War Comes Home to Winthrop Manor: An English Family Saga (Winthrop Manor Series Book 2)

by Mary Christian Payne

  “Well, the nanny will be in the next room, on the other side of the nursery. At this moment, Mrs. Shellady is going through the applications we’ve received. Many are very impressive. Once she and Radcliffe narrow them down to a reasonable number, I’ll interview them. It’s very important to me that we hire someone who will be loving and kind. However, a firm hand will also be necessary, if required.”

  “I don’t remember my nanny ever having a very firm hand,” Andy said, laughing.

  “Andy, my love. You have really never required a firm hand. You were a very easy baby and an even easier child. You still are. I do hope I’m that fortunate again. Your grandmother, Lady Beatrice, always said that Daddy was a wonderful child to raise. However, his brother, Uncle Oliver, had a rather mean streak from the beginning.”

  “Good Lord, Mummy. Let’s not think of Oliver. I never liked him at all. I expect this new baby will be just like you or Daddy.”

  “Yes, me too.” She smiled. “So, do enjoy your last few days before classes resume and return to school free from care about me.”

  “All right, Mummy.” Andy leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “I rather hope for a sister who will grow up to be as pretty as you.”

  “Andy, you are every mother’s dream.” She gave him a kiss in return. “I love you so much.”

  “And I love you, Mummy. Now, I’m going to ride over to Uncle Roderick’s. I haven’t seen him since Christmas day. He looked as good as always, and I’m glad he’ll be here to comfort you when the baby is born.”

  “Yes, so am I,” she answered. “He’s such a dear. Yes, go and spend some time with him. He’ll love seeing you.”

  * * *

  Josephine was very large and exceedingly uncomfortable. While carrying Andy, she had experienced no discomfort, but this child continually kicked, to the point that it actually brought pain to her abdomen. It was as though the little thing wanted out of the prison of her womb. Josephine looked forward eagerly to the delivery date. She prayed the infant would calm down, once it had been released from its confines.

  January passed quietly. Though the weather remained bitterly cold, there was no snow. Josephine spent the majority of the month interviewing applicants for the position of nanny. She was greatly impressed with many of the girls she spoke with, but none met her exact qualifications. She felt she would instantly know when the proper person presented herself.

  Finally, as the stack of applications dwindled, a lovely young lady made her way to the door. Mrs. Shellady placed her in the small waiting area off the great hall. The girl’s name was Hope Reed. She was a truly lovely young lady with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a sweet smile. Mrs. Shellady interviewed her first and had been impressed with her credentials. She had completed training at a fine London school for household help of the finest grade. After spending over a half hour with Hope, she passed her along to Josephine.

  From the moment the countess set eyes on her, she was almost one hundred percent certain she had found her nanny. They spoke of many topics, and then Josephine asked the one question she had asked a dozen or more times, only to be given a disappointing response. “What is your philosophy regarding discipline?” she put to Miss Reed.

  Hope sat silently for a moment, as if she were trying to decide whether to be honest or not. Finally, she spoke. It was obvious that honesty was the only way she knew.

  “Countess, I’m not certain I truly have a philosophy regarding discipline. That would be as if I were treating each child as though their make-up was the same as every other child’s in the universe. It’s my belief that every youngster is different, and I have to take that into account. It’s up to me to understand what is creating a particular disciplinary problem. If, for instance, a child is causing havoc in the nursery, I feel it’s my responsibility to figure out what need isn’t being met within his or her personality. Then, I will try to find a more productive means to meet that need—more productive for the child and for the atmosphere as a whole.”

  Josephine had been looking for just such an answer for weeks. So many prospective nannies gave a pat answer, such as “placing them in the corner, taking away a privilege, or ordering the child to stand in the hallway for a given period.” The young lady in front of Josephine clearly believed in finding the root cause of disruptive behavior and then meeting it with a way that would benefit the child and anyone else present. Josephine was heartily in agreement.

  “Miss Reed, I have hoped to hear that sort of answer forever. I like your attitude, and I think you will make a fine nanny. Of course, you are aware that there will only be one child in the nursery at the beginning of your employment. However, my sister-in-law, Elisabeth Drew, announced only last week that she is expecting a baby in July. So, you will have two infants not far apart in age. Your duties in the beginning will be to concentrate upon the baby I’m about to deliver. However, that will change in the summer. I expect you to act in a nursemaid capacity to both my baby and Elisabeth’s. I assume you’re familiar with that role?” Josephine asked.

  “Yes, indeed, Madam. Nappies, rocking, games appropriate to the infant stage, nighttime care—so you aren’t awakened during those hours. I assume you have, or will be acquiring, a pram? So, my duties would include outings on warm days. I assure you my eyes would never leave the infant. No harm would ever befall him or her on my watch.”

  “Excellent,” replied Josephine. “I had a terrible experience when my son, Andy, was an infant. He was kidnapped.”

  “Oh, heavens above! How dreadful. I hope he wasn’t in the care of a nanny?”

  “No, while I hate to admit it, he was in my care. So, I’m very much concerned that whomever I hire will be eagle-eyed and watchful for any foul play.”

  “You may rely on me, Countess. I’m fully aware of the trust being placed in me. I promise that no harm will come to any child under my watch.”

  “Well, I’m very impressed Miss Reed. I’d like to offer you the position of nursemaid/nanny. It would be my preference if you can begin quite soon. It’s important to me that you familiarize yourself with the house and premises.”

  “I’m available to begin whenever you wish,” the girl answered.

  “Well then, let’s say a week from today.” Josephine smiled. She went on to give the young lady a figure for wages, which brought a smile to Hope’s face.

  “That’s more than generous, Countess. Thank you. I am assuming I’ll be living in?”

  “Yes, of course,” replied Josephine. “I’ll have Mrs. Shellady show you to your rooms, as well as the nursery and the rest of Winthrop Manor. Feel free to wander about the grounds. We’ll look forward to having you join us.”

  Hope Reed responded in kind with a broad grin. “I’m thrilled to be joining your household and will try my hardest to live up to your expectations.”

  “I have no doubt that you will.” Josephine gave a welcoming, warm smile.

  With that, Josephine summoned Mrs. Shellady and instructed her to show Hope the premises, and also to introduce her to the rest of the staff. Josephine was greatly relieved to have this most important task behind her. Hope appeared to be exactly the young lady she had been praying for. Everything was settled and now all Josephine had to do was await the arrival of her new son or daughter.

  Chapter Twelve

  On February 21, 1926, at seven in the evening, Josephine’s water broke. She was tremendously thankful that this signal, which indicated the beginning of labor, happened in the evening when Tom was present. Having experienced childbirth before, Josephine was much less troubled than she had been with Andy. Andy had been such an easy birth. While there had been several hours of labor, she didn’t remember the experience as one that had been excruciating painful.

  Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said this time around. Almost from the first labor pain, Josephine was in agony. Tom examined her many times throughout the night, but little progress was being made. Finally, at nearly eight o’clock the following morning,
he announced that the baby appeared to be breech. That meant that the infant was presenting legs first—a major complication.

  Tom spent the next several hours attempting to turn the infant, so that it might be delivered head first, as was the normal procedure. Finally, he did accomplish his goal, but Josephine was nowhere near prepared to deliver. She had scarcely dilated, in spite of the time that had passed. It almost seemed as if her body didn’t wish to give up the baby. More hours passed, and by morning of the third day, when Josephine was nearly at the end of all strength, Tom made the decision to deliver the child by Caesarian Section. He wished he had placed her in hospital for such a procedure.

  Josephine was past the point of caring how the child was extracted. She was administered ether, in an attempt to lessen the pain.

  At long last, Tom plucked a nine-pound, six-ounce baby girl from the mother’s womb. It was the largest baby he had ever delivered, and it made clear why a natural birth had been out of the question. It was February 23, 1926.

  Immediately upon the delivery, pain medication was administered. The baby appeared to be healthy. She howled and wailed while Hope, acting as nursemaid, took her from Tom and gently cleansed her. The newborn was then placed at Josephine’s breast. Josephine had decided to name the child Estelle Janine, if a girl.

  Estelle immediately grabbed hold of her mother’s breast and began to nurse. Unlike her experience with Andy, Josephine cried out in pain. Tom was surprised, because generally once a baby began to nurse, both mother and child started to form a closeness with one another and peace reigned. However, tears literally streamed down Josephine’s face, while Estelle eagerly sought to fill her tummy with milk from her mother’s breast.

  Finally, Tom picked up the infant and examined her mouth. To his utter amazement, he discovered several upper and lower teeth! He had studied this sort of rare condition, but it was his first experience with it. No wonder Josephine had been in pain. Estelle was literally chomping and gnawing at her mother. Tom could see teeth marks on Josephine’s breast.

  He handed the baby to Elisabeth, who often acted as his assistant. Then, turning to Hope he said, “Please run to the kitchen and have the cook prepare some formula for this child. She cannot nurse. She will cause harm to Josephine if she continues to do so. The cook will know what to do. This isn’t something frequent, but I did make certain we had the necessary items to concoct a formula in case it was required. Mrs. Boyle also has formula bottles available. Have her fill one and bring it back here as quickly as possible.”

  Such bottles and the like had been in existence since the late 1800s in both England and America. Because Estelle had been born with teeth, Tom would teach Josephine how to express her own milk and then the baby could be bottle fed.

  Elisabeth glanced at her husband with relief and whispered to him, “I hope this isn’t some sort of omen.” He simply rolled his eyes heavenward. It had been a most strange beginning to Estelle’s life.

  Elisabeth and Tom welcomed their own precious daughter, Susan, as expected in July of 1926. Susan embellished Winthrop Manor in the way Andy had when he was born. The entire family and staff adored her. She was a beautiful baby, with blonde hair and blue eyes, resembling Lady Beatrice’s side of the family.

  On the other hand, Estelle’s hair was the sandy-red, which Oliver had sported, but she did have Josephine's pretty, green eyes with long lashes, and overall, was also a lovely baby.

  * * *

  In the beginning, Estelle’s life at Winthrop Manor was truly joyful. She was a sweet baby and everyone took to her with fondness. Every attempt was made to forget that she was the product of rape. She was also a pretty baby and Josephine felt truly fortunate.

  On a rainy day both the elderly, former cook and Winnie were sitting in front of a cosy fire. Both women welcomed Estelle warmly, giving cuddles and kisses. She sat on Winnie’s lap while a storybook was read to her. As often happened, Vera dozed off and appeared to fall into a deep sleep. Winnie removed Estelle from her lap, took her by the hand, and led her into the small parlour.

  “We’re going to play a new game,” she announced to the little girl.

  “Oh, what is it called, Miss Winnie?” Estelle’s voice carried an excited tone.

  “It’s called ‘I’m the daddy and you’re the mommy,’” Vera’s companion answered.

  “What do we do?” Estelle continued. “How come I’m the mummy?”

  “Because I’m much bigger than you are, just like your Daddy was before he passed away.”

  “Oh, all right. I see.” The sweet child looked at Winnie with absolute trust in her pretty eyes.

  “All right then, let’s pretend,” said Winnie. “You take off all of your clothing.”

  “Why, Miss Winnie? Mummy says I should never do that in front of a stranger.”

  “Estelle, sweetheart. I’m scarcely a stranger. Goodness, who knows you better than I do? Isn’t that right?”

  “Yes. I guess so.” The child looked somewhat confused. Still, in spite of her mixed emotions, she did trust Winnie, so she proceeded to pull off her little pleated skirt and the sweater she wore over it. Next came her tiny undershirt, and finally, the knickers. She stood there in front of Winnie stark naked and shivering.

  “Now,” said Winnie, “you lay down on the sofa over there.” She pointed to the couch covered in a pretty chintz fabric composed of birds and lovely flowers on a white background.

  Estelle followed Winnie’s instructions, but she had an odd feeling inside that she didn’t like the game at all.

  Winnie proceeded to undress as well. Estelle was truly amazed. Nothing in her tender years had ever prepared her for such behaviour. Her voice dropped to a whimper. “Are you really sure this is all right, Miss Winnie? I’ve never seen a grown-up with no clothes on.”

  “That’s what makes the game fun, Estelle. It’s filled with surprises for you.”

  “Oh, I see,” Estelle mewled again. As soon as those two words left her mouth, Winnie was climbing on top of her. Estelle was very frightened, yet she hadn’t the slightest notion of what to say. She lay perfectly rigid as Winnie lay across her little body, and began to slide her hands downward.

  “What…What are you doing? I don’t think I want to play this game anymore.” Estelle cried, tears welling in her eyes.

  “Oh, Estelle, you’ll like it, I promise” replied Winnie. “You must trust me. If you don’t I shall be very hurt. You don’t want to hurt me, do you?”

  “No. I don’t guess so,” the youngster whimpered.

  By that time, Winnie had inserted a digit into Estelle’s private place between her legs. She began to move her finger back and forth, rapidly. Estelle did not like the sensation, and an inner voice told her that something was amiss. She made an attempt to sit up, but Winnie held her down with her other hand. Winnie was strong. Estelle looked up at the older woman’s face and she was very frightened when she saw a weird grimace. It was not the face of the lady she had grown to know and love.

  Estelle cried out. “Stop!” But there was nobody to hear her little voice.

  Next, Winnie moved her head further downward and actually placed her mouth where her finger had been a moment before.

  Estelle began to wiggle and push her away. It seemed as if Winnie wasn’t even able to hear her. She looked like she was completely unaware that Estelle was simply a little, confused child. Then, suddenly, before Estelle could utter another sound or make another move, Winnie groaned and her entire body shook from head to toe. She lay for a moment on the terrified child, and then got up, acting as though nothing odd had occurred.

  “Now, let’s get you dressed, sweet girl.” Winnie reached out the same hand that only moments before had done evil things to Estelle.

  The child quickly stood up, and grabbed for her clothing.

  “Here, my dear. Let me help you,” Winnie said, as though butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. “For playing that game so perfectly, I’m going to give you a very special gift.�
��

  “A gift? What sort of gift?”

  “Just about one of the most beautiful gifts a sweet girl like you could want,” came the reply.

  “What is it?” Estelle had a note of disbelief in her voice.

  “A brand new, beautiful dolly,” Winnie answered.

  “A dolly.” Really?”

  “Yes. Wait right here. I have it in a box in my closet.” She left the room momentarily, once again fully garbed. She quickly returned with a rather large box under her arm and set it down in front of Estelle. “Open it, darling. It’s all yours.”

  Estelle tentatively approached the box and reached for the lid.

  “Wait just one moment, dear. I want you to understand that our game is to remain private. It’s just between you and me. Grown-ups cannot ever know about it. If they knew, they might not want you to play it knowing you were being giving such delicious gifts for playing with me. Do you promise to keep it a secret?”

  Estelle eyed the box. Oh, how she wanted to see that dolly. What had happened wasn’t really so terrible – not if she got a dolly for a few minutes of playing. “All right,” she said to Winnie. “I promise.”

  “Oh, I just knew you would. You are always such a well-behaved and sweet girl. Each time we play this game, I’ll give you a special gift. There are so many things I know you would love to have. I remember when I was your age. My nanny played this same game with me, and I got dollies and dolly houses and a rocking horse – just so many things.”

  “Yes, but, won’t Mummy wonder where all of these toys are coming from?” the wise child questioned.

  “Oh, we’ll tell her that gentle Vera asks me to purchase these things for you. Vera doesn’t have a very good memory any more. She won’t remember if she made such a request. Your mummy loves Vera. She would never deny her the pleasure of spoiling you a bit with presents. Your mummy is very soft-hearted.”

  Estelle proceeded to open the box. There lay a gorgeous doll dressed in a blue velvet gown with pearls on the bodice. She had long, golden curls and lovely blue eyes. Estelle had never seen such a beautiful dolly. “Oh, oh, Miss Winnie. She is so pretty. I love her. What shall I name her?”