by John R McKay
She stood up and taking the letter and photograph made her way upstairs to where her handmaid, Edwina, was waiting for her. Edwina was different. She had brought her with her when she married Alexander and she could tell that Edwina disliked him immensely, but of course she did not say it. How could she? Edwina was a lifelong friend as well as an employee and Victoria trusted her totally and confided in her often. On entering the room Edwina could see that Victoria was not her usual self.
‘Miss Victoria, whatever is the matter?’ she said with concern as Victoria sat down at the dressing table.
‘Oh nothing to worry about Eddie,’ she replied wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. ‘Nothing that won’t sort itself out.’
‘I can see that it’s not nothing Miss Victoria,’ said Edwina. ‘Has something happened this morning to upset you? Is it Mister Alexander again?’
Victoria turned to face her. ‘Eddie, I have had some terrible news.’ She held out the letter and photograph for her to read. Edwina sat down on the edge of the bed and read the letter quietly to herself, all the time being watched by Victoria.
‘Oh my dear,’ said Edwina on finishing the letter. ‘Does Sir Albert know... …About John I mean …..Having passed away?’
‘I don’t think he has any idea. I don’t know how he will react.’
‘And he has a grandson too. Oh my, this is a lot to take in.’
‘I know,’ replied Victoria. ‘I will have to speak to him. They are due back from Kensington later this afternoon. I’ll speak to them all then. Alexander will probably be out all morning with those nauseating friends of his. Who knows when I will see him.’
‘And what about that poor little boy?’ Edwina looked at the photograph again and her eyes began to fill with tears. ‘Will they take him on do you think?’
‘How can they not?’ said Victoria sternly. ‘He is their flesh and blood after all. None of what happened is his fault now is it? I think I can persuade Sir Albert but I think my husband may be another matter entirely.’
Edwina looked up but did not respond.
‘Oh Eddie,’ said Victoria with a huge sigh. ‘How did it come to this? I know it sounds awful, but why did a nice man like John have to die in that terrible bloody war and men like Alexander walk away without so much as a scratch? It just isn’t fair.’
‘Life often isn’t, my dear,’ replied Edwina. ‘But we have to just get on with it and live it as best we can. Unfortunately it means that sometimes we have to go through difficult times and make difficult choices. None of this is of your making. My advice is to just tell them how it is…. just tell them what’s happened and see what they say.’
‘I know. I can’t leave that poor boy to some terrible orphanage. No matter what they say, I can’t let that happen.’
Edwina stood up and walked over to her, handing her back the letter. ‘I’m sure that things will turn out for the best, Victoria. You are a good and kind person and I’m sure that Sir Albert will agree with you. He will see sense and won’t abandon his grandson.’
‘I think it’s more my husband’s reaction that I will have to worry about,’ said Victoria turning toward the mirror.
Edwina took a hairbrush and ran it through Victoria’s hair. She did not reply.
#
Sir Albert and Lady Harriet returned from Kensington at half past twelve and after taking off their coats and hats immediately sat down in the dining room for some lunch which had been prepared in advance by the servants. The weather had taken a turn for the worse and so Alexander and his visitors had abandoned their outdoor pursuits and returned to the Manor to play cards and talk business. Victoria had kept out of their way and had spent time in the nursery with her children partly to avoid seeing him.
On hearing the return of her in-laws she immediately made her way down the stairs and entered the dining room, Georgina’s letter in her hand, Edwina following closely behind.
Victoria had grown to love the two elder Holbrooks. At first she had found Sir Albert quite surly and abrupt but he had quickly softened to her once she had started to live at the Manor, and particularly after the children were born, whom he doted upon. Lady Harriet was a very quiet woman but had a quick wit and was extremely perceptive and supportive of her. She had the deepest respect for the both of them, feelings she did not have for her spouse.
On seeing her enter they looked up. ‘Hello Sir Albert, Lady Harriet,’ she said, ‘welcome home. How was your trip?’
‘Hello my dear,’ replied Sir Albert. ‘It was the usual I suppose. You know how I hate travelling. Waste of time when you could be doing something constructive. But I suppose you have to get from one place to another somehow. Nice to see you.’
‘Ignore him,’ said Lady Harriet. ‘He slept on the train most of the way anyway. And how’re our beautiful grandchildren?’
Victoria smiled at them. ‘Well it’s good to see you both back safe. They’re fine Lady Harriet. I would have brought them downstairs to greet you but they’re tired and gone for a little nap. Nanny is with them. There’s something that I need to speak to you both about. And Alexander too when he can drag himself away from his friends.’
‘He hasn’t got those idiots over again has he?’ asked Sir Albert with a sigh. ‘Some of them really get on my nerves.’
Victoria laughed, ‘I couldn’t possibly comment on that.’
Lady Harriet could sense something different about Victoria. ‘Are you alright my dear?’ she asked.
A tear fell from Victoria’s eye and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away with back of her hand, revealing the letter that it contained.
‘Have you had some bad news?’ asked Sir Albert with concern, noticing the letter.
‘I’m afraid I have,’ she replied. ‘It would be better if Alexander was here too. So I can tell you all together.’
Sir Albert turned his head toward the door. ‘William,’ he shouted. A young footman entered the room some seconds later.
‘Yes Sir Albert.’
‘Go and find Alexander and ask him to attend the dining room immediately. And I mean immediately.’
William turned on his heel and went off hurriedly to carry out the task.
‘Please sit down,’ said Lady Harriet. ‘You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.’
Victoria sat down opposite them. How could she tell them that their son was dead, she thought? How? Although they were estranged, Victoria always thought that Sir Albert had regretted his decision to banish him from the household. He had reacted without thinking that night and had somewhat mellowed in the years that had followed. He was not the same man anymore.
Alexander entered the room. ‘What the hell is going on?’ he asked abruptly. ‘I was in the middle of something important.’
Victoria looked over to her husband. The more time she spent with him, the more she disliked him. He was a very good looking man, she conceded, but this was his only redeeming quality, in her eyes. He had slicked back black hair and a pencil moustache above his narrow lips. He was a fit man, the muscles of his upper body contained no fat and had been sculpted through his love of the outdoors and his years in the army during the war. He stood just under six feet tall and always looked good in whatever he was dressed. It was no wonder that a lot of women had fallen for his philandering ways. There was a time when she herself thought he was an Adonis, but now that she knew the man beneath, he always seemed ugly to her.
‘I couldn’t care less what you were doing Alex,’ said his father. ‘When I ask you to come and see me I expect it to be done without complaint. Now sit down and speak only when I tell you to.’
Alexander frowned and sat down. ‘Apologies father. What’s going on?’ he asked.
Sir Albert turned to Victoria. ‘It appears your wife has some news for us all. Something important.’ Turning to her he said, ‘Go ahead, my love.’
Victoria looked over to her husband who watched her expectantl
y. She moved her gaze to Sir Albert and finally settled on Lady Harriet. They all sat quietly and Victoria suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable. She was about to tell them something that would affect their lives greatly. She turned to Edwina, who stood near the door. ‘Could you please leave us now Edwina,’ she said and waited until she had gone and closed the door behind her, leaving the four of them in the room.
She began. ‘I have received a letter this morning from Georgina.’
Lady Harriet put down her cup and put her hand to her mouth, as if half expecting bad news. Sir Albert did not change his expression but stared at her.
‘Georgina who?’ asked Alexander blankly.
‘Georgina Cooke,’ said Victoria. ‘The girl who married your brother, John.’
Alexander sat up straight. ‘I don’t give a hoot what she wants,’ he said, ‘Burn the bloody letter, I’m not interested.’
‘That is not for you to decide,’ said Sir Albert abruptly. ‘Please continue, Victoria.’
Victoria paused for a moment and then carried on. ‘I am so sorry to have to tell you, but John was killed during the war.’
Lady Harriet let out a small yelp and covered her face with her hands. Sir Albert did not say anything but continued to look at her, his face expressionless. Victoria avoided looking at Alexander.
‘If she’s after money then she can forget it,’ said Alexander sternly. ‘So what if he’s dead. He deserved it. He deserted his family for that harlot and brought disgrace to us all.’
‘That’s a bit harsh,’ said Victoria. ‘Why can’t you have some consideration for your mother?’
Alexander looked over to where his mother was sitting, her head down and sobbing gently. Sir Albert looked at him with contempt. ‘I will not tell you again, Alexander,’ he said. ‘Keep that disgusting mouth of yours closed until I have need for you to speak. And as for harlots, you have had your fair share of those creatures so don’t go calling the kettle black.’ He turned to Victoria and whispered ‘Sorry.’ She nodded back at him.
‘There’s more,’ she said. Sir Albert nodded for her to continue. ‘It appears that John and Georgina had a son, Gregory. He will be about two years old now. I have a picture that came with the letter.’ She passed the photograph across the table to where Sir Albert was sitting. He picked it up and looked at it. An expression of deep sadness mixed with what looked like regret covered his face and Victoria could see that he was very close to tears. He passed the photograph to his wife but said nothing.
‘Georgina is dying,’ continued Victoria calmly. She was able to maintain her composure but had no idea how she was doing it. ‘It looks like she has contracted the flu virus and if it takes hold of her she may only last a few days.’ Turning to Alexander she said, ‘So she is not asking for money. She is asking for a home for her son. A home for your brother’s son……your nephew.’ She looked at the two older Holbrooks, ‘Your grandson.’
‘Well no matter how many times she asks, the answer is no,’ said Alexander venomously. ‘Who the hell does she think she is trying to foist her bastard onto us? He can rot in an orphanage for all I care.’
‘You are beginning to try my patience,’ said Sir Albert calmly. ‘Now shut your mouth.’
Victoria passed the letter along the table to him, while her husband looked on, a look of despair on his face. ‘Please father, you cannot seriously be considering this woman’s request.’
Sir Albert looked at his wife. ‘Considering it? I think I’ve already made my mind up.’
He turned to Victoria. ‘I will send a telegram immediately to her. While I’m doing that pack yourself a bag, for you and Edwina, and get the next available train to London. Stay at the house in Kensington tonight. Then first thing in the morning go and collect my grandson and bring him home. I let my son down all those years ago and have regretted it ever since and will until the day I die. I will not let my grandson down.’
Alexander stood up sharply. ‘This is absolutely ridiculous. Ridiculous.’
He marched quickly to the door and flung it open, leaving the three of them alone behind. Sir Albert did not shout him back but instead turned to Victoria. ‘Are you happy with that arrangement?’
She smiled at him, the tears now pouring down her face. ‘Absolutely,’ she said between sobs. ‘Absolutely.’
‘Very well. See that it’s done.’ He turned to Lady Harriet. ‘Come my dear. Let’s get you upstairs, I think you need to lie down.’
They stood up and left the room, Sir Albert leaving the letter on the table, Lady Harriet holding the photograph to her chest. On seeing them leave Edwina re-entered the room and sat in the chair next to Victoria. Placing her hand on top of Victoria’s she asked, ‘Are you OK?’
‘I will be,’ she smiled, ‘I will be.’ Standing up she said, ‘Well we can’t sit around here all day, we both have a bag to pack. We’re off to London!’
‘Oh wonderful,’ replied Edwina excitedly, ‘truly wonderful.’
#
Alexander stood on the gravel pathway at the front of the Manor. He had told his visitors that an important family matter had come up and that they needed to leave the premises as quickly as possible. That the frivolities were over.
How could this happen, he thought? This was totally out of the blue. Totally unexpected. He thought that John was out of his life altogether and had no idea that he had produced offspring, none at all. But then how would he know?
He turned to his valet who stood behind him. ‘Get me a horse ready will you. I need to go for a ride, a fast ride. I have a head to clear.’
‘Right you are,’ said the valet and turned to do his bidding.
‘Make it Clarence will you. He’s the fastest.’
‘Will do,’ came the reply. ‘Anything you say.’
Alexander looked at him as he walked away toward the stables. ‘Oh and Longworth. Tuck your bloody shirt in will you, you scruffy bastard. You look like a bloody slob.’
#
Telegram:
Agree to your terms stop Victoria Holbrook and Edwina Carlton will arrive tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock stop many many apologies stop Sir Albert Holbrook stop
CHAPTER TWENTY
They found the house in a row of terraces. It was very basic, the typical two up and two down that were being built throughout the country to house those men fortunate enough to have survived the war. Number thirty was at the mid-way point of a row of eight and had a simple red door with a small black knocker which Victoria used to alert the residents as to their arrival.
They had arrived late the previous evening, catching the last available train from Ipswich and had immediately made their way to the Kensington house. Victoria preferred the hustle and bustle of the city as opposed to the quietness of the Manor and was always happy to be in the capital, especially if that meant being away from Alexander too, even if it was only for a few days.
She looked at Edwina who smiled at her encouragingly. Edwina, always there to support her. How would she ever manage without her, she wondered? She smiled back. They did not need to say anything.
They could hear movement behind the door and it opened to reveal a short lady of about sixty years old in a plain pale green dress. She looked at the two of them and smiled. ‘Hello, can I help you?’
‘Yes,’ said Victoria smiling nervously. ‘I am Victoria Holbrook. This is my friend Edwina Carlton. Is this the residence of Georgina Cooke?’
‘It is,’ replied the lady. ‘Please come in. We received Sir Albert’s telegram last night. I can’t tell you how happy it has made George. She perked up a little because of it but she is still very, very poorly.’
She led them both into a very narrow hallway. Stairs to an upstairs landing faced them and a door to the left led into a small front room. She stopped suddenly. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘where are my manners? I am Mrs Allsop. I live next door and have been looking after her for a while. Her little boy, Gregory, has been stopping with me
and my daughter, Janice, while George tries to get better.’
‘Very pleased to meet you, Mrs Allsop,’ said Victoria shaking her hand. ‘And can I say thank you for looking out for her and little Gregory.’
‘It’s no problem, honestly,’ she whispered. ‘She has had a rough time, what with losing her husband and everything, the poor thing. And now this. She was thrilled to get your telegram, it made her so very happy last night. However, she’s not very well at all. The doctor came again yesterday and gave her some medicine. I don’t know what it was but it hasn’t really helped her. The poor girl is very poorly indeed.’
She led them up the stairs and stopped on the small landing. ‘I won’t come in with you. I know her wishes and will go next door and collect Gregory while you have a chat with her. It might be wise not to stand too close. The last thing she wants is for you to catch it off her.’
She smiled at them and walked back down the stairs leaving them alone outside the bedroom door. Victoria looked at Edwina who smiled at her encouragingly and said, ‘Shall we go in then.’
Without replying Victoria knocked on the door and on hearing a faint voice asking for them to come in, they opened the door and entered the room.
Like the rest of the house it was a small simple room. The bed took up most of the floor space but a small dressing table with an array of bottles, make up and photographs was positioned on the far wall. A large window, the curtains open, allowed the morning sun to penetrate the room, casting a ray of light directly onto the occupant of the bed who was sitting up expectantly supported by two large pillows. She was wearing a white nightdress and the light from the window reflected back, giving her an angelic appearance. At the side of the bed was a small table and upon it was a glass of drinking water and a bowl containing water and a wet cloth which Victoria assumed was used by Mrs Allsop to keep Georgina cool.
It was obvious immediately, to the both of them, that Georgina was extremely ill. Victoria had always remembered her as a very healthy and attractive young woman with very good looks, her eyes deep and soulful. However the woman that now lay on the bed before them was but a fragment of that memory. Her once beautiful eyes had now sunk slightly into her skull, her skin had a pallid complexion and her black hair hung lank and greasy over her shoulders. Mrs Allsop had been correct, Georgina was very poorly indeed.
