The Secrets of Tenley House

by Patricia Dixon

  When he saw his daughter sitting by the door, he made to speak, apologise and soothe, but sufficient words evaded him so when Vanessa fled, all he could do was chase after her, taking the stairs two at a time, calling her name.

  The noise of Kenneth pleading with Vanessa and a terrible wailing sound woke Georgie from her slumber and realising the gin she’d drunk that afternoon had finally worn off, she raised herself from the bed and went to investigate. Finding Kenneth on bended knees trying to placate Vanessa who was prostrate and hysterical, hiding her face in the pillows, Georgie placed her hand on his shoulder and signalled that he should leave them alone.

  Settling herself on the bed, she waited a moment and once the door closed, she spoke.

  “Dearest one. Please stop crying and tell me what’s wrong, come on. I can’t possibly help if I can’t see your face or hear what you are saying. Would you like a hug? Hugs always make me feel so much better.” Georgie stroked Vanessa’s hair, waiting for the sobbing to ease.

  After a while, Vanessa turned her red and blotchy face to Georgie and when she saw that smile and outstretched arms, slowly pushed herself upright and nodded, a hug would be lovely.

  “There, that’s better, isn’t it? Now, blow your nose and then you can explain who has upset you. I’m sure it can’t be your lovely daddy. Was it Granny?” Georgie passed Vanessa the handkerchief that was tucked inside her cardigan sleeve.

  “Yes, it was Granny. She said the most awful things about you and me, and that you are going to have a baby and then send me away, and that I’m a bastard and she has always hated me.” Vanessa cried and hiccupped at the same time so while Georgie fumed inside, she allowed the sobbing child in her arms to get it all out. As she had learned since her arrival, information was power.

  “Granny has always hated me because I’m not really Daddy’s little girl. I know she’s ashamed of me but it’s not my fault my real mother didn’t want me and gave me away. I’ve tried so hard to make her like me but she’s just like the horrid girls at school. Everyone hates me, Georgie, just everyone. Granny said you’re not interested in me because you can’t get out of bed and if you have a baby it will be yours and Daddy’s. A real Tenley, not a pretend one like me.”

  As Vanessa cried, Georgie hugged her tight, the child’s tears falling freely onto her new dress making the front all soggy and gooey. Ignoring the mess whilst making shushing noises, she wondered at the irony of the present situation and the foolishness of a spiteful old woman. There would be no babies for Georgie, of that she was certain because the Kenneth situation aside, she had no inclination towards motherhood, none at all. Yet in that moment, as Vanessa clung on tightly and her chubby little hand rested in hers, Georgie felt a swell of sadness and then to her own wonderment something akin to affection, not quite love, maybe protectiveness.

  But whatever it was, it had ignited a fire in Georgie as memories of her rejection festered within. She knew what it was like to feel abandoned, packed off without a second thought and to yearn a mother’s love, even one who had herself been pushed aside. In that instant she knew exactly what she should do and once Vanessa was calm, told the sweaty and confused bundle in her arms exactly how it was going to be.

  “Now listen to me, Vanessa. We will have no more of this, do you hear me? I’m going to explain exactly why you shouldn’t spend one more second worrying about Granny or those hateful girls at school. I’m here to protect you and I won’t let anybody send you away, do you understand?”

  Vanessa nodded, her eyes wide.

  “For a start, I have no intention of having a baby. Babies stop you having fun and I’ve heard that you aren’t allowed to smoke or drink when you are pregnant and I couldn’t possibly survive without my cigarettes or a cheeky gin and tonic. Your father and I are quite content with just one dearest girl in our lives, and that’s you.” Georgie kissed the top of Vanessa’s head then continued.

  “And as far as I know, being a mother is about more than getting up in the morning and burning toast, which I am very good at by the way.” Seeing Vanessa smile urged Georgie on. “It is about what I feel inside here.” Georgie touched her heart.

  “So I want you to remember something very, very important. I knew all about you before your daddy asked me to marry him and when I said yes it was to both of you. I chose to be your mother and that makes us special, not whatever name you call me, or if I make boiled eggs, which I’m terrible at by the way. I am going to be your friend, the best mother I can be and sometimes I’ll get it wrong, just like you will get things wrong too. But we will forgive each other and try to do better, is that a deal?” Georgie smiled when Vanessa nodded again, her red-rimmed eyes crinkling at the sides, happier now.

  “And as for your granny, I don’t care a jot what she says about you, me, anything or anyone. She’s a nasty, bitter old lady who will soon be dead and gone, and then we will all be free of her sour looks and acid tongue. You just leave her to me. I’m not frightened of her. In fact she should be very frightened of me.”

  Vanessa gasped, her eyes full of admiration and respect.

  “Now I want you to wash your face and get ready for bed while I go downstairs to speak with Granny. And then I shall get Daddy to make us some supper and hot chocolate which we will eat in the kitchen by the fire. Doesn’t that sound cosy?”

  Vanessa had brightened already. Georgie was going to make everything alright and they were going to have supper together, away from Granny.

  “Yes, it sounds lovely. Thank you, Georgie.”

  “My pleasure. So get a wiggle on and wait up here until I call you. I’m off to find the wicked witch of Tenley.” Georgie winked and kissed the top of Vanessa’s head again before striding from the room.

  Almost four months had passed since that evening, one where everything had changed and just thinking of how Georgie had spoken to Granny made Vanessa smile. She felt bad for her disobedience when she crept back down the stairs and listened, her face pushed against the spindles, memorising every word. Vanessa understood the threats, heard the promises, swooned slightly at the thought of being possessed, and remained to that day in awe of how someone so beautiful and petite could tame a vicious creature like Granny. But Georgie had, and Vanessa was eternally grateful.

  Hearing the sound of an engine then car doors close, footsteps on gravel and then the front door slam shut, a swell of happiness overcame Vanessa. Her parents were home and all was well, and as she heard high heels tapping on the stairs, waited for their heads or just one in particular to appear.

  Sure enough the face of an angel popped around the door and on seeing Vanessa wide awake, Georgie entered the room.

  “Hello, dearest. My, you do look much better. Daddy is bringing up a tray while I tell you all about the fair and how well I cut the ribbon and made a little speech but first, I have some important news. Now, before I begin, you must promise to be a sensible girl and although you may not be happy about it straight away, I just know it’s going to be wonderful for all of us.” Georgie looked very pleased as she straightened the counterpane and smiled brightly at Vanessa who despite having a sinking feeling in her tummy was trying hard not to worry.

  Nodding vigorously, causing the dark curls to bounce against her cheek she forced out her bravest reply, desperate to make Georgie happy. “Yes I promise to be sensible and I will try very hard, whatever the surprise is.”

  As she said the words, Vanessa prayed silently that she wasn’t being sent away or another baby was on the way because apart from anything else, it would mean that Georgie was a fibber and couldn’t keep her promises.

  Minutes later, Vanessa learned the truth.

  Georgie

  Knowledge, they say, is power, and from the moment Georgie stepped through the door of Tenley, she gathered information to store in her arsenal of weapons, along with being observant and sensitive, a new and rather useful personality trait that had the potential to turn her soft. It amused Georgie to think of herself in this way, like a
n out-of-body experience but one that had its benefits and drawbacks. Her Achilles heel had turned out to be the child, in fact, she had two Grecian weaknesses, the other was Kenneth.

  His proposal had come as a huge shock, more so because he came up with it all by himself and hadn’t been coerced by his mother. But that was where Kenneth’s streak of independence ended because from then on, Georgie had taken control. It was mainly borne from necessity after pre-empting resistance from Tenley’s matriarch. They began with ground rules.

  Top of the list was their relationship which was to remain purely platonic and private. Although their friends might joke and presume as to the true nature of the marriage, outside of their circle everyone would perceive them as a happily married loving couple. After all, they were naturally affectionate towards one another, Kenneth loved hugging and kissing Georgie on the cheek, and they always held hands and linked arms wherever they went. Nobody would ever guess.

  Whilst being happily married they would still be free to pursue relationships outside it, but privately and discreetly, avoiding gossip or scandal, as if they were conducting illicit affairs. Georgie thought this sounded most exciting but agreed with Kenneth that extramarital liaisons were only allowed in London. Tenley was sacred ground and there they had to toe the line.

  They both loved to spend time at the Kensington house and Georgie knew she would miss Dolly and vice versa so they settled on a timetable of visits that would satisfy all of their needs. Dolly would remain in Kensington as caretaker but was welcome at Tenley whenever she wished, an invitation that was welcomed but politely turned down. For now, Dolly was happy in her posh flat and had no desire to rub shoulders with country toffs.

  While she was quite happy to give up her job at Whiteley’s, Georgie wasn’t too keen on losing her independence. Gaining new employment would be frowned upon so Kenneth suggested an allowance, a generous one at that. All that he asked in return was that she curbed her shoplifting tendencies as it would be the biggest scandal the county had ever seen if the lady of Tenley was arrested for theft. With fingers crossed behind her back Georgie promised she would do her best.

  After discussing the reaction of both Vanessa and Phyllis, Georgie suggested a solution which would appease the old crone and prevent her from denouncing Kenneth and changing her will, the child she would handle herself. They had the most fun when they visited the solicitor to arrange the pre-nuptial agreement, something Georgie insisted upon as she would not be labelled a gold-digger – any other derogatory tags would wash off like rain. It still made Georgie giggle when she recalled the appointment and the look on the solicitor’s pompous face when she mentioned her special stipulations. They had agreed the financial element which consisted of Georgie’s allowance and a one-off payment should they divorce. Kenneth’s will was his own business and anyway, death was a long way off. But Georgie wanted more; actually she wanted a little bit of fun.

  “Now we’ve got the dreary part out of the way, I’d like to run through a few items of my own, just bits and bobs really. I’ve been so inspired by the wonderful Jackie Onassis and the very strict demands in her pre-nup with Aristotle. I do hope you don’t mind me springing them on you like this, darling.” Georgie looked over to Kenneth, her big blues eyes giving him her best puppy-dog look.

  He saw the mischief in them immediately. “Not at all, my love, fire away. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.” Kenneth was trying to remain calm yet he was rattled, giving the game away when he uncrossed and crossed his twitchy legs, then twiddled his fingers.

  “Marvellous. Here goes. Item number one is sex. Rumour has it that Jackie has limited poor Aristotle to once a month which is quite ridiculous so I am willing to compromise and settle for twice a week, minimum, is that acceptable, darling?” Georgie forced herself not to laugh as she watched Kenneth blush crimson whilst also hiding a smile, and when she turned to the solicitor, noticed he was a lovely shade of puce.

  Kenneth coughed and gathered himself before agreeing. “Yes, my darling, I’m sure that will be fine… Is there anything else?” He looked at his fiancée with a quizzical look, rather curious as to what she might say next, rather enjoying her game. She was so much fun which was why he loved her.

  After agreeing to fresh flowers every Friday, driving lessons and a sporty runabout when she passed her test, first-class travel, her portrait painted and hung at Tenley and a cat, like the one in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, they stepped onto the pavement and dissolved into hysterics. Then went to the pub and got disgracefully drunk.

  Georgie didn’t invite any of her family to the nuptials although she did send a letter to the Butchers, telling them all about the Right Honourable Kenneth Tenley, his home and estate and the fact that she would be the new Lady Tenley. Adding that they were most welcome to visit once she was settled and after promising to always keep in touch, Georgie left it there. The news would filter through the rest of the family and she hoped it irked the Nibleys to be excluded from her wonderful new life.

  The registry office wedding was attended by any of their circle who didn’t have a crushing hangover from Kenneth and Georgie’s joint hen and stag night. Photographs were taken of the happy couple who looked just as much in love, if not more, than any of the other brides and grooms who posed on the steps of the town hall. Afterwards they headed to the Ritz for lunch and stayed until dawn, walking home hand in hand, Georgie in bare feet after she lost her shoes. The following day, after leaving their separate beds and kissing Dolly goodbye, the newlyweds set off for Tenley House.

  From the moment Georgie set eyes on Vanessa, a chubby dark-haired version of Shirley Temple who reminded her of an over-decorated gateau in a patisserie window, there was something about the child that touched her heart. It was most disconcerting.

  And in the days that followed, during her induction to the dreariest house on the planet, Georgie found her mind straying to her own childhood, one smothered in fake love that prevented her from having a true relationship with her own mother. It was clear that the child lacked emotional support and had existed on scraps from her father, other than that she made do with the nannies who came and went. And as for the monstrous Phyllis, Georgie had decided to deal with her swiftly, long before she even set off from London.

  Since that very first day when they sat on the sofa and Georgie held Vanessa’s squidgy hand in hers, she had sensed nervousness in the shy child with flushed cheeks along with the admiration in her eyes, the same ones that averted their gaze away from Phyllis. And with her own baby-blues, Georgie noticed the lack of family photographs, the absence of Daphne in spirit, name or replica, and very quickly the snippets she’d had from Kenneth made sense.

  Vanessa was tormented by the sight of her dead mother and would become hysterical if she was reminded, hence the lack of photographs. The pool had been closed and was a place the child was petrified of, along with deep water and the sight of blood. Kenneth had mentioned some of his mother’s cruelty and nature especially with regards to Vanessa.

  Long before she clapped eyes on the child, Georgie had vowed to curtail such behaviour which was why in those first few days she set about befriending the staff, dear Cookie, the grumpy nanny and the cleaner, Mrs Coombs.

  Within days she had the mark of Phyllis, and after collating her evidence quite quickly reached five, no need to put two and two together. Georgie had intended to bide her time but the sight of Vanessa sobbing into her pillow and on hearing the second-hand account of such vitriol, she decided that it was time for the axe to fall, swiftly and brutally, better for all of them.

  Nanny said that Phyllis forgot her name and had often called her Daphne and during the night could hear the old crone crying out against the demons that she swore invaded her room. Phyllis got days mixed up, even night and day, and once Georgie had found her in her undergarments on the landing, saying she was off to the theatre. Cookie had been sworn at many times for serving food Phyllis hated, even though it had previously been her favourite and Mrs
Coombs was worn out from changing the soiled sheets.

  When Georgie marched into the private sitting room without knocking, causing Horace to flutter from his perch in a panic, Phyllis ordered her to leave immediately. But finding herself being gripped tightly around the throat, a slender hand squeezing as the other pinned her to the back of the chair, the terrified old woman soon became silent, just as she was ordered to, and then listened to how it was going to be.

  In the voice of an East End barmaid, a gravelly, mean, take no prisoners Georgie asked Phyllis a question. “So you fink I’m a slut do you? Let me tell you somefink, lady fuckin’ muck… I seen what them upper class ladies get up to when there ain’t nobody lookin’ and I’m tellin’ you now, don’t you ever look darn yer nose at me… got it?” Georgie jerked her hand, forcing the shocked woman’s head backwards and then she squeezed a little tighter before assuming a more ladylike tone.

  “And a few little birdies, not dear little Horace by the way, have explained just how loopy old Granny Phyllis has become. Like how she can’t remember who she is or where she’s going and dear oh dear, what about all those dirty linens, so very sad and embarrassing. What on earth shall we do about such an irritating and distressing problem… now let me think?” Georgie relaxed her grip and then stood before she paced the room, tapping her lip with one finger, a theatrical look upon her face, amateur dramatics at its best.

  She fully expected Phyllis to cry out and when she did, calling for Kenneth, it came out as a panicked croak and before her second attempt, Georgie had sprung forwards, this time one hand hovering above the terrified woman’s lips as the other held her against the back of the chair.

  “Now you listen to me, Syphilis, and listen well.” Georgie’s voice had a sinister tone, just like Betty Davies in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. “This is how it is going to be. From this moment onwards you will remember that I am lady of Tenley and I am in control, not you. In future, wherever possible, you will remain in this room, well away from Kenneth and me. You will be served your meals here and attended to by the staff who you will treat with respect and civility. I do not wish to dine with you or be in your company, ever. With regards to Tenley, you will not hinder my plans, interfere in any way with my running of this house, or for that matter, Kenneth’s management of the estate, is that clear?” Georgie waited and admired the last ditch attempt of a doomed woman who whispered her venomous reply.