Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  I introduce Luigi as Mothers friend to the astonished Emily. He in turn introduces the other man as the theatre manager a very good friend of his. Each Lady is presented with an orchid and a box of chocolates.

  The manager informs us on Luigi’s instructions he has reserved the Royal Box for our exclusive use during this evening performance.

  Luigi escorts Mother, I offer my arms to Emily and Pamela. We climb the grand stairway to the Royal box. The theatre appears slightly run down. I would best describe it as tired but the box is perfect. As soon as we are settled in our seats the show begins. I don’t know what Emily is expecting but the sight of her laughing and enjoying herself at the antics of the cast is worth its weight in gold. We have a great evening Luigi is a hit with not only Mother and me but also Emily and Pamela. At the interval drinks are served to us without leaving the box, all very posh. The taxis are already waiting when we leave the theatre they return us to the hotel. Pamela leaves after thanking Luigi and I for a splendid evening. She goes to the suite to relieve the maid, have supper alone and pack their belongings for the journey south tomorrow. Luigi joins us for a late supper and entertains us with some great stories about his life as a restaurateur.

  About eleven thirty Luigi bids us goodnight, Mother escorts him to the door leaving Emily and I alone. As soon as Mother is out of sight Emily pumps me with questions about Luigi. “Where did they meet? What are Angelique’s intentions? Has she been with him all day why didn’t you tell me she has a beau?” I enlighten her to where they met but dodge the other questions as best as I am able. “Look I am as wise as you.

  Wait until Mother returns and you may ask her yourself. I would like to know where she has been all afternoon myself.”

  After about five minutes Mother joins us. Emily questions her as soon as she sits down. Mother acts coyly but does reveal where she went this afternoon after she left me at the pier. They visited Luigi’s beautiful house in Warren drive New Brighton overlooking the sea and golf course. Later they had tea in his restaurant located on the banks of the River Dee in Park Gate.”

  Emily looks shocked as she rebukes her Sister. “Angelique I can’t believe you visited his house alone. Good Lord you only met him a few hours before. I am surprised at you my dear? You! Angelique! Of all people flouting convention?” I detect a twinkle in her eye as she chastises her Sister.

  Angelique snaps back. “Don’t be silly Emily, his Mother, the house keeper and staff were all present.” Emily laughs. “I was only joshing you Angelique. He is a lovely man, if I was that way inclined myself I would be competing with you for his affection.” She reaches over takes Mothers hands looks directly into her eyes and says. “I am so happy for you my dear Sister. Don’t let this one get away because of me will you?” Mother doesn’t reply. Emily urges her. “Angelique you don’t have to protect me anymore. I have found my true love. I promise no more silliness from your Sister. I have grown up in the last few days.”

  With excitement in Mother’s voice I have not witnessed before she replies. “Oh! My dear Emily! I have longed for this day so long. You have found a soul mate. I have my Son back and we have a beautiful child in our family now, as for Luigi? I have only known him for less than twenty four hours I have feelings for him I have never had for any man before. I have no idea where it will go. But I am so pleased you have given me your blessing. I know Father would rest easy if he knew you have settled down.”

  There is a pause in the conversation I remark jokingly. “Well you lucky Ladies, it appears your love lives are settled. I am the only one left out here.” I add hastily. “But in two days I will be with my true love if she forgives me for my indiscretion. We have to be ready to leave at nine thirty tomorrow I suggest we retire.”

  Emily questions. “What indiscretion is this dear Nephew, what have you been up to?” I reply with a yawn. “My dear Aunt I will leave your dear Sister to fill you in on my past sins. I am off to bed. “Good night Mother.” I kiss her cheek. “Goodnight Aunt Emily.”

  On this occasion Emily stands hugs me, accepts my kiss and whispers. “Welcome back into our family my Dear Nephew.”

  As I pass the reception desk I arrange to be awakened at seven o’clock and request my final bill to be ready by nine o’clock in the morning.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Return to the family seat

  Young Colin taps on my door at precisely seven o’clock. I have already been up and about for nearly an hour sorting out my baggage and bathing. I thank him and enquire “Now young Colin we are leaving today I hope you achieve your ambition to be a sea Captain. Are you sure that is what you want to do that, they tell me it’s a hard life at sea? Wouldn’t you be better staying in the hotel business and train to be a manager like Mr Gillon?”

  He pulls a face and replies. “Not on yer life Sir, I wanna be a sailor, a Master mariner is wot I wanna be, not a bloomin ‘and rag to the rich spoilt gentry I begs your pardon Sir present company excepted.”

  I have to smile and ask him. “How does your Mother feel about you going away to sea and leaving her and the kids without a man to look after them?” He answers convincingly. “My Mum has always known from me bein a little kid that I will be wantin to be a sailor when I grows up Sir. It won’t be no surprise when I goes away on my ship. Beside I will be sendin money ‘ome and Mr Gillon has said ‘e will give the other kids jobs ‘ere as them come old enough. Me little Brother will be fourteen next year an able to work hisself. By the way did you enjoy the show last night Sir?”

  “Yes thank you Colin we had a wonderful night thanks to you.”

  “You are the talk of New Brighton you know sir. My mate Harry he does the scene shiftin and things in the old Tivoli. He reckoned they had royalty there last night cos they was usin the posh box for the first time in years. He told me the Ladies was glitterin with jewels and as crowns on their ‘eds. Ha, ha. I knowed all along it was you Sir with your lovely Ladies, but I didn’t let on. Harry’s telling big whoppers of ‘ow the King and Queen spoke to ‘im. Bloomin big fibber he is but a good mate and we as lots of laughs together. Gotta go now Sir. I ‘av to make sure your Ladies are up an about or they will be late for the train.”

  He’s a great lad Colin. I could listen to his chatter all day. I will make sure we give him a chance to be a master Mariner if Captain Hawkins approves.

  We all take breakfast together, the bags are packed rooms vacated and we assemble in the lounge ready to leave. Young Mathew is wide awake and appears to be enjoying all the attention he is receiving from the family and hotel staff. Leaving them in the lounge I send two more telegrams and join Mr Gillon in the office at his invitation.

  He presents me with the itemised bill including the train tickets car hire theatre tickets telegrams etc, etc. If I hadn’t been as wealthy as I am it would have been quite a shock but without hesitation I sign the cheque covering the entire amount. He thanks me and says. “It has been a pleasure accommodating you and your family Sir.”

  I reply “Now Mr Gillon there a couple of favours I require if I can impose on your good self.”

  He replies “Anything in my power Sir.” I hand him a sealed envelope and explain. “Young Colin tells me you have a Christmas party for the staff and their families at your personal expense, this should help towards the cost?” “I am astounded Sir you needn’t.” I wave his objection aside and inform him. “This is to reward the excellent staff for looking after us so well during our visit.” He blushes and thanks me profusely. “There is something else I require. Young Colin has informed me of his ambition is to pursue a career in the merchant navy and eventually rise to the rank of Captain as his Father intended to do before he was unfortunately killed doing his duty. Well Mr Gillon I have interests in shipping.

  I would like to give him the opportunity to achieve his ambition.

  Have you any objection to my marine manager contacting his Mother and offering him a position on one of our ships?”

  Mr Gillon replies. “I know it i
s his ambition and I wish him well, by all means contact his Mother. To be honest I don’t believe young Colin would be content in the hotel industry on a permanent basis Sir.”

  While he writes Colin’s address on a slip of paper he informs me. “His Mother is a lovely hard working woman I will make sure his family is well looked after. I have already spoken to her regarding the employment of her other children when they are of age. There are excellent career opportunities in the hotel business I’ll make sure they are steered the right way Sir. I can assure you of that. Oh! It looks like your Taxis are here.”

  Not only is there a taxi waiting outside but Luigi is also there. Luigi informs us he has paid the other taxi off and will be taking Mother and I to New Brighton station. I expected Norman to be the driver but it is a stranger that drives Emily’s cab.

  I enquire. “Where’s Norman?” He replies. “He was scheduled to do this run but he didn’t turn up for work this morning. I was substituted at the last minute.” I hope his little girl hasn’t taken a turn for the worst. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it now.

  At the station I assume Luigi will bid us farewell from there but no. He informs us he is accompanying us to Liverpool Lime Street to see us safely aboard the London train, much to Mothers delight.

  To be honest I don’t know how we would have managed without him, what with the pram the baby and luggage. Despite my request for Emily to bring only essentials her personal baggage outweighs all the others put together. We finally manage with the assistance of three porters.

  We have taken our seats in a first class carriage the only other occupant is an elderly clergyman. Luigi is about to leave five minutes before the train departs he kisses Emily’s and Pamela’s hands shakes my hand and kisses Mother on the cheek the last words before he departs to Mother is in Italian.

  “Addio per adesso mi amore.”

  I detect tears in her eyes I take Mothers hand to comfort her she repeats his last words once or twice and asks after he departed. “I wonder what those words mean? Oh Adam didn’t it sound so lovely.” She smiles bravely.

  When the train has pulled clear of the station and picking up speed Emily says. “Well it’s been quite an eventful few days.” She looks at Pamela with adoration and remarks. “I am so glad I decided to come up North. It’s a pity Angelique you had such a short time with Luigi. I wonder if we will ever see him again?”

  I believe she said it without realising how upsetting her remark must be to someone that has only just found the love she has longed for all her adult life.

  The elderly clergy man apologises for interrupting and explains.

  “Excuse me for overhearing but I take it you don’t understand Italian?”

  I confirm this is so, he continues. “You will be seeing him again my dear, permit me to translate.

  Farewell for now my love.“

  Mother’s whole demeanour changes, a smile lights up her face as she thanks the clergyman and asks. “Will you please translate something else for me.?”

  The clergyman readily agrees Mother reveals an expression Luigi used when he introduced her to his Mother and family.

  “Essa e nio angela.”

  The clergy man looks slightly uncomfortable as he translates the words to English.

  “If I have interpreted it correctly my dear your friend was saying.”

  “She is my Angel.”

  Mother gasps, concerned I enquire. “Are you alright Mother?” She explains in a hushed voice. “That is how my real parents referred to me when I was a child. Oh! Isn’t it strange Adam it appears the circle of life is complete.”

  I recall her revealing this very snippet of information when we drove to Canterbury Cathedral a couple of years ago

  The journey is uneventful we enjoy an excellent lunch in the dining car the train arrives at Euston precisely on time. Two taxis take us across crowded London to the Victoria Station Hotel where we book in for the night. Nothing eventful occurs except Emily has a small contretemps with the reception clerk over the pre booked rooms reserved by Mr Gillon from the hotel Victoria. Emily insists on a twin room for her and Pamela and Mathew. The problem is eventually solved we have a pleasant enough stay taking all our meals as a group in the hotel.

  Ten o’clock next morning finds us on yet another train heading towards Dover and my fate. Every turn of the wheels increases my apprehension. It’s a relief when we arrive at Ashford and change trains for the last lap of the journey to the small station of Martin Mill. By the time we finally arrive I am just about fed up with train travel.

  Fortunately Mathew is as good as gold and causes us no problems. When we disembark from the train we are greeted by a fluttering of snow and the wind is cutting. Thanks to Pamela’s and Emily’s foresight the child is well wrapped up.

  Toot meets us with the Rolls, a taxi has also been ordered to take us to the Elms estate. The luggage is piled into the Rolls I join Toot in the front. The Ladies and baby follow in the taxi. As we head towards the Elms Toot says. “Well Adam my old mate what have you been up to? I am surprised at you, I really am?”

  “What do you mean Toot?” I reply in alarm.

  “Your baby Son of course Adam, Lady Emily telephoned Mr Humphreys from London and ordered him to have the old nursery prepared for a baby and nursemaid. When he asked her what baby was she referring to? She told him.

  “Why, Mister Humphries Lord Carstairs child, of course.” As if he should have known all about it. You know what’s she’s like? She gives an order and expects everyone to obey it without question. She would have made a bloody good Sergeant Major that one. Ha, ha. I’ll tell you something for nothing. All the staff at the house are in a great big flap and Mr Humphreys is in the biggest one. I guessed it was something to do with you and when I got a glimpse of the baby just now. There is no doubt in my mind who is the Father of the child.”

  Although I am proud that he recognised some of my features in Mathew I feel slightly bashful for some reason when I answer Toot. I know he is a stickler for family values and good behaviour he was more like a Father to me when I served with him. I feel like a naughty child admitting to a misdemeanour. “Oh shit Toot. Well where to start! To briefly put you in the picture Mathew is my child there is no denying it. It’s a long story and I will tell you the details some other time. But as for me holding a title as far as I am concerned I am just plain Adam Bailey. If Emily chooses to call me Lord Carstairs then she does so off her own bat. I assume with her being a bit of a snob she couldn’t face the fact that her Nephew is just a commoner.”

  As he pulls up at the huge wrought iron gates at the entrance to the estate I enquire.

  “Now Toot forget about all that title nonsense for the moment, where are my Wife and Sister in law?”

  He gives me a blank look and replies. “As far as I know they are still in France.”

  The old woman opens the gates as usual. She appears to be exactly the same as I recall from my visit two years ago. We pull into the drive followed by the taxi. When we reach the big house even though its freezing cold I observe the entire staff lined up outside to greet us.

  Pamela is the first one out of the taxi she carries the sleeping child into the house. She is quickly followed by Emily who gives the staff a cursory hello and whispers to Cecil. “I wish to address the staff inside.” She then follows Pamela through the door.

  Mother is the last of the Ladies. She thanks the staff for the greeting and orders them into the house out of the biting cold wind. The staff evidently grateful disperse out of the cold leaving only the coachman to assist us. I am unloading the luggage with Toots help when Tom the coachman expresses his surprise to see me back at the estate.

  “What are you doing back here Lad? Toots the chauffeur now, I didn’t know we needed another one?” Before I have the opportunity to reply he furtively peeps into the rear of the Rolls and enquires in a whisper.

  “Well where is Lord Carstairs then?” Toot appears to take great delight in
informing him.

  “You are looking at him.” I am about to carry the cases into the house when three members of the male staff appear pursued by Mr Humphreys. “No, no my, Lord.” He says in a horrified voice as if I am committing a cardinal sin.

  “You must leave the luggage for the staff. Please forgive me I had no idea.” He continues to apologise as they gather the cases and take them indoors. Toot says with a grin. “The best of luck my Lord I can’t wait to hear how you get on. I’m going to park the Rolls. When you get a chance come over and meet the family Scouse, er Adam, er you Lordship.” He climbs into the Rolls chuckling at his own joke. I enter the house apprehensively to face the staff assembled in the huge entrance hall. Emily and Angelique stand nearby. When I appear Emily calls the attention of everyone in attendance by ringing a small hand bell. “Be attentive all of you I have an important announcement to make. Most of you have already met Adam before in his previous role as chauffeur. From now on he will be addressed as Lord Carstairs. He will be treated with the respect due to a person of his rank. The baby his personal assistant Pamela has taken to the nursery is Lord Carstairs child, my Nephew he will be treated in the same manner.

  Pamela will be addressed as Miss Pamela I will require our lunches served in the nursery today. Unless she orders otherwise Miss Pamela will be dining at the big table with the family at all meal times.

  You, Edith.” She points at an attractive young maid who appears startled at being addressed personally. “Edith I know you have had previous experience in your last employment with babies. I am assigning you to Miss Pamela as her aid. Go to her now, introduce yourself, tell her I have sent you, she will inform you of your duties.” Edith gratefully scuttles upstairs. Emily continues in an almost drill sergeants manner. “Right! I believe that covers everything you may return to your duties, except for you Mr Humphreys. Lord Carstairs will require a word with you in the study.”

  After her brief declaration Emily hurries upstairs. I am astounded by her announcement. Mother smiles when I shrug as if appealing to her.