by Carl Leckey
“Oh Lord is right my dear, and looking at the time this was sent, she will be appearing at any time.” For a moment or two we sit in stunned silence. Until I remark, “I think a stiff drink is required to calm my nerves. I have not been this apprehensive since being under fire during the war.”
CHAPTER NINE
Lady Emily
We both laugh nervously as I catch the waiter’s eye and order another large brandy. Mother says “You had better order one of those for me too, knowing my Sister I will need to fortify myself.”
As we are finishing our drinks, we hear a commotion in the reception area. I rise to my feet and start towards the entrance. Next moment Lady Emily sweeps into the room closely followed by a very flustered looking Mr Gillon. She looked stunning in her long Astrakhan coat with fur trimmed collar and matching hat. She almost knocks me over in her haste to get to her Sister.
Mr Gillon stops by my side and in a hushed voice says. “I am sorry Sir, the Lady insisted on seeing Lady Angelique immediately.”
I explain “Do not worry Mr Gillon she is my Aunt Lady Emily, she has travelled up from the family seat in Kent.” He remarks with a kind of pride. “My we have two titled Ladies and a Lord as guests now. Head office will be pleased. We have always aimed to encourage top class clientele to frequent the Hotel Victoria.” He adds in an even quieter voice. “Some of the music hall stars can be quite common you know.” He hesitates for a moment then asks. “I hope you don’t consider this a bold question Sir but you have registered as Mr Bailey instead of Lord Carstairs.”
I inwardly smile at his snobbery, leaning towards him I reveal in a lowered voice. “I am travelling incognito. Government business don’t you know?” He preens himself with pride as I take him into my confidence.
He enquires. “I hope you haven’t considered me presumptive. I take it Lady Emily will be staying on as a guest Sir.” I reply. “Definitely tonight if you have a room, and please book her in for dinner with us this evening, I will let you know later how long she will be staying. We could possibly be extending our stay also if there is accommodation available?”
He assures me. “Accommodation is no problem just now Sir, in a few weeks we are booked solid over Christmas and New Year.
I think the Lady has planned to be here for longer than one night by the amount of luggage she has brought with her. I shall have it taken up to her room immediately. Do you think she will she require some refreshment after her journey?”
I inform him. “I’ll let one of the staff know after I have had a word with her.”
I make my way back to where my Mother and her Sister are sitting, they are in deep conversation and for a moment they don’t notice me.
Emily has discarded her outer coat and hat she is indeed a striking looking woman resplendent in very expensive apparel adorned with glittering jewellery.
Feeling uncomfortable I stand nervously by until Emily looks up from the chair I had previously occupied. She snaps. “Oh yes fetch me a large pink gin and a tray of tea right away.”
My Mother laughs. Emily glares at her. Mother says. “Emily let me introduce you to your Nephew. Adam Mathew Carstairs. Adam I know you have met before but let me introduces you formally. Adam this is your Aunt, Lady Emily Carstairs.”
Emily gasps. “Good God I can’t believe it, he’s the image of my Brother.” She doesn’t stand up to greet me.
I stand awkwardly I have no idea how to respond to her. Should I lean over and kiss her cheek, shake her hand, give her a hug? Instead for devilment I simply say. “Good evening Auntie did you have a comfortable journey?”
As she doesn’t appear to want any physical contact I take a seat alongside Mother on the sofa. Emily glares at me and suddenly explodes angrily.
“I suppose you think you are coming to Kent to Lord it over us? Well let me tell you this you are not sponging off us. We had enough of that from your Father.”
Mother calmly intercedes she speaks as if she is addressing a naughty child. “Emily you presume too much. My Son does not need us he is extremely wealthy in his own rights he has his own life in France. It was I that came here to find him.”
Silence greets her statement Mother continues giving Emily a dressing down.
“In fact Emily at this moment in time because of your folly you could say we need Adam more than he needs us. Now calm yourself down Emily dear, for goodness sake greet your Nephew properly. You have no idea how much it means to me to discover my child did not die at birth. Remember what I told you in my letter Emily. We are family and Adam is one of our family God knows there are few enough of us. If you cannot accept that fact then you know what I have threatened to do?” She turns to me and says. “I must apologise on behalf of my Sister Adam your Aunt has a suspicious nature. I believe it comes from the company she keeps. In my opinion they are a pack of users and scoundrels.”
I can’t help wondering what Mother threatened to do.
Emily accepts the ticking off from her Sister with ill grace. After fuming for a moment Emily does eventually extend her hand for me to either shake or kiss. With a touch of panache I chose the latter.
After the outburst and dressing down from Mother Emily does make an attempt to be civil. We participate in idle chatter until a waiter informs Emily her luggage has been taken to her room he then delivers another round of drinks. Mother says. “So Emily you have had quite a journey you must be absolutely worn out? I’m impressed you travelled all this way on your own, crossing London is a nightmare isn’t it?”
Emily informs her. “I stayed with the Bellamy’s overnight they picked me up at Victoria and took me to Euston station in their carriage.” Mother looks aghast. “Oh Emily, you don’t mean to say you stayed in the same house as that trollop Catherine Bellamy, after all she did to us.” Mother shakes her head in dismay adding. “Emily I can’t understand you sometimes I really can’t. What do you have in mind to tell Mr Wilkes? You still have that slander case against her outstanding. Your visit to her house won’t help matters.” Emily looks petulant as she informs Mother. “Oh that’s old hat. I have instructed him to drop that nonsense Catherine and I are good chums again. Oh you remind me I took your advice. Jonah Wilkes has been of great assistance in disposing of Daddy’s coin collection. Oh and yes I have also sold that large hideous painting of Great, Great Grand Father that hung in the gallery.” “You haven’t?” Angelique gasps. “That was painted by that famous French artist.” Emily retorts “Yes I bloody well have, you know how we hated it. The damn thing used to scare the pants off us when we were children. You will be pleased to know our immediate debts are settled and he has made some other suggestions we should consider to bring in a goodly income and make the estate viable again.”
Mother angrily retorts. “Oh and why did you keep this to yourself Emily I have been worrying myself sick. Thank goodness Father left us those coins.”
Emily replies haughtily. “Angelique my dear it was my intention to surprise you. I sometimes can get things right you know? Not often I admit, just now and again to keep my darling Sister happy?” Mother smiles and gives her a kiss of forgiveness they hold hands briefly Mother admits with a grimace. “The painting was a horror wasn’t it Emily dear?” She then turns to me and remarks. “Your Father used to frighten us to death with stories about the picture and we had to pass it to go upstairs to bed every night.” Emily adds.
“When the moon shone through the window and the shadow of the trees fluttered across it you can imagine how it scared us.”
I inform them. “Yes I saw the picture myself that time I came into the house. I thought at the time he looks a fearsome character. I wouldn’t like to meet him on a dark night.”
We laugh as we recall the picture Mother says. “Isn’t it strange Father’s coins have been available whenever we have desperately needed them?” For a moment her observation puzzles me until I realise. Of course she is referring to the gold coins I found in the music box that enabled me to travel in search of her. A
ddressing her Sister she says. “Drink up Emily you have to dress for dinner we only have a couple of hours, you and I have much to discuss. Please excuse us Adam I shall accompany Emily to her room.” She adds pointedly. “We will have a little chat while she freshens up.”
I take the hint, as they leave I write another letter to Denise. I am tempted to mention Mathew but restrain myself. Instead I hint I have a surprise for her. Oh God what a surprise! At the hotel communication office I send a couple of telegrams. One of the telegrams is to my friend Gunter at the hotel OSCADA informing him the immediate crisis regarding the estate is resolved he can cancel his arrangements to travel to England. I also mention again the valuable assistance Jonah Wilkes has performed for my family. The other telegram is directed to Harry at the depot informing him I hope to be home in about another week’s time. As I pass the reception desk Mr Gillon the manager emerges from his office and proudly reveals. “Mr Bailey Sir. I have pleasure in informing you the telephonic facilities of The Hotel Victoria are now linked to the trunk lines. It is now possible to contact anywhere in the United Kingdom directly from the hotel. There is a slight draw back however, other than local calls have to be booked in advance.”
I reply. “Oh that’s interesting Mr Gillon it’s a pity I can’t contact France that would have been very beneficial.” He looks disappointed by my less than enthusiastic response.
At a loose end I wander into the bar wondering what the Bellamy’s have done to make Mother despise them so.
A lone figure with the bearing of a military man is practicing shots on the billiard table. I order a drink and sit watching.
He addresses me. “Do you play yourself Sir, fancy a game?”
Although I have played on several occasions at the Hotel OSCADA and in this very room I am by no means proficient although I rather like the game of Billiards.
“Why not?” I agree to play it will pass the time until dinner.
He introduces himself as, “Major Frances Kildare late of the Kings Own.” I find it peculiar in the manner ex officers are proud to use their rank after demob I would never think of introducing myself as Private Bailey of the Labour Corp even though I am not ashamed on my outfit. Nevertheless he appears an affable enough fellow. I am quite chuffed with myself when I win the first two games with ease.
He invites “Let’s make it more interesting shall we old chap, how about a pound on the next frame?” I see no harm in having a little gamble and agree to bet a pound. A few years ago it would have been madness even if I could have afforded it that is. He matches my note on the corner of a table. While I set the table up he gets in a round of drinks the game begins again, I win the frame with ease. When I apologise for winning he laughs and congratulates me.
“You’re a lucky lad. Methinks you are a bit of a pro with the cue and are joshing me?”
I answer astounded at my new found skill. “It has to be beginner’s luck I honestly haven’t played much before tonight.”
He replies. “I believe you although thousands wouldn’t.”
He laughs and assures me. “Don’t get upset old chap. I don’t mind losing it’s the thrill of the game I enjoy old chap.”
His referral to me as old chap grates a bit but I suppose it’s just his way. He makes a suggestion. “How about giving me the chance to get my own back?”
I glance at the clock checking the time until dinner. He adds hurriedly. “I know, let’s make it really interesting it might make me play better if there is a bigger prize to win, make it a fiver this time shall we?”
I look at the clock again and note there is about twenty minutes before I have to meet the Ladies for dinner. I agree to play and say. “Set em up again I’ll get the drinks in, do you want the same again?” He nods and begins placing the balls on the table. As I walk to the bar I realise I am enjoying the thrill of the gamble I suppose in a way it is a replacement for the thrill of big business.
As the barman prepares the drinks he asks. “How are you getting on with Ben the Dip Sir, he’s quite a player isn’t he?”
I retort. “Ben the what? I have been playing billiards with Major Kildare.”
He smiles as he places the drinks on the bar in front of me and informs me. “Be careful Sir. Take it from me your companion is known as Ben the Dip around certain parts. I remember him from the last establishment I was employed in. He was barred from there for hustling the clients.
Do you know what a billiard hustler is Sir?”
Puzzled I answer. “Not really I am pretty new to the game.”
The barman informs me. “It is someone that pretends he is a poor player but is really an expert. Are you having a bet on the outcome of the game?” I nod.
He shakes his head disapprovingly and informs me with a grim smile. “I thought as much. Ben is a well known hustler I thought he had moved out of the district. I am willing to bet the only time he did in the army was in the glasshouse.” He laughs cynically. “Major Kildare indeed he has been promoted since I saw him last, he was only a mere Captain Chesterton then and I notice he has cultivated a splendid moustache.”
So I have been playing a con man. I have to smile as I walk back to the table with the drinks. I am surprised to find the bank notes are in the usual place on the corner of the table. He greets me as if we are lifelong friends I enquire. “Well seeing as I’ve won the last few games you have the choice, do you want to cue off Ben?” He looks flustered and replies. “Oh er tell you what my friend. I shall just nip to the latrines before we kick off. I suffer from a bladder problem since I was wounded old chap, be back in a jiffy.” He disappears at speed and that is the last I see of him. As I pick the bank notes up from the corner of the table. I laugh because I’ve gained six pounds out of the villain. Until I check two of the notes they consist of blank paper. Damn I have indeed been outwitted by a villain and I thought I was teaching him a lesson. I definitely have a lot to learn.
Before leaving I thank the barman and reward him with a ten bob note much to his pleasure. Altogether it has been an enjoyable diversion for a couple of hours and worth every penny if only for the educational value.
Dinner time approaches, slightly tipsy I wait for Mother, Emily and Pamela to appear. We eventually meet at the bottom of the Grand staircase I escort the two beautiful Ladies to our table in the usual place I am surprised that Pamela is not accompanying them. The table is set for four Emily takes a seat alongside of her Sister. I have no idea what they discussed in the privacy of Emily’s room but her whole attitude to me has changed, for the better I’m glad to say. We idly gossip about my Wife, my life in France her taste in French wines and perfume.
Never once does she mention my Son. I have to assume my Mother hasn’t mentioned the fact she now has a Grandson as well as myself.
Evidently she hasn’t mentioned Pamela either, I wonder why? Emily enquires who the fourth place is set for when she gasps with admiration at something she sees behind my back. I turn to see Pamela entering the dining room, she is absolutely stunning. The head waiter rushes over to escort her. Mother had informed me Mrs Jones had showered Pamela with gifts and the most expensive clothes before she died, it certainly shows. She stands in the entrance looking around the dining room.
Emily breaks off the conversation in mid sentence and asks in a hushed voice. “Who is that vision of loveliness I must meet her.”
I stand to greet Pamela, Mother smiles and rebukes Emily in a mocking manner. “Don’t stare Sister dear, it is bad manners, anyway there’s no need to strain your eyes you will get a closer look at her shortly, she is joining us for dinner.”
Emily enquires. “Why, who is she?” Mother answers. “The girl is Pamela Sullivan, Adams personal assistant and nurse maid to your Great Nephew Adams child.” Pamela glides towards us like a professional model demonstrating the latest fashion. It is evident by the expression on Emily’s face that confusion reigns. I can’t understand why Mother has chosen this moment to break the news about my Son to Emily, and why ha
s she given her such a grand title. Maybe I am still under the influence of alcohol and have missed a point but it is all very strange.
The dinner.
Pamela joins us, introductions are made she then takes a seat by my side. What an immediate change in Emily. From a self assured slightly aggressive person to a shy tongue tied girl in seconds. It reminds me of the first time I spoke to Denise in the garden of the chateau during the war.
This unusual trend does not last very long, as the wine flows she soon returns to her old self. The centre of her attention is definitely Pamela.
I begin to feel like an intruder. To be honest Emily’s obvious approaches to Pamela and her responses are causing me some embarrassment.
The courting ritual of one female to another is beyond my experience I find I am looking for an excuse to leave them on their own.
Mother takes it all in her stride I glance at her to see if she is experiencing the same embarrassing feelings as myself.
She smiles back across the table I am taken aback when she gives me a distinct wink.
The opportunity to leave the love sick couple on their own comes when the meal ends the conversation lapses for a moment when suddenly Emily asks. “So when am I going to meet this Great Nephew of mine?”
I am startled by her request it takes Mother by surprise also.
Pamela replies. “Lady Emily I have put baby Mathew down for the night. I am going up to the room now would you like to come with me?
I hope he will be asleep but you may have a peep. He’s a gorgeous happy little boy and a joy to care for.” I feel very proud as she describes my Son in such a manner.
Without hesitation Emily stands up and says. “Righto Pamela my dear lets go shall we.
The sooner I meet the latest addition to the Carstairs family the better. Incidentally my Dear you may address me as just plain Emily except when we are in company other than family.”
Pamela excuses herself, the duo depart chattering as if they have known each other for ages leaving Mother and I alone.
