Estelle was ecstatic. She ran into the school, and asked Dr. Sanford if she might use the telephone to call her mother. He enquired as to why she needed to make such a call, and she explained about Neil’s letter. She was somewhat ill at ease, since she remembered that he had told her not to marry too quickly. However, he smiled and said he thought Estelle and Neil had waited long enough. He understood that the war might go on for a substantial length of time and many young people were making the decision to marry before soldiers were sent to far-away places for God only knew how long. Naturally, he gave his permission for use of the telephone.
Estelle placed a call to Winthrop Manor and Radcliffe answered on the first ring. Estelle asked to speak to her mother. She noticed her hands were shaking. Thank goodness Josephine was there. In short order, she came on the line.
“Estelle? Radcliffe said it was you. Is everything all right?” During the difficult time of war, Josephine’s words were most often the first spoken by anyone receiving a long-distance telephone call.
“Yes, Mummy, I’m fine. Neil is fine. In fact, everything is splendid. I’ve just had a letter from him. Oh, Mummy, he wants us to be married when he completes his training at Chatham. I’m just ecstatic. He doesn’t know the precise date yet, but it will be sometime in February. We don’t want a large, fancy wedding, just a small ceremony in the chapel at Winthrop Manor, so there wouldn’t be a lot of tasks for you. I would hand-write some nice invitations. I wouldn’t need a fancy gown. I’d probably only have Susan as an attendant. I don’t know who Neil would choose to stand up for him. Perhaps Andy, if he could obtain leave from the RAF. Other than those simple plans, of course I’d like flowers and perhaps we could do a reception at Winthrop Manor. We would only invite friends and family. I’ll be seventeen by then. Oh, please, please say yes, Mummy.”
Josephine’s memory immediately went back to 1914 when she and Win eloped to Scotland on the eve of the Great War. She knew what it was like to be over-the-top in love. She also knew that the only reason they had eloped was because Win’s parents were so adamant that they shouldn’t marry. Josephine had no intention of repeating Lady Beatrice and Lord Rupert’s behaviour. She would make certain that her daughter was wed exactly where she should be–at her own home in the ancient chapel where countless generations of brides had taken their vows. “Of course, I give my permission. Everybody here adores Neil. I understand what it’s like to love someone who is going to war. However, darling, you will have a gown. I’d like for you to wear mine. It belonged to my mother. When Win and I eloped to Gretna Green with Elisabeth and Andrew, I wore it.”
“Oh, my goodness. I never dreamed of anything so remarkable. You mean you’d be willing to lend it to me?” Estelle cried in amazement.
“I wouldn’t be lending it to you. I’d be passing it down to you, with the hope that someday you’ll have your own daughter and the tradition would continue.”
“What a beautiful thought,” Estelle replied. “Mummy, thank you so much for being so forgiving to me. I was such a horrible child, really a terrible person. I’m so sorry I did such wretched things to cause so much heartache. I intend to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for the malicious, malevolent times when I caused you so much pain. Sending me here to the Sanford Institute was the best thing you ever might have done. I understand myself now.”
“We all noticed such a change in you when you visited during Uncle Roderick’s funeral. No one could believe you were the same person. What brought about such a remarkable difference?” Josephine asked.
“Oh, Mummy. There are a lot of things I never told you. I truly despise bringing harm to anyone, but I do think it’s time I tell you. I probably should have long ago, but I was awfully confused.” Estelle sat down in a chair beside Dr. Sanford’s desk. He had left his office to allow her privacy. Tears began to well in her eyes.
“Whatever do you mean, Estelle? What are the things you never told me? Please be honest now. If there is something I should know, then tell me,” Josephine said, in a pleading voice.
Estelle sat still for just a moment. It was hard to put together the correct words to make her mother understand everything. “Well, Mummy,” she began. “I guess it all started when I found out that Oliver was my real father. I was horrified. Of course, I was very young, but it hurt awfully bad. Everyone had always said he was such a terrible person. Then, the worst possible thing that could have happened took place. Winnie came to be Vera’s companion. Well, not exactly when she came, but when she began to have a profound influence upon me.” Estelle was clearly weeping now, as memories flooded her mind. “You see, when I was about four, she began to do some truly wicked things to me. Do you recall how I used to spend hours in Vera’s quarters?”
“Yes, of course,” replied Josephine. “I thought it was quite sweet that you seemed to like Vera so much. I knew it meant a lot to her to have you as company.”
“Yes, I suppose it did. Nonetheless, Vera would often doze off when I was in her room. When that happened, I would tell Winnie I was going to go to my own room. But Winnie would tell me to stay, and she would tell stories about when she was growing up. She also said she would teach me things. Of course, I was just a small girl, and I loved to hear stories about people’s lives and was curious about what she would teach me.”
“Yes, I’m curious too.” Josephine’s voice held a note of apprehension.
“For a long time she told me tales about what an evil little girl she’d been. Most of the lies I told you and others came straight out of Winnie’s mouth. She told me she’d had a sinful relationship with a Catholic priest. That’s how I invented the lie about Father Comer and me. There were many other tales like that. She also told me that she’d put out her brother’s eye by throwing scissors at him. So, guess where I got the idea to do the same thing to Susan? I don’t know if the stories she told me were true, but I thought they were. Then, she started to do stuff to me.”
“What sort of stuff?” Josephine asked, with enormous apprehension.
“Um… Mummy, it’s sort-of embarrassing to tell you these things. But, Dr. Sanford says I shouldn’t be embarrassed, and that I’m not the one who did anything wrong. Still, for a long time, I thought I was very evil.”
“Oh my God, Estelle. Your family, including me, didn’t help at all. We added to such feelings by saying you were evil and immoral.” Josephine was mortified.
“That wasn’t your fault, Mummy. I did act atrociously.”
“Anyway, please tell me, Estelle. What did Winnie do to you?”
“Well… she started by telling me we were going to play a game, having me get undressed and then she would put her fingers inside of me. You know what I mean. She would ask me if it felt good. It didn’t, but I lied.” By then, Estelle was openly sobbing. “Once, she hung me upside down in the closet. That’s where I got the idea to hang Susan in the dirty laundry space.”
“Oh my God! Estelle, I am so sorry. How could I not have figured out that something like that was happening? It never crossed my mind.”
“I don’t think it would have crossed anyone’s mind. Winnie can act so sweet. Anyway, that’s where most of my bad behaviour came from. Sometimes, Winnie would lay on top of me. When it was all over, she would present me with a lovely gift. Do you remember the pretty dolls I was given and the doll house? Oh, there were so many things.
“Yes, yes. I thought Vera and Winnie were just spoiling you a bit,” answered Josephine.
“I also told her about Oliver being my father. She told me you’d had an affaire with him and were a shameful, disgusting trollop. Of course, I believed her, and it made me hate you. She played with my mind with all sorts of lies. Dr. Sanford says she’s mentally disturbed,” Estelle cried.
“What a truly vile human being. Oh, Estelle, I must let Winnie go immediately. Thank goodness we’ve not had any other small children in the house. She never did anything like these things to Susan did she? At least that you know about?”
“No, I’
m almost certain she didn’t. It was probably the best thing ever that Tom, Elisabeth, and Susan moved back to Cloverdale.”.
“Do you think she could be doing awful things to Vera? After all, Vera’s mind has been deteriorating for a long while.”
“No, Mummy, I don’t think that would have ever happened. Winnie told me she rather prefers young girls.”
Josephine was beside herself. As she spoke on the telephone, she ran her hands through her hair and bit her nails. She, too, was weeping. “Estelle. I must ring off. I need to confront Winnie immediately. I am truly delighted about your wedding plans, and thank you so much for telling me everything about Winnie. I’m absolutely heartbroken that I allowed such a person to live under the Winthrop Manor roof, but most of all that she perpetrated such horrendous, immoral acts right under my nose. I’m so dreadfully sorry, Estelle. I should have recognised that a child who was so decent and kind could have modified her behaviour so greatly, without some underlying cause. I was so horribly wrong, Estelle. I do pray you’ll be able to forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. You couldn’t have known. I’m glad you’re going to confront Winnie. After you’ve dealt with her, could you please send me your wedding gown so I can see if it will need to be altered?” Estelle asked.
“Darling, you’ll be home for Christmas very soon. You can try it on then and we’ll see what, if anything, needs to be done. I love you, sweetheart. Thank you again for telling me everything. I’ll ring you later to tell you how my conversation with Winnie goes.”
* * *
Without delay, Josephine notified the authorities, who immediately took Winnie into custody. Winnie admitted to her ghastly behavior, so there was no need for any lengthy-legal action. Besides validating the information Estelle had provided, Josephine also rang the persons who were given as references when she had been hired to be Vera’s companion. None of the people existed. Josephine learned a valuable lesson from the entire episode.
As soon as all this had been accomplished, she rang Estelle and told her that Winnie had been dismissed and was no longer at Winthrop Manor.
Josephine called the entire family and staff together, as well as the now-married Hope and Vicar Howe and shared the story with them. Her aim was to make certain that any remaining negative feelings toward Estelle were eliminated. When everybody heard what the poor girl had endured, they were infuriated with Winnie as well as horrified at what Estelle had experienced. They also felt guilty because they had never considered the possibility that something evil had happened to Estelle. Hope offered to take over duties of companion to Vera, since she dearly loved the elderly woman. That turned out to be a true blessing.
There was great joy when they learned that Neil and Estelle would be marrying in February, and all vowed to make certain she had a memorable wedding day.
* * *
Of course, Josephine had prayed that by some miracle, Andy would be granted leave for Christmas, but that wasn’t to be.
Andy’s Hurricane was strafed by a Luftwaffe aeroplane, and he was wounded in the leg. While it wasn’t serious, he was confined to base hospital until after the New Year. Estelle had also hoped that Neil might be able to join her at Winthrop Manor for Christmas. Heavy fighting was taking place in both Italy and North Africa, and fresh troops were desperately needed. It was of vital importance that Neil finish his training so that he could be assigned to a permanent unit and begin to put his newly honed skills into practice. Thus, Estelle boarded a train and rode alone to Winthrop-on-Hart. The railroad cars were filled with soldiers on their way home for the holidays, and she tried not to cry because Neil wouldn’t be by her side. She gazed out of the window and thought about all the changes that had taken place since she’d initially left home to attend The Sanford Institute.
Chapter Eighteen
Neil learned that his training would be finished on February 12, 1942. He was delighted to discover that he’d be given two weeks leave before receiving orders regarding where his unit would be assigned after training. He was beyond excited when he learned that the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment was being reformed and would spend the next four months on home defence in expectation of a German invasion. That meant Neil would remain in England until the summer of 1942 after he and Estelle were married
His first task was to determine whether or not wives would be allowed at Chatham during that period. After speaking to the officer in charge of his regiment, he learned they could live off-base and he would report for duty each morning. Neil was delighted. He asked the commanding officer if he might be permitted to place a long-distance telephone call to Hampshire. He explained that he was planning marriage to his fiancée when his training was completed in February. The request was granted.
Estelle was at Winthrop Manor for Christmas when the telephone rang in the hallway. Being nearby, she ran to answer it. She had hoped with all her heart that Neil might at least be able to call her on the holiday.
She was overjoyed when she heard his voice. “Sweetheart,” he said, “I have wonderful news!”
Estelle was overwhelmed just to hear his voice. “What Neil? Tell me your news.”
“I won’t be assigned to a posting after my training for a period approximately four months. I’ll be staying here at Chatham Barracks to perform duties as a defender of the homeland in case the Germans decide to invade. That means you can move to Chatham, and we can live in a flat off base. I’ll have to report for duty at the barracks each morning, but we’ll be together. Isn’t that wonderful news?”
Estelle was astounded. “Oh Neil, you can’t be serious. You mean I won’t have to say goodbye to you after we marry?”
“That’s right, darling–at least not for four months. Perhaps if we’re fortunate, the war will be over by then.”
“Oh, what incredible news,” she cried. “What about our marriage date? Have you learned when your training will be completed?”
“I finish my training on February twentieth. I’ll be able to immediately catch a train to Hampshire. We can be married on your birthday, if that meets with your mother’s approval. I’ve already written my parents, and they said it would be fine with them.”
“Yes, yes!” Estelle shouted with glee. “I’ve already tried on Mum’s wedding gown, and it needs just a few alterations. They are being taken care of now. I’ll get together a list of guests to invite. You must do the same and send it to me. Have you a nice suit to wear?”
“Yes, of course, silly girl. I even have a black-tie ensemble, if you prefer that. Just because I grew up on a farm doesn’t mean I’m lacking in knowledge about etiquette.”
“Neil, I’m sorry. I knew that. My mum’s gown is quite formal. It would be lovely if you were to wear something special. Mum and I will start to make all of the other necessary plans.”
“Wonderful. Oh, and Estelle, my mother and father want me to send them your mother’s address and telephone exchange. Mum wants to ring your mother.”
“That would be lovely. Do you have that information?”
“Yes. I’ll ring them tonight and let them have what they’ve requested. Shall I search for a flat for us to live in, or do you want to make that decision?” he asked.
“You can go ahead and find us a place. Then, take some pictures if you can, so I can figure out what we’ll need in the way of furnishings.”
“All right, my angel. I’m so happy. I do love you so.”
“And I you, Neil. Thank you so much for the wonderful news. I can’t wait to tell my mum. I’ll write a long letter to you later tonight,” Estelle promised.
* * *
Neil began to search at once for suitable accommodations for them to make their home. After a lengthy search, he was delighted to come upon a lovely Victorian house for lease on Maidstone Road in Chatham. He had been seeking a smaller flat, but when he discovered the house, he couldn’t believe his luck. The owners had left their magical home at the beginning of the war to relocate to a cottage in the cou
ntry. Chatham was not a tremendous distance from London, and the owners had been concerned about their safety after the Blitz. Because of its locale, the price was very reasonable. The house was absolutely delightful. Built in the 1890s, it had all the charm one would expect to find in a home of that era. Houses of that size and stature were a rare addition to the Chatham property market, positioned on one of the most sought-after roads in the area and located within a short walk of Chatham station. From the station, a person could travel to London’s Victoria Station in under fifty minutes.
The house had three spacious bedrooms, a living and dining area, as well as an office, and even a library. There was a well-equipped kitchen and two bathrooms. The exterior was red brick with white columns. On top of those amenities, there was also a large, beautifully planted garden in the back. The lease price was more than Neil had planned to pay, but after a call to his parents, the decision was made that they would pay the rental price if Neil and Estelle would agree to let them move into the third bedroom. His parents wished to sell their farm in Wiltshire, since they were aging and weren't capable of the work required to keep it going. Another call was placed to Estelle, particularly to discuss whether she would be agreeable to his parents living with them. This was followed by several photographs of the house sent via post. After much discussion, an agreement was reached.
Estelle was keen on the prospect of having the Johnstons with them. She adored Neil's mother and felt she would provide companionship when Neil was on duty at Chatham Barracks, and afterwards, when he was undoubtedly posted abroad. The house was certainly large enough, and its design was such that one of the bedrooms and a water closet were on a different level than the other two, so the three people wouldn’t feel as though they were on top of one another. The garden and sizable yard would keep Neil’s father well-occupied and would also provide plenty of space for Estelle's beloved Petunia. Hence, the lease was signed and preparations were put into process for an anticipated move. The Johnstons sold their house rather quickly as many people were seeking property in the country because of the fear accompanying bombing in metropolitan areas. As a result, Neil’s parents moved into the house on Maidstone Road before their son and Estelle were wed. The decision solved another problem for the young couple. There was more furniture than they could ever have afforded due to the sale of the farmhouse, so one more task was crossed off Neil and Estelle’s list.
War Comes Home to Winthrop Manor: An English Family Saga (Winthrop Manor Series Book 2) Page 19