London, Mid October, 1924
The social season was in full swing, and London was alive with the sound of chatter, champagne glasses, fancy jazz clubs and ballroom dances. Marguerite, Roxton, Veronica, and Ned immersed themselves in the delights of the city. They explored the theaters, indulged in fine dining, danced in ballrooms, and reveled in the art and culture that London had to offer.
Although it was the norm for the nobility to leave small children behind on the estate to play in nature under the watchful eyes of nannies, Marguerite insisted on bringing young William with them to London. In the mornings and evenings, and during quiet times between engagements, she loved playing with William, cherishing the simple joys that came with family amid the otherwise buzy schedule.
The days had taken on a beautiful, cozy autumnal feeling in London. Leaves had turned to shades of gold and amber, littering the streets and creating a warm, inviting ambiance. The air was crisp but not too chilly, carrying the faintest hint of woodsmoke and spices, typical of the season.
One morning, over a leisurely breakfast, Veronica suggested an idea to Marguerite. "Why don't we take a walk to the park today? The weather's just perfect, and we could take William in the trolley. It'll be a nice break from all the social engagements."
Malone, who was sipping his tea, looked up and teased "You know, Veronica, it's not quite common for high-class ladies to take children out in a trolley like that. But it's refreshing to see things are changing."
Marguerite simply smiled, unbothered by the comment, her maternal instincts outweighing any concerns for social conventions.
Roxton, chimed in, his voice filled with affection and support. "I must say, I fully endorse Marguerite's tender approach to motherhood. Seeing her like this warms my heart."
His eyes met Marguerite's, and they exchanged a loving glance. The unspoken understanding and approval between them were evident, and they both knew that the joy and well-being of their child far outweighed any societal expectations or judgments.
As they were preparing to leave for the park, Malone asked. "Mind if I join you ladies for a walk? Seems like a lovely day to enjoy the fresh autumn air. Roxton will be busy with his lordly duties, after all." He glanced at Roxton, who was engrossed in a pile of documents and letters.
Roxton looked up at Malone's words, his face taking on a serious but understanding expression. "Indeed, the general elections are approaching, and my duties in the House of Lords demand my attention. Enjoy your outing, all of you."
Veronica's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The more, the merrier!" she exclaimed.
Malone grinned, a twinkle in his eye, "I might even bring my journal along and find a bench to absorb some of the autumnal inspiration."
By the front door Roxton approached Marguerite, looking at her with warmth in his eyes.
Marguerite smiled, and Roxton leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips. "Have a lovely time, my dear," he murmured.
"I will, love. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard," Marguerite replied, her eyes filled with affection.
He then turned to William, who was bundled up in the trolley, his small face peering out with bright eyes. Roxton bent down and kissed William gently on the forehead, his face glowing with paternal pride. "And you, young man, enjoy the park. I expect to hear all about your adventures when you return."
William cooed and reached out a tiny hand, his fingers grasping at the air. Roxton chuckled and gently squeezed the tiny hand before straightening up.
With a final wave to Roxton, the group set out, the door clicking shut behind them, leaving Roxton in the entrance hall, a contented smile playing on his lips as he returned to his lordly duties.
As they began their leisurely walk to the park, the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot and the crisp air brushing against their faces, Veronica turned to Malone with a thoughtful look.
"What kind of duties does Roxton have, exactly? I understand he's a member of the House of Lords, but what does that entail?" she asked with curiosity.
Malone glanced at her, his expression turning reflective. "Well, being a member of the House of Lords is a position of significant responsibility. Roxton has the duty to review, amend, and sometimes even introduce legislation. It's a complex task that requires a great deal of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the political landscape. He also attends regular sessions in the House, participating in debates and voting on various issues. In the upcoming general elections, his role will be even more prominent, as he'll have to carefully evaluate the candidates, their policies, and how they align with the Conservative Party's principles."
Veronica's eyes widened slightly as she took in the scope of Roxton's duties. "It sounds like quite the task," she mused, looking thoughtful.
Marguerite, who had been quietly pushing William's trolley and listening to the conversation, chimed in with a proud smile. "It truly is. And yet, he always finds time for us. That's what I admire most about him."
Malone turned to Veronica, a sly grin on his face. "You know, Veronica, despite being such a free-spirited and worldly woman Marguerite wholeheartedly supports the Conservative Party. One might think she'd champion more progressive causes, especially those related to women's rights."
Marguerite overheard him and shot back playfully, "Oh, don't you start with me, Malone! While I do enjoy being a tad unconventional, I still believe in preserving certain traditions and values. That doesn't mean I don't support women's rights, mind you. I merely believe that some things are best left unchanged."
Veronica turned to Malone, her interest clearly sparked, and she asked, "What is the alternative to the Conservative Party, and do you support it, Malone?"
Malone cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. "The Labour Party is seen as the main alternative, promoting more progressive policies and often appealing to working-class interests. As for me, I tend to lean more towards the Liberals, finding merit in some of their ideas. But, like Marguerite, I don't necessarily align myself entirely with one party."
Veronica's brows furrowed, and she asked, "But Roxton fully supports the Conservatives?"
Malone nodded, his expression one of understanding. "Yes, he does. It's a matter of upholding tradition and the values that he believes have kept the nation strong. But he's not entirely rigid in his views; he still listens to other perspectives and occasionally finds merit in them."
Marguerite acknowledged, "John's a practical man. He knows that politics is a nuanced game, and he plays it with wisdom and finesse. Despite his commitment to his role in the House of Lords, he still evaluates issues with an open mind. That's one of the things I love about him."
Veronica looked thoughtfully at Marguerite and said, "What came as the biggest shock to me, is that high society, besides lordly duties and social functions, doesn't work. They don't have any jobs whatsoever. I thought at least you would do something, Marguerite. Some diamonds business or similar."
Marguerite's eyes flickered momentarily, a hint of her past life reflected in their depths. "Believe me, after the life I've led, crisscrossing the globe, engaging in affairs most wouldn't dare to imagine, I find myself embracing this slower pace. There's a tranquility in these quiet days that I never knew I needed."
She looked down at William, sleeping peacefully in his trolley, and her smile deepened. "Besides, there's a new kind of excitement in my life now and it is truly a blessing."
The park was aglow with the soft, filtered light of an autumn midday. Trees adorned in shades of gold and orange framed the scene as Malone found a bench overlooking the pond. He opened his journal, pen in hand, ready to capture the inspiration of the season. Every so often, he glanced up to watch Marguerite and Veronica.
Marguerite stood by the water's edge, holding William securely in her arms. The little boy's eyes were wide with wonder as he reached out to touch the gentle ripples in the pond. His laughter filled the air as the water danced at his fingertips. Marguerite's face radiated pure joy, her gaze softening as she watched William explore the world around him.
Besides them Veronica was immersed in a different kind of joy. She approached the pond, her hands filled with breadcrumbs. As she tossed them into the water, ducks gathered, eagerly pecking at the offering. Her face lit up with delight at their antics, and her laughter mingled with William's.
The scene was idyllic, a perfect encapsulation of innocence and contentment. Malone couldn't help but smile as he jotted down his thoughts. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of earth and the promise of winter. But for now, the park remained a haven, untouched by the cares of the world, and three friends could enjoy the simple pleasure of a quiet day together.
Marguerite's eyes widened as two figures approached them along the path. Emily, her arm entwined with Aiden's, was laughing at something he had just said. As they drew closer, Marguerite's heart quickened.
"No, no, no, no, no. Absolutely not." she muttered under her breath. The sight of them together was utterly unexpected, and panic rose in her throat. She quickly handed William to Veronica, her eyes never leaving the approaching couple.
"This can't happen," she continued, speaking more to herself than to anyone else. "Aiden, you can't woo my sister. I won't approve. I forbid it."
Malone looked up from his journal, noticing Marguerite's distress. He followed her gaze and saw Emily and Aiden, their closeness unmistakable.
Aiden, noticing Marguerite's evident concern, was quick to reassure her. "Marguerite, relax. It's not like I went out and deliberately sought out your sister. We met by chance at our mutual friend's dinner party."
Emily eagerly confirmed. "Yes, we met at Lady Diana Manners'. It was perfectly decent," she said, smiling at Aiden and then looking to Marguerite for approval.
Marguerite's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Aiden, but his expression was open and sincere. She knew that he was capable of ploy, but she also knew him to be honorable in his own way.
Aiden, sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood, teased, "Didn't you mention earlier that you considered me a brother? Doesn't that make me a good match for your sister?"
Marguerite's eyes twinkled with annoyance as she shot back, "No, it doesn't."
She then turned to Emily, her tone more serious but the tension eased slightly. "You don't know him, Emily. He is a bad boy."
Emily's eyes sparkled with mischief as she jokingly replied, "That's alright. I'm a bad girl. One day we might have bad kids, and if we reach our old days, we'll be bad grandpa and bad granny."
Laughter erupted from the group, breaking the last of the tension. Even Marguerite couldn't help but join in, shaking her head in mock disbelief at her sister's audacity.
"I suppose I'll have to keep an even closer eye on both of you then," she said, her tone light but her eyes still watchful.
Emily took Marguerite's hands and said warmly, "Joking aside, you don't have to worry, dearest sister. You know I always know what's in people's hearts. Besides, it's not like we're getting married tomorrow. We've only started dating."
Marguerite's brows furrowed at the word "dating," and she asked, "What exactly do you mean?"
Emily replied with a bright smile, "Going to dinners, jazz clubs, and taking walks in the parks."
"Your sister is a flapper." Malone jumped in with a teasing grin, enjoying the playful banter. "Accept it."
Marguerite knew flappers were all around, the roaring twenties and all that, with its culture and newfound freedoms, it was both beguiling and slightly unsettling. While she appreciated the energy and boldness of the era, she was unsure if she fully approved of the behavior. It was a world that also held potential pitfalls and dangers.
She finally sighed, as she looked at Emily. "You don't have my approval, so you know, but you do what you will. You are your own person after all."
Emily smiled at Marguerite's comment, her eyes twinkling with understanding. She then turned to Veronica, who was holding William, and gently caressed the baby's cheek. "A year ago, I didn't have a sister. Today, I have both a sister and a nephew. Life is really full of wonderful turns of events." Her voice softened as she continued, "I'm so glad to have a sister. Someone who cares, someone I can argue with over silly things like this one. I missed that during my childhood."
Marguerite's heart swelled at Emily's words. She, too, felt that a void had been filled, and the connection with her sister was something she had never realized she needed. But it was there, strong and unbreakable.
Then something else caught her attention, a nagging feeling that they were being watched. She scanned the surroundings, her eyes narrowing as they darted from one person to another. A man on a bench, holding a newspaper and throwing peculiar glances their way; another man walking a dog, his gaze lingering too long; a woman pushing a trolley, her eyes suspiciously fixed on their group. Marguerite's instincts were on high alert.
She leaned toward Aiden, her voice low and urgent. "You should move away from here."
"Certainly," Aiden responded, understanding the seriousness in Marguerite's tone. "We'll be right off."
"I want to see you both at my house tomorrow tonight," Marguerite added, her eyes fixed on Aiden, then shifting to Emily. Both nodded in agreement.
With a quick farewell, Emily and Aiden walked away, leaving Marguerite to ponder the day's unexpected turn of events. Tommorows's meeting at her house might just shed some more light on the matter.