July 1919
Blaine
"Uncle Blaine! Uncle Blaine! Will you play tiddlywinks with us?" Michael shouts, bounding into the parlor with his younger brother, Richard. He lays out the flat felt mat, small discs or "winks", and the target pot.
Blaine opens his eyes and notices that it's dark outside. His nephews are dressed in their pajamas and dressing gowns, so he must have slept through dinner. Blaine sits up to greet his nephews. "Well, hello there, Michael and Richard. What a lovely surprise!"
Cooper and Quinn trail behind their sons, and they each have a young child in their arms. Cooper smiles, "Uncle Blaine, I'd like to introduce you to the newest additions to our family. This one in my arms is Blaine Patrick. He was born in September 1917."
"You named him after me?"
Cooper sets young Blaine down on his brother's lap. "Of course I did. You had been Missing in Action for nine months when he was born, and I wanted your name to continue on. The princess that Quinn is holding is Elizabeth Violet. She's almost five months old."
"Quinn, you look amazing, in spite of having four young children."
"Thank you, Blaine. Now that there are plenty of sons to continue the Westerville line, and I have the daughter that I've always longed for, we don't plan on having any more children."
"We'll see about that," Cooper says and winks. "Michael, Richard, and Blaine - give your uncle a kiss goodnight. It's past your bedtime."
"Aw, I wanted to play tiddlywinks with Uncle Blaine," Michael pouts.
Blaine chuckles. "There's plenty of time for that tomorrow. If you're good, I'll even teach you some new songs that I've learnt."
"I love to sing!" Richard exclaims.
"Just like your papa," Quinn says, smiling.
Once the boys have given Blaine kisses goodnight, Quinn leaves the parlor with the children.
"Would you like some port?" Cooper asks.
"Sure, I haven't had port in years… Not since the last time I was home."
Cooper pours the port wine into two small crystal-cut glasses and sits down next to Blaine.
"Cheers," Cooper says, clinking their glasses together.
Blaine takes a tiny sip, enjoying the port wine's rich and strong berry flavors. "This tastes so good."
"I can't tell you how happy I am that you're home again. We all thought that you were dead."
"I'm glad too, Cooper. The thought of Westerville Abbey, my family, and friends has kept me going through some pretty hard times. Speaking of friends, do you know what's happened to Nick Duval and Jeff Sterling?"
"They are doing well. Both men are continuing in the Royal Army. Major Sterling's battalion is in Cologne to implement the occupation of the Rhineland. Lieutenant-Colonel Duval is now back in England, waiting for his next orders."
"I'm so relieved that they made it through the war."
"Blaine, they never stopped looking for you on the front. I'm sure that if you telephone Duval, he'd race over to Westerville during his next leave."
"Once I feel better, I'll contact my old friends. Has anyone heard from Miss Christina Cohen-Chang? Is she still in Hong Kong?"
"She's now living in Hangchow, China. She married Michael Chang, who owns a tea plantation. Mr Cohen-Chang is importing the green tea to other countries in Asia. It seems that the Brits don't like green tea."
"I enjoyed her companionship very much, and wish her future happiness."
"Don't worry, Blainey boy. You won't be on the marriage market for long. There are plenty of widows from either the war or the Spanish flu. I understand that Lady Rebecca Jackson is looking for a new husband," Cooper teases.
Blaine rolls his eyes at the ridiculous idea. "I thought she was married to Chandler Kiehl of Padstow?"
"Mr Kiehl joined the Royal Navy at the beginning of the war, and became the captain of the HMS Cornwallis. In 1917, the ship was hit by the Germans, and he was killed by a torpedo explosion."
"That's such a shame. So many good men have lost their lives. Now, tell me news about others. There seem to be a few changes at the abbey."
"Did someone explain to you about Kurt's departure?"
Blaine sets down his glass. "Yes, Grandmama did. I understand why he felt the need to leave."
"We were all surprised by his decision. He's quite the national hero. Michael boasts to anyone who'll listen that he knows a real flying ace. I think he wants to grow up to be a pilot."
Blaine replies, "I would be proud of any nephew that grows up to be the man that Kurt is."
"Has anyone told you about Cousin Rachel?" Cooper asks.
"I've been meaning to ask about her. I assume that Cousin Rachel returned to New York City once the war was over?"
"Yes, she returned to New York City, but Cousin Rachel did it like she does everything… with a bang!" Cooper chortles.
"I've a feeling there's a rather good story behind her departure. I think I'll need some more port before you tell me."
Cooper tops up their glasses. "Well, I'm sure you know that Cousin Rachel was completely besotted with Hudson, the chauffeur. She fooled no-one with the Hudson has to sleep in Blaine's bedroom so that I can perform my nursing duties at night act. I'd say that Rachel was a naughty nurse, judging from the noises that came out of the bedroom."
Blaine rolls his eyes. "This isn't anything I don't know already."
"What you don't know is that after the armistice was announced in November, Cousin Rachel and Hudson ran away in the middle of the night. They fled to Gretna Green and were married the next day."
"You don't say! What were Father's and Mama's reactions?" Blaine asks.
"I wasn't here, but Quinn told me that they were very upset. She thought our parents were more worried about what Uncle Hiram would say than anything else. He was expecting her to marry a titled gentleman with an estate, not a chauffeur. After they married, Cousin Rachel and Hudson drove to Liverpool to catch the next ship sailing to New York City."
"Has anyone heard from them since?" Blaine asks.
"Uncle Hiram wrote Mama once Cousin Rachel and Hudson arrived in New York City. He was so delighted to have his daughter back home safe and sound. Uncle Hiram rather likes Hudson. He's impressed with his war effort and medals."
"Cousin Rachel has always been single-minded about what she wants. It's quite an admirable quality," Blaine remarks.
"There's more to the story about Cousin Rachel, but I'll leave it for father to tell you."
"Won't you give me a hint, Cooper?"
"Nuh-uh. It's so incredible that I think you'll need to hear the full story all at once."
Sebastian enters the parlor, and sets down a tray containing hot cocoa, a cheese sandwich and apple crumble. Cooper licks his lips. "You don't know how lucky you are to get apple crumble. I can't remember the last time I've had it. Mrs Sylvester says it uses too much sugar and butter from our ration books."
"I'm not sure that lucky is how I would describe me needing to gain thirty pounds. You're welcome to eat half… but only half, mind you. It smells heavenly."
Cooper finishes his port wine and stands up. "No, even I couldn't take food away from a former prisoner of war. I best be off to make sure the young ones are in bed sleeping, and not wide awake planning what they're going to do with their Uncle Blaine tomorrow."
"The boys are so delightful. I can't wait to spend more time with them."
"Don't go telling them stories about me at the village hall dances," Cooper warns.
Blaine chuckles, "The stories will be about what a wonderful brother you are. Good night, Cooper."
The following morning, Blaine wakes up early to the sound of Sebastian snoring. He is feeling better than he has in years. Rather than use the chamber pot underneath the bed, Blaine decides to get up and walk to the lavatory. Besides, there is somebody he really needs to talk to.
Although his body is stiff from being idle, Blaine manages to sneak out of the parlor, careful not to wake Sebastian up. Walking down the corridor, he's quiet as a mouse. After spending a few minutes in the lavatory, his heart leaps when he exits and sees Sebastian standing on the other side of the door.
"What are you doing, Mr Blaine? You should be in bed!"
"I'm not a total invalid, Sebastian. Now, if you don't mind, I really need to see Hummel."
Sebastian hisses, "Don't you know Hummel will fire me if he sees you out of bed alone? I'll take you back to the parlor, and send the butler to you."
After Blaine has waited in bed for a few minutes, Hummel arrives with a breakfast tray of tea, toast and a fresh fruit salad. "Good morning, Mr Blaine. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling so much better today. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"
The butler pours a cup of tea and then sits down near the bed. "I trust this is about Kurt?"
Blaine nods. "My grandmama told me about the circumstances leading up to Kurt leaving for America. Having given it a lot of thought, I can understand his decision, but that doesn't mean I like it."
"Mr Blaine, you can't imagine how distraught Kurt was when we found out that you were missing in action, presumed dead. He never gave up hope that you were still alive until the government declared that the last soldier had returned to British soil. It was only then that he accepted your death. He was in a terrible state and wouldn't leave his room for days. I've been there myself when my late wife passed away, and it's the most awful experience. To see Kurt going through it broke my heart."
Blaine takes a sip of tea, trying to keep himself together. He imagines how he might feel if their roles had been reversed, and he was the one waiting at Westerville, with Kurt disappearing at the front. Feelings of loss and despair overwhelm him, and a tear pours down his face.
Hummel hands him a handkerchief. "It was obvious that Kurt needed a fresh start, away from Westerville Abbey. The order of things have changed since the start of the war. He's too smart and ambitious to be in service for the rest of his life. He couldn't move to Exeter or London at the height of the Spanish flu. I encouraged him to move to America. I thought that Miss Berry and Mr Hudson could help him settle in. He never once took off that ring, not even when he left for America."
Blaine looks down at his hand, saddened that his finger is bare. "I never took my ring off either, but when I was captured, the Germans pried it off my finger at gunpoint." Blaine wipes a tear away from his cheek. "Have you heard from Kurt since he left?"
"Just before you returned, Kurt sent me a telegram informing me that he's arrived safely in America. Miss Berry and Mr Hudson are currently traveling, but your uncle recommended a boarding house. I have the address."
Blaine's heart races with the news that there is some way to contact Kurt. "Could you have someone bring me a pen and some stationery after breakfast? I need to write to him at once."
"The day after you arrived home, I sent Kurt a letter. I haven't heard from him since, although it will take a couple of weeks for him to receive the great news."
"Do you think Kurt will return to Westerville?"
After a minute or two, Hummel finally speaks. "If he has the funds, I think Kurt will want to return to Westerville. However, I'm not sure that it's the best thing for him."
"What do you mean? Of course it is!" Blaine cries out. He can't understand what could possibly be better for Kurt than to be reunited with him. Isn't it obvious?
The butler continues, "You've been brought up to think it's all within your grasp - that if you want something enough, it will come to you. But we're not like that. We don't think our dreams are bound to come true, because they almost never do. This is Kurt's chance to dream big and make something of himself."
They are interrupted when the Earl enters the parlor. "Blaine! We were worried when you didn't make an appearance in the dining room, but I see now that you have a breakfast tray. Hummel, could you let the family know that Blaine is fine? I'll be with my son for the next hour. I'll ring the bell if we need anything."
"Yes, My Lord."
Hummel turns his attention to Blaine. "We can continue our conversation later. Hopefully, I've given you something to think about." He picks up the breakfast tray and leaves the parlor.
The Earl smiles at his son. "You are looking a lot better than you did a few days ago."
"I'm feeling a whole lot better, Father. I've had plenty of sleep, food in my belly, and I'm with my family. I've even seen Firebird. Who could ask for anything more?"
The Earl sits down next to Blaine's bed and hands him a book. "I have a small gift for you. When I was last in Exeter, I met this young lady from Torquay, who served in a Devonshire hospital during the Great War. Anyways, she told me she has written a book, as a result of a bet about the possibility of writing a detective story in which the reader would not be able to spot the criminal. She gave me an advanced copy, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The ending is very clever, and I know that you'll enjoy it."
Blaine looks at the cover and reads "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" by Agatha Christie. "Thank you, Father. I haven't read a novel in years."
Blaine takes a sip of tea, and decides to find out more about the changes at the abbey from his father. "Last night, Cooper and I had a chat, and he told me that Cousin Rachel has eloped with Hudson to Gretna Green and gotten married, and that they set sail for America the following day. Is that really true?"
The Earl nods. "If you must know, we think Rachel and Hudson are very foolish. The month before they eloped, she had turned 21 years old, so there was nothing we could do. Your mother was beside herself, worried about how your Uncle Hiram would react. Of course, Hiram was thrilled to get his only daughter back. As it turns out, Rachel's departure was a blessing in disguise."
"Really? Why is that?" Blaine asks.
"As you are aware, Rachel has a substantial annual allowance. On her 21st birthday, she received a rather considerable dowry. Unbeknownst to us, she visited a solicitor in Exeter several times before she left with Hudson. She has left one half of her dowry in trust for the Westerville estate."
"How exactly does the trust work?"
"As long as the estate is held by a descendant of the Anderson family and is kept whole, the income from the trust is available for its running costs. The principal money will be held in trust in safe investments, government bonds. However, a portion can be released each year for pre-approved upgrades or to pay death duties."
"Is the trust legal in Britain?"
"I had my solicitors look over the trust documents, and they assure me that it's unbreakable. If the Anderson family wish to sell the Westerville estate, there are various clauses that allow for that."
"And how much do you think the annual income will be?"
The Earl grins broadly. "The trustees gave me some impressive income projections. There is more than enough to secure the future of the Westerville estate for generations to come."
"That's the best news I've heard since I've returned."
The Earl continues, "I haven't finished telling you the story. You see, Rachel has also set up a small trust for you. I've brought the legal document and accompanying letter for you to read."
When his father hands him the papers, he immediately unseals the envelope, and reads the letter.
November 1918
Dear Cousin Blaine,
If you are reading this letter, it means that you weren't killed in action two years ago. No matter what the War Office said, I've always held out hope that you survived the war.
You are now aware that I've married Finn, and we are starting our new lives in New York City. I'm absolutely determined to become a star on Broadway. I love Finn so much, and he supports my ambitions. It was an easy decision to make. No earl or baron could make me feel the way that Finn does.
After you were declared missing in action, presumed dead, I overheard a conversation between Uncle Michael and Cousin Cooper. They were trying to figure out how to keep the Westerville estate afloat. Previously, they had expected you to marry a lady with a substantial dowry, but they had no backup plan.
I've so many fond memories of my time in Westerville - horse riding with you, attending the London Season, and of course, spending time with Finn. I couldn't leave Westerville Abbey in financial ruins, knowing that I have the means to make things right. No doubt, Uncle Michael has already told you about the trust. The Westerville estate will belong to the Andersons for many years to come.
Now that Cousins Cooper and Quinn have three sons, the Anderson line will continue for generations. With the trust set up, it seems to me that you don't need to marry for money. I've set up a small trust for you, and the annual income should be adequate. You can use the principal to set yourself up, whether in a business, a career, or whatever you desire. And if you seek Kurt as your gentleman companion, so much the better.
Now write me at once and tell me where you've been hiding since December 1916!
Love,
Cousin Rachel
Blaine sets down the letter and reaches for his handkerchief to blow his nose. He wishes that Cousin Rachel was by his side, singing one of her songs. They would laugh and joke about all manner of things, and race on horses across the estate's fields. Although they were together at Westerville Abbey for only a short while, he loves her like a sister. He decides to pick up the trust document and take a peek at the amount.
"Go to page seven. I've penciled into the margin what the annual income will be," the Earl says.
Blaine's jaw drops when he sees the amounts. It's not a huge fortune, but it's enough to allow him to lead a modest but comfortable life. Cousin Rachel's generosity feels overwhelming. She loves him enough to make sure that he's financially secure for the rest of his life.
His father places his hand on Blaine's shoulder. "There are plenty of boys to continue the Anderson line, and the Westerville estate is financially secure for generations to come. Your Cousin Rachel has given you the means to spend your life the way you see fit, and to marry for love."
Blaine feels a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. Although he's never shirked his family duties, the underlying need to marry for money has always dragged him down. He's battled with the internal conflict of doing what is expected of him, and doing what he wants.
"Do you have any idea what you might want to do?" the Earl asks.
Blaine knows that what he wants is for Kurt to return to Westerville so that they can plan their future together, but he's not about to tell his father this.
The Earl stands up. "Never mind, Blaine. You have plenty of time to make plans. We first need to get you healthy and fit again."
x
Blaine writes to Kurt about what has happened since he was captured by the Germans in December 1916, leaving the grim details out. He explains to Kurt about the trusts that Rachel had set up before she left to marry Finn and move to America. Most importantly of all, he writes pages of his undying love for Kurt. His emotions pour out as he repeats every word of the promises he made years ago in the kitchen gardens. He begs Kurt to take the next ship back to England, willing to buy the ticket, so they can plan their fabulous future together.
When the letter is finished, he puts it in an envelope, and drips warm wax on it before pressing down with the Westerville seal.
He turns his attention to his grandmama's butler, who is standing in the corner. "Spratt, could you make sure this is in tomorrow's post?"
"Yes, Mr Blaine. I will see to it personally."
Blaine watches Spratt leave the parlor, and Sebastian and Dave immediately enter. His father was serious when he ordered that he's not to be left alone for a single second. Sebastian pulls up an extra chair so that both he and Dave can sit by his bedside.
"The both of you don't have to babysit me tonight. I'm fine on my own," Blaine says.
Dave replies, "There's no way we're going to leave you alone all night. I know from first-hand experience that you can feel bad things at night. I won't leave you until I'm satisfied that you aren't haunted by memories."
Blaine sees the quiet determination in Dave's eyes and knows exactly what he's talking about. While he hasn't experienced shell shock himself, he's seen it amongst his soldiers. He has spent many a night helping soldiers to calm down. "I understand, but why the two of you?"
Sebastian replies, "Since we are both medics, your father decided that we would alternate nights. However, Dave and I discussed it and think it's better if we both stay with you. This way, we can keep an eye on you and still spend some time together."
The way Sebastian and Dave smile at each other is the only confirmation Blaine needs that these men are in love.
Sebastian pulls out a book. "Kurt used to read to the officers in the abbey's ward at night. I know you love books, so I've brought with me The Tin Woodman of Oz.
"I love the Oz Series!" Blaine exclaims.
Sebastian opens the book and begins to read, "The Tin Woodman sat on his glittering tin throne in the handsome tin hall of his splendid tin castle in the Winkie Country of the Land of Oz. Beside him, in a chair of woven straw, sat his best friend, the Scarecrow of Oz…."
Blaine closes his eyes as his mind conjures up the image of Kurt reading a book to the wounded officers. It certainly sounds like something Kurt would do. The only thing that would make his homecoming perfect would be to have Kurt beside him in his bed.
Blaine's last thought before drifting off to sleep is wondering how long it will take Kurt to return to Westerville Abbey, once he finds out that he's alive.
x
Author's notes
Trivia: Everything mentioned about Agatha Christie is absolutely true. She was from an upper middle-class family and raised in Devon. The house is now a museum. While serving in a Devon hospital during the Great War, she wrote her first Hercules Poirot mystery based upon a bet.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas, Fearlessly and Lilyvandersteen. I also thank Dblmalfunction, who performed a detailed final review, although all mistakes are mine. I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Kurt arrives in New York City.
