CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Josephine emerged a half hour later, resembling a photo in a rather risque women’s periodical. She was clad in a fine, ivory cotton batiste nightdress made of mixed laces and silk. The gown had a square neckline with lace trim. A slight bit of decolletage showed her lovely, well-endowed silhouette. Win was sitting on the sofa, sipping a glass of port. He’d been reading the newspaper. The most recent headlines announced a dire need for all men of fighting age to join the military. He was so relieved about having wed Josephine before having to leave her. He knew he would enlist as soon as they returned. He was certain Andrew would do the same. Neither planned on telling their brides until the actual time arrived.

When the door had opened, he’d put the newspaper aside and looked towards the doorway. He couldn’t believe the ethereal beauty of the enchanting young lady who was now his wife. She had unpinned her lovely hair, and it fell in ringlets to her shoulders. Her skin looked creamy and soft. He too had changed into pyjamas with the Winthrop monogram on the cuffs. He stood and walked to her.

“Josephine, you are so beautiful. It’s difficult to believe you’re real, for you look like an angel. Would you like another glass of champagne or something else? There is a small bar in the room.”

“Yes, I believe I would like that, Win. I might add that you look exceptionally handsome. Seeing the Winthrop monogram on your cuffs makes me realise that my own monogram has changed. Now, instead of JCE, for Josephine Elizabeth Chambers, it will be JBW, for Josephine Chambers Bradley. I like it.”

Win finished pouring her a flute of champagne. “I like it, too, darling. It signifies that now you’re genuinely my wife. Come, let’s sit together on the sofa. I want you to relax. You aren't worried about our becoming intimate with each other, are you?”

“No, Win. I love you with all my heart. I’m quite innocent about such matters, but I trust you to know how to proceed.”

“Is there anything you want to ask me? I do promise I’ll make every effort not to cause you discomfort. You might feel a brief stab of pain, but it will only be momentary. Please tell me if anything upsets you.”

She snuggled up next to him. “I don’t expect anything to upset me, Win. I look forward to our becoming one.”

He took the glass of champagne out of her hand, and together with his own glass of Port, placed them on the tea table. Then he put his arms round her and began kissing her tenderly as he ran his hands up and down her soft arms. As the kisses grew more intense, he managed to raise her to a standing position. He began to kiss her a bit below the square neckline of her gown. She leaned into him, and they kissed more fervently.

“Shall we move to the bedchamber?” he murmured.

“Yes, my love,” she whispered in return.

He took her tiny hand and led her to the beautiful, canopied bed. The maid had turned the covers back, so the pristine, linen sheets awaited them. Bending her back against the comforter topping the sheets, Win continued to kiss her with even more desire. She returned his warmth. Soon, they were lying on top of the cool, smooth sheets. Win went further with his kisses, until he had exposed one breast and was able to discern her arousal. After a few more passionate moments, he helped her slip the nightdress over her head, exposing her silken body. Then he continued with kisses as far down as her lithe, tiny waistline. At the same time, he began to stroke her gently in the secret warmth between her legs.

“Oh, Win! I’ve never felt like this before,” she whispered.

“I know, darling. Nor have I. You’re my everything. My adorable, angelic wife.”

Josephine wrapped her arms around her new husband, pulling him close. Soon, he lay on top of her, and the desire she felt was overwhelming. She had never experienced anything like it and could think of no words to explain the sensation. He continued kissing her breasts, and she could feel his manliness. Before she had a chance to utter another word, she magically welcomed him into her body. Suddenly, they truly were one. Josephine could never in a million years have described what she felt. There was a brief stab of pain, but it was completely obliterated by the incredible rapture encompassing her entire body. She literally felt as if she were flying. Without any thought, she cried out in wonder.

”Oh, my dearest Win. I love you so much. I don’t want this to ever end. I could go on and on like this forever.”

“Yes, Josephine. I’m exactly where you are, my adorable wife.”

Together they reached the pinnacle of passion.

Afterwards, they lay in each other’s arms as their breathing slowly returned to normal, and they revelled in the warmth of each other’s body.

“Did I cause you discomfort, my pet?” Win whispered.

“Win, whatever slight discomfort lasted only a second. I’d endure ten times that much to experience the intensity that followed. Will it always be this way?”

“It will grow in intensity, darling. The first time usually isn’t very pleasant for a woman. I’m so glad it was for you. I promise, it will grow more and more blissful as we become used to each other as lovers.”

“I can’t imagine anything more divine than what I’ve just experienced. I absolutely feel as if we are solely one person, and we always shall be.”

“We shall be, my precious. For the rest of our lives.”

*****

Win, Josephine, Andrew, and Elisabeth all stepped out of the Rolls in front of the imposing facade of majestic Winthrop Manor. It wasn’t quite cocktail hour, but 5:30 p.m. when they arrived. Both of the young newlywed brides peeked in the small, compact mirrors they carried, refreshing lip rouge and powdering their noses. Josephine tucked a few stray hairs under the fetching creme-coloured beret she wore, which matched her simple suit of the same colour. Elisabeth wore a sunny-yellow linen chemise with matching coat. They both looked extremely happy. On the left hand of each was an eye-catching wedding band. The same applied to the men. Win glanced at Josephine and saw she was nervously nibbling her bottom lip.

“Josephine, please do stop fussing. Everything will be all right. The deed has been done. We're legally married, and it can’t be undone. Either my parents accept that as fact, or Oliver will be immensely happy to learn he’s going to be an earl someday.”

Andrew laughed. “I think old Oliver would be over-the-moon with happiness at that prospect,” he said. “However, I don’t think your father is going to allow things to get that far out-of-hand.”

“No,” commented Elisabeth. “He may be their son, but they certainly realise he’s a terrible bore. Father would rather you married a cook or housemaid than see Oliver inherit the estate someday. Honestly. It’s all so silly. What parents in the world wouldn't be overjoyed at having Josephine for a daughter-in-law?”

“Our mother, Elisabeth,” Win replied. “The Lady Winthrop, better known as the indomitable Lady.”

Elisabeth placed her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Oh, she’s going to have the fit to end all fits. It’s hard for me to picture the look on her face when she learns that not one but two of her children have married outside of the aristocracy.”

“Well, come. Let’s make the happy announcement,” commented Win. “The sooner this scene is behind us, the sooner we can settle ourselves into married life.”

He reached for Josephine’s hand, and she willingly gave it to him. They entered the great hall. All was quiet. Perhaps his parents were having a lie-down before dinner? Just as that thought flitted through Win’s mind, his parents appeared, descending the staircase. They were obviously dressed for dinner. Even when it was only to be the two of them, they never broke with tradition, always dressing formally.

“Why, you’re back, Win,” cried the Lady Winthrop, putting her hand over her heart, as if she’d stumbled upon a snake in the garden and suffered a terrible fright.

“Yes, Mother. I told you and father I wouldn’t be gone more than the night. Although, I can tell you the absolute truth now. There was no journey to London. Instead, Josephine and I, and Andrew and Elisabeth took a jaunt to Gretna Green, where we enjoyed a lovely, double wedding in the Old Parish Church there. So then, congratulations are in order. Are you going to break out the top-of-the line champagne, Father?”

Both parents’ faces paled. Win knew that they were having a hard time believing this was true.

“Oh, my Good Lord,” exclaimed Mother. “You can’t mean it. You’ve married without our permission? What would make you perform such an abominable act? Both of you? I would have thought one of you might have had some sense.”

“Mother and Father, please remember your manners,” Win said in a somber voice. “Josephine is now my wife. She has formally become Lady Winterdale, though she’s not keen on titles, so you needn’t worry about there being two Lady Winthrops on the premises in the future.”

“No, I certainly won’t worry about that,” his mother nearly shouted. “She will not be residing at Winthrop Manor.” His mother turned to his father and gave him a withering glare. “My lord, say something. This is absolute folly. Surely, it can’t be legal?”

The Lord Winthrop moved to Win’s side, his hand open, palm-up. “Have you a marriage certificate to prove that a legal ceremony took place? How old are you, Josephine?”

Win reached inside his jacket pocket and produced the paper the two had signed, along with the vicar and two witnesses, less than twenty-four hours before. He handed it to his father.

Josephine stood straight and decided she did not intend to be bullied.

“I am eighteen years. I have my record of birth in my reticule, since I knew it might be needed at Gretna Green.” Opening the small, ivory-coloured purse, Josephine produced the document.

Win’s father studied both legal affirmations carefully. Then he handed both papers back to his son. “Well, I can’t see that anything can be done. Everything appears to be in order.”

He turned toward his daughter. “Elisabeth, I have always credited you with good sense. I do hope you realise you’ve broken your mother’s heart, as well as mine. Your mother has dreamt of a large, impressive wedding for you from the time you entered the world. It’s beyond me why you would have done such a thing.”

“Daddy, I knew, beyond any doubt, you would never have approved of my marriage to Andrew. I love him enormously. England has just declared war against Germany. The four of us know that Andrew and Win will be compelled to join the military. Neither Josephine nor I wished to wait.”

“Oh, fiddle,” interrupted her mother. “Everyone says the war will be over by Christmas. Neither of you young men need to rush to join-up immediately. What utter madness.”

Andrew stepped forward. “Sir, I adore Elisabeth. I realise I don’t have a title, but I’m far from penniless. She’ll have the finest of everything. We’ll live wherever she wishes. I have a degree in law from Oxford. We shall have a fine life. We’re extremely happy to be married.”

“I suppose both of these wretched unions have been consummated,” cried Win’s mother. “The mere thought of such a thing makes me sick. There is no way out. You’re all going to be dreadfully sorry someday. You’ve done an exceptionally stupid thing.”

“Be that as it may, Mother. If you’ll excuse us, Josephine is going to accompany me to my bedchamber while I pack some clothing. Obviously, we aren’t going to spend the night here.”

“Yes. I intend to do the same thing,” echoed Elisabeth.

“But where are you going to stay?” his mother asked, panic in her voice.

“We’ll go to my uncle’s cottage. He was exceedingly happy about our plans. There’s no doubt he’ll be thrilled to have us stay with him until we sort everything out,” Josephine explained. “He has plenty of room. I have never in my life stayed where I was not welcome, and I have no intention of starting now. Nor does my brother.”

“Naturally, Josephine is correct. As I said, I am very secure, financially. If Elisabeth wishes, we shall buy our own home. Josephine was also taken care of extremely well in our father’s will,” Andrew added.

“Although I’m completely aghast at what you have done, I do intend to act as a gentleman. Your uncle, Anthony, is entitled to a handsome dowry, and since Elisabeth has legally married you, I shall make arrangements to have a banque checque cut.”

“There will be no need for that. Elisabeth will be well-provided for.”

“I shall do the honourable thing,” retorted the Lord Winthrop. “Then I assume there isn’t any more to be said. I wish I could welcome the spouses of my children into our family. Unfortunately, I don’t feel capable of doing so at the moment. Perhaps, in time, my lady and I will look at this abomination in a different way. At present, we are absolutely mortified. Please proceed with the necessary packing. David will drive you to your cottage home. Quite a come down, I should think, after Winthrop Manor.”

“Not necessarily, Father,” replied Win. “There is a lot to be said for feeling welcome and being in the company of a gentleman who is thrilled that we’ve taken this monumental step in our lives.”

“Yes, yes,” his mother responded. “I’m sure their uncle is quite happy. It isn’t every day that one’s niece and nephew marry into the aristocracy. I imagine he’s delighted the two of you have managed such a coup.”

“Oh, for the love of God, Mother. There are more important things in life besides one’s class or title. Do you understand anything at all about love?”

“It’s every bit as easy to fall in love with someone in your own social circle, than it is to move outside and marry into the family of a sheepherder.”

“Josephine’s uncle is not a sheepherder. He is a fine, educated gentleman. He holds a degree from Oxford. Her family are scarcely paupers. Andrew is an Oxford graduate, as was his father before him, and Josephine had the finest governess imaginable.”

“Oh, yes, indeed. I’m certain she is terribly familiar with what constitutes the finest,” his mother sneered. “At any rate, no matter what her education or who you managed to cosy up to in order to drop an aristocratic name or two along the way; ladies are bred, not manufactured.”

“Enough is enough, Mother,” exclaimed Win. “Come, Josephine. We need to assemble the few items I’ll need for now and be on our way. Are you coming, Elisabeth?”

“Yes, of course.” She had tears in her eyes. No doubt she had secretly hoped their parents might find a way to show a scintilla of understanding. That surely wasn’t to be.

***

The two newly wed couples made their way to the third level of the house. Win and Elisabeth each went to their respective bedchambers, where they packed as much clothing as possible into one large trunk. When they finished, Win called David and asked him to have the trunk placed into the back of the horse-drawn carriage, adding that the four of them would be travelling by car to Roderick Chambers’ cottage. Another of the workers on the estate would drive the trunk to their destination. The four of them marched back down the stairway, ready to begin their adventures as wives and husbands. The Lord and Lady Winthrop were sitting in the drawing room, no doubt lamenting the ingratitude and selfishness of their two offspring. Win waited until his sister, Andrew, and Josephine had gone out the front doorway, and then he paused. He nodded to Josephine.

“I’ll be right out, darling.

He turned and entered the drawing room, and silently glared at his parents. “I shall be joining the military quite soon. Because I’m of the aristocracy, I’ll hold the rank of an officer, but since I haven’t a bloody notion about anything to do with military procedure, like any other soldier, I’ll be sent to a regular army post for basic training. I’ve no idea where that might be.

“Apparently, a new detail has been put into effect, known as the PALS Program, whereby men from the same locale are teamed with others from their area. Andrew and I hope to be allowed to participate in this scheme. While, as an officer, I shan't be expected to fight alongside members of my unit, I fully intend to do so. If there's one thing I cannot bear, it’s the smugness of a chap who thinks because he carries a title, he is therefore exempt from the rigors of military life. I shall inform you as to where I’ll be located. Otherwise, I intend no communication.”

“Son, your actions are deplorable,” answered his father. “Your mother and I do wish you well. Since this is the path you’ve chosen to follow, you leave me little choice but to completely re-work my affairs and cut off any finances for you. There is nothing I can do about you eventually inheriting Winthrop Manor. You and your wife will not be permitted to live here until my death.”

“And what, dear father, will be the case, if I should have the misfortune to lose my life in the war, and Josephine is left with my legitimate son? Things like that do occur.”

“Then I would undoubtedly reconsider. A son of yours would take precedence over Oliver. That assumes, of course, that Josephine would allow the child to be raised here at Winthrop Manor.”

“I can assure you with certainty that she definitely would not even consider such an arrangement, unless she, too, were allowed to live here with our son. In fact, I have no doubt that even under such circumstances, she would be most reluctant to take up residence with the two of you.”

“I cannot promise such an arrangement. She does not have the proper background to competently oversee the rearing of a future earl.”

“Then you may very well never see your grandson, if I’m fortunate enough to have her conceive a male child before I leave for military training. I wouldn’t want you to, and I shall instruct Josephine accordingly before I leave Britain to fight the Huns. Naturally, there is no reason to think there will even be a son, but I intend to plan for any contingency.”

“Win, I never dreamed you could be so cruel.” His mother sniffed into her white lace handkerchief.