by Anna Jacobs
He didn’t even know half of them, probably would never meet them again.
At long last the funeral gathering drew to a close. Alex saw the last guest out and lingered for a few moments on the doorstep, breathing in the cool, fresh air.
But there were still things to do, so he closed the front door and went back to join Mildred, her fiancé and his partner, Mr Telsom.
‘We can have the reading of the will now, if you wish, Mr Seaton,’ Edwin Morton said in his quiet, rather musical voice.
‘Yes. Let’s get it over with. Then if I need to leave the house to the new owner, I can go to a hotel.’
‘I doubt it’ll come to that.’ Edwin gave a faint smile.
‘We’ll go into the dining room, shall we?’ Mildred led the way without waiting for an answer.
Alex noted that she smiled briefly at her fiancé as she sat down and that Edwin returned the smile with a warm, loving look. It was good to see that.
There were some papers waiting on the table and it was Edwin’s partner who went to sit in front of them.
Once the other three people were seated, Mr Telsom cleared his throat. ‘I drew up the most recent will, Mr Seaton, because it would have been a clash of interests for my partner to do it by then.’ His glance in Mildred’s direction said why. ‘The will isn’t complicated, so with your permission, I’ll summarise its main points.’
Alex hoped that meant his mother had left something substantial to his cousin.
‘Very well. Agnes Rosina Seaton left everything she possessed in equal parts to her son Alexander James Seaton and her niece Mildred Rosemary Seaton.’
The words were out before Alex could stop them. ‘I don’t believe it!’
Mildred reached out to take his hand. ‘It’s what you deserve, dear.’
The two lawyers waited to continue, their expressions polite and non-committal. He supposed a lot of strange things were said and done when wills were read. It took him a minute or two to calm down, and his first impulse was to refuse the bequest.
But that would have been stupid and he had never thought himself lacking in common sense.
‘I’m sorry. I was rather surprised.’ He turned to Mildred. ‘I’m glad she remembered you. If anyone deserves that money, you do.’
‘It wasn’t always easy to look after her, I will admit.’ She smiled across the table. ‘But doing it led me to my dear Edwin, which is far more important than the money.’
‘What does the estate consist of these days?’ Alex asked. ‘My mother was never very good with money.’
‘This house and its contents, a few hundred pounds in the bank and very little else,’ Mr Telsom said. ‘My partner and his wife-to-be have no desire to live here, so they wish to sell everything. How do you feel about that, Mr Seaton?’
‘I’m of the same mind. However, since I’m in the trade, perhaps it’d be best if I sell the furniture and other items. I have a lady and gentleman who work for me and who clear out houses of deceased persons. I’m sure with their help, I can get far more money for the contents than my cousin could. There are one or two items I should like to keep, and of course I’ll pay a proper price for them.’
‘What a good idea!’ Mildred said. ‘I wasn’t looking forward to going through my aunt’s things, I must admit, because I don’t think she ever threw anything away. Is that everything, Mr Telsom?’
‘Yes. I’ll leave each of you a copy of the will and take my leave.’
‘What about her maid?’
‘She refused even to consider leaving the poor woman anything.’
‘Then I think we should give her something, Alex. If she hadn’t been so old, I doubt she’d have stayed with my aunt.’
‘Give her what you think right. And a medal with it, for putting up with my mother for so long.’
She smiled but wagged her finger at him in mock reproof.
Edwin showed his partner out and came back to join them. Mildred was standing near the fire staring into it and he went across to put one arm round her shoulders. ‘Are you all right, my love? You were looking rather sad just then.’
‘I’m fine, but I do find it sad that no one will miss her.’
She looked across at Alex. ‘Well, that’s done now. On a happier note, I’ll remind you that Edwin and I have booked our wedding for tomorrow morning at eleven.’
‘I shall look forward to it.’
‘And after the wedding, I’ll move straight into Edwin’s house. I shall be glad to leave this place. It’s never been a happy house, has it?’
‘No, never. I’ll get up early tomorrow and sort out the things I wish to keep, then I can catch an afternoon train to London immediately after the wedding. I shall be glad to leave the house, too.’
‘We’ll leave the maid to look after things till your employees arrive. Or if she gets another job, which she hinted she might have a chance of, we’ll simply lock the place up. They can stay here, if they like.’
‘I’m sure they’d appreciate that.’
It was just the three of them for dinner and afterwards they sat by the fire chatting. The more time he spent with Edwin, the more Alex liked him.
‘Can I ask what made my mother change her mind about leaving anything to me?’
‘I did,’ Mildred said. ‘I didn’t tell anyone but she talked once or twice of leaving everything to me. I told her that if she didn’t leave a good part of the money to you, people would talk. She was always terrified of being gossiped about – I don’t know why, because she never did anything scandalous. I’m not sure I feel comfortable about taking half the money, even.’
Alex let out a harsh laugh. ‘That’s the main thing that makes me feel it’s right to accept the bequest, that you get your share. I’m not short of money, Mildred. My business is very successful, even now.’
He wasn’t sure whether to say it, but took the risk. ‘I hope it’s not too late for you two to have children, because then I’ll have someone in the family to leave my money to.’
‘I share that hope for children,’ Mildred said. ‘But I’ll remind you that it’s not too late for you to marry and have children, either.’
‘Who would want to marry an old crock like me, whose hair is rather thin on top and who is definitely on the scrawny side?’
‘Many women, because you have a kind heart and a decent nature.’
Alex could feel himself flushing. Personal compliments had been rare in his life and he never knew what to say or do when they were offered.
He went up to bed and left the others chatting, but Edwin didn’t stay late and Alex heard the front door open and close about ten minutes later.
He hoped he’d never have to come back to this house again.
He smiled in the darkness. He was very much looking forward to the wedding. That would end his visit on a happier note.
When Mildred came downstairs to go to her wedding, Alex almost didn’t recognise her. Happiness had even lent her the illusion of prettiness – or perhaps it wasn’t an illusion. Perhaps this was the real Mildred and the other rather plain woman had been the illusion.
The ceremony at the registry office was brief, with himself and Mr Telsom acting as witnesses, and Mrs Telsom attending as a guest. Afterwards, they went to a local hotel where Edwin had ordered an excellent luncheon, together with a bottle of French champagne.
Alex snatched a moment with Mildred before he left. ‘If you need anything, ever, you know I’ll help you.’
‘Don’t worry about me, dear. I trust Edwin absolutely. And remember, if you have to come to Swindon, you must stay with us from now on.’
She chewed the corner of her lip, something she’d done from childhood when she was uncertain about what she wanted to say.
‘What is it?’ he prompted.
‘It’s you. Alex, please try to find yourself a wife.’
‘I’m far too busy to go courting.’
‘No need to go courting,’ she said firmly. ‘Just keep your eyes open, and
if necessary, take a risk. You can be too careful about these things, you know.’ She grasped his hand and gave it a little shake. ‘Promise me that if the opportunity occurs, if you meet a woman you really like, you’ll make the effort to get to know her.’
‘Mildred, dear—’
‘Promise me!’ She laughed suddenly. ‘It’s the wedding present I want most.’
‘Oh, very well. I promise.’ He couldn’t imagine it happening, though.
She patted his cheek. ‘I know you won’t break your word. Ah, Edwin! Come and say goodbye to my cousin.’
Donald watched sourly as Olivia put on her outdoor things. ‘I don’t like you associating with that Horner-Jevons woman. I don’t know what poor old Humphrey was thinking of to marry someone as unconventional as her. Cecily tells me she goes out in public wearing trousers. Has she no shame?’
‘So do you. They’re very practical garments. I’m thinking of getting a pair made for myself.’
‘I’ll burn them if you do.’
‘While I’m wearing them or after I take them off?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
She studied him. Her feelings for him were undergoing a change. She’d always been a little afraid of upsetting him, he was so big and strong, but after spending more time than usual with him, she now considered him a stuffed shirt with a narrow view of the world, who backed down when challenged.
And he was rather stupid too. From the way he talked about what he would do after Britain won the war, it was clear that he expected life to go back to how it had been before.
She too believed they’d win the war, whatever it took. But she was equally sure most people wouldn’t go back to their old ways of living and thinking. Young men who had never gone more than ten miles away from their villages had now seen big cities and travelled to foreign countries. They’d met all sorts of people, and though they’d seen some harrowing sights, they must have learnt a great deal too.
She was sure they would have been changed by their experiences.
And so many men had lost their lives, like her husband. The women they left behind would have to make new and different lives for themselves. It stood to reason that with so many young men being killed, there would be a lot of young women unable to find husbands at all.
She opened the front door to see if there was any sign of Babs’s car, shivering as a cold wind sucked the warmth from her body.
‘Shut that door!’ yelled Donald.
‘Yes, your majesty,’ she muttered and chose to wait for her friend outside, where the air might be cold, but no one yelled orders at her.
Babs turned up a few minutes later to pick Olivia up. ‘Can you get into the car without help?’
‘Of course I can.’ She opened the door and climbed nimbly in.
‘Did you sell a lot of groceries today?’ Babs asked in a teasing voice.
‘Yes, of course. With Christmas coming next week people are trying to buy little treats, especially those whose sons and husbands will be home on leave. Are you staying down here in the country for the holiday?’
‘No. I’m going up to the London flat and will be having friends round and going to a few parties. You could come with me, if you liked. It’s a big flat and I have plenty of room for guests. I doubt you’ll have much fun with dear Donald.’
‘Don’t tempt me. My cousin is driving me mad.’
Babs laughed. ‘I met him a couple of times when Humfy was alive. He’s an absolute blockhead. He wouldn’t have been made a captain if the casualty rates among officers weren’t so great.’
She scrubbed her eyes with the back of her forearm and sniffed. ‘Sorry. That reminded me that the son of a close friend was killed two days ago. Pilot. Shot down over the Channel. Only twenty-three. Such a charming young man.’
‘I’m sorry.’
Babs thumped the steering wheel with one clenched fist, causing the car to swerve slightly. ‘How many lives are going to be lost before these stupid men learn to get on with one another? If we women ruled the world, we wouldn’t go to war like this.’
‘Wouldn’t we? Who knows? I’ve met some quarrelsome and bigoted women in my time.’
Babs glanced quickly sideways. ‘You sound and look a bit downhearted.’
‘I am. It’s living with Donald that does it. I can cope with him for a day or two, but weeks of him … I shall flee for my life once Christmas is over.’
‘Change your mind about Christmas and join me in London.’
‘I can’t, Babs. Not this year. Cecily is hopeless without good help in the house and we can’t seem to find her a full-time maid.’
‘Offer more money.’
‘Donald refuses to pay any maid more than he did before the war.’
‘You’ll soon be able to go back to your own home.’
‘The trouble is, my house is full of Belgians. I’m not sure it’ll be much better there, because at least here I have my job in the shop, where I meet a lot of people.’
‘You need another job, then. Which is where the Women’s Institutes come in. Leave it with me. Ah, here we are.’ She slowed down and swung left into a drive.
Her house was large, four windows wide at the front. But it was just a square lump of a building without any charm. Whoever had designed it had done a poor job.
‘Dull-looking place, isn’t it?’ Babs stopped the car in front of the house. ‘I’ll leave the car here and drive you back later. Yes, I will! It’s going to rain and I’m not having you walking two miles and getting soaked.’
‘I did bring an umbrella, but thank you.’
‘Come on in. We’ll have a glass of wine and a few chocolates.’
‘Wine?’
‘The only thing that’s good about this house is the wine cellar. When I sell it, I’m also going to sell the flat in London and buy a house there. I’ll take all the wine with me. Then I’m going to drink it, bottle by luscious bottle.’
She gestured to a portrait on the wall of a gentleman with ruddy cheeks and a rather full figure. ‘Humfy’s father. Only interested in hunting and fishing, but he did enjoy a drink, so I have him to thank for the wine. Humfy followed his example and drank more than he should sometimes. I’m glad of that now. At least he enjoyed what life he did have before the bullet found him.’
A maid stuck her head into the room without knocking. ‘Oh, there you are, Mrs J. Do you want some tea bringing in?’
‘Yes, please, Annie. Just a few sandwiches and some cake. But we’ll drink wine with it, so no pot of tea. This is my friend Mrs Harbury, by the way.’
‘Nice to meet you, Mrs Harbury.’ She left the room.
‘She’s a treasure,’ Babs said. ‘I’d be lost without her.’
‘I wish she had a sister to work for Cecily and Donald.’
‘I’ll ask her if she knows someone looking for work. But your cousins will have to pay higher than pre-war wages.’
‘I’ll see if I can convince Donald. Perhaps when he accepts the fact that I really am leaving, he’ll reconsider it.’
After they were settled with a platter of food in front of them, Babs said briskly, ‘Right. Let’s talk about the Women’s Institute movement.’
‘I’m looking forward to hearing more about it. It must be something new.’
‘Very new, just starting up and hasn’t really got off the ground in England. It’s thriving in Canada, though, and it’s getting started in Ireland. You know how long it can take to accept something new in England. And one problem is, everyone knows their place in society. You’d think we’d asked them to commit murder by suggesting they form an association where all the women in each village are on equal terms at meetings.’
Olivia smiled. ‘That is outrageous. I can’t imagine Donald allowing his wife to join such a group. Why, she might have to sit next to her own maid! A lot of other people would be very much against such egalitarianism, though, women as well as men. And where would each group meet?’
‘There! I knew you were a
practical sort. How should I know where they’d meet? Each village is different. Church hall, maybe.’
‘Only if the clergyman agreed. They’re not all like our Mr Cummins, who has a very modern attitude towards the world.’
‘He and his wife are dears. You’ll find this hard to believe, but I heard that the vicar of one village instituted a curfew for women when they tried to set up a Women’s Institute and forbade them to go out after dark.’
‘What? You’re joking.’
‘No. It’s the absolute truth. If I’d lived there I’d have gone out every night and danced on the vicar’s doorstep. But he’s not the only one to try to stop us: some husbands don’t like their wives going out in the evening, especially if that means leaving them to look after the children. Whose children are they, I ask? It takes two people to make a child.’
She let out a defiant snort. ‘Hah! We’ll find a way to get the institutes started. You’ll see. We need to give women somewhere to speak out, train them to speak out for their own future. One woman’s voice isn’t enough. We need a big, loud chorus.’
‘A lot of women won’t dare speak out, even so. They’ve been brought up to keep quiet and let men do the talking about the wider world.’
‘That’s the beauty of it. They’ll learn to speak out by running their own group.’ Babs drained her glass of wine and poured herself another one. ‘Can’t you say something nice about the idea?’
‘Sorry. I love the idea of Women’s Institutes. I just think it’ll be hard to get them going. The best way might be to get an important person in each village on our side.’
‘But that would go against what we’re trying to do. We want ordinary women to speak to such people as equals!’
‘They’ll learn to do that gradually.’
Babs leant back, scowling. ‘Gradually isn’t good enough. I never was very patient when a thing needed doing.’
‘Sometimes you have to be patient.’ Olivia took a deep breath and said it. ‘But if I can help in any way, then I will, because I really do like the idea. I can start after I go back to live in my old home in Swindon and— Hey! What are you doing?’