Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  I am gobsmacked at the change in Emily she is behaving in a very odd manner since Pamela arrived on the scene.

  Mother and I retire to the lounge for another coffee when I remark on the change in Emily. Mother replies with a smile. “Emily and Pamela have hit it off thank goodness.

  I am so glad she has found someone she likes it would be a great relief to me if Emily settles down. Just maybe Emily will drop that crowd she is involved with at the moment. Do you know Adam I was surprised when Emily asked to see baby Mathew. Ever since I have known her she has never shown any interest in children. Maybe just maybe as Mathew is her own flesh and blood her attitude will change for the better and Pamela and Mathew may well be the key to it.”

  Mother muses more to herself than me. “My Sister with maternal feelings, wouldn’t that be wonderful?” She adds with a teasing smile. “By the by, I have to ask what do you think of her now that she is your relative rather than your employer?”

  I answer hesitantly. “I am sure we will get on eventually, it’s been quite a shock to both of us. Fortunately I have a Sister in law Yvette who reminds me of Aunt Emily. Very outspoken, very forthright and often rude, but on the whole we get on together.”

  Mother remarks, “So there are other family members I will eventually meet. I am looking forward to having this extended family”

  This is the time to ask the question that has bothered me since our first encounter in Kent.

  The intake of alcohol has given me Dutch courage to enquire. “Mother something has been bothering me I don’t want to upset you or to cause you any embarrassment.” I hesitate to go any further and apologies in advance.

  She smiles and urges me on. “Out with it my boy, we can’t have something bothering my Son can we?”

  It comes out with a rush but not the original question I was about to ask at the last second I lose my nerve and ask. “Mother you are a beautiful lady and a lady of means to boot. Why aren’t you married?”

  She replies with a wistful smile. “It’s a long story my boy.”

  I admonish her. “Mother we have time on our hands. Now is as good a time as ever to tell me. I have kept no secrets from you that I am aware of, I hope you will do me the courtesy of taking me into your confidence?”

  “Right Adam you have asked for it, sit back and I will reveal all.

  There have been no lack of suitors I can assure you of that. Some have been nice fellows but they were not the kind I could vow my undying love to. Others were downright scoundrels with an eye on my possible inheritance. No it was my decision. The General and Mother never pressured me to wed, maybe someday I will find Mr Right, but Adam your Mother is getting on in years. I am afraid a life of spinsterhood is looming. However, now I have you and my grandchild I have two more people to share my love with. Oh, I almost forgot your dear wife Denise. I wish to meet her as soon as possible.”

  I take her hand and give it an affectionate squeeze. I love this Lady my Mother despite the past.

  She gathers her thoughts and continues revealing another reason she had not married.

  “Before the General died I made him a promise. I assured him I would look after Emily and do my best to keep her from harm. The General suffered a great deal when he learned the truth about his Son your Father. He knew his daughter Emily was not as other girls, it became blatantly obvious as she matured. When she returned from finishing school in Switzerland his suspicions were confirmed. She had no time for men in fact she insulted all would be suitors chosen by our parents. Finally my parents gave up trying to match her.

  The matter came to a head when she became entangled in a sordid love affair with a famous actress. There is no need to go into further details but it all ended tragically.

  My parents were distraught this was yet another blow to the General and Mother.”

  At this point I intercede as Mother appears so upset. “Mother you don’t have to go on, why not leave it for another time?”

  She declines my invitation to curtail the revelations. “No my boy we need to clear everything up before we return home. I don’t want any skeletons in the cupboard to pop out later.

  Did you notice how Pamela and Emily took to each other immediately?”

  I reply thoughtfully. “Yes, although I did wonder. I had the impression Emily was the kind of person who doesn’t make friends easily especially with someone she would consider lower class.”

  Mother explains. “Pamela and Emily are two of a kind. You must have had some idea Pamela was different to other girls? I have hinted it once or twice my dear.”

  Mother assumes I am more knowledgeable in these matters than I really am. She enquires.

  “Did you wonder why I didn’t disclose you had a child until I introduced Pamela as your personal assistant?”

  Mystified I answer. “I have to admit that did puzzle me.” She laughs and explains. “It’s a kind of game I play with my dear Sister. I guessed she would have eyes only for Pamela.

  My sister Emily being. Oh! Let’s admit it, a snob. It seemed the ideal opportunity to break the news to her without a frightful row. It worked well, don’t you think?”

  I have to admire her reasoning although I don’t fully understand it. “Without a doubt but where does it go from here? Aren’t you jealous er that Emily has switched her affections er so easily?”

  Mother looks shocked at my implications she takes a moment or two before replying.

  “Adam you don’t think Emily and I are lovers do you? Why would you assume that?”

  I am mortified by her question. The stutter I believed I had mastered returns with a vengeance I blurt out. “Because I saw you kissing Emily that time I took you to Dover in the car. Other people have also hinted. Oh I’m so sorry if I have made the wrong assumptions and listened to the gossip of fools. Mother, please forgive me?”

  I desperately scan her face to see her reaction to my statement. For a moment it is difficult to determine how she will respond. After a moment it is with great relief I see her smile. She grasps my hand and says. “I suppose in the light of what you witnessed and the reputation of my Sister I shall forgive you for assuming our relationship is more than normal Sisterly love. You can be assured we never have been and never with be lovers in that sense of the word. She pauses for a moment before enquiring. “Adam I guess you have had little or no experience in these matters?”

  I admit. “My education is sadly lacking in many subjects particularly in women and to put it bluntly how they work. To my shame I didn’t know my Wife was pregnant until she lost her baby.” I continue thoughtfully. “Since my marriage I hope I am learning the secrets but the love between two women is beyond me.” I add hurriedly. “Not that I condemn it. When I consider some of the men I have had the misfortune to be associated with I don’t blame some women who would sooner trust and love another woman. If this is the way of life Emily chooses to make her happy then I accept it without hesitation. Who am I to judge her one way or another I have only really known her for an hour or so.”

  This conversation is embarrassing me and I make a move to curtail it.

  “May we move onto another subject Mother? To be honest I find it hard to discuss things like this with a Lady especially my Mother. Frankly I have a bigger problem to consider than Aunt Emily’s love life.”

  Mother enquires “So what is that my dear?” I reply glumly. “How am I going to break the news of my Son to Denise? I adore her and don’t want to risk losing her.”

  Mother makes a couple of suggestions. “The way I see it you have a couple of options. Go home on your own and break the news as gently as possible. You could remind Denise if I recall it correctly, she had left you when you had your er had the brief affair with Peggy.”

  I consider this for a moment before informing her. “Yes I could do that but when I did get back to France there were a stack of letters waiting for me. Denise had written to me every day, as far as she was concerned it was only a slight misunderstanding and we hadn’t
split up. She certainly hadn’t left me on a permanent basis. Have you any more ideas Mother I am desperate and will consider anything?”

  “You could take the baby home with you and present her with the fait a comple, but I consider that would be cruel without giving her prior notice.”

  I shudder and dismiss that idea immediately. “Oh no that would involve the baby what if she rejects him?”

  I add hastily. “I am not saying she would Denise loves children. But..” Out of the blue Mother makes another suggestion. “Adam. What if we travel together to Kent, we see Emily settled in, give me a few days there I need check a few things you understand? Then I’ll travel with you to France taking the baby with us. I want to meet Denise and it might make it easier for you if I am in attendance. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could spend Christmas together it would give me the opportunity to meet the rest of your family and friends?” She pauses for a moment before offering an alternative. “Or another idea is to invite Denise over to St Margaret’s for Christmas, whatever idea you choose our family would be together. That is something I should welcome. “

  “Hmm,” I reply sullenly. “Then present Mathew to her as a Christmas present. Oh God I value your ideas Mother but I am still in a quandary.

  I think it is time to retire for the night, let me sleep on it I might see things clearer in the morning.”

  I escort her to her suite and make my way to her former room. As I undress my eye is drawn to Peggy’s journal. Retiring to bed I read the whole sorry record of her encounter with me and the unfortunate aftermath. What a mess I left behind when I returned to France after my couple of passionate nights with Peggy. There are pages and pages without entry as I flick through them I find something written at the very end that makes me feel even sadder, and disgusted by my past.

  Peggy had tried to contact me to inform me of the birth of her baby.

  She had discovered my army number and unit address on the kit bag I left in her house. I wonder where that letter went eventually. I know the dressing station was long abandoned when she wrote the letter?

  Clicking off the bedside light I spend a restless night pondering my problems.

  As first light appears at the window I have made up my mind. We shall have one more night in the Hotel Victoria to get to know each other then we will travel to Kent as a group. I will spend a day or so there then I will travel alone to France. If Denise accepts the situation I will let her decide to either travel to England and spend Christmas with my family. Or I shall invite Mother to travel to France bringing Mathew with her.

  I shall inform Mother of my decision and ask her opinion before finalising my plan.

  After performing my ablutions I decide to visit my Son and join Pamela and Mother for breakfast. I have no idea where Emily’s room is located or what time she rises. No doubt she will appear when it suits her.

  I am about to leave my room when I hear a discrete knocking on the door.

  The young page boy Mr Gillon threatened to dismiss is the caller. The boy explains the reason for his visit in a shy hesitant manner.

  “Mr Bailey Sir. Mr Gillon has sent me to let you know you are able to telephone France from the hotel and would you like to book a call?”

  I reply. “Yes I will book a call thank you er what’s your name by the way lad?”

  “Collins Sir.”

  “Ah but what’s your first name Collins?”

  “Colin Sir.” He blushes and explains lamely. “Me old Dad had a sense of umour you see Sir.”

  “Right Colin Collins please tell Mr Gillon I wish to book a call to France I also want to book another call to Kent I’ll give you the telephone numbers, do come in Lad.” He follows me into the room.

  Checking my diary for the information, I write a note containing the telephone numbers and also notify the manager we will be spending another night with him. As I hand it to the lad and explain we are staying over for another night he questions. “You’ll be goin to the Tivoli then I expect Sir. It should be a good show, every ones talkin about it?”

  “What kind of a show is it Colin?” I ask.

  He replies thoughtfully “I’m not sure who is doing the actin like but it must be good, I hear even the mayor is going.”

  I smile and reply “Well Colin it must be good if he is going eh?

  That seems like a good idea to round off my stay in New Brighton Colin, thank you for the suggestion. Will you be going to see the show yourself?”

  “Cor, not on yer life Sir. Spendin my money on a show? I got more to do with me ‘ard earned cash.”

  I have to smile. I like this kid he reminds me of me at his age. I inform him. “I am thinking of taking the three Ladies to see the show it will a nice treat for them. Do you think they will enjoy it Colin?”

  He thinks for a moment and replies. “You’ll be takin Miss Pamela then Sir. Cor she is a looker and no mistake.” He blushes after his outburst I hide my smile and enquire.

  “You like her then Colin?” He replies bashfully. “Not ‘arf Sir but she don’t have nothing to do with the likes of me her bein a posh Lady like.

  I gotta go Sir. I ‘av lots to do Mr Gillon will be on my tail.”

  Taking a coin from my pocket I offer him a shilling tip he declines the money and says.

  “You don’t have to give me nowt Sir. I just want to thank you for savin my job. Me Mum would have gone mad if I had lost me job she is a widow Lady you see?” He adds proudly. “Mum depends on me she says I am the man of the ‘owse now.”

  I enquire. “How old are you sunshine?” He replies. “Fourteen Sir I just ‘ad me birthday only this last week.” I ask him, “Have you got any brothers and Sisters Colin?” He discloses. “We have two of each Sir, all young uns.” I enquire. “What happened to your Dad Colin?”

  He reveals. “He got ‘iself drowndid Sir. He was a sailor in the merchant navy. They told my Mum e was torpedoed by the bloomin Un. That’s what I want to be really Sir a Captain in the merchant navy. Not a skivvy in a bloomin ‘otel.” I enquire. “Was your Dad a Captain Colin?” He replies proudly. “He was a second mate on a great big ship with four bloomin great funnels, ‘es been all the way to Australia you know?” He adds hurriedly “He was studying to be a Captain though he worked ‘is way up from a common sailor in the forecastle. If the bloomin ‘Un hadn’t ‘av got him he would ‘av been a Captain soon.” He adds wistfully. “Then we would ‘av been rich and me Mum wouldn’t ‘av ‘ad to work so ‘ard.”

  The bloody war, everywhere I turn I hear stories of tragedies from all quarters. Imagine his Mother trying to bring up five kids on her own, it must be a nightmare. He is about to leave when I ask. “How much do you get paid Colin?” He divulges. “Five bob a week Sir.” He adds. “I get’s tips as well.”

  I feel ashamed only last night I was gambling five pounds on a game of billiards. I am rapidly forgetting the other life that existed before I hit the jackpot and became wealthy. I exclaim. “Good God how does your Mum manage if you are the only earner in your family?”

  He answers with a smile “Oh we manage alright Sir. Mum takes in washin and does ironin and cleanin for the posh folk.” He confesses. “It’s not so much my wages we depend on Sir. Mr Gillon lets us ‘av the food that’s left over from the dinin room, we eats very posh most times.”

  I remark. “Mr Gillon eh what’s he like then?”

  He reveals. “He’s a good man Mr Gillon a bit strict and a stickler for rules and bein clean like but Mum says e as a ‘art of gold.

  ‘E as a big party for all my mates that works ‘ere and their kids at Christmas. I am looking forward to that Sir, we all gets prezzies as well. I ‘av to go, got the shoes to deliver.”

  “Well Colin you’re a good lad. I want you to take the tip because if you don’t I shall only waste it on gambling. So in a way you will be helping me out.”

  He hesitates for a moment but the sight of the glittering coin is too much for him he replies.

  “In that case Sir I
don’t mind ‘elpin you out.”

  He pockets the shilling and leaves a happy boy leaving me with a thought. I am a ship owner, Colin wants to go to sea. Why not? I shall contact my marine manager and see what I can do for the boy.

  It is about eight thirty when I tap on the door of the suite. Pamela admits me to my surprise there’s no sign of Mother. I assume she is still in bed. Mathew is bathed dressed and playing with toys on the carpet. I join him and we enjoy a romp on the floor. About ten minutes pass when to my surprise Mother appears, not from the direction of the bedroom but from the suite doorway. She is fully dressed looking immaculate as usual. She lifts Mathew and gives him a hug and kiss.

  The baby responds to her embrace with laughter and gurgles of joy.

  The bedroom door opens and Emily appears looking slightly bedraggled evidently still dressed in her night attire although she is wrapped in her robe. Pamela busies herself with little tasks, she apparently witnessed my astonishment I have a feeling she is avoiding my eyes. Emily greets Mother and I without a trace of embarrassment. Without hesitation she picks up Mathew hugs and kisses him like a loving Mother.

  Still cuddling the boy she kisses Pamela. I have to admit I am shocked by the open show of affection between them.

  Thank goodness Mother is here I wouldn’t have known how to handle the situation on my own. After a short conversation Emily and Pamela elect to have breakfast in the suite where Pamela feeds Mathew.

  Mother and I opt to take breakfast in the dining room. As we pass reception Mr Gillon informs me he has booked us in for another night and my call to Kent will be available at ten o’clock my other call to France will be about ten minutes later. I am about to proceed to the dining room when I ask.

  “Oh by the way Mr Gillon young Colin tells me there’s good show on the Tivoli tonight how do I go on about booking seats?”

  “I believe so Sir. Gertie Millar’s Dancing Mistress. A musical comedy Miss Millar and a few of the cast are booked into the hotel for the duration of the run.