“Well, you’ve failed, as always. Now, dash on out of here, and let me get on with the task you’ve assigned me.” She took the cloth she was using to polish silver and swatted it at him.
“Thanks again. You’re a marvel. Oh, and before I leave, I also want to mention that we’ve a small dinner party planned for the last Saturday in July. There should be eight people present, although I’ve not spoken with all of them yet. Nonetheless, I suspect everyone will be able to attend. I leave the bill of fare up to you. I do wish a full course menu, but it’s not to be over-the-top fancy. I’m sure you can imagine what I have in mind.”
“I understand completely. Now, hasten on your way,” she answered, moving her hands in a shooing motion. “I certainly have spoiled you from day one, Master Jay. I wonder what you’d do without me?”
Win smiled. “I don’t even want to think about that, Mrs. Whitaker. Someday, when I marry, Mother and Father will move to the dower house, and God only knows where Oliver will be off to, but you must promise you’ll always be here to look after me.”
“Never fear. You had better make certain you choose a proper wife. That will be my primary concern.”
“Have no fear,” he answered merrily. “I’ll make certain to obtain your approval.”
With that, Win trotted back up the stairway and continued to the third level, where his own suite was located. Entering the bathroom, he shed his clothing and ran a tub of water. He soaped his hair well, to rid himself of equine odor. When he emerged, he felt like a new man. He padded to the cupboard and extracted a pristine, starched white shirt and gray, casual trousers. When he’d completed dressing, he looked first-rate. He added a dab of men’s cologne and combed his hair into its usual style, parted on one side and allowed to fall across the opposite eyebrow.
He moved back down the stairway to the kitchen. There, just as promised, was a lovely, wicker basket, filled with every delicacy he’d requested, including the cold chicken. He gave Mrs. Whitaker a quick kiss on the cheek, causing a blush to form on her chubby cheeks.
“You seem to be in fine fettle today, my handsome Jay. I do hope whoever you’re sharing this picnic with deserves you.”
“The question, Mrs. Whitaker, is whether or not I deserve her,” he said. Would Josephine find him handsome? He certainly hoped so…
“There isn’t a person in this land who wouldn’t deserve you. I’ll trust your good judgment.”
He thanked her profusely once again and then called for David to bring the carriage ‘round.
***
In no time at all, Win arrived at the Chambers Cottage. He asked David to wait while he rushed rather quickly to the front door, where he rapped twice. Josephine answered. Although it had been but a couple weeks since he’d last laid eyes upon her, she seemed to be even more appealing than the first time they’d met. Her hair was styled in an upsweep, with chestnut ringlets framing her face. Her cheeks were glowing, giving the appearance that she might have been out in the sunshine.
“Win!” she cried delightedly. “I didn’t expect you. I thought you were still at Ascot. I read the newspapers, and I’m awfully sorry Black Orchid didn’t do particularly well.”
“Oh, that… It makes no difference. I wanted very much to get back to Hampshire.”
“Really? I would have thought Royal Ascot terribly exciting.”
“Yes, quite, but I had other things on my mind. I took an early train back from Ascot, and I’ve already been to my home and had a wash. Now, I’m fully prepared to ask if you’d like to accompany me on a picnic. It’s such a splendid day. I’ve had our cook pack a sumptuous array of food for such an outing. I do hope you’re able to say yes. I shall be very disappointed if you’re unable to come with me.”
“Oh, what a lovely idea. I don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure of a picnic. That’s amazing, isn’t it? Picnics aren’t so much a done thing in London. Not frequently, anyway. Nevertheless, what about attire? I’m not certain I have anything appropriate.” Josephine glanced down at the dress she wore.
“What you’re wearing at the moment is absolutely ideal.”
She was clad in a white lawn dress. The gown had wrist-length sleeves and a high collar, and it was most becoming on her, especially with her hair swept up on the top of her head in its mass of ringlets.
“Are you certain it’s appropriate? I truly do want to go. Shall I fetch a hat or a bonnet?” She glanced over her shoulder. “It will only take me a moment.”
“Only if you’re worried that the sun might burn your lovely skin. I think you’ll be fine. I know of a spot with a very large, old elm. It will provide wonderful shade if the sun should grow brighter.”
“I was outside earlier, tending my roses. The sun was heavenly. I think I’ll pass on wearing a hat or bonnet. You’ve surprised me so. I never dreamed I’d be seeing you today, let alone accompanying you on a picnic.”
“I’m absolutely delighted you’re able to go. I took a great chance asking Mrs. Whitaker, our cook, to prepare the luncheon. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t been home or had made other arrangements this afternoon.”
“I can’t think of any arrangements I wouldn’t have changed to accompany you today,” Josephine answered.
“Well, then, we’re remarkably fortunate, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we tell your uncle of your plans? Of course, Andrew is welcome to come along with us, too.” Secretly, Win hoped Andrew wouldn’t be available. His primary desire was to spend the afternoon with Josephine.
“Andrew has gone to look at some livestock with Uncle Roderick. I’ll leave a note, so they know I haven’t disappeared into thin air. Come into the house. I’ll find some notepaper and an ink pen. It should only take a moment.”
This was only the second time Win had been inside the Chambers’ home. While Josephine went in search of paper and pen, Win took a look around. It was quite traditional, in the sense that a staircase went straight upwards from the front foyer, and a parlour was on the right of the entryway. To the left was a dining room. The floors were golden wood planks, and there was a fireplace in both the parlour and the dining room. While nothing about it resembled Winthrop Manor, it was an enchanting cottage and very homey. Josephine returned from the parlour, carrying a notepad and an ink pen. He watched as she wrote in lovely, feminine script, admiring her delicate fingers and oval-shaped nails.
“There. That’s done. Is there anything else I should fetch?” she asked, as she set her note propped up on the foyer table.
“We have every possible thing. All I need is you.”
She blushed and smiled sweetly at him. “What a lovely thing to say,” she answered.
“I mean every word of it. Come. David is waiting with our carriage. I’ll have him drive to the spot I have in mind, and we can tell him what time he should come back to collect us.”
They exited the front doorway, making their way to the Rolls Royce. David opened the door for Josephine and Win, and he introduced her to his long-time driver. They drove straight to an even narrower dirt lane, and then continued on for about a mile. There were no houses to be seen in any direction. The landscape was magnificent. Large, rolling hills and cliffs lined one side of the lane, and the other was dotted with soft green grass and thickets of trees.
“Ah, here we are, David. It’s been so long since we’ve visited this spot. I hoped we hadn’t forgotten the location.”
“No, my lord. I remember it well. You used to come here as a child with your brother, sister and parents on picnics. You’re right, though. It has been a long spell.”
***
David drove back down the narrow lane, and Win and Josephine were left to proceed with their picnic. opened the wicker basket, removing a sizable, red-and-white checkered blanket. He spread it under the enormous elm tree he’d remembered, although it was much larger now. The ground beneath it was quite level, particularly on the side where roots didn’t create an uneven surface. Then Win took out plates, glassware, linen nap
kins, and utensils, leaving the marvelous cuisine prepared by Mrs. Whittaker in the basket until they were ready to eat. He also removed two crystal wineglasses and a bottle of French, white wine. He poured each of them a glass.
CHAPTER SIX
Josephine settled herself comfortably on the blanket, spreading her white lawn skirt over her legs. Win rolled up the sleeves on his white linen shirt and opened the collar. It wasn’t a particularly hot day, but it was only eleven o’clock in the morning. A slight breeze moved the leaves on the trees from time to time. It simply couldn’t have been a more splendid setting. Win leaned his back against the large tree trunk. He began to reminisce about the times he and his family had visited the locale when he was a small boy.
“Time goes so rapidly, doesn’t it? It seems like yesterday that Oliver, Elisabeth, and I were chasing one another round this tree, playing hide and seek, while my parents prepared a picnic lunch. I even remember once making an attempt to climb one of the lower branches. But I fell, and my mother wasn’t having any more of it. Fortunately, nothing was broken. Mother is the disciplinarian in our home. My father is quite reserved but has an even temperament. Mother makes most of the more important decisions.” He smiled ruefully.
“Do you believe she would approve of me?” asked Josephine, as she sipped her wine. It was a bold question, but her concern about his parents’ approval had been of paramount importance, almost from the moment they’d met.
“I can’t see any reason why she wouldn’t. Why do you ask?” He scowled.
“Because it’s discernible that I’m not of the aristocracy. No matter how successful my father was or how well-known, let’s be honest, Win. In the eyes of someone with a title, my family was in trade. I’m wise enough to know that people of the gentry consider those who are in trade to be utterly beneath them. I am well-acquainted with many young ladies who have attended fine ladies’ boarding schools. I’m well aware of those who are and are not considered of superior birthright.”
“I won’t lie, Josephine. Yes, there are certainly those in the upper classes who harbour such attitudes. Hopefully, my family isn’t among them. To be honest, we’ve never discussed the topic. This is the twentieth century. Things are changing. I’d be most surprised if my parents aren’t completely charmed by you. I can’t imagine who wouldn’t be.”
“That’s kind of you. I’d like to believe it’s true, but I have doubts. I suppose we’ll find out when the dinner party you have planned comes ‘round. Does it particularly matter, anyway?”
“Does what particularly matter?”
He tipped his head to one side. He honestly didn’t seem to understand that without his parents’ approval, any future relationship between him and her would be fraught with troubles.
“Whether your parents are charmed by me or consider me beneath you in class.”
“It matters to me,” he responded.
“Why”? Josephine felt a little shiver. She’d been somewhat apprehensive about asking such a question. Would he think she was fishing for compliments?
“Because I care a lot about you,” he said in a straightforward manner.
It was the answer she had hoped for, but her naturally wary nature made her uncertain as to whether she was reading too much into his reply.
“Thank you. I care a lot about you, too, but we need to be realistic. We scarcely know each other, Win, and we truly do come from different worlds.”
“Josephine, please do stop this talk about different worlds. Thus far, I’ve not felt the least bit of discomfort in what you label ‘your world’. I hope you aren’t uncomfortable with me. I don’t see any evidence that you are. We’re simply two people, not terribly far apart in age, who apparently share a very similar world-view. No matter what our lives have been like leading up to this moment. I’m normally a very indecisive person. Yet, when I see something I know is right for me, there’s never any question in my mind. I truly believe I could search the world over and never find another lady like you.”
“I don’t know what to say. You’re going to be an earl someday, overseeing a vast, magnificent estate. We’re like chalk and cheese. I said that to my uncle just the other night. He was speculating on the possibility of a relationship between you and me. I cannot imagine ever being a part of your world.”
“My world is not so very different from yours. The question isn’t whether you can imagine living in my world. Could you imagine living without me in your world?”
His question stunned her. “To be honest, I’ve never given such an idea much thought. That would be so foreign to me. I’ve always been content with my way of life. I absolutely cannot abide phoniness or contrived behaviour. I haven’t met your family, so I can’t comment upon them, specifically. However, in general, most every person I’ve ever met, even briefly, who claims the upper realms of society as their heritage has behaved quite unnaturally. Affected, artificial behaviour. I’ve always been loath to spend even one second thinking about spending my life amongst such people. I realise I’m moving far ahead of myself, Win. You’ve said or done nothing to indicate a desire to have me spend my life with your sort. I am only trying to make clear to you my feelings about artificiality in general.” Josephine surprised herself with her extremely open, forthright words.
“Do I personally assume an artificial or contrived air of superiority?” he asked.
“No, of course not. If you did, I can assure you I wouldn’t be here today. From what I know of you, you’re very down-to-earth and genuine. Please don’t think I’m criticising you. It isn’t you. It’s the sort of people who make up the nobility or aristocracy or gentry—however you wish to phrase it.”
While speaking to Win, Josephine couldn’t keep from thinking that he seemed to be everything a lady could wish for. He is so extraordinarily handsome, she thought. I love his dark hair, his blue eyes, and his tall, slender build.
He also didn’t attempt to camouflage the fact that he was sensible, kind, and honest. He’d undoubtedly make any woman a joyful bride. Still, he was twenty-four years and had already taken part in several Seasons, all to no avail. Apparently, he’d ceased attending parties and balls, and the only activity that attracted him was horse racing. Ascot was obviously his favourite. She was keenly aware that the race drew attention from the Royals and was a “must do” on the debutante calendar each year.
Win was the son of an earl. It would never do for Josephine to allow herself to think he might be attracted to her. He would have to marry within his class. She was very well-schooled regarding the conventions regarding the class structure in Great Britain. Her father had been successful, and neither she nor Andrew had ever wanted for anything, but she knew she would not be welcome in his world.
She felt a slight wave of gloominess come over her. The class system in England seemed very unfair. Even though two people might find themselves highly drawn to each other, those who were members of the aristocracy, such as Win’s parents, would never tolerate their son marrying a commoner.
Josephine had always been told she was a habitually sunny, light-hearted young lady. Yet, the customs of her country caused her some irritation. How silly, she thought. He may be handsome and debonair, but my life can never be entwined with his, simply because he was born into a different class than I was.
“I completely understand what you’re saying,” Win said, interrupting her thoughts. “I also find it difficult to tolerate such behaviour. But what you don’t seem to realise, my dear Josephine, is the fact that our similar views on this issue is one of the primary things I believe we have in common. All of my life, I’ve found myself in the midst of exactly the sort of people you describe. Not every single person assumes such attributes, but I freely admit that a large number do. That’s precisely what I found so utterly refreshing about you from the moment we met. How else to say it except that you’re very real, authentic, and unfeigned? I don’t believe you’ve a pretentious bone in your body. That is an endearing and unusual attribute.�
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Josephine shifted on the blanket. “Your complimentary words are very nice to hear. Nevertheless, if your parents don’t feel I live up to the expectations of the lady they anticipate their son spending his life with…?”
“Then I believe I’d have to try very hard to convince them they’re wrong. If I found it impossible to do so, I’d be very inclined toward leaving the lifestyle you speak of and choosing a different path.”
“Surely, you can’t be serious? That would be mad,” she uttered, gazing at him in shocked surprise.
“Not so very. What is the purpose of living if one isn’t able to spend their life with the person whom they adore?”
“You may believe that now, but years later, when middle age arrives and the bloom is off the rose, how can you be certain you wouldn’t regret such an enormous decision? It would literally mean relinquishing your birthright.”
“Yes, because I know what sort of man I am. If I make up my mind, I don’t change it. You haven’t answered my question yet.”
“Which question?” She frowned, unable to recall what he’d asked her.
“Whether you would be willing to allow your mind to follow in the same direction that mine already has?”
“Oh, Win. I don’t know. You frighten me a little. I’m not certain I’m familiar with the feelings you speak about so blithely. You have some years on me. I’ve just turned eighteen. To be completely honest, I’ve never even been kissed.”
Win set down his empty wineglass. “Come here, you lovely creature,” he murmured, as he opened his arms wide. “Come see what your first kiss will be like.”
In an instant, she found herself in his arms. Next, his soft, tender lips met hers, and the warm embrace intensified. Win held her more tightly, and the kiss became deeper. Her hair stirred a bit when a soft breeze moved through the leaves. It seemed that the birds were singing more vibrantly. Had her hearing become more intense? She felt as though she’d been transported to another place. All of the questions worrying her moments before had vanished when his lips met hers. She wished she could stay in his powerful, strong arms forever. The kiss ended, and she rested her head against his chest.
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