“Rose Cottage, here,” he said.
She smiled. It was so like Uncle Roderick to identify his pretty, rural home when answering the telephone. It had not always been known as Rose Cottage. In fact, his abode had no identifying name whatsoever when Josephine and her brother, Andrew, had arrived there to live with their uncle after their parents had perished on the Titanic.
Josephine was the one who’d planted climbing roses on the outer walls of the cottage, as well as over the white-fenced enclosure and the archway above the front gate. In the years since that time, they had grown substantially, and neighbors from miles ‘round began referring to it as Rose Cottage.
“Uncle Roderick,” she began, “it’s Josephine.”
“Why, hello, my sweet. How are you? I’ve rather missed you since returning to my own home. I hope I didn’t leave too quickly.”
“No, Uncle, not at all. You needed to take care of your livestock and the like, and I needed to get on with my own life. I took Andy to visit Winfield Academy. I think he’s going to be happy there. Still, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“It will take a significant amount of time for you to learn to live without Win. My heart aches for you. I wish there was something I could do to cheer you up, but I’m afraid only time is the remedy for such a tragedy.”
“I’m getting on,” she replied. “Nevertheless, there is something you can do to make me happy.”
“Just say the word,” he answered.
“I’m sorry to call on such short notice, but I wonder if you might be able to join Elisabeth, Tom, and me for dinner tonight?”
“Yes, certainly. I would enjoy doing so. Is there a special reason?”
“Yes, but I’m not letting the cat out of the bag until you’re here.” A hint of joy colored her voice.
“Whatever the reason,” Uncle Roderick said, “it seems to be making you gleeful. So, something good must have happened, and I’m grateful if that’s the case.”
“Yes, Uncle. I am feeling happy. I never thought I’d be uttering those words so soon after such debilitating grief, but there you have it. Life can be odd. Anyway, I’m so glad you can come for dinner. Would you like to stay at Winthrop Manor for the night and drive back in the morning? Or I could send David to collect you and deliver you back to the cottage, so you needn’t drive at night.”
“You know, Josephine, I think your latter suggestion is a thoughtful one. I don’t like admitting it, but my eyesight isn’t as sharp as it once was, and the roadways are awfully dark between here and Winthrop Manor.”
“I’m glad I thought to make the offer. Will it be all right if I send David ‘round a bit after five o’clock?”
“Yes, perfect, my dear. This isn’t a formal affair, is it?” His voice carried a note of concern.
“No, no. Not at all. You needn’t wear your dancing shoes,” she jested.
“I’m afraid those days are past. I haven’t worn my formal attire since that night you, Andrew, and I dined at Winthrop Manor, before you married Win. My God, that was a long time ago, wasn’t it? I don’t even know if the blasted dinner jacket fits anymore.”
“Uncle, you haven’t changed one iota since that night.” Wistfulness seeped in.
“Oh, my dear. Possibly I shouldn’t have mentioned that evening. Perhaps it’s too soon to be bringing up such memories.”
“It’s perfectly fine. I like to speak of past memories. That was the night Win told his parents we were engaged. Lord, they were fit to be tied!”
“Yes, I do recall,” Roderick laughed. “Nonetheless, it all worked out in the end. Nothing could have marred your happiness that night. I can still see how radiant you looked and the pure adoration on Win’s face.”
“Yes. Those are precious recollections,” she answered. “I’ll never forget that night either.”
“So.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll look for David at five o’clock.”
“Yes, Uncle. We’ll be expecting you. I’m so glad you can make it. I’ll see you then.” With that, the conversation ended. She placed the telephone receiver back into its cradle and remained seated at the Queen Anne desk in the hallway.
Her mind drifted back to the night Uncle had referenced. She’d been so awfully nervous. It was the first time she’d ever been in a house like Winthrop Manor. Meeting Win’s parents had been absolute agony, and his mother, in particular, hadn’t made things easier. She also remembered Oliver. He’d been arrogant and rude, making snide remarks about her lack of a title. Placing her hand on her abdomen, she couldn’t help but smile. Oliver now lay in the ground on the manor property, dead from her retaliation for his assault and rape. He would never again sneer about lack of a title. Whether she carried a boy or a girl, the child would be styled as a lord or a lady, and she had already been a countess for many years.
When Uncle Roderick arrived at the manor, precisely on the dot of six o’clock, Josephine took him into the drawing room and offered him a drink. He was pleased to accept a gin and tonic, which arrived in short order via Radcliffe. She and Uncle settled themselves comfortably. She decided not to prolong her announcement. She’d taken a lie-down for a couple of hours before her uncle was due to arrive. Then she’d dressed, and Emma had styled her hair in a side-parted bob. She wore a black, tea-length dress with long sleeves and a high neckline. She was, of course, still in mourning.
She had less than an hour to explain the situation to her uncle since dinner would be served at seven o’clock. With a sweet smile on her face, she began to speak, looking straight into his eyes.
“Uncle, I have some news,” she said.
“I hope it’s not something unpleasant,” Roderick replied. “We’ve had enough of that lately.”
“Well,” Josephine replied. “Perhaps it’s a bit bitter and a bit joyous.” A puzzled expression crossed the elderly man’s countenance. “You see, Uncle, I’m expecting a baby.”
He looked exceedingly confused. “How can that possibly be?”
“Uncle, something dreadful happened to me nearly four months ago. I had no intention of ever telling you about it, since I had no wish to cause you unnecessary heartache. Now, however, with this pregnancy, I have to tell you the entire truth. I might have chosen to let you believe the baby I’m carrying is Win’s, but I simply couldn’t lie to you of all people.”
“Go on, Josephine. Whatever it is, I want to know,” he said softly.
She proceeded to tell him everything that had happened. It was an ugly tale, and Roderick winced several times while listening to the gruesome details.
“And now, you find yourself expecting a child by that despicable man,” Roderick stated.
“Yes, Uncle, that’s true,” Josephine responded. “However, very few people are ever going to know that. I intend to let the staff, and anyone else who knew Win, think the child is his.”
“Doesn’t it concern you that Oliver is buried on the manor property?”
“No. The authorities believe he escaped the manor. They’ve informed me of their belief that Oliver probably made it to London and signed on as a passenger or crew member to either America or Australia. In any event, they have no idea he’s dead.”
“I fear for you, my sweet girl. What an abysmal story.”
“I feel better with you knowing the truth, Uncle. It helps to be honest with you. I could never have kept the truth from the person I love best in the entire world, besides Andy.”
“Ah, yes. Andrew. I assume you won’t tell him the truth,” Roderick said.
“No. I couldn’t. It would destroy him to think I’d endured such an awful attack. Also, if he thought the baby was a result of rape, I don’t know what he’d do. Really, I don’t. Andy is a wonderful boy. He inherited Win’s disposition. Thus, he has a strong need to protect me. He’s still a child. I think it’s far better to let him believe this baby is Win’s.”
“I agree,” Roderick replied.
“So,” Josephine sighed. “Tom, Elisabeth, Radcliffe, and you are th
e only people who will ever know the truth. Radcliffe literally thinks of me as his own daughter, just as you do. I have complete faith that my secret is safe with him.”
“Yes, I would agree. Josephine, it will always be safe with me, as I’m certain you already know. I’m so dreadfully sorry you went through such a horrendous experience. Now, you have to go through a pregnancy. If you need to talk, sweetheart, I’m always available to listen. I hope you know that.”
“Of course, I do, Uncle. Thank you. I’ll be all right. I’ve already begun to convince myself that this child is Win’s. I’ll come through everything intact.” Josephine smiled.
At that moment, Tom and Elisabeth walked into the room. Roderick rose from his chair. He embraced Elisabeth and then shook Tom’s hand. “Well, Josephine has let me in on recent events. I’m dumbfounded at what she’s been through, but thankful she had the two of you and also Radcliffe.”
Tom spoke first. “Yes, Roderick. It’s been a nightmare, really. Still, I’m quite amazed at how well Josephine is handling everything. I think she’s going to emerge from this muddle in fine shape. Elisabeth and I will be here to watch over her.”
“I’m relieved that you know about everything,” Elisabeth added. “It’s so difficult for me not to be honest. At least your niece can be candid with the most important people in her life.”
“Except for my son.” A shadow passed over Josephine’s heart.
“It’s better that way.” Elisabeth gave Josephine an embrace.
Andy arrived at precisely that moment. “Oh, Andy. Hello, darling,” Josephine said. “Did you have a nice pony ride?”
“Yes, Mummy. I had to change clothes in a hurry. Now, I’m very hungry.”
“Well, the gong should be rung at any moment,” she answered. “I’m glad you arrived in time.”
“It’s so nice to have the entire family together,” Andy said.
Roderick turned to his great-nephew. “I’m glad you’re here, Andy. Your Mum called me this morning. It’s so nice to see everyone, although it’s not been very long,” he continued. “So, tell me all about your days at Winfield Academy.”
“I really like it, Uncle. Of course, it’s only been a few days, but I’ve already met some great chaps. I think there are some who will be real chums. Three of them will be going on to Eton too.”
“What time do you leave for school?” Roderick asked.
“I have to be there at eight o’clock, so I get up earlier than I’m used to. Nonetheless, I don’t mind. David drives me to and from school. I have five classes in writing, reading and math. We also play sports. The teachers all seem nice. I like having boys my age go play with.”
“There are no girls, then?” Roderick remarked.
“No, Uncle. That’s fine with me. Girls are such a pain in the neck.”
Everyone in the room laughed. “Just you wait, Andy. There will come a time when you won’t feel that way,” Tom teased.
At seven o’clock the bell rang, signaling that dinner was about to be served, and the family made their way into the dining room.
Everyone was seated around the Chippendale dining table. Josephine tried hard not to let the sadness affect her when she glanced at the empty chair where Win always sat. She knew everyone else was feeling the same way. Uncle Roderick led the gathering in saying grace, and then Mrs. Shellady began to serve. Radcliffe poured wine.
Before everyone began to enjoy what looked to be a splendid dinner, Josephine stood. She tapped the edge of her wine glass to call attention to herself. The footmen were rigidly still, Radcliffe stood quietly, and Mrs. Shellady, who had finished serving, did not leave the room.
Josephine smiled. “I have some news which I know will make all of you smile.” Of course, the only person at the table who wasn’t aware of what she was going to say was Andy. Mrs. Shellady and the footmen would also be surprised.
“I want to announce that I am expecting a baby. I only just found out the happy news yesterday. I would give anything if Win and I could be telling everyone this together. However, apparently that isn’t what God planned.” Tears moistened her eyes. “Still, it seems that my wonderful husband left me a part of himself, and I’m extremely happy. So, let’s all drink a toast to Win and our new child.”
“Oh, Mummy, what wonderful news. I’m so happy. It takes away a lot of the sadness,” Andy cried out.
“Yes, darling, it does. We have something wonderful to look ahead to.” She returned to her seat. “I’m feeling much less sorrowful. Naturally, I shall always miss your father. Nothing will ever replace the joy I had with him. However, the mere idea that I’m carrying his child brings me great joy.”
“Yes. It makes me very, very happy,” declared Andy. “When will the baby be born?”
“The doctor says in February. So, you can circle that on your calendar.”
“I will.” Andy grinned. He stood up and placed his arms about his mother. “I love you, Mummy. That’s smashing.”
“Yes, Andy, it truly is. I love you too. You’ll have such a profound influence upon this baby. What with the age difference, I expect the child will simply adore you. I know I felt that way about my older brother.”
“I’ll do my best to make him or her love me,” Andy replied.
“Even if it’s a girl?” Tom asked, smiling.
“Yeah. Even if it’s a girl. I’ll teach her how to play rugby and football,” Andy replied.
With that, Josephine gave him a warm cuddle. Mrs. Shellady and the footmen all waited patiently to give her their love and best wishes. Elisabeth, Tom, and Roderick played their roles to perfection. Each acted genuinely surprised and delighted. They spent the remainder of the dinner chatting about the new addition to the Winthrop Manor family tree. Finally, dessert was served, and it was time for the family to bid one another goodnight.
Josephine made her way to her bed. She was exhausted, but her mind was greatly eased by having been able to tell Uncle Roderick the entire story. She had also taken Radcliffe aside and confessed the fact that a child had been the result of the horrendous attack. Josephine had told Emma about the pregnancy while the maid assisted Josephine with her hair before dinner, but she told her the child was Win’s. Emma had been delighted, and for the first time since Win’s death, Josephine didn’t toss and turn. Instead she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The next morning, she awoke refreshed and feeling better than she had in a long while. After bathing, dressing, and eating a hearty breakfast, she took a walk over the manor grounds. She had made the decision to make an attempt at adding an outdoor stroll to her daily regimen. Tom had told her to increase fresh air and moderate exercise. She found that doing so not only helped physically but improved her mental state. She vowed to continue the practice of a morning stroll, at least until there was a change in the weather.
* * *
Time passed. Autumn moved into winter with bitterly cold days and occasional snowfalls. Christmas arrived and she spent hours with Andy during his holiday break. It was lovely to be with him all day long. Still, all in all, Josephine felt far better than she had since she’d faced Oliver’s madness. There were moments when she’d have liked to confide in her son, but of course, that was inconceivable. He was far too young to understand, and the truth would only make him sad. Just having his presence at Winthrop Manor all day long was enough. They endlessly talked about his new brother or sister.
“I wish I was going to be here when you have the baby.” Andy’s expression was doleful.
“Summer won’t be far behind, and you’ll be here then for a full three months,” Josephine replied. “That will allow a lot of time for you to become familiar with the new baby, although infants do sleep most of the time at that age. By next summer, he or she will be active, and you’ll have lots of fun playing. I do intend to hire a new nanny too. Elisabeth has talked with an agency in London. They have a fine reputation for placement of well-trained young ladies for such positions. So, I’ll have plenty of help
. Your job will be to continue your education, Andy. You know what your Daddy wanted for you. It’s what I want too.”
“I know. I like school. I’ve made rather a lot of friends. They’re great chaps. Since you told me that there would be a baby, I’ve felt better about leaving you, even for the day. It was hard for me thinking of you being alone.”
“Andy, I’m truly fine. You must live your own life, darling. Once you finish at the Academy and go on to Eton and then Oxford, there will be little time to look backward. I want you to concentrate on your studies.”
“I will be Mummy. I’m serious about my studies. Sometimes I feel older than the rest of my chums at school. Why do you think that is?”
“My guess would be because you’re an only child and have been surrounded by adults all of your life. Your Daddy treated you with pride and respected your intelligence. However, Andy, don’t throw this special time away with worries beyond your years. I want you to have fun at school too. Enjoy your friends. This is a special time for you. It will never come again.”
“I know. Now that a new baby is on the way, I feel less worried about you. I know you’ll be very busy.”
“I knew you’d see it that way. You haven’t an envious bone in your body, Andy. Some people were afraid you’d feel jealous towards the baby. However, I was absolutely certain you wouldn’t. You’ve proven me correct.”
“Why ever would I be jealous? I think it’s terrific. The baby means a part of Daddy is inside of you.”
Josephine clapped her hands. “My precious son. You are wise beyond your years. It won’t be very long now. Dr. Tom says the middle part of February. I already have everything ready. The nursery will adjoin my room. Do you know which one I mean?”
“Yes, of course,” he answered.
War Comes Home to Winthrop Manor: An English Family Saga (Winthrop Manor Series Book 2) Page 10