The Winds Of Fortune Episode 09
A couple of weeks later, Minnie was sitting in the drawing-room with her mother and sister.
The drapes were drawn and the three women, still dressed in black, sat round the fire, gleaning comfort from its warmth and from their companionship.
Minnie was feeling slightly better than she had a few weeks earlier, though as the shock wore off her grief seemed to deepen.
She was immensely concerned about the rest of her family.
Though Louisa would never admit any weakness, Minnie was afraid that her grandmother’s health had suffered irrevocably.
Her mother, though strong, was heartbroken, and Pearl was definitely not herself.
Her sister had taken their father’s death hard, and Minnie knew she was having trouble sleeping.
She was as beautiful as ever, but she was pale and her skin had lost its youthful glow.
Minnie was very concerned.
“I have received a letter today from my cousins in England,” Carrie told her daughters.
“I believe you have heard me talk about the Northavens.”
Pearl looked up and Minnie nodded.
“I have told Cousin Flora about our situation, and she has written to say that she and her husband would like us all to stay with them for a couple of months to recuperate.
“Isn’t that kind?” Carrie asked. “Perhaps a holiday in England would do us good.”
“Whatever you would like, Mother.” Pearl spoke listlessly, a lack of interest and energy in her demeanour.
Minnie felt a frisson of fear for her, as she did all too often these days.
“What about you, Minnie?” Carrie continued. “What do you say?”
Minnie wasn’t sure what to say. She could see pros and cons to this scheme.
First there was the expense of travel, set against the advantages of a change of scene.
Then there was the embarrassment of their altered circumstances.
But Pearl needed a holiday. And what about Theo? Could she bear to spend two months away from him?
On the other hand, since they could not marry, perhaps it would be better if she got used to his absence.
All these thoughts raced through her mind and she wasn’t sure how to reply.
“Can we afford the tickets, Mother?” she asked at last.
Carrie blushed.
“My cousins have offered to pay for them, and given the circumstances we may have to accept their generosity.”
Minnie baulked at the prospect of charity. They would be a huge imposition while they were there, too.
Of course, in the past they could have paid for their own travel and returned the favour of hospitality, but now . . .
Carrie was studying her daughter’s face, understanding etched across every feature.
“I think we must accept for Pearl’s sake.
“There is no use having false pride,” she continued.
“We are the same people we were before. It would be wise to accept help.”
Minnie considered this. She still had objections, but her mother spoke sense.
“If we take up their offer, it will save us money for a while, and by the time we return, I will be able to take up my new job at the paper,” Carrie finished.
“Perhaps we should go, then,” Minnie conceded.
Her mother continued to give her a searching look.
“Maybe Theodore will write to you?”
Minnie blushed.
“We are not engaged, Mother.”
“I know, but . . .” For once Carrie seemed at a loss as to what to say next.
Instead, she leaned forward and squeezed her daughter’s hand.
“What are they like – the Northavens?” Pearl asked.
“I haven’t seen them for some years,” Carrie replied. “I remember Flora as a lively girl who always loved to socialise.
“Her husband, Edwin, is a kind man. They live on his estate, just outside Bothwell in the south of England. They are good people.”
Minnie stared into the fire and wondered what they would be like, and how she and her family would get on staying for so long with complete strangers.
“They have children, don’t they?” she asked, smoothing her skirt.
“That’s right. There’s Harry, their son. Your father and I met him as a baby.
“He has a younger sister, Violet. They are about the same age as you and Pearl.”
What would England be like, Minnie wondered.
She knew her mother’s family originated from there, but Carrie herself had never left America.
To her surprise, she felt a small flutter of excitement.
It would be an adventure to cross the Atlantic and visit a different country.
A completely new experience – now that would be something.
She was still unsure about leaving Theo, but he had a job now and she didn’t need to worry so much about his welfare.
He had called round and told them all about it.
His relief had been tangible, and that, in turn, had comforted her.
“What do you think, Pearl?” she asked her sister. “Would you like to go to England?”
Pearl’s skin flushed pink.
“If you want me to be honest,” she burst out, “I will go mad if I can’t get away!
“Everywhere here is full of memories and sorrow. I cannot bear it!”
There was a moment of startled silence.
“That’s settled, then.” It was Carrie who spoke. “We are going to England.”
To be continued …