Winthrop Manor

by Mary Christian Payne

  “No, dear. It shouldn’t." He stifled laughter. "We need to have Tom Drew over in Cloverdale have a look at you. I don’t think there’s much question, but he’ll be able to tell us for certain.”

  “I’m a bit embarrassed to have Tom examine me since he’s a chum of yours, but that’s who I intended to see before I told you.”

  “Josephine, he’s a professional. I know he’s an excellent physician. I want to make certain you see someone I trust, and I do trust Tom implicitly.” Win kissed her again. “I love you, darling. The thought of you carrying my baby is marvellous. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me,” he whispered.

  Josephine began to weep.

  “Sweetheart, what’s the matter? Are you feeling poorly?”

  “No. No. I’m crying because I’m so relieved and happy. I was frightened to tell you what I suspected. I thought you might be angry. Now here we are in a war, and you’ll be leaving me. I’ll have to go through having a baby by myself.”

  “Josephine, we have no idea how long this wretched war will last. It may all be over by then. If not, as I said, you won’t be alone. You’ll have Elisabeth, your uncle, and the doctor.”

  “But won’t Dr. Drew have to join up and fight, too?”

  “Not necessarily. He’s a physician. Often, they’re excluded from the military because their occupation is considered vital to the homeland. If Tom has to go into the military, I’ll make certain you have an excellent doctor who is exempt. You will not be alone. For that matter, my mother may change her mind when she learns there’s going to be a child. So it’s very possible you’ll have her to rely upon, too.”

  “Win, I don’t trust your mother. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you, but you know as well as I do that she dislikes me tremendously. I don’t expect her to like my baby any more than she does me.”

  Win held her in his arms as she wept. “Hush, darling. There’s nothing to cry about. Everything will be fine. If you don’t want my mother near you, you needn’t have her. Before I leave England, I’ll make rock-solid plans. You’ll be well taken care of.”

  “Do you promise?” Josephine sniffled.

  “Absolutely. Now come snuggle next to me. This isn’t a time for weeping. It’s a time for joy. Because of our love a new life may very well enter this world. What could be more thrilling?”

  “Nothing. No. Nothing at all. I am so happy. I never dreamed this would happen so soon. I just wish there wasn’t a war.”

  “There’s never a perfect time for a lot of things, Josephine. Nevertheless, as far as I’m concerned, we’re the luckiest twosome alive. Now, come let me hold you in my arms and feel your lovely body next to mine. I’m going to miss that joy so much, my sweet. We don’t have many nights before I leave. I’ll call Tom in the morning, and we’ll pay him a visit. I don’t want you to be concerned. You are the most precious thing in the world to me, and so will a baby be. I do hope you’re expecting. I can lay awake at nights when I’m away from you, thinking about the happy years we have to look forward to as a family. I love you so very much, my darling.”

  “Do you think it’s safe for us to make love?” she asked.

  “I don’t think we need worry. Surely, you don’t want to spend our last few nights together foregoing the joy of being as close together as possible,” Win said.

  “No, Win, I want to spend every moment we can in each other’s arms. If I’m not expecting now, perhaps I will be soon.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  The following morning, Win telephoned Dr. Drew’s office and made an appointment for Josephine to see him at one o’clock in the afternoon. Win asked Roderick if he might borrow his automobile, and, of course, the older man was only too happy to oblige. So Black Orchid remained in the stable, while Win and Josephine headed for the doctor’s office. Josephine was chewing on her bottom lip.

  “Darling, you’ve nothing to be frightened of. Tom is a wonderful chap. Believe me, you’re not the first woman he’s examined.” He reached over and patted his wife’s arm. “Everything will be fine. Won’t you be relieved to know for certain if you truly are expecting a child? I certainly will be.”

  “Yes, of course, me, too. This is just very new to me, Win. I’ll become accustomed to it. Actually, I’m rather happy to know the doctor is a chum of yours.”

  They arrived at Tom’s office. Immediately upon entering, his nurse showed her to an examining room. Win made himself comfortable in the outer office. In about three-quarters of an hour, Josephine appeared, looking radiant. Win didn’t have to ask what Tom’s conclusion had been. Tom followed behind her, ready to speak to Win.

  “Well, old chap, I’m happy to be the one to tell you that Josephine is going to have your child. What splendid news. I’m sure you're delighted. It’s so nice to have cheerful news when we’re surrounded each day by disgusting tales of the war.”

  “This is happy news." Win took hold of Josephine’s hand. “When are we to expect the happy event?”

  “She seems quite certain the baby was conceived August 4, your wedding night. Judging from that, I’d put the due date at about the middle of May. I want Josephine to see me every month from now on. Also, no strenuous lifting and a well-balanced diet. Absolutely no medication without checking with me first.”

  "What about, uh, well, you know, Tom? I’m leaving for military training very soon. I’d like to think I can make love to my wife before we part.”

  Tom laughed and patted Win on the back. “Yes. That’s no problem. I’d put a moratorium on that at about three months, just as a precautionary measure. Not all physicians would agree with me, but that’s the time when miscarriage is most prevalent.”

  “I’ll probably be in France by then,” Win murmured.

  “I do wish you luck. I was given a deferment because of my occupation and the shortage of physicians in this area. On the one hand, I’m relieved not to have to fight the Huns, but I also feel a bit guilty. I hate anyone thinking I’m a slacker.”

  “No fear of that, Tom. Anyone who knows you is well aware you’d be ready to head for France in a heartbeat. As for myself, I’m delighted you’ll be here to watch over my precious wife. It will make my time in France easier, knowing she’s in the best hands and that I’ll be returning to not just her, but a healthy son or daughter.”

  Win and Josephine left Dr. Drew’s office, holding hands, broad smiles on their faces. They were both a bit stupefied, but their happiness far outweighed their shock. Win returned Josephine to her uncle’s cottage and then announced he was going to make the trip to Winthrop Manor, which they had previously discussed.

  Win mounted Black Orchid and rode to his former home. He’d not seen his parents since the unpleasant conversation he’d had with them after the return trip from Gretna Green. He didn’t expect them to be overjoyed by his appearance. They would undoubtedly be under the impression their son had come to his senses and realised he’d made a dreadful mistake. They’d probably think he was about to initiate divorce proceedings. When they learned the true reason for his visit, Win expected another row.

  He pulled up on the reins and came to a halt in front of the manor, tying Black Orchid to the hitching post. Normally, he would have ridden to the stables, but he had no intention of staying very long, so the stallion was left where Win could depart quickly. He rapped on the front door, although in the past he would merely have opened it and entered.

  Radcliffe immediately answered the knock. “Why, how nice to see you my lord. It’s been quite some time. You’ve been missed.”

  “Radcliffe, let’s not pretend you don’t know about the revolting row I had with my parents. I’m sure all the staff is aware of it. That’s why I haven’t been seen 'round here. I do hope you’re aware of my marriage.”

  “Yes, sir, I did hear that. Your wife is lovely. Won’t you come in?” the butler asked.

  “Yes, I’d like to. Thank you. Are the Lord and Lady Winthrop at home?”

  “Yes. I believe they’re in the librar
y, my lord.”

  Win walked swiftly down the long hallway, past the drawing room to the library. His parents were seated on one side of the massive desk, looking over some papers. It was probably a copy of the new will. As he entered the room, both his mother and his father looked up. It was clear that they were utterly surprised to see him.

  “What are you doing here, Win?” asked his mother.

  “While I’m well aware you have no desire to see me, I felt I needed to stop by and give you some news.”

  “What sort of news?” asked his father.

  “May I sit down?” Win asked.

  “Yes, certainly,” answered his father.

  “Thank you,” Win responded. “I doubt either will please you much, but it seemed proper for me to tell you in person; although, I did consider writing a letter.”

  “Since you’ve obviously chosen to pay us a visit, may we hear whatever this news is?” his father queried in an irritated tone.

  “Andrew and I have enlisted in officer training. We’ll be sent to camp at Salisbury Plain for sixteen weeks of rigorous training and then on to France, I assume. I don’t plan on writing to you, so if you want information about me, you’ll have to speak with my wife. She may or may not choose to answer your inquiries."

  “You didn’t have to do such a foolish thing,” the Lord Winthrop nearly shouted. “You are the eldest child in a very distinguished family, engaged in the care of thousands of acres of property. You would have been given an exemption.”

  “I didn’t care to act like a weakling. At any rate, it was my understanding that I was persona non grata here. So if Oliver cares to use the exemption, allow him to do so. I see very little hope of his being of any value to our country.”

  “Have you finished with what you came to tell us?” asked his mother.

  “No. The other news I’ve brought concerns my wife. Tom Drew, over in Cloverdale, confirmed this morning that Josephine is pregnant. I felt you should know, although I don’t expect anything from you. Also, before you jump to conclusions and start ranting that Josephine was undoubtedly pregnant before we married, she was not. She conceived on our wedding night.”

  Win stood. Before either parent could utter another word, he headed for the hallway.

  “Wait just a moment, son,” the Lord Winthrop called.

  Win came to a halt. “What else do we have to discuss?”

  “This changes everything. It’s exactly the scenario you painted when we first learned you had married Josephine. What if she has a male child? He would be the presumptive heir to Winthrop Manor. If something should happen to you in the war, God forbid, your son would inherit. He needs to be raised under our roof and not in some sheepherder’s cottage by a mother with no experience in terms of etiquette required of an aristocratic child.”

  “I told you before, Josephine hasn’t the slightest intention of moving in here or of seeing you take our child to raise. Don’t even contemplate such a thing. I intend to have a new will drawn up. I’ll make certain it’s made abundantly clear that no offspring of mine will ever be taken from its mother.”

  “Are you insinuating that I would not raise a child properly?” his mother interjected.

  “Yes, I suppose I am,” answered Win. “In any case, whether you would or would not, my child will be raised by my lovely, sweet wife. Let’s be honest, Mother. You didn't raise me. Nannies did. Why, our cook is more of a mother to me than you ever were.” With that, Win turned abruptly and left the house.

  ***

  Complete silence filled the library after Win’s departure. Finally, the Lady Winthrop spoke.

  “Damn you, my lord. If you hadn’t threatened Win, telling him Josephine could never live in this house, we wouldn’t be facing such a nightmare."

  “I beg your pardon? If my memory serves me correctly, and it does, it was you who did the threatening. When he married Josephine, there was nothing we could do about it. It was completely legal. We should have accepted it. Oliver hasn’t any business running this holding. He may be our son, but he’s a fool. You know it, and so do I. Due to our own foolishness, we’ve lost the son who will be the next earl, and we’ve lost a potential grandchild. As well as a beautiful daughter."

  ***

  Win picked up his travel bag and walked down the stairs. On this, his day of departure, in late September, 1914, his heart was heavy at the thought of leaving his beautiful wife. Josephine, Elisabeth, Andrew, and Roderick stood waiting for him in the downstairs front entry. The men kissed their wives goodbye, holding them tightly, promising over and over to come home safely, as if by making such a vow, it would definitely become reality.

  Roderick drove the four of them to the rail station at Winthrop-on-Hart. It was a dreary day, with rain threatening. The weather conditions mirrored Win's mood, and Andrew didn't seem very chipper, either. When they reached the depot, Roderick shook the young men’s hands but then remained in the car, leaving Win and Andrew alone to say good-bye. Both Josephine and Elisabeth had lost their composure and were weeping. Win fought back tears, as well, and Andrew kept blinking rapidly, and his eyes were suspiciously shiny. Win kept reminding Josephine to take care of herself and the baby and to write to him daily. He didn’t know how often he would be able to write to her, but he vowed that it would be as often as possible.

  “I’m going to miss you so much, darling. You’ll be in my heart, no matter where I am,” Win declared. “We’ll get through this, and when it’s over, nothing in life is ever going to part us again.”

  Over and over he kissed her tenderly and vowed his deep love. Finally, the conductor called for all passengers to board the train, and it was time to say their final goodbyes. Tears were streaming down Josephine’s and Elisabeth’s faces, and they were holding soggy handkerchiefs from all the crying they had done. But both took deep breaths and tried to smile. It started to rain as the trained pulled away, which seemed providential.

  ***

  From their small village, Win and Andrew met up with other enlistees, and they all rode the train to Winchester, the primary city in Hampshire. Due to the army’s desire to follow the new PALS plan, Win and Andrew would remain together throughout their training. A British general had suggested at the beginning of the war that men would be more willing to join up if they could serve with people they already knew. The idea was first tried in Liverpool, and its success prompted other towns and villages to form their own PALS units.

  In Winchester, they all boarded another train, which carried them to the Salisbury Plain, where new training camps had been constructed. It had been a long, dismal day, and they were relieved to reach their destination. The camp was not only meant for officer training, but regular recruits from various areas were assigned there, as well. The regulars slept in tents, and officer trainees were accorded the luxury of a bunk in a corrugated hut. Andrew and Win, being the only officers who were new trainees, were able to share a hut.

  Many rough weeks lay ahead of them. They left their old lives far behind and concentrated upon learning military discipline, drilling, and fighting with rifles and bayonets. The time spent in training created a spirit of camaraderie, as Win and Andrew became more familiar with each other's habits and lives. All the men learned to operate as a cohesive unit. Once the officers had been taught the rudiments of military training, they were put to work with the other soldiers, learning how to dig trenches. Practice trench systems provided more realistic training. Finally, it all ended, and they were issued the uniforms of second lieutenants. Then they received the happy news that they would be given a week’s furlough before shipping out to France in January, 1915. They were assigned to the Eleventh Brigade, Fourth Division. Each carried a small book entitled: Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench Infantry.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Upon their arrival at Winthrop-on-Hart, Win and Andrew were met by Josephine and Elisabeth, who were eagerly waiting at the station, hopping up and down with excitement. Both were weeping again, jus
t as they had been when their husbands had departed for training, but these were tears of joy. Both were embraced so tightly, it was a wonder that each was able to breath. Tears and laughter mingled. There were endless exclamations regarding how handsome and debonair Win and Andrew looked in their officer uniforms. Roderick finally stepped from the car, having afforded the women an opportunity to be alone with their husbands. Then they all headed back to the cottage.

  However, it wasn’t the Chambers' cottage to which they returned. It was the new cottage—Josephine’s dream cottage, complete and perfect in every way. Win and Andrew hadn’t even given the project a thought during their sixteen-week absence. Now the sketches they’d made what seemed so long ago had come to life in the setting they’d chosen. In addition to the cottage, the beginnings of a lovely garden could be seen in the front area. Apparently, Josephine and Elisabeth had begun to actually live there shortly before their husbands were due to arrive.

  Of course, many, many letters had been exchanged during that period, but the ladies had decided to surprise their husbands, and they’d kept mum about the construction project. At first, there had been uncertainty as to whether the project could continue, what with the shortage of men able to do the sort of work required. But men who were past the age for enlistment, and even a few who hadn’t been accepted into the military due to poor eyesight or some other medical deterrent, had stepped forward to complete the job.

  Win and Andrew were very impressed with the appearance of the new cottage. Inside, everything was organised and neat-as-a-pin. There were three bedchambers, each with an adjoining bath. The parlour and dining rooms were of a good size, and the kitchens sparkled with the latest in modern appliances. The cottage was completely furnished and looked extremely comfortable. There were chimney pieces in each bedchamber and in the parlour, as well as in the dining room. Josephine excitedly showed Win a diagram of the gardens, which she had planned for the coming summer. She’d already planted many perennial bulbs, which would germinate and poke their pretty heads above ground when spring arrived. Win silently hoped he would be there to see the beauty of the coming spring. Still, he had a sinking feeling that it would be a long while before he once again set eyes upon the pretty cottage.