Fallen Women

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  ‘Mother, are you listening to me?’ Richard’s words snapped Felicity’s attention back.

  ‘I’m sorry, dear, what did you say?’

  ‘Are you ready for luncheon?’ Richard repeated.

  ‘No, I’m not hungry,’ Felicity continued to sip her tea.

  ‘I’m famished,’ Richard said. ‘What do you have in the pantry, Ann – something good to feed your husband to be?’

  ‘You are perfectly capable of finding and making yourself something to eat, Richard. I do not intend to cook whilst entertaining a guest,’ Ann replied with a playful sternness.

  ‘Bravo!’ Felicity clapped her hands together, having laid her cup and saucer on a small table nearby. ‘Well said. I think you’ve met your match, Richard.’

  ‘You have no idea how close that match is, Mother,’ Richard said as he gazed into Ann’s eyes.

  Ann flushed crimson, then producing a doily from the cupboard, she placed it on a plate. Cutting the cake she had retrieved from the pantry, she lifted the slice between two knives and laid it on the plate, along with a small cake fork, before resting it on the small occasional table next to Lady Wyndham.

  ‘Thank you, my dear, did you bake it?’

  Ann nodded.

  Tasting the cake, Felicity nodded her approval and Ann smiled her thanks.

  So she can cook and bake too! Is there no end to this girl’s talents?

  ‘Oh, I almost forgot. Richard, your accounts for the last month are in the shop.’ Rushing to a drawer, Ann pulled out a ledger and laid it open.

  ‘More profit. Ann you are amazing!’ Richard gushed.

  Reads, writes and now does accounting! Try as she might, Felicity could find no fault with the girl her son had chosen to marry, save the fact of her lowly birth. Ann had good manners, entertained visitors extremely well, she was polite and courteous. She had stamina and clearly would not suffer fools gladly. She worked hard at her tasks and was proving to have a good business head. She was honest and forthright and held friendships close. Felicity liked Ann Felton very much and hoped Ann felt the same about her.

  Getting to her feet, Lady Wyndham spoke quietly, ‘Ann, thank you for your hospitality and making me feel so welcome. I have enjoyed my visit immensely, but I should be on my way before darkness falls.’

  ‘Thank you for coming, Lady Wyndham – the pleasure was all mine.’ Ann shook hands and watched as Richard led his mother out to her carriage.

  Lady Wyndham nodded to Eve and Ella as she walked through the shop. Turning to her son holding open the carriage door, she pulled on her gloves saying, ‘I approve, Richard. She’s a lovely girl and just right for you. Getting your father to be of the same mind, however, could prove very difficult. Plan your wedding, my son, and leave your father to me.’

  ‘I knew you would love her, Mother,’ Richard answered, kissing her cheek. ‘I’ll stay here for a couple of days, then I’ll be home.’

  Felicity nodded and smiled. Richard helped her into the carriage, then heard her call out, ‘Home please, Jameson, and don’t spare the horses.’

  Richard laughed at the driver’s reply. ‘Home it is, madam, but I’ll not race my mares, so you can think again.’

  Felicity’s laughter boomed out from inside the carriage, which set both men grinning.

  ‘Go carefully, Jameson, and – thank you,’ Richard called up to the man wrapping himself in a thick blanket.

  ‘Will do, sir,’ Jameson tipped his bowler hat and flicked the reins. ‘Walk on, my beauties.’ His gentle voice had the mares carefully setting off along the cobblestone road.

  Richard shivered in the cold as he watched the carriage roll away and he turned to go back inside.

  Ella and Eve had watched the departure through the shop window and, above them, Maisie, Patsy and Mary did the same.

  Entering the shop, Richard rolled his eyes. ‘Phew!’

  Ella and Eve burst out laughing.

  When he was once more in the kitchen, Ann rounded on him. ‘Richard, how could you bring your mother here? A “Lady” no less. One, I might add, I had no idea existed until a couple of days ago! Whatever must she be thinking?!’ Ann tucked a few stray hairs back in place behind their pins.

  ‘Ann, she…’ Richard began.

  ‘Well, that will surely seal our fate! There is no way she will allow this marriage to take place now!’ Ann was pacing up and down the kitchen, wringing her hands.

  ‘Ann – she gave us her blessing!’ Richard laughed as he wrapped his arms around her. ‘She will speak to Father – all will be well, I promise.’ He shook his head at the worried look on Ann’s face. Kissing her gently, he went on, ‘She said to continue our plans for the wedding.’

  ‘She did?’ Ann gasped.

  ‘She did,’ Richard said with a wry grin.

  Then they heard three sets of footsteps sounding on the stairs as Maisie, Patsy and Mary came to join them, followed closely by Ella and Eve from the shop.

  ‘Well?’ Maisie asked.

  ‘We shall be married in the spring as planned,’ Richard announced.

  Spontaneous applause erupted in the tiny kitchen as Richard picked Ann up and swung her round. ‘Before long you will become Lady Ann Wyndham – and I can barely wait!’

  Forty-Seven

  On the journey home, Felicity Wyndham thought long and hard about how to convince her husband that the girl their son had chosen to be his wife was the right one.

  She knew he would baulk at the idea; he would stamp about blustering and arguing, but this was something she would not back down on now she had met Ann. Their son’s happiness was at stake and she would not see that ruined because his father disapproved.

  It was Felicity’s contention that if Richard was refused their permission to marry Ann, then they would most likely never see him again. Her boy was utterly determined and, after this visit, Felicity could see why.

  Having given her blessing to the union, she had now to contend with the railings of Jeffrey. Sighing heavily, Felicity pulled the blanket tighter around her legs.

  How was she to broach the subject with Jeffrey? He would be livid she had taken it upon herself to make the journey to Wednesbury. He would rant and rave at the impossibility of the marriage and probably instruct her to find Richard a more suitable partner quickly.

  Felicity shook her head in the dim interior of the carriage, knowing full well she would do no such thing. She would fight her son’s corner; she would see him happy.

  Jameson drew the carriage to a halt outside the massive house set in the heart of south Shropshire. Surrounded by green hills, it was a sight to behold. Jumping down onto the gravel, he opened the door and helped his mistress alight.

  ‘Thank you, Jameson, and – not a word,’ Felicity said as she tapped her forefinger against the side of her nose.

  ‘Very good, madam,’ he said with a smile.

  The maid met her at the door and relieved her of her hat, coat and muff. Requesting tea, Felicity strolled towards the drawing room, wondering when the spark of her marriage had stopped burning. How was it she and Jeffrey never laughed together any more? What had happened to cause them to slowly drift apart?

  Sitting by the fire now, Felicity’s mind searched for the time she and her husband had grown so far apart.

  A moment later the maid brought in the tea and, after a quick bend of the knee, retreated back to her duties.

  Just then the door flew open and in marched Jeffrey.

  ‘Where the hell have you been, woman? I searched everywhere for you – no one knew where you were!’

  ‘Good evening to you, dear,’ Felicity answered sarcastically.

  ‘Well?’ Jeffrey demanded.

  ‘Oh, sit down, you blustering old fool!’ Felicity said.

  Jeffrey harrumphed but did as he was bid.

  ‘That’s better. Now, I need to speak with you on a very important matter. However, I will not do so if you insist on yelling and stomping about. So, do I have your word you will firstl
y listen to what I have to say, and secondly, discuss it with calm rationality?’

  ‘Depends on what it is,’ Jeffrey said sulkily.

  Felicity sighed. ‘Jeffrey, you can be so childish at times; it makes me want to smack you!’

  Jeffrey frowned but wisely kept his counsel.

  Felicity held tight to her sangfroid and began to explain where she had been since early morning. As the tale unfolded, she held up a finger now and then, forestalling any interruption. She was utterly determined her husband would hear her out. She was also resolute he would agree with her in the end.

  Eventually Felicity finished with, ‘So now you know as much as I do.’

  ‘Fliss, you do realise it is out of the question!’ Jeffrey boomed at last.

  ‘Have you any idea how long it has been since you called me Fliss?’ she asked in barely more than a whisper.

  ‘I— No.’ Jeffrey felt the heat rise to his cheeks.

  ‘An age, Jeffrey. I cannot recall the last time. Can you remember when we first met and fell in love? How we couldn’t bear to be apart even for a moment? What happened to that wonderful time? Where did it go and how did we miss its passing? We were so very much in love and now our son has those same feelings.’ Felicity spoke quietly, a touch of sadness lacing her words.

  ‘But Fliss – she’s a commoner!’ Jeffrey insisted.

  ‘So was I, Jeffrey, but you fought for me. Have you forgotten how we said we would marry despite what your parents thought? This is history repeating itself, my love. Search your heart and you will find I’m right.’

  Jeffrey Wyndham gave an explosive sigh as he stared into the flames in the hearth.

  Felicity sat in silence as she watched him, knowing his mind was taking him back in time.

  The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Felicity had been swept off her feet by Viscount Jeffrey Wyndham, as he was then. They had fallen deeply in love and, despite his family’s disapproval, they had become engaged. Within six months they were married; Jeffrey giving no quarter where the accepted rules of historical establishment were concerned. Eventually his parents had accepted Jeffrey’s new wife and had come to love her like a daughter.

  Now their son was facing the same battle and, if Felicity had anything to do with it, Richard would emerge the valiant victor.

  By and by, Jeffrey drew in a breath and asked, ‘Do you suppose she will make him a good wife?’

  ‘The best,’ Felicity said with a smile.

  ‘So be it. Now I’m off to the stables,’ Jeffrey said as he stood. ‘My prize mare is ready to foal.’ Striding to the door, he stopped and turned back to his wife. ‘I have never stopped loving you, Fliss, and will continue to do so until my dying day.’

  ‘I know – you will always have my heart too, my love,’ she answered as her eyes glistened with tears.

  With a single nod, Jeffrey turned about and left the room.

  Felicity smiled to herself. She couldn’t have hoped for it to go any better. Now there could be a wedding with no ill feeling, and she was certain Jeffrey would take to his new daughter-in-law like a duck to water.

  Going to her escritoire, she settled to writing a letter to Richard, telling him of his father’s approval to the marriage. At least this way Richard would be able to show Ann the letter, thus proving their agreement to the union. Felicity had realised early in her meeting with the girl that Ann was proud and strongly believed in the importance of family. She had taken those girls off the streets and made them her family after all.

  Pausing in her writing, Felicity gazed out of the window at the beauty of the countryside with its widespread fields; the trees now settling into winter slumber.

  With a nod she thought, I’m looking forward to having you as my daughter-in-law, Ann Felton.

  Forty-Eight

  Richard invited Ann and her friends to take a drink with him at the Bell Inn. He was fully aware that she was still cross with him for springing his mother’s visit on her with no warning. He was hoping an hour or two spent with Len and Gladys would help alleviate the tension.

  The Pritchards were pleased to see them all, not least because they would be spending some money.

  Gladys had shuffled through from the kitchen and was sitting with the women; Richard was leaning on the bar chatting with Len whilst he poured the drinks.

  ‘You in the doghouse then?’ Len asked under his breath.

  Richard nodded and equally quietly explained about Lady Wyndham’s unannounced visit.

  ‘Crikey! You live dangerously – I’m surprised you’m still breathing!’ Len said with a grin.

  ‘Well, you won’t be if’n yer don’t get a move on with them beers!’ Gladys called out.

  ‘Ears and eyes like a shithouse rat that one,’ Len grimaced.

  ‘I don’t miss a thing and that would include you if yer was to go missin’!’ Gladys had an ear on the girls’ conversation as well as that of the two men.

  ‘Maisie, your fella is a copper, can’t he arrest her for her threats?’ Len asked.

  ‘I d’aint hear no threat, Len, just a warning,’ Maisie grinned as Gladys patted her on the back.

  ‘Bloody women! Always stick together, they do,’ Len muttered as he passed the full glasses across the bar.

  A tap from the men’s bar next door summoned Len, so Richard went to sit next to Ann.

  A moment later, Len returned, saying, ‘It’s snowing out there, thick and fast according to the chap in the other bar.’

  Ann turned to Richard. ‘How will you get home if the snow continues?’

  ‘I won’t. I’ll have to remain in Wednesbury,’ he said with a cheeky smile.

  ‘What of your tenant farmers?’ Ann asked.

  ‘They will manage, they usually do. My being there won’t make much difference,’ he answered.

  ‘Well, you brought it on yourself,’ Ann said quietly as she shook her head.

  ‘You could always get married in the winter instead of spring,’ Maisie’s words were conciliatory.

  ‘That’s an excellent idea, Maisie! What do you say, Ann, should we have a real white wedding?’ Richard was clearly excited at the prospect.

  The last of Ann’s anger drained away as she looked into the sparkling brown eyes of the man she adored. ‘I’ve a good mind not to marry you at all, Lord Wyndham,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye. Seeing the feigned look of hurt cross his face, she went on, ‘I have to say, though, a snowy wedding is appealing.’

  Applause sounded as Richard beamed his pleasure. ‘Len, drinks all round, my good man!’

  ‘Hey up,’ Gladys said when quiet descended, ‘What about my frock? Will it be ready in time?’

  ‘It is already finished, Gladys,’ Ann said with a laugh. ‘However, mine is not as yet.’

  ‘Sure you can do that while the banns are being read in the church, can you not?’ Mary asked.

  ‘Yes, it takes three weeks to have them read, so that will be more than enough time, I would think. There will be the church to book and, Richard, you would have to inform your parents of the change of plan,’ Ann said, looking down her nose at him.

  Richard gave her a sheepish look and nodded.

  Conversation continued around the new wedding date until it was time to leave.

  Richard went outside to hail a couple of cabs for their journey. Ann and the girls squashed into the doorway, watching the snowflakes fall. Large and white against the black of night, they floated lazily down. Already, the cobbles were hidden beneath an inch deep layer of soft whiteness.

  ‘Isn’t nature beautiful?’ Ann’s voice was no more than a whisper.

  ‘Ar, it’s lovely. Hurry up, cabbie, I’m freezing my arse off here!’ Patsy shouted.

  Two cabs rolled to a halt outside the inn and the girls quickly climbed aboard.

  Having seen them all home safely, Richard went on to his temporary residence at the Albert Hotel. He would have to write to his mother once he had booked the church, which was to be his first job the
following morning.

  There was a fire burning in the grate in his room, which was cosy and warm. A courtesy extended by the hotel; another was the warming pan lying in his bed.

  A visit to the tailor would also be needed tomorrow, and he should inform his tenant farmers he would be unavoidably away for the winter. He would write to his groom, requesting he be kind enough to let people know where he was and why.

  Richard shivered as he prepared for bed; it was not the cold but the thought that in less than a month he would be married to the girl of his dreams. Removing the warming pan, he sat it in the hearth and climbed into the warm bed. In a few weeks he would be sharing a bed and a life with Ann Felton; the girl he first saw leaning against the theatre wall.

  Smiling at the light from the fire dancing on the walls, he snuggled down to sleep. Tomorrow would be a busy day.

  Once home, Ann and her friends sat with a cup of tea before retiring.

  ‘You was quick to forgive Richard for dropping his mother on you as he did,’ Ella said.

  ‘I can’t stay angry with him for long,’ Ann answered with a smile.

  ‘He bloody knows it an’ all,’ Patsy chimed in.

  Ann’s smile turned to a grin. ‘I will have to work hard if I’m to finish my gown in time.’

  ‘We’ll help,’ Eve added. ‘Everything will be ready in time.’

  ‘What about his father, Ann? How will he take this news, d’ya think?’ Maisie asked.

  ‘I have no idea, but at least Lady Wyndham has given us her blessing,’ Ann answered.

  ‘Sure it won’t matter to Richard, I’ll be thinking,’ Mary put in. ‘He’s determined, so he is.’