by Rosie James
Jacob realised he had touched a nerve, and broke in quickly. ‘Yes, I accept that, in general terms,’ he said, ‘because in fact my foreman has suggested we accept two more of your orphans who are due to leave the orphanage at the beginning of the year. They are brothers of a young man already employed in the factory and the foreman thinks we can do ourselves nothing but good by taking the younger boys on. He is of the hopeful opinion that they might be of the same calibre … honest, hard-working and resourceful. And I have agreed to give them a trial.’ Jacob smiled expansively. ‘Time will tell so we’ll just wait and see,’ he added.
‘Indeed, you are right, Jacob,’ Randolph said, ‘and as you have remarked on more than one occasion, it is all in the genes. I am sure you will have no reason to doubt your foreman’s opinion.’
‘Well, I hope not,’ Jacob replied stoutly.
Presently, tucking into his cold meat and freshly baked bread, Jacob glanced over at Randolph.
‘I feel that we – Elizabeth and I – owe you an apology, Randolph,’ he said.
‘Really, Jacob?’ Randolph reached for his glass of wine and sipped. ‘Do go on.’
‘Well, it’s about our wayward daughter, Randolph! We cannot understand, either of us, what has got into her in wanting to qualify at something and earn her own money! Why on earth does she feel the need to do that? She has always been given everything she’s ever wanted – you know that, Randolph.’ Jacob gave a sidelong glance. ‘And you must feel very disappointed that she has given Alexander back his ring, and that they are no longer engaged. Not just disappointed, Randolph, but you must be upset and angry that your son has been rejected! That cannot be a comfortable thought for you – as any parent would understand.’
Randolph tried – and almost failed – to hide a smile. ‘Oh, well – Jacob, please don’t concern yourself. My son is a fully grown adult and he went through a lot – as did many others – during the war. I am sure that has helped him to face up to whatever fate throws at him. And I am also sure that he and Honora will remain firm friends for the rest of their lives,’ Randolph added.
Jacob looked away. This was the first time that any discussion about the broken engagement had taken place, because it had all been kept quiet until the dust had settled. Until they’d hoped Honora would come to her senses. But now that it was obvious that her mind was fully made up, it was best to clear the air.
‘To be honest, Randolph, I believe the wretched Suffrage movement is to blame for all this,’ Jacob said. ‘Giving women the vote has put ridiculous ideas into their heads! What will they want next? Equal pay, equal rights? But women are not equal, Randolph, and never will be! They are the weaker, fairer sex, they do not have the same physical strength or brain power as us men – and their place is in the home to care for their husbands and children!’ No good will come of this emancipation, Randolph! You mark my words!’
Presently, when supper was over, Jacob stood up to take his leave. ‘So, Randolph …’ he said. ‘You’re sure that there are no hard feelings about our daughter’s behaviour … her decision? Elizabeth and I would hate for any bad feelings to exist between us. Not after all these years.’
Randolph patted Jacob’s shoulder. ‘You may rest assured about that, Jacob,’ he said kindly. ‘And I have the feeling that our youngsters know exactly what they’re doing, and that everything will turn out for the best. You just wait and see.’
After Jacob had gone, Randolph returned to the study, poured the last of the wine into his glass and finished it. He smiled. That was a little toast to himself and to his own future happiness – which he had never been more sure of.
Because earlier that month, Alexander had confided in him that Angelina Green had agreed to one day become his wife. It would not be yet, not until after the bride had qualified as a doctor, and they had decided to keep their promise to each other private until Christmas.
‘Which will give me time to change my mind,’ Angelina had teased.
But they had both known that that would never happen. After all, from the age of 7 she had dreamed that one day she would be Alexander’s wife, and that dream was going to come true.
Nothing, and no one, could stop them now.
Epilogue
At the age of 26, Dr Angelina Green became Dr Alexander Garfield’s wife. She continued her mission to become an orthopaedic surgeon, and she achieved this, her training briefly interrupted by giving birth to their three children – two boys and a girl.
Long before that, and with Angelina walking behind her to the altar, Ruby Lane married Robert Walker. The hairdressing salon continued to be so successful that another, larger, one was opened in the area – run almost entirely by Ruby, who also had to satisfy the demands of clients who insisted that she alone should do their hair. She gave birth to two daughters, to the special delight of Grandma Walker who’d always longed for a little girl in her family.
Honora Mason went on to pass her exams in the legal system and found a position in a busy solicitor’s office in London. She never married.
Emma Kingston remained as superintendent of the orphanage until well into her eighties, afterwards her wise counsel being regularly sought by her successor.
Mrs Marshall made a partial recovery from her illness, and after the sudden death of her brother worked at the orphanage on a part-time basis, helping Mrs Haines in the kitchen.
Maria Jones eventually left the orphanage to become full-time nanny to Angelina’s children. She would live with the Garfield family for the rest of her life.
Laurence Dunn continued at the priory until his retirement, after which he became a volunteer at the Globe, showing theatre-goers to their seats and helping to clear up their mess afterwards. For this he was given a free seat for every performance. Of course, Mrs Haines forgave him, even though she’d known what the blighter had been up to all along.
Despite being in his seventies, Randolph Garfield remained as head of Garfield Tobacco, still preferring to walk the familiar route home each evening, past the docks and human detritus towards the orphanage. His grandsons would one day take up the helm at Garfield Tobacco.
Did you love Front Line Nurse? Don’t miss Lexi’s War, another unputdownable novel from Rosie James. Available now!
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