When Mr Rogers entered the schoolroom the next morning, Ellie and Philip stood up. ‘Good morning, sir,’ they chorused.
‘I hope you were comfortable in the gatehouse, sir.’ Ellie had taken an instant liking to the tutor when she had met him yesterday, and that was more than she could say about most of the teachers she had encountered.
A glint of amusement showed in Mr Roger’s eyes. ‘Very comfortable, thank you, Miss Warrender. And I do believe Nanny approves of me. Please sit down.’
Philip dug Ellie in the ribs when the tutor turned away from them, staring out at the garden, hands behind his back. ‘What’s he doing?’ he mouthed silently.
Ellie shrugged, and waited, easing her feet out of her shoes. He remained in that position for a minute or two, and then faced them again. ‘It’s a pleasant day, so get your coats and we shall walk in the garden while you tell me what you have been learning. I want to know what you like and don’t like, and any subjects you would like included in your lessons. I shall then be able to set out a schedule for each of you.’
Philip was already on his feet, a smile of pleasure on his face, as Ellie struggled to get back into her shoes.
‘I’ll meet you by the lovely pond I can see from here, in five minutes.’
Neither of them liked being indoors for any length of time, whatever the weather, and in their haste to get out they collided in the doorway, each one fighting to get through first.
‘My goodness,’ Philip gasped, as he scrambled into his coat. ‘I think I’m going to like him. Is he really going to give us a choice of what we want to learn?’
‘Sounds like it, within reason, I expect.’ Ellie was ready and heading for the garden as fast as she could. The tutor had said five minutes, and she wasn’t going to take a second longer. This was an unexpected treat. She hadn’t been looking forward to spending hours in the schoolroom.
Lifting her skirt as she ran, with Philip right behind her, she wondered if Mr Rogers could ride. Lessons on horseback would be fun.
As they skidded to a halt in front of him, he glanced at his watch and nodded in approval. ‘This is a pleasant spot.’
‘Oh, yes.’ Ellie watched the brightly coloured fish swimming around. ‘It’s my favourite, along with the stables, of course. We have six horses. Do you ride, sir?’
‘I do, but I am not an expert. My mount has to be of a docile nature. Now, let us walk around the garden while you tell me all about yourselves. Before lunch we shall concentrate on getting to know each other, then this afternoon we will settle to the lessons.’
That was such good news that even Philip couldn’t stop smiling.
‘What are they doing in the garden, Albert?’ Mary asked.
‘I suspect young Rogers is getting them to talk about themselves in a more relaxed atmosphere than the schoolroom. I was told by his last employers – the Beresfords – that his methods are unconventional but effective.’
Mary slipped her hand through his arm. ‘He’s certainly caught their interest. Look at their animated faces.’
When she swayed slightly he caught her around the waist. ‘Sit down, my dear.’
Shaking her head, she leant against him, giving her usual reply. ‘I’m all right. A little spell of dizziness, but it has passed now.’
He knew it was more than that. This morning the physician had increased the medication again, and warned him that time was short. His wife would not be able to keep going for much longer. It was only her sheer determination keeping her on her feet. He supported her, allowing her the pleasure of watching Eleanor laughing happily in the pale autumn sunshine.
‘You must marry again, Albert. You are still young enough to father children, and perhaps have a male heir.’
He shook his head firmly. ‘I am forty-five now and have no wish for a young family. I have Eleanor, and she is the only heir I need.’
‘You were so angry when Henry and I brought her home. Do you remember?’
‘I was furious.’ Laughter rumbled through him. ‘Henry thought I was going to kill him.’
‘But it has all turned out well, hasn’t it?’ She gazed up at him, her eyes misted with tears. ‘She has brought us great joy.’
‘Indeed she has, and she’s growing into a fine young woman – when she isn’t brawling.’
His dry tone made Mary smile. ‘But it is always in a good cause. She finds injustice of any kind abhorrent.’
‘So do I, but I don’t roll up my sleeves and start throwing punches.’
‘And a very good thing that you don’t, Albert, or you would soon be thrown out of Parliament.’
‘True.’
‘Ah, they are moving away now, heading for the stables, no doubt.’ Mary sighed when they disappeared from sight. ‘How pretty she is. I’m sad that I shall not be around to arrange her coming-out, or have the joy of seeing her marry and have children of her own.’
‘If you take life at a steady pace and do as the doctor advises—’
‘No, Albert, I am not a fool. The pain is becoming harder and harder to control, and I am increasingly fatigued.’
Albert had never felt so helpless. What could he say? Mary knew what was happening to her.
‘I am aware that I must leave you and Eleanor soon. No woman could have asked for a finer husband. I was not able to bear the children you so badly wanted. You could have cast me aside and married someone else, but you never did. I have been blessed to have your love. I have left you the burden of telling Eleanor that we adopted her, but I’m sure it will not make any difference to the love she feels for you. Don’t stay in mourning too long; a month is quite long enough, for you know how I dislike sombre clothes and faces. I shall not be here for Eleanor’s eighteenth birthday, but I ask you to see that the occasion is celebrated with friends, music and laughter.’
‘I’ll do all you say, Mary, but you will be able to make the arrangements yourself.’ Albert tried to look confident, but it was hard. The doctor’s prognosis this morning had been grim.
‘Perhaps. Now, I’ll go and rest before lunch.’
‘I’ll help you to your room.’
‘There’s no need, Molly is waiting upstairs for me.’ She reached up and kissed his cheek. ‘I’ll let you know when walking is too much for me.’
He watched her leave the room, head high, and step sure. He marvelled yet again at her cheerful fortitude, and her immense courage. He was very concerned about the conversation they’d just had. It was almost as if she were putting her affairs in order. He hated to see her suffering like this, but he also dreaded the thought of losing her. It was coming though. She knew it, and, if he was honest, so did he.
Turning away from the window he went to his study to write a speech, and possibly an important letter. He was seriously considering resigning his seat in the House of Commons. It wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly as he had gained a lot of satisfaction in his years in Parliament, and there was still much he wanted to achieve, but he was needed here. Mary’s illness was now severe and he had to stay near her. He would never forgive himself if she died while he was away. And when that day came, Eleanor was going to need him. The future was uncertain, making it hard for him to concentrate on his work.
Sitting behind the huge oak desk, he rotated his shoulders, trying to ease the tension, and then closed his eyes, bowing his head. He was a wealthy man and could find plenty to occupy him around the estate. Also, Henry was urging that they go into business together and buy a swath of forest a few miles away. It was full of good timber, and if they replanted new trees to replace those being felled, it could be a profitable venture for some time to come. And land was always a good investment.
With his mind made up, he lifted his head and reached for paper and pen. It was time to make the change.
Albert had been working for about two hours when the door burst open, and the maid, Molly, rushed in. One glance at her stricken face and he was immediately on his feet.
‘Oh, sir, come quick. It’s the mistress …’
He didn’t wait to hear any more, but ran to his wife’s room as fast as he could, with Molly right behind him.
One look at Mary was enough. ‘Send one of the grooms for the physician. And don’t delay! And get a message to her brother, as well!’
The maid ran out, tears of fright running down her face. Albert could hear her thumping down the stairs, already calling for help. He prayed that Doctor Brewster would hurry. He sat on the bed, cradling his wife in his arms.
‘I’ve sent for the doctor, my dear. He’ll soon be here to give you something for the pain. Hold on to me.’
She was soaking wet with perspiration and curled into a tight ball as she fought the pain. Her hands gripped his arm, and if he hadn’t been wearing a jacket her fingers would have pierced his flesh. She was in agony.
It seemed a lifetime before the doctor arrived, but in fact it could not have been more than twenty minutes. ‘Give her something,’ he ground out between clenched teeth.
Albert stayed exactly where he was, watching the doctor work. In a mercifully short time he felt Mary relax, and he settled her back on the pillows. She was conscious, just about, but she was still in pain, albeit more bearable.
‘Can’t you put her right out?’ Albert’s hand was shaking as he ran it over his wife’s hair. Mary shouldn’t have to suffer like this. She was, and always had been, a good woman.
Doctor Brewster led him to the other side of the room, and spoke softly. ‘I have given her as much medication as I dare at this moment. Any more and it will end her life.’
‘How much time has she got?’
‘Twenty-four hours at the most.’
‘Then I ask you to stay and see that she does not have to endure such pain again.’ Albert looked across the room at his wife. ‘You must do whatever needs to be done to keep her free from pain. I will not have her last hours a torment. Do you hear?’
When the doctor nodded in agreement, Albert returned to his wife. Her eyes were open.
‘Ask Molly to wash and change me.’ Her speech was slurred, but she was aware of her dishevelled appearance. ‘Then I want to see Eleanor.’
‘Of course, my dear.’ He bent and kissed her forehead. ‘Doctor Brewster is going to stay for a while and make sure you are comfortable.’
She nodded weakly. ‘Eleanor.’
‘I’ll fetch her as soon as Molly has finished.’
The maid was hovering outside the door, so Albert told her what was needed, and then made his way up to the schoolroom.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, he opened the door and walked in. ‘I apologise for interrupting you, Mr Rogers, but Eleanor’s mother is unwell and is asking for her.’
Ellie leapt to her feet, rushing over to her father. ‘Is she bad, Father? Is the doctor with her?’
When she turned to leave the room he caught hold of her arm. ‘Don’t rush. Molly is making her comfortable before you see her, and yes, the doctor is with her.’
‘You look awful, Father.’ Ellie was trembling now, fully aware just how sick her mother had become over the last year.
‘I was talking to her but a short time ago, and her collapse has come as a shock. We knew this was going to happen, Eleanor, but I had refused to admit that it could be so soon.’
Ellie gulped. ‘Can we go to her now?’
He nodded. ‘My apologies again, Mr Rogers.’
Albert had to keep a firm grip on his daughter to stop her running to her mother. As ill as she was, Mary would be upset if she was seen in anything but a clean and tidy state. When Ellie saw her mother she nearly cried out in dismay. She had seen her at breakfast, and although pale, she had talked to them quite normally. The change was terrible.
As her father squeezed her shoulder in support, she gazed up at him, shocked. ‘She was all right this morning.’
‘No, she wasn’t. The doctor had increased her medication again, giving her enough relief to join us. Your mother has made a valiant effort to keep going, but the end is near, and we must prepare ourselves for that.’ He slipped an arm around her. ‘Come, she has been asking for you.’
They went over to the bed and Ellie knelt down, taking her mother’s hand in both of hers, struggling to keep the tears at bay.
‘Eleanor.’ Mary opened her eyes, although it was clearly an effort, then she smiled. ‘I shall be leaving you soon …’
‘No, Mother!’ Ellie cried in dismay.
‘Shush, do not upset yourself. It is best, for I can endure no more of this.’
Ellie bowed her head and kissed her mother’s hand. ‘What am I to do without you?’
‘You will have your father. Look after him, darling. He is a good man. Promise me.’
‘I promise.’
‘There is one more thing I would ask of you.’
‘Anything, Mother.’
‘If you hear anything about something your father and I did some years ago, I want you to remember that we love you dearly. We could not have had a daughter we were more proud of. From the moment you arrived we adored you. You have brought great joy into our lives. Remember we have always loved and wanted you.’
Mary shuddered, absolutely spent, and Albert leant over the bed. ‘No more talking, my dear, try to sleep now. We’ll be right here when you awake.’
As her mother slipped into a drugged sleep, Ellie glanced at her father, distressed and confused. ‘What was she trying to say? It didn’t make sense. I know you both love me, so why does Mother want me to remember that? Nothing would ever make me forget.’
‘I pray that you don’t.’ Her father closed his eyes for a moment, tired and drawn.
Ellie smoothed a lock of hair away from her mother’s face. ‘Will you tell me what it was you did that is worrying her so much?’
‘If you really want to know then I’ll tell you one day.’ Albert drew up two chairs for them to sit on. ‘But this is not the time, Eleanor.’
‘No, of course not.’ Ellie was too distressed to pursue the subject. And, with all the medication the doctor had given her, Mother was probably not talking complete sense anyway.
It was a long night’s vigil. Ellie, her father and Uncle Henry stayed by the bed, refusing to move for anything. The entire household was awake, knowing this night could only end in one way – the death of the gentle mistress they all admired and respected.
The dawn was just beginning to lighten the sky when Mary opened her eyes, her face etched with pain. ‘Queenie!’ she called out. ‘See, Albert, how lovely she is. See how beautiful our little girl has grown …’
Ellie jumped to her feet in alarm. There was that name again.
‘Doctor!’ Albert shouted, gathering his wife in his arms as Doctor Brewster hurried into the room. ‘She’s in pain again. Give her something.’
But there was no need. It was over.