ECHOES OF THE HEART
Part 1
Chapter 1 – Evie’s Return
In May1919, six months after the end of the “Great War,” a horrific war that left over 20 million dead and 40 million casualties, Evie was finally returning to her home, Kingsley Manor, in North Yorkshire. She had been away, serving as an auxiliary nurse in various London hospitals for the previous four years.
Evie had volunteered shortly after her seventeenth birthday when Britain’s involvement, which also meant her father, General Kingsley, participation in the war, began. Although her father wanted Evie to remain at the Manor, Evie did not want to stay there alone, as her mother had passed away the previous year after a protracted illness, and her only sibling, her older brother Tommy, had already left, eager to join the fight. Now that the war was over and most major casualties had been attended to, she was finally coming home. Evie would miss the hospital staff’s camaraderie but not all the blood, soiled sheets, and especially the dirty bedpans.
Although Evie had dated several men during her postings, it was only that brief, abortive affair the previous year with the young captain from Darby that she would never forget. It was not just the thrill of her first sex but her shame and embarrassment afterward when she learned from his colleague that the captain was married and had two children.
Thankfully, the weather was clear and bright on her train’s journey to Yorkshire, which should have buoyed her spirits; unfortunately, it did not alleviate her trepidation. When she called her father yesterday to tell him she was coming home, he surprisingly told her he no longer had a usable car or driver and that she would need to hire a taxi. Evie was worried about what else might have happened during her long absence.
As Evie was driven up the long driveway of Kingsley Manor in the taxi, she was not surprised to see that the estate grounds clearly showed neglect. The outer building and main house were also obviously in disrepair, with peeling paint, hanging shutters, and numerous weeds growing through the walkways. Her father, General Kingsley, had always kept the estate a showplace. However, it now surprisingly still plainly displayed the effect of his absence and neglect during the long war.
She knew that he had been back for almost a year recovering from a shoulder injury he received at the Batlle of Mons and was disappointed to see that he obviously had not paid any attention to managing the property and seeing to its upkeep and repairs since his return.
As they drove up, Evie was pleased to see that her father was at least anxiously awaiting her arrival at the main entry. She was always close to her father but had not seen him in two years, and that was only briefly at her brother Tommy’s funeral, who had been killed in the battle at Verdun.
As she exited the taxi and rushed to greet him, she was appalled by her father’s gaunt appearance. He looked like he had aged twenty years. Although her father greeted her warmly with hugs and kisses, he seemed to her as just a shell of his robust former self.
Her dad led her into the drawing room, which fortunately looked as pristine as before. Their housekeeper, Mary, a short, buxom silver-haired lady, probably now in her seventies, was excitedly waiting there to serve them tea and crumpets. “You look wonderful, Miss Evie. We missed you so,” Mary proclaimed.
“I missed you also, Mary. It has been so long, and I am thrilled you are still here. I can’t tell you how much I missed you and all your delicious pastries.”
“Well, I am the only one left, and I only stayed so that your father didn’t starve himself, although, besides all my efforts, he seems determined to try.”
“Enough of that, Mary,” her father said. “Leave Evie and I alone. There is much I am sure she wants to talk about.”
“That’s for damn sure, father.”
After Mary left the room, her father said, “I see your hanging around with all those servicemen didn’t improve your language. Where do you want to start, Evie?”
“Okay, what the hell has happened here? The estate looks all run down, and father, truthfully, you look like crap.”
“Wow, I’m glad you got that off your chest.”
“Where is everybody,” asked Evie. Where are the groundskeepers, the servants, the cook, and your driver.”
“They are all gone, except for Mary. The men left to serve in the war, and most women left to support the war effort.”
“Haven’t any of them returned?”
“Some have, but I had to let them go as I had no money to pay their wages. We are broke, Evie..”
“How can we possibly be broke, father. You have all your tenant rental property.”
“Yes, Evie, but the men were almost all gone fighting during the war, and no rents were coming in. The few remaining tenants struggled so hard to survive that I never had the heart to press for the rent payments.”
“Then why didn’t you approach your bankers for assistance, Father. I am sure they would be willing to help.”
“I am certain they would, but they would want me to mortgage the property or sell off some of our land.”
“Then why didn’t you do it?
“Evie, this land has been our family estate for over three hundred years. It is our legacy, and I am not about to chop it up or let some money-grubbing bankers own all or part of it.”
“Father, those excuses are a bunch of horseshit. You need to do what you have to do to survive. We have more than enough acreage to let a bit go.”
“Not while I am alive.”
“Well, the way you look, father, doesn’t seem like it will be too long. What has happened to you in the last two years, Father? You looked fine at Tommy’s funeral.”
Her father was quiet for a while before reluctantly replying, “I thought I was strong, and nothing could get to me, but it did. Tommy’s death after your mom’s and those horrific, seemingly endless bloody battles at Somme, Ypres, Amiens, and lastly at Mons finally became too much for me. — I lost it, Evie — I couldn’t sleep at night, hardly ate, and my hands always trembled. I tried to relieve myself from duty, but Field Marshall Haig would have nothing to do with it. He said my presence at the front was essential for morale, and I was unreplaceable. And Evie,” he shrugged, paused, and said, “What you see here is what is left.”
“Father, I am sure some care and therapy would help.”
“There is no money to hire doctors or nurses, Evie.”
“I’m not worried about that. I will provide all the care, and I am sure the government will provide for your medical needs. They owe you big time.”
“How do you plan to get the government to do that?”
“I will start by contacting Field Marshall Haig’s office.”
Her father was quiet momentarily before saying, “That is a splendid idea. I should have thought of that. I guess I have just been too busy wallowing in my self-pity.”
Evie shook her head in exasperation and said, “It seems you need me back here to help you, Father.”
“Yes, it seems I do. However, I do have one piece of good news for you.”
“What is that?”
“Mary says she has arranged for someone to come live here to fix things and help us out as a handyman.”
“You said we could not afford to pay anyone.”
“Mary says he is a veteran and would happily work for room and board. She has already cleaned up the caretaker’s cabin for him.”
“Will he eat with us?”
“Possibly, why do you care.
“He might be some uncouth ruffian.”
“So what? You cared for all those servicemen for years.”
“I fed them, father. I didn’t have to eat with them.”
Chapter 2 – Finances
Later that day, after unpacking with Mary’s help, Evie wandered down to her father’s office. When she entered, she was appalled to see stacks of unopened mail piled on his dark antique maple desk.
Evie knew there was probably a lot of useless old correspondence to be tossed, so she sat at his desk to sort through the pile. And, yes, she was correct. Although the bulk of the mail was useless, there were two seemingly important letters from government solicitors and eight heavy stock tan envelopes from the Department of Defence.
Evie decided to start by opening the solicitor letters in order. The first letter stated that the Department of Defence had granted her father, Major-General Kingsley, full retirement with thirty-eight years of accumulated service. The second letter stated that the Department of Defense was elevating Major-General Kingsley to Lieutenant-General upon Field Marshall Haig’s recommendation. His pension would be based upon that rank and would be the amount of 1240 pounds Monthly. (About $40,000 today)
Evie then excitedly opened the tan envelopes, and as she had expected, each contained a cheque payable to her father for 1240 pounds.
Evie removed the cheques and went looking for her father. She found him in the library, staring out the window while sipping what was probably either a brandy or scotch. Evie called out to him, “Father, turn around. I have something important to show you, and congratulations are in order.”
Her father slowly turned around with a puzzled look and asked, “Why are congratulations in order?”
“Well, father, you most likely have guessed you have been retired.”
“I was aware of that as with my bummed shoulder, I am physically unfit for active duty, but why the congratulations?”
“Field Marshal Haig has had you promoted to Lieutenant-General, and your pension is based on that rank.”
“And?”
“Father, have you ever thought about going through all the mail on your desk?”
“I didn’t want to be bothered. It all seemed too depressing,” Evies’s father said as he took a large sip of his drink.
“You should have been bothered. You know what these are?” Evie said, waving the cheques at him. These are eight pension cheques, each for 1240 pounds. I have no idea what you did with all your pay while you were on active duty, father. I suppose you gave it all away to worthy causes.’
“Probably most of it.”
”Well, if you had bothered to look on your desk, you would have learned you still had almost 10,000 pounds.”
“That is quite a bit.”
“Yes, and with that and 1240 pounds additional each month, you can afford to hire some grounds persons to clean things up and also pay that handyman a bit so we are not beholden to him.”
Two days later, Evie was gazing out her bedroom window and saw Mary on the veranda talking to a large young man with long brown hair poking out of his cap, who she assumed must be the new handyman. Mary looked up, noticing Evie looking out at them, and motioned for her to come out and meet the person. All Evie knew up to now about him was that he was supposedly a veteran who had served in the 21st Infantry Brigade and, at some time, was most likely posted under her father.
When Evie came out, Mary introduced the man, “Evie, this is Danny O’Sullivan. He will be our new handyman and will be doing various jobs here. Initially, he will get the tractor and all its accessories working for the groundskeeper we are hiring.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Evie,” Danny said.
Evie looked Danny over critically, and it was readily apparent he was a rough working-class bloke with a rugged exterior and probably little if any, formal education.
“It is Miss Kingsley to you, Mr. O’Sullivan.” Evie said formally..”
“I’m sorry, Miss Kingsley,” Danny said, smiling slightly as he tipped his battered cap.
Damn, his imprudence Evie thought as she turned and walked back into the house. Who in the hell does he think he is?
Fortunately for Evie, Danny had already decided to take all his meals with Mary in the kitchen and not join her and her father, as her father had earlier suggested. So, at least Evie would not have to deal with him regularly.
A few days after the initial encounter with Danny, the weather was unseasonably warm, and Evie entered the kitchen to get herself a cold drink. Mary was there sitting at the large butcher block kitchen table, chatting with a slender silver-haired lady who looked vaguely familiar. Mary introduced her to Evie and said she was Margaret, Count Fitsgerald, their neighbor’s housekeeper.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Kingsley,” Margaret said. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I cared for you many times when your family visited the Count.
“I’m sorry I did not recognize you, Margaret; that was so long ago.”
“Yes, it surely was. I am glad you interrupted us as you were really the person I came to see.”
“Why did you wish to see me, Margaret?” asked Evie.
“The Count heard you were back and wondered if you would like a horse to ride. He has several and remembered you used to be a good rider.”
“That is a most generous offer, Margaret, but I doubt we can afford that luxury now. There are so many other things we need to get done here first.”
“The Count doesn’t expect you to purchase the horse; just borrow and take good care of it or them, if you like. He doesn’t ride anymore, and the horses need more exercise.”
“That is a truly generous offer, Margaret. Please thank the Count for me. Tell him I will gladly come over to borrow one as soon as I can get our stable cleaned up.”
“That will be excellent, and the Count said that if possible, maybe you can get the General to accompany you? Possibly, he would also like a horse to ride?”
“I doubt that is likely, but please tell the Count I will at least try to get my father to come over with me.”
“If it will help, the Count did say he has an unopened bottle of sixty-year-old scotch he would like to share with the General.”
Chapter 3 – Danny O’Sullivan
After getting a cold glass of lemonade from Mary, Evie left the two women and went outside to look for the handyman to ask him to get the stable cleaned up and ready for boarding a horse. She did not at first see Danny but heard a banging sound from the direction of the barn. Evie walked over and spotted him standing shirtless outside the barn, hammering a piece of metal on an anvil that probably was from a farm implement he was trying to straighten.
Danny’s back was turned toward her, and he did not notice her approach. However, Evie couldn’t take her eyes off him as she walked closer. He had broad, heavily muscled arms and shoulders that stretched and rippled each time he struck with the hammer. With his narrow waist, except for a large scar on his lower back, he looked like an Adonis statue.
It had been a long time since Evie had shared a man’s company, and although she knew it was inappropriate, as Mr. O’Sullivan was just a lowly workman, he looked good; in fact, she thought he looked terrific. There was also something strangely familiar about his look. Then Evie remembered what it was. He reminded her of her father when he worked shirtless outside when she was younger.
Finally, Danny sensed Evie’s presence, turned around, and said, “Good day, Miss Kingsley. Can I help you?”
Evie noticed he did not try to cover up or apologize for being shirtless. “May I ask what you are working so hard on, Mr. O’Sullivan?”
“I am straightening a damaged suspension piece on your father’s automobile, Miss KIngley. After this repair, it should be in good running order.”
“That is excellent, Mr. O’Sullivan. Do you drive?”
“Yes, I do, Miss Kingsley and I will be happy to drive for you or your father.”
“Good.”
“Is there anything else, Miss Kingley?” he said with what seemed to Evie to be a lecherous smile as he stared at her. And she was right, as he was having improper thoughts. Although he thought she was a big snob, he found her incredibly desirable. She was a beautiful, statuesque young lady with long, raven black hair and deep blue eyes. And she had what was to him a very enticing, well-proportioned body.
Evie was briefly flustered before replying, “Yes, there is. I will be borrowing a horse from our neighbor, and I need you to get our stable made ready.”
“From Count Fitsgerald?”
“Yes,” — I wonder how he knew about our neighbor? Evie thought as she abruptly turned and walked away. He sure seems to know a lot about Kingsley Manor.
Fortunately, after several frustrating phone calls, Evie was able to arrange for medical care for her father at their estate. Her initial call to General Haig’s office yielded nothing but military bureaucracy. Each person passed her on to another with a seemingly equal lack of interest or concern. Luckily, Evie finally reached an office where the extremely apologetic Colonel in charge, who told her he had once served as her father’s adjutant, was most eager to arrange for immediate assistance.
True to his promise, three days later, a car arrived at the Manor with a tall, regal-looking, almost totally bald doctor, maybe in his early sixties, his stout, matronly nurse, and a slender younger man who claimed to be something called a physical therapist.
After thoroughly examining her father, the doctor said his shoulder was healing well, but he needed extensive therapy to get his arm back in shape and regain full movement. He was recommending that the man who claimed to be a therapist visit him weekly for at least an hour over the next two to three months. After agreeing on a suitable schedule for his visits, they left, but not before the doctor gave Evie his card and assured her that if the General required further assistance, he would be given the highest priority.
As she served breakfast a few days later, Mary announced that Mr. O’Sullivan had gotten the Rolls running and could drive them whenever needed.
“That is excellent news,” said Evie. “I would like to go to town and do some shopping.”
“When you go, may I accompany you, Miss Kingsley? I have some things I need to pick up,” asked Mary.
“Of course, Mary. Did Mr. O’Sullivan mention when he would have the stable cleaned up?”
“I believe it is ready for you. Didn’t Mr. O’Sullivan say anything to you?”
“No, not a word. It seems Mr. O’Sullivan is trying to avoid me, although he always sneaks glances at me when I work in the garden.”
“Did you say something to him before that might have offended him?” asked her father.
“No, of course not, father.”
“Do you have any idea, Mary, what is going on?” asked the General.
“Mr. O’Sullivan did say that he thought Miss Kingsley looked quite lovely in her summer outfits. However, he knows his place, which is most likely why he keeps his distance.
That brought a chuckle from her father, who said, “It seems you are causing the problem, Evie. Maybe while you are shopping, you need to buy some new outfits that are not quite as revealing as the dresses you used to wear when you were younger.”
“Or maybe I need to buy him some horse blinders,” remarked Evie caustically.
Damn him, Evie thought. Who in the heck does that man think he is.
Chapter 4 – Getting to know him
Although the groundskeeper they had hired had begun to get the front lawn and entry looking better, he had been so busy that he had not gotten around to cleaning out the large ornate fountain in the driveway. It was so full of rotting leaves and other wind-blown debris that Evie was tired of looking at it and enduring its rank odor when she was nearby. Finally, one morning, Evie decided to take matters into her own hands. After finishing her breakfast, she went out to the toolshed and got a rake and a pair of gloves, which she carried to the fountain. And yes, as it was now her custom, she was dressed more demurely in a heavier layered fabric dress,
After working for over an hour, Evie was exhausted and realized the job was more difficult than she had expected. All she had accomplished so far was to remove some of the stuff that was easy to reach along the edge. Evie dejectedly put down the rake and sat on the fountain’s rim for a much-needed rest. Not only was the task much more demanding than she had anticipated, but there were also the piles of detritus she had pulled out of the fountain, which she had no idea what to do with after she was done.
Danny had observed Evie’s efforts and decided to forego caution and help her. From the back of the barn, he grabbed some large burlap bags that had been used for feed and then went over to the toolshed to get a wheelbarrow.
He grabbed a shovel and another rake, threw them and the bags into the wheelbarrow, and headed over to where Evie was still resting at the fountain.
Evie saw Danny approaching, looked up, and asked, “What do you want, Mr. O’Sullivan?”
“I came to help you, Miss Kingsley. It appears to be a big job for just one person.”
Evie was about to tell him she did not want his help but realized how foolish that was as there was no way she would get it all done today by herself. So instead, she said, “Thank you, Mr. O’Sullivan, that would be appreciated.”
Over the next two hours, they worked quietly side by side. Evie removed her shoes and stockings, rolled up the hem of her dress above her knees, and carefully climbed into the fountain to better rake out stuff while Danny shoveled it and the original piles into the burlap bags. As they worked, Evie secretly hoped he would remove his shirt again and show off his arousing body. And Danny wished she had worn one of those thinner summer dresses that clung to her body like she used to wear.
Their work was thankfully interrupted by Mary bringing out a cart with a tray of sandwiches and iced tea. As they sat on the fountain’s rim eating their sandwiches, Evie asked, “Did you serve under my father during the war, Mr. O’Sullivan?”
“Yes, Miss Kingsley. I served under him initially at the battle of Somme and later at Mons.”
“Did he know you?”
“I am sure he didn’t. There were thousands of troops, and I was just a lowly infantryman.”
“If I remember correctly, there were several large battles between Somme and Mons. Were you also in those?”
“No, I was in the hospital recuperating from wounds I sustained at Somme.”
Evie was quiet as she ate her sandwich and said,.”I noticed you had a large scar on your back. Was that one of the wounds?”
“Yes, it was. I caught some shrapnel in my back and legs from a mortar at Somme. It took almost a year for those to heal and for me to recuperate..”
“There were other wounds?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I returned to active duty in time to fight at Mons. The Germans used Chlorine gas on us there, and I ended up in a hospital in Taplow, rehabilitating for a long time afterward. I came here to work soon after I was released.”
“Was it very painful?”
Danny was quiet for a while before answering and finally said, “It was excruciating, Miss Kingsley. — Many times, I wished I had died.”
Evie was quiet for a while before saying, “I am so sorry to hear that, Danny. Although my father is still recovering from his shoulder wound, the emotional stress of the war and losing my older brother Tommy at Verdun seem to have taken the biggest toll on him. However, I imagine the long, painful recovery from the effect of the chlorine gas poisoning might be as bad or even worse.”
“Based on my own experience, it is. — And since you just called me Danny, would you allow me to call you Miss Evie rather than Miss Kingsley?”
Damn, I didn’t mean to do that. Now he will know I like him. She looked at Danny and saw him smiling at her like a Cheshire cat. Then, after thinking about it briefly as she drank some of her iced tea, Evie decided what the heck and said, “How about just Evie.”
“I would like that very much, Evie.”
Later, as they were finishing up, Evie asked, “What are you going to do with all those bags of debris, Danny?”
“I’ll take them out behind the barn where they will be out of sight, and when I get a chance, I will scatter the contents around the clearing back there. Someday, you or your tenants might want to plant a few things out there, and that detritus will make great mulch.”
“Thank you, Danny. That is a great idea.”
Chapter 5 – Getting to Know Each Other
Almost every day afterward, Evie and Danny managed to find tasks they could complete better as a team than alone. As they worked together and she learned more about him and his life, Evie began to see Danny in a different light. He was not just some crude workman well below her station but a man with quiet dignity and great inner strength. Danny did not have a University education, but that did not matter to Evie. Although she tried her best to dismiss it, her attraction to him grew.
Evie knew she was foolish and needed to stop spending so much time alone with Danny, as she kept thinking more and more about him, some thoughts being very unladylike. However, it was not just Evie who was having such thoughts, as by now, Danny was smitten with Evie and could not stop daydreaming about what it would be like to make love to her.
There was one thing about Danny that Evie still found perplexing. He seemed to know much more about the Kingsley Manor than someone newly hired. It was as if he had visited the place before, although she could not imagine how that might have happened. Since Danny had not volunteered an explanation, she knew she needed to ask him.
Several weeks later, her father accidentally tripped coming up the entry staircase and hurt the wrist on his bad arm. Evie called the doctor who had visited them and left her his card, and he told her to have Danny drive them to the local doctor’s office in Yorkshire. There, after examining her father and providing him opiates to help ease his pain, the doctor informed them that his wrist was fractured. They needed to take him to the hospital in London, where the doctor who had visited them practiced so he could set the break properly. As it would only be a little over an hour’s drive to get there, they believed if they left now, they could return before it was very late that evening, even allowing ample time for them to treat her father.
Fortunately, the doctor in Yorkshire had phoned ahead. When they arrived at the hospital, they were pleased to see that they were expected and that there would be no delay in getting her father in for treatment. Evie was told by the attending nurse that her father should be ready to go home in about three hours. Although he still would not be very lucid due to all the narcotic pain medicine he would have been given.
Danny and Evie initially planned to wait for her father in the hospital waiting room, although the hospital’s smells brought them both back unpleasant memories. However, the almost continual shouting by two young children running around and playing games and the piercing heart-wrenching cries from an injured baby being held by its mother finally made their staying there intolerable.
They decided it would be better to wait out in the car, where they would have peace and quiet. Also, the seats in the Rolls were plush, soft kid leather, and infinitely more comfortable than the wooden benches in the waiting room. Evie told the attending nurse where they would be waiting and asked her to have someone come out and get them when her father was ready to be discharged.
Danny looked forward to this unplanned opportunity. It would give him a chance to be alone in private with Evie. He hoped she would join him in the backseat where she would be close to him.
While Danny was looking forward to their being alone, Evie’s mind was not on Danny but her father and the complications this episode would make in his recuperation. However, she needed emotional support, so when they exited the hospital entrance and Danny suggested they sit together in the backseat under a blanket to keep warm, Evie was happy to do so and offered no resistance.
For a while, they talked innocently about topics like the impact of the war on Britain and the rebuilding that would be necessary. Then Evie told Danny about some of her most trying experiences working in the hospitals and, of course, omitting her brief affair with the adulterous captain. This led to Danny finally opening up about his twice painful stays as a patient.
After Danny finished talking, Evie asked, “What about your childhood, Danny? The time before the war. Where were you raised? I’m curious because you seemed to know so much about the Kingsley Manor.”
“That is not surprising, Evie, as I spent my childhood at Kingsley Manor until I was ten. My mother was a maid there. You wouldn’t remember me as you were still a young child when I left.”
“What about your father? Was he also a servant there?”
“I’m not sure who he was, Evie. All I know is that my mother was given a sizeable amount of money when we left.”
“Do you have any idea who he was?”
“I believe so, but my mother refused to confirm that when I asked.”
“Does anyone else know?”
“I’m sure Mary does, but she is sworn to secrecy and adamantly refuses to disclose anything.”
“Did that have anything to do with why Mary helped get you hired?”
“I’m sure it did.”
“Is your mother still alive?”
“Unfortunately, no. She passed away soon after I went to France. I didn’t find out about it until weeks later. — They buried her in a pauper’s grave.”
“Why? What happened to all the money she was given?”
“It seems it was stolen by her accountant.”
“There was no way to recover any of it?”
“No, the man disappeared, and the police I contacted while I was in the hospital believed he had left the country for the United States.”
“I am so sorry, Danny,” Evie said as she leaned against him.
I know this will never work out, and I am being crazy, but I really don’t care, thought Evie. I want him so much.
Oh crap, thought Danny. This is so wrong. I should never have allowed us to get into this position. But she is incredibly arousing, and I can’t stop now.
Danny put his arm around Evie, drawing her even closer. As he did, Evie emitted a soft, contented sigh and looked up longingly into Danny’s eyes.
Danny then bent over and kissed Evie on her waiting lips, softly at first and more passionately as she responded. Soon, they were kissing with more unbridled passion as their hands tentatively began to explore each other’s bodies. Danny gently caressed Evie’s increasingly sensitive breasts with their hardening nipples as Evie reached over and squeezed Danny’s thigh close to his groin and his rapidly expanding erection.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they were interrupted by an orderly knocking on the car’s door and embarrassingly saying, “Excuse me. I apologize for interrupting you, but your father is ready to leave Miss Kingsley.”
Danny and Evie separated, embarrassed not just from getting caught but also from realizing what they had let happen and where their actions were indeed heading.
“That can’t happen again, Danny,” Evie proclaimed as she straightened herself out. “It was stupid of us to allow ourselves to get carried away like that.”
“You’re right, Evie. It was my fault. I just find you so sexually stimulating, I got carried away.”
“It wasn’t just you. I’m equally to blame. We just need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We are miles apart in our status, and it could never work out.”
“It can’t work out for a reason more serious than that,” Danny stated.
Evie was confused by Danny’s statement and said, “I don’t understand, Danny? What could be more significant than our status difference?”
“I’ll explain later. Let’s go get your father,” Danny said as they exited the car.
As they were walking back into the hospital, a now troubled Evie said, “I don’t want to wait for later, Danny. I want to know now. What is the reason?”
“Let’s go get your father now. This is not a good time or place.”
Evie stopped walking and adamantly refused to continue, “I don’t give a damn, Danny. What is this reason?”
Danny paused before saying, “Fine then, let’s go get our father, ” Emphasizing “our.”
Evie’s jaw dropped as she processed the ‘our’ in Danny’s statement and finally replied, “Oh my God, you’re my brother.”
Chapter 6 – The Secret Unveiled
The ride back from the hospital was in almost total silence. As Danny drove, Evie rode in the back seat with her father, who fell asleep almost as soon as he was inside and made comfortable.
Evie’s mind was racing, thinking about the implications of what Danny had just revealed. Her father, who she had always admired so much, was actually an adulterer who had sex with a maid while her mother was still healthy and alive. When the maid became pregnant, he concealed it and did nothing until I was old enough that I might start asking questions.
And even then, all he did was pay her off and send her alone on her way with her child without providing any further support or recognition.
After they got home, Danny helped Evie put her father, or I should say their father, to bed.
Neither spoke other than relaying necessary instructions until, finally, Danny was leaving and said, “Good night, Evie. Can we talk about this tomorrow?”
“I don’t think there is much to discuss, Danny.”
Evie slept little that night, her mind dwelling on the significance of Danny being her half-brother. That explained why Danny looked so much like her father from the back when he was fixing that suspension piece. Also, maybe I’m attracted to him so much because it is brotherly love?
That is so stupid. Brotherly love doesn’t make your heart beat faster and your privates moist and tingling with sexual anticipation. Damn it! I wanted Danny for Danny, and not because he was my brother.
Evie finally went to sleep after firmly deciding that her only alternative was to avoid being alone with Danny in the future.
Over the following weeks, Evie stayed true to her commitment and kept her distance from Danny. If her father or Mary noticed it, they did not say anything. Of course, Danny sadly realized what was happening.
Evie’s previously close relationship with her father was also strained by her knowing he had cheated on her mother. Yes, they ate together and worked together, getting the Manor back into shape, but the close intimacy with him that she had always felt wasn’t there any longer.
Unfortunately, Evie could not stop thinking about Danny, as likewise did Danny always thinking about her. Whenever Evie saw Danny, her heart beat faster as she yearned for his warm embrace. And Danny found he not only longed for Evie whenever he saw her but also regularly had some embarrassingly erotic dreams thinking about her.
This painful voluntary separation continued for almost two months until one day, Evie returned from a ride on Katy, the horse she had borrowed from the Count, and encountered Danny in the stables about to start cleaning. After Evie dismounted, Danny came over to help unsaddle Katy and accidentally brushed against Evie.
Danny turned toward Evie to apologize but ended up saying nothing as they stared longingly into each other’s eyes. Finally, when Danny was about to speak, Evie reached over, pulled his head down toward hers, and kissed him repeatedly, saying, “I don’t care that you are my brother; I want you so much.”
In between kisses, Danny muttered as he passionately and eagerly kissed her back, “I want you too. Damn it. I don’t care either.”
Finally, Danny could no longer restrain himself. He gathered Evie into his arms and carried her to a stall covered with fresh hay.
After he gently laid her down in the hay Evie pulled up the hem of her dress and chemise as Danny dropped to his knees and hastily removed her shoes and lace-trimmed drawers.
Danny then unbuttoned his trousers and flannel underpants, pulling them down below his thighs. When he hesitated, realizing that this was wrong and he would be committing a sin, Evie could wait no longer and reached over and grasped his now swollen and erect member and guided it into her eagerly awaiting wet orifice.
First, Danny was on top, and then they rolled over, and Evie was on top, and then Danny again as they gave in to their rampant pent-up sexual desire. Twice, Danny had his release and thought he was finished, only to be resurrected and driven on again by Evie’s wanton urgings.
When at last they both had sated their sexual appetites and finished, they lay quietly on their sides, facing each other, smiling contentedly and breathing deeply as they tried to catch their breath. Finally, Evie spoke and said, “From now on, you always have to wear a condom. I definitely don’t want to get pregnant.”
“I totally agree,” said Danny. “I have heard we risk the chance of having a deformed mutant child.”.
“Yes, we do,” Evie replied.”And what are you smiling so much about? Are you that proud of your performance?”
“No, it is just that you said from now on.”
Over the next several months, they continued to remain aloof during the day when there was an audience or the possibility of an audience, but whenever possible, Evie snuck out at night to the caretaker’s cabin to be with Danny.
What started out as physical attraction quickly became more than that. Evie and Danny became not only lovers but truly deeply in love with each other.
Chapter 7 – Complications
Although it initially took a bit of urging on her part, Evie and her father began to visit their neighbor, Count Fitsgerald, regularly. At first, it was so the General could lounge in the Count’s elegant parlor and partake in a Cuban cigar and some of the promised sixty-year-old scotch. However, afterward, they continued to visit as Evie’s father began to enjoy himself and the Count’s company.
It was also helpful that Margaret, the Count’s housekeeper, was a far better cook than Mary. The tasty pastry snacks she first served with tea typically progressed into their staying over afterward for a delicious dinner she had prepared for them.
On several occasions, the Count’s son, Sir Thomas Delaney, was visiting from London and joined in the conversations and stayed later for dinner with them.
Although Sir Thomas was only in his late thirties, he was an extremely successful barrister, and many people thought he would become a judge within a few years. It wasn’t just his brilliance and success in court. It was also because he was tall and handsome, and people found him very charismatic.
Sir Thomas had his pick of female companionship; however, he was so busy with his career that he never settled down. The Count and the General hoped to remedy that by bringing him and Evie together, which was the reason for Sir Thomas’s frequent visits. They thought he and Evie would make a perfect pair.
Evie and Danny were comfortably resting in bed in the caretaker’s cabin after having an enjoyable round of sex when Evie told him, “I think my father and the Count are trying to fix me up with the Count’s son.”
“The barrister?”
“Yes, Sir Thomas Delaney.”
“He has been coming to visit his father quite often while we are there,” replied Evie. “He is really putting on the charm.”
“You can’t tell him or them about us. They would never understand or accept our relationship. It is forbidden.”
“Of course, I know that.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“I’ll just make sure my relationship with Sir Thomas stays at a friendship level.”
“You can do that?”
“I don’t know what other choice I have? I’ll just have to try my best.”
So Evie tried to remain detached at future meetings with Sir Thomas, which, unfortunately, only made her even more intriguing and appealing to him as he was so used to women fawning over him. Because of this, her intelligence, and her beauty, he became smitten and, to his father’s delight, told him confidently that he thought she was the woman he would someday marry.
Afterward, the Count and Evie’s father went out of their way to ensure Thomas and Evie were alone as much as possible. Despite her reluctance, Evie had to admit she enjoyed being with Sir Thomas as he was charming and an excellent conversationalist.
So when Sir Thomas invited Evie to see a Shakspere performance in the beautiful cathedral in York, she could not readily refuse. Sir Thomas was, as always, the perfect gentleman, and Evie enjoyed the evening. Evie knew she eventually would have to tell him about her and Danny so he wouldn’t misconstrue her friendship. But foolishly, decided it wasn’t necessary yet and that she could do that later if Sir Thomas seemed too serious about her.
When Danny asked Evie how it was going with Sir Thomas, Evie said, “So far, I have been able to remain distant, but he is so persistent. I am doing my best to discourage him.”
Although Evie was able to make excuses to decline many of his offers, over the following months, that first date eventually evolved into several others, another play, an opera, and the elegant accompanying dinners. Even though Evie tried to convince herself, these were still just friendly get-togethers as their intimacy hadn’t progressed beyond holding hands. However, unfortunately, Sir Thomas did not feel that way. He was totally infatuated with Evie and savoring their time together, patiently waiting until he thought she was ready for him to make the first physical overture.
As always, the highlight of the London social season is the regal Queen’s Ball, held at Buckingham Palace. The last time Evie had attended one of these was as a debutante in the company of her late brother Tommy before the war. On a whim before returning to Kingsley Manor, and as a gift to herself, Evie had bought a new gown, secretly hoping to find someone willing to take her to the Ball.
So when Sir Thomas asked Evie to attend the Ball, she almost said yes but caught herself and told him she would have to think about it.
That night, Evie was with Danny and told him about her invitation. “I don’t know what to do, Danny. I know it is foolish, but I would really like to go. I love the Ball.”
Danny thought about it and, with much trepidation, said, “Then go if it is something you would enjoy, Evie. You might as well enjoy yourself this last time as you know it is something we will never be able to do together.”
“I know.”
The following day, Evie left a message for Sir Thomas, saying she would be delighted if he were her escort at the Queen’s Ball.
When Evie told her father she was going to the Queen’s Ball with Sir Thomas, he was thrilled. He told her, “You must wear your mother’s jewelry and furs. I have been saving them for you.”
“You didn’t sell them?’ Evie exclaimed in surprise. ” You should have sold those when you needed the money. I don’t know about the furs, but the jewelry is worth a lot.”
“I know, but I could not sell them. I promised your mother I would pass it all on to you.”
So, on the night of the Ball, as she waited for Sir Thomas to pick her up, Evie was dressed exquisitely in the beautiful tangerine chiffon gown with the white lace beading and embroidery she had bought before leaving London. Her mother’s jewelry Evie chose to wear consisted of a long pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in platinum with matching pendant earrings and a tiara. She also wore her mother’s favorite butterfly brooch set with diamonds, pearls, and emeralds.
Right on time, Sir Thomas arrived in his chauffeur-driven new Duesenberg automobile, which he had recently imported from the United States. When Sir Thomas came to the door. Mary let him into the foyer, where Evie awaited his arrival. Sir Thomas was also elegantly dressed. Over his formal evening wear, Sir Thomas wore a black frock coat with a white silk scarf, and in his hand, he carried the shiny black silk tophat he had removed as he entered.
After Sir Thomas greeted Evie and kissed her hand, he praised her beauty and attire. He then helped her don the sable floor-length stole Mary now held. After Evie put on her white elbow-length silk gloves, Sir Thomas led her to his waiting car.
As they drove to the Palace and pleasantly conversed, Sir Thomas held Evie’s hand and was confident this would be a special night.
When they arrived at Buckingham Palace and went through the receiving line, they were warmly greeted as Sir Thomas was well-known, liked, and respected. Also, it seemed everyone eagerly awaited to meet this mysterious new woman who had captured his heart.
Chapter 8 – The Climax
The orchestra’s music was marvelous, and as Evie had expected, Sir Thomas was a skillful and accomplished dancer. This greatly pleased Evie as she and Tommy had practiced dancing for hours to the music of her father’s prized Edison Phonograph before the war.
The orchestra started by playing all the traditional dances, such as the Polonaise the Quadrille, with a few Waltzes mixed in. Then, there were also some of the newer dances that Sir Thomas showed Evie how to perform. First, it was the Foxtrot and then, to the delight of the other eloquently clad dancers, who cleared the floor to give them room, the Tango.
When the dance was completed, there was applause for their performance. After graciously acknowledging the ovation, Sir Thomas dropped to his knee on the parquet dance floor in front of the watching crowd, extracted a red box with an engagement ring from his coat pocket, and asked loudly, “Evie Kingsley, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Evie was shocked and, for a moment, didn’t know what to say. Finally, she said with tears coming to her eyes, “I can’t marry you, Thomas, I am in love with someone else.”
“Who?” Implored Sir Thomas as he unsteadily began to rise to his feet.
”Danny O’Sullivan.” Evie said, then turned and rushed out of the ballroom to the privacy of the lady’s room in the foyer.
“Who is Danny Sullivan?” several persons asked at once.
“He is General Kingley’s handyman,” someone apparently knowledgeable answered.
The man continued, “There are also rumors that he is the General’s bastard son.”
When Evie at last exited the lady’s room, Sir Thomas was waiting there and told her stiffly, “My driver will take you home.”
Evie said tearfully, “I’m so sorry.”
Sir Thomas ignored her comment, turned, and walked away.
When Evie arrived back at the Manor, she immediately went to the caretaker’s cabin to tell Danny what had happened.
Evie tearfully told Danny about the proposal and what she had done afterward. After several minutes of holding and comforting her, Danny said, “I don’t care what anyone says. I want to get this over with and marry you. I love you no matter what and don’t care what people might think.”
‘I want to marry you also, Danny. We will just have to go somewhere else afterward where nobody knows us.”
“First, I think we need to tell your father. He needs to know about us rather than hear it from others.”
“Make sure you tell him we don’t plan to have children,” said Evie.
“I will.”
They went to the house, where they found her father waiting impatiently for them in the parlor.
When they entered the room, her father exclaimed loudly, “Well, you sure made a hell of a mess at the Ball, Evie. I have received several highly agitated phone calls from some very important people. I can’t wait to see what the newspapers print tomorrow.”
“I’m so very sorry, father. I should have told you earlier, but I have fallen in love with Danny, as he has with me.
“I know it is inappropriate, General, but I want to marry your daughter. We don’t care what people will say,” said Danny.
“What will people say?” demanded the General.
“That I am your bastard son, and Evie and I are siblings.”
“I’m not your father,” the General roared. “How in the hell did you make that assumption?”
“If you are not my father, who is?” demanded Danny.
After allowing himself to calm down, the General replied, “Danny, it was a close friend who came here often to shoot pheasant. Unfortunately, he drank too much one night and took advantage of a pretty young maid, your mother.”
“He told you this,” asked Evie.
“Yes, he was quite ashamed of himself,” said the General, “And later, when the maid found she was pregnant, I decided to not inform him to avoid causing him and his family unnecessary embarrassment.”
“And you paid her off and had her leave when I was ten? Asked Danny.
“Yes, and I definitely am not proud of myself.”
“Who was the father? We really want to know. I promise you that we will not bother him,” said Evie,
The General thought about that for a while before answering. “It was the Duke of York”.
“The Duke of York,” Danny exclaimed incredulously,
“Yes,” replied the General. “But you know him better now as our King George the V.”
“Oh my God,” they both muttered almost simultaneously.
After giving them pause, the General said, “I believe it is about time His Majesty learned he had another son, don’t you both? I would think some land and a minor title for you is in order?”
THE END
