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

by Mary Christian Payne

  “Oh, Mum, I am sorry. I loved him. He was a dear man. What happened?”

  “He had a heart seizure. It was very quick, and Dr. Tom said it was painless. He was very old, you know. I suppose we should have expected something of the sort.”

  “Shall I grab a train to Winthrop-on-Hart?” Estelle asked.

  “No. Andy is being given compassionate leave, so he will be driving home in a borrowed auto. He said he’ll pick you up at the school later today.”

  “Oh, all right. Shall I pack all black clothing?” Estelle enquired.

  “Yes. That would be suitable. The service will be tomorrow, and if you’d like, you may stay here a few extra days.”

  “Yes, I’d like that.” Her heart was beating quickly. Suddenly she’d realised that the trip to Winthrop Manor would be a perfect time to bring Neil to meet her family. However, did she have the courage to ask her mother? It was a somewhat odd time to be bringing her fiancé home. Would Mummy object?

  Estelle took a deep breath. “Mummy, I’d like to ask your permission to bring someone very special with me. I know I’ve mentioned Neil Johnston to you before, and now, well, we’ve become engaged. He gave me a smashing ring. Of course, we don’t intend to marry until he comes back from the war. He’s joined the military and will be leaving for Salisbury Plain for artillery training in just five weeks now. I understand that this is a bad time to introduce him to everybody, but if I don’t do so now, he’ll be gone and I don’t know how long it will be before I can do so. Oh, do say yes, Mummy.”

  Josephine was startled. Estelle sounded so different. She very seldom, if ever, called her “Mummy,” but she also sounded happy – immensely happy. And sweet. Yes, sweet. It was a word she would never have associated with Estelle. It didn’t seem at all an appropriate time to meet a daughter’s fiancé, yet Josephine couldn’t find it in her heart to say no to this young lady who had always before been such a challenge.

  “It would be unusual. Nevertheless, considering the war and his having to leave for training, perhaps we can make an exception. Yes. All right, Estelle. Bring him with you. Of course, I want very much to meet him. I’ll inform Andy about the change in plans. I’m certain he’ll be pleased to have Neil accompany both of you on your journey home.”

  “Oh, Mummy. Thank you so much. You’ll like him, I promise. I love him so.”

  “I’m happy for you, Estelle. Do tell him that the family is eager to meet him. I’ll look forward to seeing you this evening. Now, please put Dr. Sanford back on the line so I may tell him the arrangements. You’ll need permission to leave the campus.”

  Estelle handed the telephone back to Dr. Sanford and quickly left his office. She was afraid she was about to burst into tears. Happiness was not an emotion Estelle was very familiar with. Yet, she was absolutely filled with joy. On the walk back to her room, she realised that she needed to tell Neil of the arrangements she’d just made. Stopping in the middle of the corridor, she turned and hurriedly walked back to Dr. Sanford’s office. He was sitting at his desk writing something.

  “Dr. Sanford, excuse me for disturbing you. As you know already, I’m to be leaving here to journey home for a funeral. My mum has given permission for me to bring my fiancé with me,” she nervously said.

  “Yes, Estelle. Your mother said as much. I had no idea you were engaged. Who is the young man, and when did this occur?”

  “Dr. Sanford, I know I’ve mentioned Neil Johnston to you before. You remember, don’t you?” She was trembling. Was she in trouble?

  He smiled. “Yes, of course I remember. I’m only surprised this happened and you apparently didn’t feel you could tell me.”

  Estelle reached her hand out, showing him the engagement ring. “He told me he loved me last week. I did mean to share the news with you, but I was so undone. Then, he gave me this ring. It’s my birthstone. Isn’t it grand?”

  “Indeed, it is,” he replied. “I do hope you aren’t planning on marriage too quickly. You’ve made wonderful progress here at the Institute. Still, I’d like to see you sort yourself out a bit more before becoming a wife.”

  “Oh, no. We won’t even think of marriage until this wretched war is over. Neil has joined up and will be leaving for training in five weeks. You have helped me so much. I want to continue to grow and learn more about myself and come to know my family better, so I’ll be leaving here in February,” Estelle replied emphatically. “The reason I came back to your office is that I need to go over to Neil’s farm and inform him of the plans for us to travel to Winthrop Manor this afternoon when my brother Andy arrives to pick us up. Do I have your consent to do so?”

  “Certainly,” he responded. “You may also absent yourself from lunch, if need be. I know you must pack and ready yourself for the journey.”

  “Thank you so much, sir. I’m leaving right now for Neil’s farm. You’re right. I probably won’t be able to be present for lunch. My brother will undoubtedly stop at a pub for a quick bite on the way to my home.”

  “That will be fine, Estelle,” Dr. Sanford replied.

  Estelle turned and scurried toward the doorway.

  “Oh, and Estelle,” the doctor exclaimed. “Best wishes on your engagement. I’m most happy for you.”

  * * *

  At a little after eight o’clock that evening, Andy, Estelle, and Neil arrived at Winthrop Manor. The ride from The Sanford Institute had been enjoyable for everybody. At first, Neil was rather quiet, but as he warmed to Andy, they began to chat about all things military and Estelle quietly listened to their conversation. She was happy that they seemed to like each other. By the time they were close to Winthrop-on-Hart, she had no worries about whether Andy approved of the engagement. He had said so himself. Just before they made the turn into the gravelled drive leading to the estate, Andy turned to Estelle and said that he thought she had picked a fiancé from the top of the barrel. She grinned, and reached over to hold Neil's hand.

  Upon entering the manor, Josephine was at the door to greet them. Estelle gave her a giant hug and again called her Mummy. She then turned and introduced Neil, who said, “How nice to make your acquaintance, Lady Josephine.”

  At the same time, Estelle was showing her mother the engagement ring. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked.

  Josephine took her daughter’s hand and marveled at the amethyst. One would have thought that Estelle was wearing one of the crown jewels. She wondered if Neil could be feeling awkward., coming from a much different household. He had never seen, let alone been,in a home like Winthrop Manor. She suspected he was making every effort not to show astonishment at his surroundings. However, he must have known that he was welcome.

  “Now Neil,” said Josephine, “I want you to feel comfortable here. You needn’t refer to me as Lady Josephine. I’m Estelle’s mother. Since the two of you are engaged to be married, please feel free to be less formal.”

  “Oh ma'am, I don’t believe it would be proper not to use your title. My parents raised me correctly.”

  “I’m sure they did, Neil, but I would honestly feel uneasy if you treated me as you would a stranger who happens to have a title. Do you think you might be able to call me Miss Josephine or perhaps Mrs. Winthrop?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I could try, Mrs. Winthrop.”

  “All right. That will do for now. After you and Estelle are married, I hope you will feel comfortable either using my given name only, or of course, mum, if you wish.”

  “Once we’re married, perhaps I’ll feel differently,” he replied.

  “Let’s go into the drawing room,” Josephine said. “We can be more comfortable. We need to have a nice, long chat. I want to know everything about the handsome man my daughter has chosen to marry.”

  Neil blushed when she referred to him as handsome, although he truly was.

  Andy spoke up. “Mum, you’re embarrassing Neil. I’ve had a chance to become well-acquainted with him during our journey. He’s a good chap. I look forward to being his brother-in-law
.”

  The four made their way to the opulent drawing room where Estelle and Neil sat next to one another on the white sofa in front of the fireplace and Andy and Josephine were opposite them in two winged-back chairs.

  “My goodness, this brings back memories from long ago,” Josephine said. “I can recall like it was yesterday when Win brought me here for the first time. We sat in this very room, and I was so frightened. His mother, Lady Beatrice, scared the devil out of me. You see, Neil, I was a simple girl, and Mother Winthrop was not at all happy that Win had chosen me to be his wife. I ended up in tears. So, you see, you needn’t be concerned that I’m a highbrow aristocrat. I know exactly how it feels to be looked down upon by a person of the gentry. I don’t ever want you to experience those feelings.”

  “No, Mrs. Winthrop. You’ve made me feel very welcome. I may not be an aristocrat, but I promise that I love Estelle with all my heart, and I’ll always take the best care of her.” He glanced at Estelle with an adoring look. It was obvious that they were deeply in love.

  Josephine had to hold back tears because the situation was so reminiscent of the way she and Win had felt.

  Neil looked at her with sorrow. “Mrs. Winthrop, I’m dreadfully sorry that you’ve lost your uncle. Estelle has told me that he was a very fine man. I wish I could have known him. Please do accept my condolences.”

  “How thoughtful and kind of you, Neil,” Josephine responded. “Yes, he was indeed a fine man. Did Estelle tell you that he literally raised me from the time my parents died when the Titanic went down?”

  “Yes. What a dreadful tragedy that was. You must have felt fortunate to have had someone you loved as much as you did your uncle. Estelle has told me that he was like a father to you.”

  “He absolutely was. There were many times that I don’t know what I would have done without him. I’m grateful that he lived such a long life with no ill health and all of his facilities until the very end. I shall miss him greatly.”

  “I want to thank you for allowing me to pay a visit to your home at such a wretched time.”

  “Oh, Neil, I rather think your being here will help to ease the pain. As the saying goes, ‘One door closes and another opens.’ Your presence and the news of your engagement have brought happiness. I believe Uncle Roderick would have wanted it to be that way,” Josephine said.

  Andy changed the subject. “Mum, did we arrive too late for dinner? To be honest, we only had a bit to eat at a small pub on the way here. I don’t know about Estelle and Neil, but I’m starving.”

  “Darling, I’m so sorry. I should have told you that I had Mrs. Boyle hold dinner until you arrived. Why don’t I show Neil to his room, and you can freshen up before we dine. Don’t be concerned about formality. Come, follow me.” Josephine rose from her chair.

  * * *

  The next few days flew by. Between the funeral service for Roderick and a reception following at Winthrop Manor, as well as a hastily put together engagement party for Estelle and Neil, there was scarcely any time for simple relaxation. Nonetheless, even with the sorrow accompanying Roderick’s death, Winthrop Manor hadn’t been filled with so much joy in a long time. Everyone from Tom and Elisabeth to their daughter Susan, as well as the entire staff, adored Neil. They were all amazed at the apparent change in Estelle’s behaviour. She literally glowed with happiness and was loving and kind to everyone.

  Vera was thrilled to see her, and Winnie acted as if a long-lost friend had returned. In a certain way that was true. Estelle had spent untold hours chatting with Vera, and Winnie had usually been present.

  Josephine was a bit puzzled at Estelle’s reaction when Winnie hugged and welcomed Estelle home. Her daughter was so delighted to see all the family and the staff at Winthrop Manor, but she was aloof with Winnie.

  She would never have believed that she would be sorry to see Estelle leave, but indeed she was. Estelle had now become the daughter she’d always longed for. Whether the change was due to The Sanford Institute or her love for Neil, there was no question that it was certainly real. Josephine was eager for a suitable time when she could sit down with Estelle and talk at length about the clearly remarkable changes in her personality.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The visit to Winthrop Manor ended all too quickly. In what seemed the blink of an eye, Estelle found herself at the railway station near her school with Neil’s arms wrapped tightly about her as she wept and held him equally tight. His parents had said their goodbyes at the farm, as he had requested, since he wanted to spend his last moments as a civilian alone with his fiancée.

  When the conductor called for all to board the train headed for Chatham in Kent, the lovers passionately kissed and repeated promises to write letters. Then before Estelle could say all the things she’d rehearsed, Neil was already in the railroad coach leaving the station.

  It was October 9, 1942. Britain had maintained control of the skies, but an unimaginable amount of damage had been done to London. The East End in particular had nearly been destroyed, and even Buckingham Palace had been damaged due to German bombs. Still, the RAF had demonstrated its skill, and Winston Churchill made a speech about the heroism of the Royal Air Force, in which he proclaimed, “Never had so many owed so much to so few.”

  * * *

  Before reporting for training, Neil had been medically examined and given The King's Shilling together with a regimental number. Then he was told to take seven days leave before reporting for service. Those days had been heavenly. He and Estelle had spent every possible moment together. After his leave, he had been instructed to report to Chatham Barracks in Kent.

  When he reported to the guard room still wearing civilian clothes, the sentries posted at the entrance reminded him of the tiny toy soldiers Neil’s parents had given him for gifts as a boy.

  Estelle received his first letter nearly two weeks after she had kissed him goodbye. She had written every day, but hadn’t expected that he would be able to do so, as he was already aware that the period of training would be rough. When that first letter arrived, Estelle ran to the spot where Neil had proposed to her, near the old oak tree, and sat beneath it to read every word several times.

  Dearest Estelle,

  As new recruits, we are known as rookies. After a few days at the barracks and after doing a little training in our civilian clothes, we were all issued our uniform and gas masks. We then received an identity disc with our number on i, together with the most important item of kit – our rifle. We were told this may mean being killed or saved, as this will be our first line of defence against the enemy.

  The army training at Chatham is coming a little easier for me thanks to my farm life, lifting bales of hay, and working long, hard days. I discovered the march and position of arms are different, as is the salute. However, in time everything seems to go according to plan. The Royal Navy is not far from us and for our gas training we have to share the gas chambers with them. The chambers are not very pleasant as they contained mustard gas and tear gas, but it is necessary for us to experience them and know the affects and treatment for them.

  At the time while all this is going on, we need to be aware that an air raid is always possible, so we listen for the air raid warning to tell us the enemy planes are on their way. We have to be on our guard all the time, our gas masks and tin helmets ready for the warning. The lenses of our gas masks have to be cleaned quite often with anti-gas ointment, to ensure we’d be able to see clearly because they easily mist over with our breath.

  I miss you so very much. Every night before I go to sleep, I say a prayer that God will see us both through this miserable war. I long for the day when I can hold you in my arms and kiss your beautiful lips. I believe I’ll be granted leave after the four-month training is completed, but that seems like an awfully long time. That will be around the middle of February, I guess.

  I promise to write again very soon, and remember, I love you. Take good care of Petunia.

  Neil

  E
stelle re-read the letter several times, especially the romantic sections. When she returned to her room, she circled the month of February on the calendar. Not only would Neil be returning sometime during that month, but she would turn nineteen on February twenty-third. The next letter she received didn’t arrive until late November. It was once again filled with military news, but there was also a sentence which sent her heart soaring.

  Dearest Estelle,

  I’m so sorry it has been such a long time since I’ve written. During my stay at Chatham there have been many unpleasant incidents. Worst of all was when a section of us left the barracks to march down the road one dark night to have a bath. As we marched along, a heavy vehicle went into the back of the section, killing many in the incident. A neon back lamp, showing a red or green light, wasn't being carried. From then on, whenever marches go to have a bath in the evening, we are detailed to have a lamp at the back of the section as well as the front. Don’t be alarmed. I’m fine.

  I received your letter about your birthday. Of course, I knew that date but hadn’t made the connection between completion of my training and you turning seventeen. I am going to try to determine exactly when I’ll be given leave before I’m given my first assignment. If it is at all possible, I would like for us to be married on your birthday. Seventeen is old enough to be married. I’m willing to wait, of course. I do know a lot of chaps here with me who have wives who are even younger than seventeen. I guess the war has changed many things. If not on that exact date, then do you think we could pick a date when I’m home during that month? I know we decided we would wait until the war has ended, but I know a lot more now than I did then, and it is very possible that this is going to be a very long siege. I’d like to know that you are my wife before I leave again.

  Please let me know your thoughts. I love you so.

  Neil