CHAPTER NINE

The last Saturday in July arrived. Josephine found herself much more nervous than she'd anticipated. Granted, Win was twenty-four years of age and quite mature enough to make his own decisions, but wasn’t it simply proper etiquette to introduce the proposed groom’s parents to the prospective bride?

Just as these thoughts were running through her mind, she heard hoofbeats come to a stop in front of Uncle Roderick’s home. She peeked out the window in her bedchamber and saw that it was Win. After scurrying down the staircase and out the front door, she ran into his arms, just as he’d disengaged from the stirrup. He picked her up from the ground, spinning her ‘round.

“Your timing is excellent, my precious Josephine.” He laughed and kissed her cheek.

“Oh, Win, I’m so glad you’ve come. I’ve been in something of a dither.”

“What’s troubling you now, darling?”

“All of a sudden, it struck me that we’re about to announce our engagement to your parents. I know we’ve discussed this a dozen times. Nevertheless, I’m really all undone.”

“We have discussed this a dozen times or more. Please, leave this to me. I don’t think they’re going to be terribly surprised. I have mentioned you to my mother on numerous occasions and have told her something of your background.”

“You know as well as I do that men are supposed to introduce their brides-to-be in a much more suitable manner.”

“Yes. I know that. I am going to introduce you in a very suitable manner. I’ve told you not to wear the ring until we’ve announced that we want to marry. You’re making too much of this, darling. I intend to make the announcement before the other guests have arrived. We will arrive early and have an opportunity to chat with my parents before they’re tied up with other visitors. By the time dinner begins, they’ll know we plan to marry. You can wear your ring then. We’ll simply enjoy dinner, chat with the other guests, and I intend to formally announce our engagement to everyone then.

“You’ll have ample opportunity to meet my sister and chat with my parents. If they voice any objections, I’ve told you what my reaction will be. If we haven’t finished speaking with them by the time the others arrive, after I’ve taken you back to your uncle’s cottage, and everyone else has departed, I will ask to speak with them privately again. Josephine, please believe me. It does not matter what their reaction is. Naturally, I hope they’re overjoyed. They’re probably expecting something of the sort. I’ve told you before that I’ve mentioned you to them often. However, if there is any dissension, I’ve told you and told you that you will come first.”

“All right, but I’m very anxious. I’ll make certain Andrew and Uncle Roderick know of our plans. Perhaps that will help to calm me.” Changing the subject, Josephine asked, “What is that box you’re holding?”

“It’s a corsage. An orchid. I wasn’t certain about the colour of your gown, so I bought white with a bit of pink streaking through the petals. Will that do?”

Josephine threw her arms around Win’s neck, holding him tightly. “Oh, you dear man. No one has ever brought me flowers before, let alone an orchid. My gown is a pale pink. This will look absolutely splendid with it. Especially with the bit of rose streaking through the bloom. You gave me my first kiss. Now, you’ve brought me my first corsage.”

“I wish I could say that you were my first kiss. Yet, if I did, you’d know I was lying. After all, I am twenty-four. Nevertheless, I can certainly say with no hesitation that you are my first love.”

“It doesn’t matter. I know that however many kisses you’ve had before, the one you gave me counted most.”

He kissed her sweetly. “I’m glad I make you happy, my pet. I don’t ever want you to be sad.”

“I cannot imagine being any more beaming than I am at this moment. The day you entered my life, God was smiling down upon me.”

“He was smiling on both of us. It was planned from the beginning. I strongly believe we were meant to be together.”

“So do I. I knew it the moment I saw you. I feel so utterly blessed.”

“How are you wearing your hair tonight? In an upsweep or with all of those delightful chestnut ringlets touching your shoulders?”

“I thought in an upsweep, unless you feel your parents would find that inappropriate because I’ve never been presented?”

“I can’t imagine that. They’ll be too mesmerised by your beauty to think of meaningless things like Presentations. Josephine, don’t you realise how incredibly stunning you are?”

She blushed. “No one has ever told me that before. Who would have? Other than Andrew and Uncle Roderick, and they don’t really count. Remember? You’re my first love.”

*****

At precisely six-thirty, Win arrived in the Rolls Royce with David in the driver’s seat. Naturally, Win and Josephine would sit next to each other in the back. Win rapped gently on the front door of the Chambers’ cottage, and Roderick answered the knock immediately. Win entered the foyer.

“Ah, welcome, my lord,” said Roderick with a broad smile. “Won’t you please come in?”

Win followed Roderick into the parlor and took a seat on the sofa.

“Miss Josephine will be down momentarily,” Roderick said. “Is there anything I can get you while you wait? Perhaps a brandy?”

“Thank you, sir, but no. I suspect this is going to be a rather fine evening. There will be a fair amount of alcohol consumed," Win said, chuckling.

“I understand completely. Make yourself comfortable then. I’m sure Josephine won’t keep you waiting. She is always charmingly prompt. I’ve always considered that a good trait in a feminine companion,” he added.

“Quite,” responded Win. “I can’t think of a favourable trait that Josephine lacks. Is Andrew at home?”

“Yes, however, I understand they’re both preparing themselves for what they refer to as your ‘delightful dinner party’.” Roderick smiled. “I believe both decided to take a short lie-down before moving ahead with dressing for the event. Of course, you must have known that Andrew was going to be able to be with you this evening?”

“Oh, yes. Josephine told me. I hope no one is disappointed with the magnitude of this affair. It’s really not a grand, formal occasion.”

“Perhaps not to you, Lord Winthrop, but to those who make this cottage their home, I believe it has assumed the quality of a first-rate gala.”

Win laughed heartily. “Well, I must admit that I, too, find it a rather unique celebration. I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I suspect you’ve already heard the rumour that Miss Josephine and I intend to announce our engagement this evening.”

“I can’t deny that I’ve heard whispers confirming that suspicion. I couldn’t help but notice the eye-catching ring I’ve recently seen on the third finger of her left hand. I overheard her telling of her happiness to Andrew. I suppose she’s waiting to make the announcement to me, until it’s official, and you both have your family’s approval. Assuming I’m correct, let me be among the first to tell you of my absolute delight at such incredibly happy news. I’ve known Josephine from the time she entered the world, and she’s always been blessed with the ability to take one’s breath away. I must say, I consider you to be the most fortunate of gentlemen.”

Win got to his feet. He extended his hand and shook Roderick’s.

“I feel like a chap who has just won the gold cup at the Derby. I find her absolutely beyond reproach in every trait imaginable. Thank you for your good wishes. We both believe God meant for us to be together. However, she won’t be wearing her ring tonight, not until after we’ve announced our engagement to my parents. I’m awfully glad that you’ll be with us, too.”

“Ah… Here comes the much-admired Miss Josephine now,” Roderick announced. “Win and I have just been extolling your many virtues, my dear.”

Josephine made her way gracefully down the staircase. She was an absolute vision of loveliness, and Win caught his breath when he saw how truly elegant she looked. The dress she’d selected was divine. Her naturally high-coloured cheeks were reminiscent of old, English roses of pale pink luminosity. He couldn’t recall ever having seen such a captivating creature. He silently thanked the Lord for having placed her in his life at the exact moment He had. Win couldn’t wait to see the look on his mother’s and father’s faces when they were given their first glimpse of the enchanting and alluring Josephine Chambers. She wore the corsage he had given to her, pinned at the back of her chignon, and it was absolutely true that it couldn’t have looked more appealing with the pale-pink gown.

She reached out her hand, and he bent to kiss it.

“My dear,” he whispered. “You look bewitchingly mesmerising. I feel as though I’m the most privileged man alive. You might have had any chap you set your cap for, and I’m the lucky fellow you decided to beguile with your charms.”

Josephine laughed in a gentle manner. “My darling, Win. It is you who might have had your pick of any of the grand ladies of the aristocracy. Why, if you’d been willing to wait only a minuscule time, you might have had Princess Elizabeth.”

“She doesn’t hold a candle to you.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t trade you for all of the stars in heaven.”

“Goodness. This amiable session of agreeable compliments must end. You’ll have me thinking I actually deserve you. To be honest, I’m beside myself with foreboding at the knowledge that I’m about to meet your parents. If they only give a slight bit of kindness, you know, I’ll be fine. Nevertheless, while you may think that the royal princess doesn’t hold a candle to me, I can assure you that your mother and father will not agree with your assessment. I wonder if you’ve given any thought to what will take place if they refuse to give us their blessing?”

“Josephine, you know that I have. Why, should that implausible and menacing response occur, I shall marry you at once, with sorrow that they will have missed the joining together of two soul mates who are clearly meant only for each other. So stop your apprehension. They can’t help but love you as much I do. Come. Do you have a wrap? It’s quite a warm night, and I doubt you’ll have need for one. Nor do I suspect rain. If that should happen, we have extra umbrellas at the manor.”

“I only need my gloves and my reticule. Am I wearing too much lip rouge? I felt a little was needed to correspond with my gown, but I surely don’t want your parents to think I resemble a tart.”

Win laughed heartily. “Darling, my sister Elisabeth displays much more lip rouge than you’re wearing. In my opinion, the colour is dreadful. It’s a scarlet red. So does my mother, for that matter. You look enchanting. Stop this nonsense, and let’s be on our way.”

“What about Andrew?” she asked. Her expression clearly showed how much she wanted to be certain that her brother would be nearby.

“Andrew knows of our plans,” Roderick replied. “He’s coming along in a bit. Don’t worry. He’ll be there. David will return for Andrew, and I intend to accompany him. We will be right behind you, my dear.”

Josephine showed her pleasure with a sweet, dimpled smile. “Very good. I need him,” she murmured.

Roderick held the door for them. Josephine reached over and squeezed his hand. She loved him so dearly and was completely aware that he understood her anxiety. She prayed the evening would be picture-perfect. She was so glad that Roderick would be following them soon. They settled into the back of the automobile, and David maneuvered it down the lane. The night was lovely with the moon a nearly full orb in the sky above them. Josephine’s anxiety eased as she enjoyed the splendour of such an ideal summer night. Could there ever be anything more heartwarming than sitting next to the man you adored, riding along a road that led to the manor house someday meant to be his?

She knew Win loved Winthrop Manor with all his heart, and she had no intention of ever disappointing him with the fear she harboured about living in his opulent mansion. Bearing full responsibility for every standard being met— standards set generations before hers—caused Josephine to be filled with enormous fright, but she’d grown especially good at hiding her fears.

She still secretly clung to her dreams of a thatched-roof cottage and a front garden filled with the prettiest flowers England had to offer. Win promised to build just such a folly, but she knew he considered her romantic wish to be something along the lines of the doll’s house, which Marie Antoinette had Louis XVI build for her—a child’s plaything. Josephine, on the other hand, would have much preferred to make her dream the actual home for she and Win and to preserve the manor for engaging dinner parties, fancy balls, and the like. Nonetheless, she also knew that such an aspiration was a flight of fancy. She loved Win so astoundingly that she would follow whatever was expected of the wife of a viscount and eventual earl. She herself would be styled as viscountess, which did not inspire her. She was fully aware that someday, when Win himself became an earl, after his father had passed on, she would become a countess. She knew that as time passed, she would adjust, just as her uncle had once predicted.

Most of the time, Josephine would be addressed as Lady Winthrop, which she didn’t find quite as distasteful. Still, she found the entire British class system foolishness and would have preferred that they be known as simply Win and Josephine. She’d never in her life liked the idea that because of the accident of one’s birth, he or she was considered to be superior to those who weren’t as fortunate. However, she managed to put such unpleasant thoughts out of her head, settling back to enjoy the starry, mild night with her beloved Win by her side.

***

When the auto arrived at its destination, after nearly a half-hour drive, Josephine, who had managed to be totally relaxed and supremely happy, felt a surge of apprehension. They were at Winthrop Manor. She had heard of its history and the love her fiancé had for it from the moment they’d met. The fact was, she had even been aware of his home before then. While her parents were still living, they’d occasionally paid a visit to Winthrop-on-Hart to call on her father’s brother. She remembered them telling both Josephine and Andrew about the magnificent and unique manor house situated near the village. It was known as Winthrop Manor, and they had promised to pay a visit, so the children could see it for themselves, but that had never come to pass. With everything else that had transpired, especially their ghastly deaths aboard the Titanic, Josephine had completely wiped her memory of those former promises.

It was painful to recall the happy times she’d shared with her parents, making plans for future outings and envisioning a happy future. They’d been a wonderful family. While her memories were scant, due to the inordinate amount of time the Chambers’ spent abroad, leaving the children in care of the nanny, Josephine had always known she was dearly loved. Had her parents lived longer, Josephine knew that she and Andrew would have joined them on their travels, where her father, in particular, would have made certain she and her brother had a sound knowledge of Western European history. That subject had been his true passion. How he would have loved the thought of his daughter living in a house dating to the 1500s. It saddened her to think he would not be present to walk her down the aisle, but she was exceedingly pleased that either Uncle Roderick or her brother would be present to do the honours.

As the carriage wound its way up the curved drive, she could barely make out the outline of the structure. It had grown very dark, and they were still a considerable distance from the house. Still, she could see the extreme length of the home. As they grew closer, she was able to make out the jagged roofline, for which it was well known. The whitewashed limestone stood out in the dark of the night. There was no question that it was supremely picturesque, and stood, as it had for hundreds of years, as a sentinel, guarding the surrounding area like a lonely watchman.

“Do you see why I love the manor, darling?” Win asked.

“Yes, of course. It reminds me of a lookout, acting as custodian for all who approach. Those who live here must feel supremely safe and secure.”

“That’s a lovely way to express it. When a home has stood as Winthrop Manor has, for over four hundred years, it does present a feeling that no harm can come to anyone protected by its stone walls.”

“I’m anxious to view the interior. I can’t imagine what a large staff it must require to keep it as pristine as I know it must be.”

“We do have a large staff. It will take you awhile to learn all of their names. Don’t let it worry you, though. In time, everyone will become very familiar. We’ve always been exceptionally kind and generous with those who work here, and that’s made a significant difference in our ability to retain those who have made their home with us for years.”

“Are there any particular names I should familiarize myself with? I do so want to start out on the right foot.”

“I would think for the moment the only ones whose names should be committed to memory are Radcliffe, the butler, who’s been here since before I entered the world; Mrs. Whittaker, the cook, who prepared our picnic basket and whom I swear could be head chef at the Savoy; and Mrs. Morris, the head housekeeper, who is completely indispensable. There are many others, such as footmen, kitchen helpers, parlour maids, and, of course, outdoor staff—gardeners and the like. Oh, and there is my mother’s lady’s maid, Janice, and Father’s valet, Mr. Robertson. Still, I doubt you’ll meet them tonight.”

“My goodness, Win. That list in itself is overwhelming. I can’t imagine I’ll ever remember them all.”

“Don’t let it concern you. You’re only human. Nobody expects perfection. Once we’re married, a lady’s maid will be added to care for you.”

“What does a lady’s maid do? Mother never felt the need for one.”

“Well, I expect you will. They make certain your wardrobe is in tip-top condition at all times, they’ll do your hair, help you select proper gowns for an evening of entertainment, suggest which jewels are appropriate with particular frocks. All of that, and more besides.”

“Win, I haven’t any jewels to speak of. I do have my mother’s pearls, and of course, my gorgeous engagement ring. Nonetheless, I haven’t an enormous jewel case or anything of the sort.”

He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek as the car came to a halt in front of the entrance to Winthrop Manor. “My pet, you shall have a jewel case, overflowing with fine pieces. Mother will make certain you have the appropriate pieces that have been in the family for generations. You can’t even consider being married without a tiara.”

“A tiara? I thought only royalty wore such things? Win, I’d feel like a fraud.”

“No, darling. You’ll simply be moving into the aristocracy, as much as I know you despise the word. You’ll get used to all of it. Perhaps, in fact, you can bring a certain authenticity to the entire concept of the class system. Come now. We’ve arrived. Don’t be intimidated. You’ll be the most beautiful woman present. Please don't forget. You’re my intended wife. That makes you remarkably special.”

They stepped out of the carriage, and David gave her his hand. Win followed, holding out his arm, so she could put her own through his. They ascended the few steps that led to the front portico. Immediately, the butler, Radcliffe, opened the door.

“Ah, Radcliffe. It’s my pleasure to bring Miss Josephine Chambers to Winthrop Manor.”

Radcliffe extended his hand. “It’s a distinct pleasure to meet you, Miss Chambers. My lord, I believe your parents are expecting your arrival.”

“Good. Thank you, Radcliffe. We’ll just go in to see them.” Turning to Josephine, Win enquired, “Do you need to have a wash-up before we proceed to the drawing room?”

Win sounded so formal. It wasn’t the way he normally spoke. “No, I think I’m just fine,” she replied, not certain whether it was the done thing or not.

Win didn’t act as though she had committed a faux pas, so she took the arm he offered, and they began a lengthy stroll down a hallway, which she assumed led to the drawing room. Just a few steps beyond, on the right, there was an enormous area with gleaming hardwood floors and a giant fireplace surrounded by an ornately carved mantle, inset with white marble. It was so large that a massive statue could have stood fully erect in its center. The room was decorated in pale blue, with an elegant Persian rug covering a significant portion of the flooring. The rug was primarily blue with other pastel colours, including rose, creme, pistachio green, and pale yellow woven into the pattern. An over-sized, white velvet sofa sat facing the fireplace, with blue, down-filled pillows scattered at each end. Blue Bergere chairs faced each other on either side of the sofa.

In various parts of the room, inviting areas for conversation were clustered about. Three or four chairs sat in circles, facing graceful, marble-topped tea tables. The only objects d’art were crystal. Biscuit barrels, vases, small animals, ashtrays, and royal commemorative items adorned each surface. Josephine loved the room. It was so entirely inviting, and the colours were literally scrumptious. There was a definite impression of cool coziness combined with a sense of upscale ambiance.