Winthrop Manor

by Mary Christian Payne

  The Lord Winthrop stood and went in search of Radcliffe. The Lady Winthrop excused herself, saying she needed to visit the powder room.

  “Our other guests should be here shortly,” she added. “I also need to check on Elisabeth and make certain she’s nearly ready to come downstairs. If either of you want or need anything else, feel free to summon Mrs. Morris or Radcliffe.”

  “Thank you, Mother. I think we’re just fine for the moment,” answered Win.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Josephine heard the rustling of taffeta. Elisabeth descended the staircase a few moments later. She made her way to the drawing room and immediately approached Josephine. She held out her hands, taking Josephine’s into her own.

  “How perfectly lovely to meet you. Mother has just told me your happy news.” She kissed Josephine on both cheeks and then did the same to her brother. “Well done, Win. I’m very happy for both of you.”

  There was complete sincerity in her voice. Josephine immediately knew they were going to become dear friends. She was exceedingly different from her mother.

  “Oh, my, I believe I heard a rap at the door. Of course, Radcliffe will take care of it, but we probably ought to be present to welcome our guests. What a wonderful, happy, cause for celebration. I had no idea we would be marking this date with an engagement. Do any of our other guests know about this?” Elisabeth asked.

  “Only Josephine’s uncle, Roderick Chambers, and her brother, Andrew. The others will be in for a surprise,” answered Win.

  “Well, let’s greet them and make the reason for such festivity known,” said Elisabeth.

  Josephine was very taken with Elisabeth. She was a truly lovely girl. Her hair was not blonde, but neither was it dark. It probably would have been described as auburn but for the occasional lighter streaks of copper-penny red in it. It fell to her shoulders in beautiful, soft waves. She had a typical, English complexion, with cheeks the colour of peaches, like Josephine’s, and a striking mouth with a full bottom lip, which she highlighted with lip rouge. She was a small girl. Her dress was white taffeta, and it had a large, scarlet sash at her tiny waistline. She must have inherited her warm personality from her father, Josephine pondered, just as her brother Win had.

  Before they left the drawing room, Win told Josephine it was time to place the engagement ring on her finger. She had tucked it into her reticule, as he had instructed. He took it from her and slid it back onto her hand. Her eyes welled with tears. The three then left the drawing room, proceeding down the hallway to the great hall. It seemed everyone had arrived in a sort of mass grouping. Then, unexpectedly, the door opened once more. A sandy-haired man with a rather long face and high forehead drifted into the grand hallway, accompanied by an attractive young lady, somewhat over-dressed and wearing a definite expression of superiority.

  “Well, by Jove,” exclaimed Win. “Oliver. I had no idea you would be with us. Mother and Father said they thought you would be but weren’t completely certain. I’m delighted to have your presence.”

  “It was a last-minute decision,” Win’s brother retorted. “Mother mentioned the dinner to me on the telephone last week. I didn’t think I’d be able to make the trip from London, but I’ve bought a new La Gonda Coupe. What a beauty. She’s royal blue and flies on the roadway.” Then, as though he’d only just remembered her, he turned to his companion. “You must meet the stunning lady in my life. This is Lady Cynthia Wilkins-Young of Belgravia. Cynthia, this is my brother, Win.”

  Win took her hand and kissed it politely. “How nice that you could join us,” he said. “You both need to meet all of the other guests. Most importantly, let me introduce the special lady in my life, Miss Josephine Chambers.” Win placed his arm about her waist. Then he proceeded to introduce all of the others who were present.

  “What, no title?” Oliver said to Josephine rather impertinently.

  “Oliver. That’s most unkind. Not everyone in the world has a title, or for that matter needs one to make them feel superior to others. Josephine does quite well without putting on airs. I can’t remember a time in my life when I’ve met a lady with the charm and grace that Josephine possesses. As you’re well aware, I’ve met debutante after debutante, Season after Season, so I feel very well-versed in giving my opinion on whether or not a lady needs a title to be desirable. Believe me, this lovely beauty on my arm needs no title before her name to make her a lady any man would be proud to call his own.”

  “I was only jesting, Win. You needn’t take things so seriously,” answered his brother.

  Josephine brushed off the remark, hugging her uncle Roderick and her brother Andrew, while Win shook their hands. The physician who had been Win's classmate at Oxford, Thomas Drew, entered the foyer next, with Mrs. Lucy Kenslow, who looked to be in her early sixties and was the widowed lady who lived nearby. After introductions were made, Radcliffe took orders for drink preferences. The guests were led to the blue drawing room, where everyone made themselves comfortable.

  Although it was the middle of summertime, Lord Winthrop had requested that fires be lit in both the drawing and dining rooms. They added to the ambiance of the evening. Drinks were served, and a large tray of hors d'oeuvres was set on the coffee table in front of the sofa. Before long, the lot of them were chatting and showing great affection towards one another. Lord and Lady Winthrop made the round of all guests, playing the perfect host and hostess.

  Throughout it all, Win kept a surreptitious eye on Josephine. As far as he was concerned, she was the epitome of a lady, and there wasn’t a person present who wasn’t absolutely charmed by her, with the exception, perhaps, of his mother. Elisabeth seemed to be getting along nicely with Andrew, which pleased Win, since he would be most happy if his sister and Josephine’s brother could be friends.

  Lucy Kenslow was a quiet, rather small lady, who needed to be brought out of her shell. Josephine’s uncle Roderick seemed to be the precise person to take on such a task. He paid a huge amount of attention to her, asking a multitude of questions concerning her life. She had lost her husband some seven years previously, and while the grieving phase was apparently behind her, it was quite obvious she assumed she would be spending the rest of her life as a widow. Yet, by the time the dinner gong rang, Roderick had her laughing at various remarks he’d made, and it looked as if he had done an excellent job charming her. For his part, Andrew was already on a first-name basis with nearly all of the guests.

  When the dinner bell rang, Josephine placed her glass on a table and followed the others into the dining room. The Lord and Lady Winthrop sat at opposite ends of the table, which was set in a formal arrangement with gold-and-white French Havilland china, fine sterling silver flatware, and exquisite crystal glassware. A footman stood behind each chair. Josephine felt somewhat out of her element, yet she didn’t think anyone noticed. Nor did she believe anyone had noticed her lovely engagement ring, but she was actually rather glad, since she and Win planned on an announcement prior to the dinner.

  Certainly, Josephine’s family had not, by any means, been noble, but she was well-educated in the proper manner of dining in a formal setting. Nevertheless, footmen were a little much for her. Still, she was savvy enough to know that a lady removed her gloves and spread her serviette on her lap immediately upon being seated. The first course, consisting of court bouillon, was served, and a lovely Chardonnay was poured into one of the several wineglasses arranged above her charger and dinner plate. There were place cards by each guest’s chair, and Josephine was delighted to see that she had been seated next to Win on one side and Elisabeth on the other. She wondered if Win had made the decision regarding the seating arrangements. The dinner proceeded, with a myriad of genuinely happy conversations and a growing feeling of cordiality among all guests.

  During dinner, Win stood and announced that he and Josephine were engaged to be married. There were gasps, and smiles broke out on each person’s face. Oliver’s lady friend, Cynthia Wilkins-Young, looked somewhat stunned.
It was obvious that she couldn’t imagine a Winthrop marrying someone without a title. However, Oliver seemed genuinely happy for his brother. Everyone toasted them and began to ask questions about when the wedding would take place.

  “Although I would marry her tomorrow, I believe we’ll need to set a date for rougly a year from now. I believe that’s probably sensible,” replied Win. “From what I understand, it takes a young lady that long to arrange for a large, formal wedding.” He chuckled.

  “I suppose it will take place in the Winthrop Chapel?” remarked Oliver.

  “Indeed,” answered Win. “I’m not certain how many guests it will accommodate. I’ll have to figure that. I’m sure it will be filled to capacity.”

  “The next year will be occupied with a plethora of engagement parties and the like,” responded Elisabeth. “This is such exciting news. At last, I shall have a true sister.”

  She looked fondly at Josephine, and they both smiled warmly. After a considerable amount of time discussing the happy news, it finally came time for the gentlemen to gather in the library for brandy while the ladies returned to the drawing room. Conversation was light in both venues, with no controversial comments made. After they all joined together again, it was time for departure. There was no question as to whether all had enjoyed themselves, and new friendships had been formed.

  David was summoned to bring the Rolls around, and Roderick, Andrew, Dr. Drew, and Lucy climbed inside. Roderick put his arm round Lucy’s shoulders, holding her hand gently. Oliver and Cynthia departed in his stunning new automobile. While David was dispensing with the other guests, Elisabeth and Win took the opportunity to show Josephine a bit more of their splendid home. She couldn't help but admit to herself that it was so much more than she had anticipated.

  When the threesome returned to the great hall, David was just entering after the task of delivering all guests to their respective abodes. Win summoned him, requesting that he now make ready to drive to Josephine’s cottage, so Win might escort her home properly. Josephine was very relieved that the evening had ended, and her emotions gave way for a moment. She began to weep.

  “I do hope I haven’t caused irreparable damage to your relationship with your parents,” she said to Win. “I understand your mother’s point of view. Of course, I’m sure your parents have always dreamed of you marrying a spectacular member of the aristocracy. I have to be a letdown for both of them.”

  When the door closed, Win looked lovingly at Josephine and said, “Your ring looks stunning. The engagement will be announced in The Times, too. Stop your sniffling, darling. Everything will work out fine. I love you. I’ve made that clear. I intend to speak with my parents again when I return from delivering you to your uncle’s cottage. We have announced our plans to everyone. Tomorrow by this time, the entire area surrounding Winthrop Manor will have heard the happy news.”

  “Oh, darling, I’m so terribly happy but a bit worried, too. It will be truly official, won’t it? We need to have a long chat about preparations to be made and set a wedding date,” said Josephine.

  Win took her hand, and kissed it. “Josephine I’d wait forever for you, you know that,” he said. “As I told our guests, I’d marry you tomorrow if I could, but I’d like to try to keep peace. I know we share the same feelings. I’m just relieved to know that my parents are being somewhat civil about this. The time will go fast—we’ll be together every moment possible.”

  “I know, Win. I just so wish I could be your wife sooner than that, but I do understand.”

  “Yes, my precious, I know. I hate the thought of postponement for a year, but I do suppose you’ll be making numerous trips back and forth to London, purchasing the paraphernalia that accompanies a wedding.”

  “No, I don’t think many, really. Officially, I’m still in mourning. I believe Uncle Roderick has my mother’s wedding gown, left to me, along with all of her other belongings. I plan to wear it if it can be altered to fit me. Mother was taller than I am, but that can be easily remedied. I’ve never seen the dress, but Mother had excellent fashion sense, so I should think I’ll find it charming and certainly sentimental.”

  “I think that’s a perfectly lovely idea, Josephine. I have to make a trip to London tomorrow to do some financial business for my father, which will give you a day to sort through clothing.”

  “Will you come to see me in the evening? We could dine at Uncle Roderick’s, or perhaps we could go out to a restaurant.”

  “I vote for dining out. There’s a charming, little bistro near Winthrop-on-Hart. I’ll have David collect me at the station, and I’ll come straight to you. Does that meet with your approval?”

  “Of course, Win. You knew it would. Thank you again for a truly lovely evening. Now, let’s allow David to finish his chores. Then you can complete your conversation with your parents, which, to be honest, I wouldn’t be looking forward to if I were you.”

  Win helped her into the back seat of the Rolls Royce, and they vehicle began to move.

  “You will never be seen as a letdown to anyone who cares about me,” Win said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. “I absolutely adore you, and there is no one on Earth I would rather have as my wife. So this conversation has ended.”

  He turned to her and kissed her passionately and for quite some time. When the kiss finally came to an end, both were breathing heavily. Josephine was keenly aware that David was sitting in the driver’s seat in front of them, and he had to know exactly what was happening. She settled back against the cushioned seat, and a short time later, they reached her uncle’s cottage.

  “I think it’s time I take leave,” Win whispered. “I’ll look for you tomorrow about seven o’clock in the evening if that suits you.”

  “Absolutely, Win. Seeing you always suits me,” Josephine remarked as she smoothed her somewhat mussed hair and straightened her dress.

  Win took hold of her hand, helping her to step out of the vehicle. They walked slowly toward the doorway and kissed once again.

  “Until tomorrow evening,” Win said, “and I’ll be counting every minute. Sleep well, my pet. I love you.”

  “I needn’t tell you how I feel. I’m amazed that my feet are touching the ground. I feel as though I’m floating.”

  They kissed once more, and then Win waited as she opened the door. Once inside, she turned and watched him walk away, broad-shouldered and slender, with his dark hair tousled by the slight breeze. Oh, what a lucky girl she was.

  ***

  In the muddle and fuss of everything that had occurred during the evening, Win had completely forgotten about his conversation with his mother regarding Mrs. Whitaker's mental decline. He assumed his mother had sent Tom Drew to the kitchens, but nothing more had been mentioned about the situation. He would try to remember to ask about Tom’s impressions when they next met.

  When Win returned to Winthrop Manor, he nearly collided with Radcliffe, who was in his way out of the drawing room, carrying a tray to the kitchens.

  “Oh, Radcliffe, you still have some work ahead, don’t?”

  “Yes, my lord, a bit,” the butler answered.

  “Do you know if my parents have retired, or are they still awake talking about the party?” Win asked.

  “They’re in the drawing room, my lord,” Radcliffe responded.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Win entered the drawing room to find his parents there, comfortably seated, obviously conversing about the dinner.

  Win’s mother looked startled and put her put her hand to her breast, exclaiming, “Oh, my goodness. Win, you frightened me. I thought you had left to escort Miss Chambers to her home.”

  “I have taken Josephine home. Now I want to speak with you and Father. We need to finish the conversation we started before the guests arrived.”

  “Yes, son, I think that’s an excellent idea,” answered the Lord Winthrop.

  “Father, I intend to marry Josephine. I love her. Don’t think I’ve been fooled by
your seeming reasonableness.”

  “Win, I know what it means when boys your age talk about love. Believe me, son, if I was to give my approval to such a union, you wouldn’t be the first son to wish his father hadn't been so agreeable. If this young lady in question belonged to your own class, or if she were even near it, that might make it a quite different matter. We aren’t upset because you have, as you think, fallen in love, or that you wish to marry, although, you are very young. We’re upset that you should even think of marrying a simple, rustic girl.”

  Win opened his mouth to protest, but his father raised his hand, making it clear he did not wish to hear any more arguments. “Win, this is so utterly ridiculous that it’s impossible for me to treat the matter seriously.”

  “It’s serious enough for me,” Win answered. “If I don’t marry Josephine Chambers, I shall never marry at all.”

  “Frankly, son, that would be better than making a supreme mistake.”

  “She is good and lovely, modest and graceful. Why would it be a mistake? I’ve never put any stock in the foolish laws of the class system. Why am I superior to her?”

  “Win, most parents would refuse to even listen to such nonsense. I am listening and trying to convince you with common sense that the step you seem bent on taking is one that will cause you nothing but misery. I’m telling you simply that Josephine Chambers is not a fit wife for you, the heir to Winthrop Manor. I’m trying to be patient with you. I’m trying not to treat you as a young man whose head is turned by his first love, but as my son, who should be sensible with reason and thought. If you will promise to go abroad for a year, I guarantee you’ll forget this foolish folly. Will you do that for me?”

  “Father, I agreed to set a date for a year from now, knowing how you feel, because I did not wish to bring about a row. Nevertheless, no, I can’t,” Win answered. “I’ve promised Josephine to marry her. I’m not about to break my word. I have no intention of leaving her for a year. I’d be miserable, as would she.”