“I am afraid that he will hurt me more than he has already.”
“You are not responsible for your father’s actions, but you are accountable for your own. Take some time to think about it, and you will arrive at a solution that will clear your conscience.”
“I hope you are right.”
“Well, our Annie has fallen fast asleep.” Constance put Annie to bed and sat down beside Lavinia. “Would you like to come into my room and read for awhile before bed?”
“I would like that very much, Grandmama.” “Come along, dear. The General will be home shortly.”
Lavinia snuggled up next to Constance in the big bed. “When I’m with you Grandmama, I feel like nothing can ever hurt me.”
“Family and cherished friends have a way of making a person feel safe and secure. Never underestimate the strength you can derive from loving relationships. They have the capacity to empower you, Lavinia, and guide you on your journey through life.”
There was a soft rap on the door.
“Come in.”
“Still awake, Constance? I stopped in the other room and saw one of the soldiers was missing.”
“Lavinia is with me, Edward.”
“So I see. Is everything all right?” asked the General.
“I’m fine. Grandmama and I are reading.”
“The little one was awake.”
“Annie, oh dear. She was asleep when we left,” worried Constance.
“Don’t get up. I took care of it. We had ourselves a nice visit, and she was back to sleep in no time.”
“Bless you, Edward.”
“Well, I am off to bed.” He paused in the doorway, “I think Kevin is coming along very well, don’t you Constance?”
“Yes, he’s a strong boy, and anxious to take up where Timothy left off.”
“I am undeserving of such loyalty. Naturally, I blame myself for what happened. I acted on impulse.”
“Edward, I made the decision to postpone our visit, knowing full well how much you wanted to see Marjorie. Also, it was I who asked Timothy and Kevin to go to New York. I should have trusted that you and Marjorie would look after the girls.”
“Grandmama, I disobeyed you. You only asked them to follow us because you were worried,” said Lavinia tearfully.
The General limped over and kissed Lavinia on top of the head. “Hush, Soldier. We cannot change what has happened, but we can learn to speak our minds and listen to each other. Isn’t that so, Constance?”
“Yes, Edward. When we pull apart, our weaknesses overcome us. Together we are strong.”
"Quite so. Good night, ladies. Sleep well,” said the General with a sad twinkle in his eye as he shut the door.
When Lavinia returned to her room, she found that she could not sleep. She picked up her journal and wrote a short entry on courage:
The General was very brave during the war and I think that fits how Mrs. Lawson sees courage. People do the right thing, even though they are afraid. But what about the kind of courage we need to go on with our lives despite what happened to Timothy? How will Kevin manage if he cannot recover from his injuries? I think there must be as many kinds of courage as there are fears and misfortunes in the world. Some of us survive our hardships better than others. If fear is darkness, then I believe that courage is light. It is like the lady on the General’s Medal of Honor. It is a way to resist that which threatens us. LSR
When Lavinia awoke the following morning, Annie was still sleeping. Lavinia decided to visit Mama before breakfast, and dressed as quietly as she could. It was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly on the white snow, and crystals of ice sparkled like diamonds. She stopped by the glass-house to pick a flower before going to the cemetery.
Lavinia stood before her mama’s headstone and prayed for guidance. “I love you, Mama. I am grateful to you for giving me such a wonderful home. Please help me do the right thing, and keep me safe from the consequences of my actions if ever I should stray.” She placed the red rose against Julia’s headstone, and blew a kiss to the heavens.
When she entered the back door, she heard raised voices in the dining room. Her Grandmama was clearly upset. In a panic, Lavinia ran through the kitchen and saw Constance standing with a letter in her hand. Her face was pale and she looked ill. The General had his arms around her. Mrs. Lawson was weeping, and Kevin stood staring
out the window, his back to the group.
“What’s happened?” cried Lavinia.
Constance started to speak, but could not. She pressed a shaking hand to her lips.
“Please tell me. I must know,” pleaded Lavinia.
“Your father has decided to reclaim you,” said the General.
“What do you mean? Does he want me to live with him after all these years?”
“No. He has decided to send you to a girl’s boarding school in London.”
“I don’t believe it!” Lavinia turned to Constance. “Grandmama! He cannot do such a thing!”
“He can, Lavinia. You are his daughter.”
“You must stop him!”
“We shall contact our own lawyer, but the law is clear. He has parental rights which supersede our own.”
“I won’t go. Have I no say?”
“This country has not yet acknowledged women’s rights, Lavinia, much less children’s. I am so sorry,” wept Constance.
“We will do everything in our power. I have sent a telegram to Claire. We will leave for Philadelphia this morning,” said the General firmly.
Lavinia sat down at the table. “Surely there is hope,” she said desperately. “All is not lost.”
“There is always hope, Lavinia,” comforted Mrs. Lawson. “I believe that the good Lord will provide.”
Lavinia put her face in her hands and whispered urgently. “Mama, please help us! Show us what we need to prevail!”
Lavinia heard a small gasp, and then silence. She looked up to find Annie standing in her white nightgown at the entrance to the dining room. The window in the hall surrounded her with an aura of light, and her curly hair framed her face like a halo. Around her neck was the General’s Medal of Honor.
Annie had summoned up the courage to find her way out on her own.
Bryony -“Be My Support”
Chapter 17
They arrived at Claire’s late that afternoon. Claire flung open the front door. “I’m so glad to see you,” she said, hugging and kissing them all.
“I’m afraid we brought the entire menagerie,” apologized Constance. “Under the circumstances, no one wanted to leave the pets at home.”
“All are welcome here,” said Claire. “Lavinia and Annie, take Sweet Pea up to your room so he will feel comfortable. Fanny, please help the girls with their cases.”
The girls marched up the steps with Bubbles scooting along.
George and Martha lumbered in with the General.
Aunt Mimi and Aunt Allie came into the hall with Pegs White-Singer. “I’m sorry to hear what’s happened,” said Pegs. “I came to see if I could be of some help.”
“Thank you,” said Constance.
The General held Aunt Mimi and Aunt Allie, both of whom dabbed at their eyes with their handkerchiefs. “We said we wouldn’t cry, dear nephew. We must be brave for our little Lavinia.”
“Belle and James will be here shortly. I called George Prescott, our attorney, and explained the situation,” said Claire. “He recommends Benjamin Stewart, an expert in child custody cases. He arranged for Mr. Stewart to meet with us this evening.”
“Well done, Claire,” commented the General. “A speedy response is crucial. Rexford gave us only ten days to respond.”
“Does Lavinia know this?” asked Pegs.
“Not yet,” responded Constance.
“If I wasn’t a lady, I’d have a few things to say about that terrible man,” sniffed Aunt Mimi.
“Let’s not panic yet,” said Claire. “We’re still in shock from the news. What we need is legal advice. We
are not without our own resources, and we know many influential people. As you all remember, Pegs and I recently did the Governor’s daughter’s wedding.”
“And we’ve also worked for many important members of society,” added Pegs.
The doorbell rang, and Belle and James entered.
“Constance, what is going on here?” asked Belle. “What prompted this?”
“I think we should all sit down, and I will tell you what I think.”
The family went into the dining room for a light supper.
“I’ve sent supper upstairs with Fanny for the girls,” Claire told Constance.
“All right, Constance. What happened?” asked James.
“Lavinia returned Alex’s Christmas gift this year.”
“Did she say why?”
“Not specifically, but I suspect that she felt abandoned. As you know, Alex has never written or spoken to her, nor me for that matter, although I write him occasionally to update him on Lavinia’s progress. I believe Lavinia felt his absence more acutely after the tragedy in New York.”
“Did Lavinia write him herself regarding her decision?”
“She did, and requested that her father give money to charity on her behalf. I thought about sending along a note explaining what had happened to Lavinia in New York, but I truly thought it would make things worse.”
“That devil still blames you for Julia, and now he thinks you’ve gone and turned Lavinia against him as well!” declared the General.
“That would be my guess,” said James. “Belle and I knew him intimately years ago when we were partners, but because of his attitude toward Constance and John, I decided to sever ties with him.”
“Does he want Lavinia to live with him?” asked Belle.
“No!” fumed Claire. “His solution is to send her away to a boarding school in Europe!”
“Heavens! This doesn’t appear to be about Lavinia’s welfare at all!” exclaimed Aunt Mimi.
“Of course not! He’s never paid any attention to our dear, sweet girl. He’s punishing Mother!”
“What a vengeful tyrant!” exclaimed Pegs.
“Alex Rexford is a driven man and difficult to deal with. He does not consider other’s feelings, and he rarely finds fault within himself. That was the case with Julia and, from what I have heard over the years, it is also the case with his current marriage,” said James.
Belle spoke. “Charlotte obviously puts up with it, but the children are a nightmare, totally lacking in social graces. Apparently, he spends no time with them.”
The doorbell rang.
“That must be Mr. Stewart. I think the living room will be adequate for our meeting. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about our situation.” Claire led everyone into the adjoining room.
Fanny brought in Mr. Stewart, a tall, thin, blond haired man in his early thirties. He was meticulously dressed and exuded an air of competence. Claire introduced him to the members of the family, and directed him to sit in a chair positioned so that he could face them. Mr. Stewart eyed George and Martha nervously as they circled around and sniffed him before settling themselves at the General’s feet.
“Mr. Prescott discussed your case with me. May I read the letter that you received this morning, Mrs. Spencer?”
Constance turned the letter over to Mr. Stewart who perused it carefully. Finally, he spoke. “Fathers are not automatically awarded custody. In the past few decades, the courts have moved to place children with their mothers. However, this applies to cases of divorce, and in this particular instance, the mother is deceased.”
“True,” said Constance, “but Mr. Rexford left Lavinia in my care as an infant and he has taken no personal interest in her. Lavinia has known no other home than the one she has been raised in for the past twelve, nearly thirteen years.”
“Understandable, but Mr. Rexford has provided financially for the child, is that not true?”
“That is true.”
“He also sends a gift every year, is that not true as well?”
Constance’s lips quivered. “It is.”
George and Martha stood up and pressed their heads under Constance’s trembling hands.
“I do not wish to distress you, Mrs. Spencer, but you must understand that most custody cases are established on the grounds of desertion or cruelty on the part of the biological parent. This does not appear to be the case here. It is likely that the court will determine that Mr. Rexford made adequate provisions for his infant daughter’s care and continues to provide for her financially. Now that she is nearly thirteen, it is his desire to see her educated in one of the finest girls’ schools in Europe.”
“But he is taking her away from her home and those who love her,” wept Constance.
George and Martha began to bark at Mr. Stewart, who flinched. The General hushed them.
“I am sympathetic to your position, but many wealthy individuals send their children to boarding schools when they are of age. The court will likely find the arrangement even more admirable in light that the child is a girl. Parents generally decide on further education only for their sons.”
“I’m glad my parents didn’t take that narrow point of view, Mr. Stewart. I myself attended Vassar.” Claire’s brilliant blue eyes flashed in anger. “What do you expect us to do? Stand by and let Alex Rexford ruin Lavinia’s life, and our own in the process?”
George and Martha began to growl and approached the attorney slowly, who eyed them warily. They circled his chair and smelled his shoes.
Mr. Stewart tugged nervously at his collar. “I personally don’t take that point of view, Miss Spencer, but I must work within the law.”
Claire put one hand on her hip. “Well, isn’t there anything in the law that can help us? You’re supposed to be an expert.”
The color rose in Mr. Stewart’s face. “I assure you, Miss Spencer, I am well qualified to advise you.” He turned to the General. “Sir, if you could call off your dogs please, they seem agitated.”
“Certainly. George! Martha!” The wolfhounds returned to lie at his feet. “Come sit down, Claire,” said the General, patting the seat next to him. “My niece is a take-charge woman, and we share her frustration. The news is bleaker than I had anticipated.”
Claire sat down and the General clasped her hand.
“Do you have children, Mr. Stewart?” asked Constance.
“I am unmarried, Mrs. Spencer.”
“That’s a surprise,” commented Claire sarcastically.
Mr. Stewart ignored her.
“I only ask because I want you to understand how dear Lavinia is to all of us. She is not a piece of property. Lavinia is a defenseless child who depends upon us to keep her safe from harm.”
“I understand your concerns, Mrs. Spencer.” Mr. Stewart continued, “Unfortunately, another complication arises from your state of residence and Mr. Rexford’s state of residence. Two states are involved: Pennsylvania and New York.”
“What does that mean?” asked Constance.
“If you go to court, you must find an attorney licensed in the state of New York.”
Claire stood up. “Do you know an attorney in New York, since it is obvious that you are of no help to us whatsoever!”
Mr. Stewart also stood up and said heatedly, “Do not dismiss me so casually, Miss Spencer. I am far more knowledgeable than you on child custody proceedings. I am aware that you run a bridal shop. The couples you meet are happy. However, some relationships become quite ugly after matrimony and innocent children suffer for it.”
“My choice of profession does not mean I am naïve, Mr. Stewart. I am fully aware of that fact. If I were not, you would not be here.”
“You are right, Miss Spencer. My apologies. Sensitive issues such as these are very difficult, and have a tendency to bring out the worst in people.”
“I beg your pardon! Are you suggesting that because I express my opinion, I am not at my best?”
“You have been most unpleasant
, but I attributed it to the pressure you and your family are under.”
“Did it not occur to you that your input has been ineffective and unproductive?”
“Certainly not!”
The two stood and glared at each other.
Aunt Mimi whispered to Aunt Allie, “Say something before this gets any worse.”
Aunt Allie stood up. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but did you just suggest that you have some advice for us, Mr. Stewart?”
Mr. Stewart straightened out his waistcoat. “My apologies. I’m generally quite composed. If I might have something to drink, I’d like to offer you a course of action.”
Claire went to the sideboard and poured three glasses of whiskey. She gave one to the General, kept one for herself, and gave one to Mr. Stewart.
“Actually, I would prefer water but,” he saw the look of disdain on Claire’s face, “this will be fine.” He took a small sip and coughed.
“Go on, Mr. Stewart,” coaxed Constance.
Mr. Stewart returned to his seat. “My suggestion would be mediation. Make an appointment to meet with Mr. Rexford, with or without your attorneys, and see if you can come to some sort of agreement. You say that he has never spoken to his daughter. Perhaps it is time that he did. Force him to see her as a real person with her own wants and desires. Perhaps she can change his mind.”
“Is mediation generally successful?” questioned Belle.
“In families, many misunderstandings can be cleared up in these meetings. If Lavinia cannot change his mind, then you can proceed to the next step. If you agree to mediation, I will help you make the arrangements with Mr. Rexford’s attorney, and work out an effective strategy for Lavinia.”
Constance looked around at the faces of her family. “What do you think?”
“I’m afraid for Lavinia, but I think this is the best option,” said Aunt Mimi.
“Yes,” agreed Aunt Allie.
Belle squeezed James’ hand and nodded.
“My wife and I can provide information about Alex, Mr. Stewart. He was my business partner at one time.”
“Lavinia might be our only chance,” said the General gently to Constance.
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