by Carl Leckey
She looks up and gasps as if she has seen a ghost. For a moment she says nothing until she whispers. “My God you are the image of your Father.”
Tears spring to her eyes, as she stands Mother pushes back her chair. It tips over backwards and crashes to the floor. We meet in a near lovers embrace.
“Adam, my Son, at last!” I detect her quietly crying with her head pressed to my shoulder she says. “Forgive me?” I reply softly while hugging her even closer. “Mother there is nothing to forgive. We have found each other that is all that matters.”
A waiter rushes to pick up her chair. In a flash another place is set opposite her. We take our seats, she smiles and says. “The orchids are beautiful, the message? Hum! I have to admit had me guessing. When I heard the tune it took me back to my childhood in France. Fancy you knowing it is my favourite?”
I admit. “I recall you humming it when I taught you to drive.”
She compliments me. “You look so handsome Adam. I had a feeling when we met in St Margaret’s you were more that a chauffeur.
I should have guessed the similarity to your Father is uncanny. Why didn’t you tell me then who you were? We have wasted so much time apart.”
I answer. “We have both made mistakes Mother, let’s forget and forgive. Our life as a family begins now. I have lots of good news to share with you. I have a Wife in France. Denise would have accompanied me but we had a last minute problem.”
“I hope it is nothing serious?” She queries with concern. “No nothing she won’t be able to sort out. Denise insisted I came on my own as the arrangements were already made. She reckons I have left it too long anyway. Mother I want you to meet her as soon as possible.
I am sure you two will get on well together.” She asks. “Have you any children?” Sadly I reply. “Unfortunately we have no children and there never will be.
I will tell you about that some other time. Let us for the moment enjoy each other’s company and our dinner.”
We order our meal and Mother selects the wine to accompany the meal. The wine waiter pours the wine, waits for us to approve, then slips away after filling our glasses. Mother holds her glass across the table for me to touch with mine she makes a toast.
“Here’s to our future together as a family.”
Hanging directly over the table is a crystal chandelier I steal glances at Mother, she is certainly a very beautiful Lady. I notice she turned many a male head when she entered the dining room. She also suffered many female looks of envy. The light flashes on her long drop diamond ear rings as she moves her head during our conversation. The ear rings match the elaborate diamond necklace that encircles her neck and the bracelet on her wrist. She sees me looking and unconsciously touches the necklace. “These were my Mothers. They are the only things I have to remember her by. I also had a lovely tiara.” She looks slightly embarrassed. She then reveals. “Adam I guessed you were coming. I wasn’t sure when, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before we met.”
I reply with a smile. “And I thought I would surprise you?”
She confesses. “It was not anything as magic as Mother’s intuition. Today I visited Mr Pinketon. Wonder of wonders his bill had been paid.” She pauses gives me a lovely smile then questions. “So you handle my finances do you?”
Ha, she has already spoken to the hotel manager.
What could I say in reply but remain silent as she continues?
“I next visited the wonderful Mrs Jones you were only a short while ahead of me. Did you meet her very pretty companion Pamela? Oh that reminds me, I believe you have a note from a certain stone mason for me?” I admit I have it and disclose. “As a matter of fact it was Pamela that gave it to me. Yes she is a lovely girl. Pity she doesn’t like men. She would make some lucky man a good Wife”
I am not quite sure if my remark annoyed her. An odd look passed over her face I continue. “It’s in my other suit. You needn’t bother with it I have settled that bill as well. Incidentally thank you for what you have done to Millie’s grave.” She replies. “Millie was my dear friend. I should have done more for her while she was alive but we lost touch. I will regret that to my dying day. If we had stayed in contact maybe I would have found you a long time ago.
Adam I appreciate what you did by settling my debts, but I do have money myself you know?”
I reply. “I only used the money I owed you to settle the bills.”
She looks puzzled. I remind her. “I don’t suppose you remember but I owe you twenty sovereigns?”
She repeats. “Twenty sovereigns? Twenty sovereigns? Oh yes! The gold coins in the music box? They were my insurance against total poverty. I am glad they were of use to you.”
I admit. “Without them I was near penniless. They enabled me to travel to St Margaret’s to find you Mother.” She replies thoughtfully. “For the one and only time in my life I stole something. They were part of my Father’s collection. He forgave me though when I returned home. If they helped you to find me then they were meant to be left for you.”
I enquire. “There is a great deal about my ancestors I will have to find out. You refer to General Carstairs as your Father. I understood you were adopted by him, have I got that right?”
She replies. “I appreciate there are many things you need to know.
I will reveal them all as we get to know each other better it is far too complicated to explain everything right now, be patient.”
Not entirely satisfied with her elusive replies I feel the need to ask.
“I understand why you had the coins, but why the pistol?”
In a near whisper she replies. “I carried the pistol for protection against a scoundrel my dear. There was another reason but I discarded that. I will explain everything eventually but not now, do you mind?”
I change the subject. She appears distressed as she recalls the past events.
I enquire. “Is that why you are not wearing your Mother’s tiara? Have you sold it to pay your way?” She doesn’t answer my question leaving me to make my own conclusions. I make a mental note to investigate that further. I have a feeling if I pursue the subject now it might cause her more grief.
The next course arrives there is a pause in our conversation as we enjoy the excellent food. The plates are cleared more wine is poured by the attentive wine waiter. “Your friend Toot is very loyal to you isn’t he?” She remarks. I inform her. “I owe him a lot. He got me through the war comparatively unscathed and taught me so much more, I certainly do have a lot to thank him for.”
Mother remarks, “He wouldn’t disclose where you were living you know?” I answer proudly. “That’s Toot. He was the first one there when I was arrested.”
Mother enquires. “When was that?” Embarrassed I reply. “Oh! I shouldn’t have mentioned that little episode it’s over and done with now.” She remarks. “So you have a criminal record?” She adds in a mocking voice. “My Son! A criminal?”
I hurriedly explain. “It wasn’t like that. I have no criminal record it was all a mistake. Lady Emily believed she did it to protect you. If you must know it was my own fault I take responsibility for it. I was stupid when I left those items at your home. When I returned the diary to you without explanation? That was completely idiotic.”
She replies angrily. “So it was my Sister that reported you to the police? I should have known she would do something stupid like that, she was so angry the last time I saw her.”
I point out. “She will be very worried about you. Does she know where you are now?”
Mother assures me. “I have written her a long letter explaining progress in my search to locate you. I have also informed her in no uncertain manner if she doesn’t agree to me helping her to sort out the financial mess she has created I won’t be coming home. She should get the letter by tomorrow. I love her dearly but sometimes I despair of her. I am hoping my letter shocks her and she will finally realise we have to get a grip on things. Ha! Adam I have just had a thought.” With a delightful little laugh sh
e informs me. “We share the problem of Lady Emily now she is your Aunt you know?” Her disclosure throws me for a moment prompting me to ask. “Er, if you are not returning home what do you intend doing?” She gives me a funny look and replies. “Why I shall accompany you to France of course.” Her mood changes when she says. “You must have hated me for abandoning you as a baby? If only you had read my diary you would have known the truth, at least the events leading up to the day when I ended up in hospital. I recorded nothing after that.” I confess. “Mother at the time I was confused. I wanted desperately to be reunited since I found you. You have no idea what it felt like to find out that I wasn’t an orphan after all. At the same time I blamed you for leaving me in that horrible orphanage with those awful hypocrites. I was angry with you when I found out I did have a real family. Out of the blue my life was turned upside down. Then! When I found you living in splendour while I was left to live my life as bastard and pauper? Can you imagine my anger?
It was only after Millie adopted me that I had the love of a Mother I craved. You know Millie didn’t have much money; she worked so hard to give me a decent life.
I don’t think I made it easy for her either. I rarely attended school and joined the army when I was sixteen without her approval. I am ashamed to say I never attempted to contact her once during my time in France. I didn’t come home on leave either. Poor Millie she must have worried about me constantly.”
It is the first time I realized and admitted the disservices I did to a very kind Lady.
Maybe to cover my own failings I spring a question on my Mother.
“I need to know about my Father? Why did he abandon you? I am aware he went to India serving in the army. I also know he died there but what happened between you? There are so many gaps I need to fill. We should spend some time getting to know each other before I go back to France.” She looks down cast as she replies. “But of course I realise you want to return to your Wife. But! I hoped we would travel back to St Margaret’s together? Lady Emily will want to meet you. That could be difficult. I will have to prepare the ground before you two actually meet as family.” She thinks for a moment before adding. “Then there is the estate? You have a responsibility in the running of that now. You are the only male Carstairs left after all? I have no idea what your status is legally, we shall have to consult lawyers I suppose? I will tell you about your Father, but not here and now. Did you know Millie left a record about us with Mrs Jones?”
I reply. “Mrs Jones told me. Maybe you will let me see the diary sometime? As for my status as you call it. I haven’t decided yet whether I will be claiming my right to be a member of the Carstairs family.
I have a good life in France do I need more problems? I have recently shed many of my business worries over there. It has taken nearly two years before I was able to get away and travel to the UK to sort things out between us?” Mother looks crestfallen when I state this. We retire to the lounge for coffee and brandy.
I am enjoying a Cuban cigar when I reveal. “I have hired an automobile and intend to visit friends some distance away from Birkenhead. I will be away for a couple of nights. Tomorrow is Armistice Day. I will be at Hamilton Square in front of the town hall at eleven o’clock to celebrate the ending of the war. I will leave here the day after.”
Without hesitation she replies. “Then I shall accompany you. I am not letting you out of my sight so soon after finding you.”
I am not sure if I want her along and attempt to dissuade her. “It will be cold in the car.” She replies scornfully. “Ha! Adam I hunt in all weathers, an open car holds no hardship for me. You are not talking me out of accompanying you my dear you may as well accept the situation.” I smile and reply. “Frankly I shall enjoy your company. I would like you to meet my friends. They are from my army days; both are good and true men.”
A liveried page enters the lounge, locates me and offers a telegram on a tray. The telegram is from Gunter a brief reply to my request it reads.
Investigation regarding family estate in progress, I will fly to England if required. I am available for the next three weeks at this address.
The page enquires. “Is there a reply sir?” I apologise. “Excuse me Mother I shall be back shortly.” I follow the page to the communications office and send a reply.
Thanks Gunter I appreciate your involvement Things are more complicated than I first assumed. I might require you in England in about a week’s time. I will contact you again in a few days to give you details. I also take the opportunity to send a telegram to Denise updating her on the latest situation. When I return to the lounge Mother says. “Forgive me? You left it on the table I couldn’t help seeing the message.
Is it the Carstairs estate the telegram refers to?”
I can’t make out by her expression if she is annoyed or resigned to the fact I know about the crisis in their finances
“Mother I am aware you are in financial trouble due to bad investment advice.”
“How did you find out?” She enquires. “I picked up a few hints from here and there. A great deal of information comes my way from all kinds of sources.”
With a laugh I add. “Mother would you believe your Son moves in international financial circles these days?”
I add this bit of bullshit as I don’t want her to know I acquired the information from Toot.
Mother looks concerned she assures me. “Adam I hope you don’t think I was trying to involve you with the estate because of the problem?
We could easily clear our debts by disposing of some of Father’s collections. I have already had them valued.” She adds hurriedly. “I must confess without Emily’s knowledge. She would not be pleased if she learned what I have done. I am afraid Emily does not live in the real world. We were financially sound until she took advice from her so called friends. I am more concerned about the staff we employ than myself. They depend on us and if we let them down what will happen to them?”
I take her hand and assure her. “This will not happen believe me.
Emily will have to face up to what she has done, but we will work it out together with advice from an expert. The person I have contacted will give us sound advice to resolve the matter.”
Totally unrelated to what we are discussing she makes a request.
“Adam would it be too much to ask if you would call me by my name. Don’t you recall our trip to Canterbury when I said the self same thing to you?”
Amused I reply. “I do remember that outing. I also recall I blabbed on a bit about the injustices in this world of ours and you patiently listened.” She replies in a taunting manner. “I wonder do you still retain those opinions now you are yourself an extremely wealthy man.”
I find her remarks a little hurtful. To be truthful my conscience still pricks me when I indulge in extravagances of the rich and idle.
I find I have to justify myself to my Mother. “Well I hope I do. I admit sometimes it is difficult as I partake of the good life. I believe I still work hard for my daily bread. The people employed by me are treated as partners not employees. I don’t believe you will find any complaints from that quarter. As a matter of fact there is a long list of people desperate to work for our company.”
The anger I feel quickly evaporates when I notice the smile on her face and realise she has been baiting me.
I return to the subject of how I should address her in future.
“I will do anything you ask Angelique, but I warn you I like having a real Mother and do enjoy referring to you in this manner.”
She looks disappointed until I make an offer. “Shall we make a compromise? When we are alone you will be addressed as Mother, whilst we are in some company I think Lady Angelique will suffice” Getting my own back for her baiting of me over my status now, I add.
“If you are a particularly nice Mummy to me I will call you Angelique.” She squeezes my hand and smiles my idea evidently satisfies her.
I suggest. “Now let’s get back to the tel
egram and the financial crisis.”
“Oh Adam let us forget about the problems for tonight at least. Look they are dancing over there. Do you dance?” I reply sarcastically. “No I do not. We didn’t have much use for dancing at the front line I’m afraid.”
She rebukes me. “Don’t be such a grump, you naughty boy. Come I shall teach you.” She stands and holds her hand out to me. I laugh.
“Mother I have to decline your invitation. My Wife tells me I have two left feet.”
A well dressed middle aged gentleman swoops in with a bow introduces himself as Joseph Stead. He requests Angelique. “May I have the pleasure of a dance Madam?” She gives him a wonderful smile turns to me and says “May I have your permission my dear?” I reply in the same vain. “Of course Angelique go and enjoy yourself. Hum! Hum! The old leg is playing up this evening. I shall just sit here and enjoy another cigar while I watch you dance.”
As I observe her whirling around the dance floor in the arms of a stranger. I have an odd feeling. Surely it can’t be jealousy she is my Mother after all? Is it envy of her dancing partner’s ability? I suppose if I am to move in her circles I shall have to learn to dance. Something I have ridiculed for as long as I can remember. Bloody hell! I suddenly realise how I am being drawn into the way of life I have always despised.
My Mother returns to her seat escorted by her dancing partner. She thanks him and he gallantly kisses her hand and leaves us together.
I enquire tongue in cheek. “Did you enjoy that my dear?”
She smiles. “I certainly did, he is an excellent partner. He asked me to dance again but I refused. I told him you are very possessive and only allow me to have one dance with a stranger.”
Startled I enquire. “Why did you tell him that? Who does he think I am anyway?” She replies with a secretive smile. “That is for him to wonder isn’t it my dear? A little bit of mystery spices up life don’t you think? Let him believe you are my handsome young beau. He is quite a handsome chap himself don’t you think Adam? A very interesting man with a very exciting profession Hmmm! Yes very interesting.”
