most prestigious race in all of Great Britain was a thrill in itself.
Win normally would have stayed at Ascot for at least two nights, chatting with other owners, but he was in a most anxious mood to return to Winthrop Manor. His primary interest was stopping to see Josephine, whom he knew was supposed to have returned from London by then. He left Black Orchid in the stables at Ascot, to be transported back to Winthrop Manor the next day. Then he boarded the first train and headed for Winthrop-on-Hart. He slept on the train, and when he woke, he saw that the sun was up and the sky a lovely blue. The Rolls was waiting to carry him to the manor. He gathered his belongings and heartily greeted the family’s carriage driver, David Carlisle.
“Not such good luc
k at the race, eh, my lord?”
“No, but it wasn’t a great surprise. There were some incredible thoroughbreds in the running. It was a strange race. A man ran out onto the track, causing the horse in the lead to fall, and Prince Palatine, who also won last year’s gold cup, won again.”
As the auto moved along, the two continued to chat.
“I thought perhaps you’d stay a few extra days. We were surprised to receive your wire, saying you'd be returning this morn.”
“Yes, I saw no reason to stay. I have tasks that need the be completed here, and I’m also thinking of making this a special day. The weather is so wonderful. I’ve not had a picnic in ever so long, and I intend to ask Vera if she could put together a nice basket for me.” Vera Whitaker, their cook, made the most delicious chicken, and Win hoped she had some available to add to the picnic basket.
“Have you someone special to picnic with, sir?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. At least, I hope so. I intend to have a wash, change into a fresh shirt and britches, and then try to make arrangements.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve found a young lady in this vicinity whom you fancy?”
“Quite possibly, David.” Win laughed. “We shall see.”
The Rolls Royce turned into the gravelled drive leading to the manor Win would one day own. The house dated to the fifteenth century, although some parts were a good deal older. It had the common manor house arrangement, with the central hall edged by rooms in gabled wings at each end. The large window on the right lit a chapel. The hall had a three-story range in succession along the front, with more gables above it, so the overall effect was quite different from that of most medieval manor houses; instead of the usual long roof of the hall, the house presented a fascinating, serrated outline, emphasized by old-style lime wash on the walls. The house had been added to several times over the years, so it was immensely long and expansive.
Win was out of the car in a flash, and David followed with the luggage. Inside, Win’s mother was standing at a round, Victorian table sorting through the day’s post. When he stepped inside, she looked up. She set aside the envelopes and opened her arms to welcome him home.
“Win! How very good to see you. We were surprised to learn you would be returning so quickly.”
Win embraced his mother. “Of course, you know the race results. Not good for my poor Black Orchid but still an exhilarating experience. I decided I’d rather be back here than spend another night at Ascot. I’m going in to visit with Mrs. Whitaker for a moment, and then go upstairs for a wash and change of clothing.”
“What on Earth have you to discuss with Mrs. Whitaker?” His mother frowned.
“It’s such a glorious day, Mother. I thought a picnic might be nice. I’ve met a young lady whom I rather fancy. She makes her home with her uncle, and he lives in our area. I intend to find out if she’d like to accompany me.”
“Well, this is the first I’ve heard of a young lady. When and where did you meet?”
“Mother, this is not the first time we’ve discussed this.” Win frowned. “If you recall, I told you about her and her uncle, and they’re coming here for a dinner party next month. Surely, you haven’t forgotten!”
“Ah, yes…” His mother nodded. “The neighbors you met while out riding that day. However, I certainly don’t recall you saying anything at all about having developed an attraction for the girl. Is she from a fine family then?”
“She seems to be. Her parents went down with the Titanic last September, and her uncle, who lives near Winthrop-on-Hart, has taken guardianship of her and her brother, Andrew.”
“Have they education? Has she been presented?”
“Oh, Mother, I don’t know every detail about her.” Win hedged. He had no intention of having this discussion with his mother right now. “We’ve only chatted a couple of times. No, she has not done the Presentation, as she just recently turned eighteen. I do know Andrew, her brother, has finished at Oxford. Her name is Josephine Chambers. She’s a charming young lady.”
“You know your father and I would much prefer that you choose a lady of fine breeding and first-rate manners. I hope she meets those requirements. Your father and I will look forward to making this young lady’s acquaintance. You must remember your heritage and the responsibilities that lay ahead of you. The lady you someday choose as a bride will also become a countess.”
“Good god, Mother. I didn’t say I intended to marry her. I find her enchanting and would like to know her better. You and Father will have an opportunity to meet her next month. I think we should keep the dinner party small but smart. I’ve invited Josephine, her brother Andrew, Elisabeth, of course, my friend’s uncle, Roderick Chambers, Tom Drew, the young physician from Cloverhill who’s a chum of mine from Oxford, and perhaps the widow Mrs. Kenslow from over on Lilac Lane. Those are all neighbors. It would be nice to know them better. What is your opinion?”
“I’ve no objection to your proposal. Have you chosen an exact date?”
“It’s really entirely up to you, Mother, but I thought perhaps rather soon. Perhaps the last Saturday in July if you haven’t anything else planned.”
“It sounds fine as far as I’m concerned. I haven’t anything on the calendar during that time. Of course, you’ll want a full course, won’t you, darling? Although these people are mostly strangers, I always like to make a nice impression.”
“Yes, Mother. I’ve already mentioned the possibility of a social evening of this sort to Josephine and her uncle, telling them it wouldn’t be ostentatiously formal. Of course, evening wear for the men and dinner gowns for the ladies. Does that suit you?”
“Yes. I see no reason for jewels and the like. I don’t know these people, and I certainly don’t wish for them to feel out of place.”
“Thank you, Mother. I’m going to have a chat with Vera about today’s picnic, but I’ll also mention the dinner party.”
Win turned and walked down the stairs to the first level, where the kitchen was located. Vera was standing at the sink with her back to him, polishing silver. She had been with their family for nearly fifty years, since she was eighteen years of age. Since the day of his birth, she had been devoted to him. She’d always referred to him as Jay, from the moment she’d first laid eyes upon him. When asked why she called him Jay instead of James or Jimmy or even Win, Vera forever said it was it was because there had been a young man in her neighbourhood, while growing up, whose name had been James, but everyone had adopted the name Jay for him.
Vera loved Oliver, Win’s younger brother, too, but there had never been any question that Win, as the eldest son, was the apple of her eye. She often said she hoped to live long enough to see him married and settled with his own son, ensuring that the family line would continue at Winthrop Manor. Win thought the world of Vera, too. His earliest memories were filled with her sweet, plump face, asking if he would like a batch of biscuits, cookies, or a chocolate cake. While he had been at Oxford, she’d sent boxes of his favourite sugar cookies and wrote long, difficult to comprehend letters, since her grammar and English skills could have used improvement.
“Good morning, Mrs. Whitaker. You look like you’re busy this fine day. Doesn’t Radcliffe usually do that sort of thing?” Win asked, pointing to the silver coffee pot Vera was polishing. Radcliffe was the family’s butler.
Mrs. Whitaker turned. “Oh, I do whatever strikes my fancy, Jay. You know that. This seemed like a pretty morning to tackle such a chore. I’m sorry your horse didn’t take first at Ascot. I followed the race in the newspaper. Perhaps next year you’ll have better luck. Can I prepare something for you to eat?”
“I really never thought I’d win at Ascot. It was pleasant to be there and to see the crowds of people dressed in their finery. Thank you for asking if I’m hungry, but no. I had something else in mind if I won’t be interrupting your polishing task.”
“Whatever you need or want, I’ll be most happy to oblige. What can I do for you?”
Vera asked.
“I’ve decided on a picnic, because it’s truly such a spectacular day. I have a companion whom I intend to invite. Would it be a hardship to ask if you might prepare a basket for me? It would require the usual items. Finger sandwiches, possibly some fruit, perhaps various kinds of cheeses, a loaf of French Bread, and, naturally, a bottle of fine wine? A white Chardonnay, I should think. And if you happen to have any of your amazing chicken, you could add some of that, too.”
“That would be no problem whatsoever. Perhaps also a sweet of some sort? I have some petit-fours left from yesterday’s tea. Shall I include them?”
“Marvellous. You’re a gem, Mrs. Whitaker.”
“Will you be wanting this prepared at any certain time?” she asked.
“I’m going to have a wash and change of clothing. After that, I’ll be ready to set out for what I hope will be a splendid picnic. Will that allow adequate time?”
“Certainly. The basket will be ready when you’re prepared to leave. Can you tell me approximately the number of picnic guests? I’ll have a better idea about how much to prepare.”
“Oh, certainly. There will only be two of us. You will, of course, include plates, glasses, silverware, and napkins?”
“Jay, my dear, when have I ever prepared something of this sort without including proper utensils?” she responded.
“I know. I was only making an attempt to get a rise out of you,” James replied, laughing.
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