Winthrop Manor

by Mary Christian Payne

  “Win,” she cried. “Whatever is the matter? You seem terribly upset. Has something happened? I wasn’t expecting you this early.”

  He put his arms around her, holding her closely. “Oh, my darling, Josephine. It’s the worst possible news. Have you not heard?”

  “Have I not heard what? Andrew and I just returned from a short jaunt to Winthrop-on-Hart. What am I supposed to have heard? Has something happened to one of your parents, to Oliver or Elisabeth?”

  “No, no. Oh, damn. I forgot your uncle doesn’t own a wireless or a telephone. Josephine, England has declared war on Germany.”

  “War? Why would England go to war with Germany? Do you think it’s really true?”

  “It’s true, all right. The proclamation has been declared. There is general mobilisation taking place. Our troops are being sent to the Belgian border.”

  “How will this affect us?” she asked, stunned. “Of course, I love my country, but I also love you. You won’t have to fight, will you?”

  “Yes, sweetheart. I’m afraid I shall. The wireless announcer is making light of it for now, saying it will undoubtedly be over by Christmas. Still, I’m not so certain. I’ve never said anything, for fear of upsetting you. Nevertheless, trouble has been simmering abroad for a long time. It only took one seemingly unimportant event to ignite the flame.”

  “What event?” She frowned.

  “It’s complicated, Josephine. Too many occurrences for me to relate have taken place since then. It’s all happened so quickly.”

  “I can’t believe you haven’t said anything to me, Win. You must have been concerned?”

  “No, I can’t say I have been. At least, not until very recently. I didn’t learn about Russian involvement and Germany’s invasion of Belgium right away. When I did hear, I was damn certain we would become involved. It’s a bloody mess.”

  Win slammed his hand down on the hall table. His mouth was in a firm line, and there was no question about his anger and frustration.

  “I hate to sound so unpatriotic, but what is going to happen to you and me?” Josephine asked miserably. She’d just stepped out of his arms.

  Andrew came running down the stairway, stopped, and stared at Win.

  “Ah, God. You’ve heard, too, haven’t you?” he said.

  “Yes, how did you receive the news?” queried Win.

  “I took the horse and cart to the stables after Josephine and I went on a short errand to the village. Johnny, our stable boy, had been told by his parents. He related everything I needed to know. We’re at war with Germany. I can’t stop to talk now. I’ll be back before too long.”

  “Where are you going, Andrew?” Josephine called as he ran out of the doorway.

  “I have to see someone. Someone very important,” he replied as he continued on his way.

  Josephine turned to Win. She looked into his eyes. “I know, without you even saying anything, that you plan to enlist. I don’t know if I can bear this, Win. What is going to happen to us?”

  “Darling, throughout the entire ride over here, I’ve thought about it. There’s been no call-up of troops in England yet. Of course, when that comes, I will have to go. Any man my age, including Andrew and my brother Oliver, will be conscripted. Nevertheless, I’ve made a decision. If you’re in accord, then we must act quickly.”

  “What, Win? You know I’ll agree to any suggestion you make.”

  “All right then. We’re going to drive the Rolls Royce to Gretna Green today. We’ll marry tonight. There will be no difficulty finding a vicar who’ll do the honours. Gretna Green is known as a marriage haven. I realise it’s in Scotland, so it will be quite a journey. I intend to tell my parents I’m going to London to make enquiries at the Department of Defense. You can say whatever you wish to your uncle. Either tell him the truth, or say you’re spending the night with Elisabeth.”

  “I’ll tell him the truth. There’s no reason to lie. He’ll agree with your plan. Nonetheless, darling, what about your parents? There will be a horrible row when they learn we’ve eloped.”

  “I can’t be concerned about them. I only know I need you to be my wife before I leave to fight a war. With luck, the conflict will turn out to be short-lived.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “Win, are you absolutely certain about this? We’re talking about the entire rest of our lives. It’s the most important decision we’ll ever make. They say people shouldn’t make impulsive decisions in the midst of crisis.”

  “Josephine, I knew almost from the moment I saw you in front of your uncle’s cottage that I was going to marry you someday. Well, that day has come. Please, sweetheart. We haven’t a great deal of time. Tonight, you will be my wife. I never thought I’d be thanking the Germans for anything, but since they hold the key to our future, I am grateful. We’re going to have a happy, wonderful life. I’ve never been so certain of anything. I’ve never known anyone like you. So, no more dithering. I shall never regret marrying you, Josephine. To be honest, it’s the only good thing to come of this war. Now there will be no reason for us to wait a year.”

  “When do you plan on leaving?” she asked.

  “As soon as possible. It’s still early. I’m going to return to Winthrop Manor and pack a few items of clothing. Then I’ll tell my parents the story about going to London. I’ll come back here soon—probably within the hour.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Win hastily kissed her and rushed back out the door to mount Black Orchid. She watched him leave and stood absolutely still, trying at absorb everything that had happened in such an incredibly short period of time. Before he’d been gone only a few moments, she ran to the back of the house, where Uncle Roderick was sitting on the porch, reading the newspaper. She was certain he’d heard about what had taken place, but she had no idea if he would say anything about the war to her.

  “Uncle Roderick, Win was here. He’s just left. I haven’t much time. I need to tell you our plans and pray you’ll approve. I know you think the world of him, so please place your trust in him now. He’ll be back in an hour or so to collect me in his auto. We’re driving to Gretna Green and marrying. I’m sure you know about the war. Win says he feels obligated to enlist, but he definitely wants us to be married before that happens.”

  Her uncle sat in silence. He was clearly trying to gather his wits.

  “I must be certain that you truly love Win with all your heart, Josephine. Marriage should be for a lifetime. Don’t let the prospect of war muddle your thinking. Of course, you have my permission to do whatever you both have decided. I’d like to be present to see you wed, but it’s a long trip for an old man. I believe it’s best I stay here. You know I’ll be with you in my heart.”

  “Uncle, you’re so kind. So dear. I do adore Win. You know that. I want to be his wife. If the worst happens, and I lose him in the war, I’ll always be glad I was his wife.”

  “Then you must begin to prepare for the journey. I imagine Win will return before you know it.”

  “Yes. Do you think it would be foolish if I were to take Mother’s wedding gown? I know it won’t be a proper wedding, as it would have been if we’d waited the year and married at Winthrop Manor. Still, I rather think Mother would want me to wear her dress.”

  “I don’t think it would be foolish at all. Every bride deserves to wear whatever she chooses on her wedding day. I suspect Win would want you to bring it with you.”

  Josephine smiled broadly. “Then I shall, Uncle. All right then. I’m going to dash upstairs and prepare for the journey. Thank you so much. I love you.”

  With those words, Josephine turned and scurried to the front hall and up the stairway. She wasn’t frightened in the least. It didn’t matter where she married Win. She would be his wife. It was what she’d dreamt about from the moment she’d laid eyes upon him.

  Dashing about her bedchamber, Josephine gathered everything she wished to bring with her on the journey. She left the wedding gown in the box it had been stored in, an
d added stockings, shoes, undergarments, and the veil. Then she placed two other day dresses in her valise, along with appropriate shoes. She was so glad she’d made the trip to London to shop for new clothing. Because of that shopping spree, she had no worries about a shortage of items for her wardrobe. She changed the frock she was wearing, slipping into a smart travelling suit of creme-coloured linen edged in black braid. The ensemble had a jaunty, little hat of the same colour, with a black feather. She slipped on a pair of black, leather gloves to complete the ensemble.

  In a separate, small bag, she packed her cosmetics, perfume, and hair necessities. On the journey to London, she’d purchased feminine, lacy nightwear. She held those items to the light, dreaming about the night that lay ahead—her wedding night. What would it be like? Her mother was deceased and had never explained what her daughter should expect from the most intimate of all acts. She certainly knew, from schoolgirl chatter, essentially what would occur. However, no one she knew had actually been able to tell her what it was truly like. She simply knew she loved Win and believed with all her heart he would be the one to help her understand everything.

  She’d nearly completed the packing when Andrew returned. She walked into the upstairs hall and watched him as he bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

  “Andrew. My goodness. What is causing you to be in such a frenzy?” she exclaimed.

  “Well, my dear sister, I have wonderful news. You’ll undoubtedly think I’ve gone mad, but I assure you, I’m quite sane.”

  “What on Earth…?”

  “Elisabeth Winthrop has agreed to marry me. As soon as possible. Can you believe my good fortune? Elisabeth Winthrop. That special, elegant creature loves me and wants to be my wife. She doesn’t want to wait until the war is over. We’re eloping to Gretna Green.”

  Josephine was knocked-for-six. Is this really happening?

  “Andrew. Slow down. We need to get everything straight. Are you telling me you’ve asked Elisabeth Winthrop, Win’s sister, to marry you, and she’s said yes? You’ve decided to elope to Gretna Green. Tonight?”

  “Yes. Yes.” He picked her up and spun her round, as he had when they were children. “Isn’t it the happiest news imaginable? Naturally, we aren’t telling her parents. I don’t think they’d approve if I were the Prince of Wales. She says it doesn’t matter to her. I have to prepare to leave. We’ll be taking the train this evening.”

  “Andrew, wait,” Josephine cried. “Wait.” She pulled on his coattail until he stopped. “This doesn’t make any sense. You two don’t know each other well enough to be talking about marriage.”

  “Oh, but there’s where you’re wrong, dear sister. I’ve been seeing Elisabeth for over a year. My last year at Oxford, she was attending a fine school for young ladies not far from me. Actually, Dr. Drew introduced us. They’re friends, and he had taken her to the theater one night when I ran into them. I thought she really cared about him, but it turned out that they are just good friends. We’ve been in love for a good time now, but the difficulty was her parents. We had the same problem you were worried about with Win. Nevertheless, she says she loves me and is willing to elope. Can you believe it?”

  “No, actually, I can’t. Why didn’t you say anything when Win came calling on me?”

  “I’d hoped things might work out. But, if you remember, I did have my doubts.”

  “Well, Andrew, you need to listen to me. You needn’t take the train or any other method of transportation. Of course, you know how much Win and I love each other.” Josephine paused and took a deep breath. “Andrew, Win and I decided earlier today to elope to Gretna Green and marry tonight. I imagine you told Elisabeth all about the war with Germany, just as Win did with me. We made up our minds very quickly. Win is picking me up within the hour. He’s going to tell his parents that he wants to drive to London to check on military ranks and so forth. He’s is going to borrow the Rolls. Elisabeth and you can come with us. I’ve already told Uncle our plans, and you must do the same thing. He was wonderful about everything. We need to get the word to Win, so he’ll know to bring Elisabeth with him. How can we go about doing that?”

  “I’ll run out to speak with Johnny at the stable. I’ll write a short note to Win. Johnny can handle it from there. He’ll ride to Winthrop Manor and give the note to Radcliffe, asking him to pass it to Win.”

  “Wonderful. Oh, Andrew, how perfect. We can act as witnesses for each other. This is so exciting and romantic.”

  ****

  The driving time from Winthrop-on-Hart to Gretna Green was expected to take the foursome approximately four and a half hours. Win received the note from Andrew, told his sister of the change in plans, and at 2:00 p.m., they left Winthrop Manor to collect Josephine and Andrew. There was an air of exhilaration. Roderick bid them farewell and God Speed. Then they were off on their frenzied journey. Elisabeth and Win had no trouble with their parents, regarding the alleged trip to London. Their mother and father had told Win it made perfect sense for him to want every detail available about the prospects ahead for him as a member of the military.

  Win did want such information and intended to search for it as soon as he had married Josephine. However, he had priorities, and marriage was the most significant. Actually, he felt strongly that his parents were rather glad about England’s declaration of war. He was quite sure that this turn of events eased their stress regarding Win marrying Josephine. He also knew they would believe that when it came down to it, Win would never enlist. As heir to Winthrop Manor, he had ample reason to receive an exemption. Those engaged in agricultural pursuits would be entitled to such an immunity, since foodstuffs would be a necessary commodity for the country. Obviously, they scarcely knew their son and his strong sense of duty.

  “Why are we going to Gretna Green?” Josephine asked, as the car began to head north. “Couldn’t we have married closer to home?”

  “Yes, undoubtedly,” Win answered. “We’re all of age. Gretna Green has always been known as the spot where young people elope because the marriage laws are different in Scotland, regarding eligibility to marry at a younger age without parental consent. Gretna Green is in Scotland, but only slightly across the UK border. Because it’s so frequently visited by couples wishing to marry, all of the official components involved in the act are simplified, from start to finish. Time won’t be wasted on obtaining a license and all of that rubbish.”

  “Isn’t it incredible to have each other to witness our vows? Josephine, dear, may I ask what you plan to wear, or would you rather Win not know?” Elisabeth asked.

  “He already knows,” she answered, smiling as she turned to look at Win, as he sat to her right, driving the Rolls Royce. “I’m wearing my mother’s wedding gown. Although it’s to be an exceedingly simple ceremony, wearing that frock still carries so much meaning for me. What about you, Elisabeth?”

  “Nothing so grand, although, I certainly wish I had something of that sort. Nonetheless, I am going to wear the dress I had on the other night. Do you remember it? It’s white taffeta with a deep-crimson sash.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. It’s breathtaking. I’m glad you’ll be dressing formally. I would have felt a bit like a fish out of water if I’d worn a long, elaborate gown, and you’d worn a suit or day dress.”

  “Didn’t your gown need alterations, Josephine?” her brother asked.

  “Very few. I managed them myself today, while Win returned to Winthrop Manor. They didn’t amount to much.”

  “Whether we’re being married in the Winthrop Manor chapel with hundreds of guests, or at Gretna Green with just the four of us, I feel my gown should reflect the occasion,” Elisabeth continued.

  “Yes, exactly,” agreed Josephine.

  “Have you any idea exactly where the ceremony will be?” Elisabeth enquired.

  “There are several venues in Gretna Green,” answered Andrew. “It’s quite traditional to marry in the Old Blacksmith’s Shop, but many couples choose hotels, or there is
the Gretna Old Parish Church. It’s probably much too large, but if your preference is a religious ceremony, that would be most appropriate.”

  “Win, have you been to Gretna Green before?” Josephine asked.

  “Yes. A chum from school married there. It was a proper wedding with some one hundred guests. I was a close friend of the groom, so, of course, I attended.”

  “What about you, Andrew?” asked Elisabeth.

  “Rather the same situation as Win.”

  “Tell us more about the church,” Josephine asked.

  “Well, I know parts of Gretna Old Parish Church date as far back as the seventeenth century, and there are portions of the structure dating to medieval times. It’s where the couple whose wedding I attended were married.”

  “I think it sounds divine,” Elisabeth nearly whispered. “Who performs the ceremony?”

  “The wedding I attended was officiated by a Church of Scotland minister. Quite similar to Church of England. If that's where we all agree upon being wed, arrangements can be made the moment we arrive. Since it isn’t the weekend, I suspect there will be fewer weddings booked. If we’re flexible as to the time of day, I foresee no difficulty,” added Andrew.

  “What do you think, Josephine?” asked Win. “Personally, I like the idea of a church wedding.”

  “Definitely,” she replied. She looked back at Andrew and Elisabeth. “What about you two, Andrew?”

  “Yes, of course,” they both answered almost simultaneously.

  “Well, that settles the primary decision,” Win stated. “As soon as we arrive, we’ll select a hotel and make arrangements for a church ceremony.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening,” Josephine murmured. “I never dreamed when I woke this morning that it would be my wedding day.”