No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) (6 page)

They returned to the office, where a lease was drawn-up. Mrs. Jordan suggested a three-year lease, bringing the price down a bit more. With Giselle’s offer of renovation and updating, the agent knocked off another ten percent. Giselle was thrilled. Since she’d made no arrangements for a place to sleep that night, she asked if it was possible to take possession immediately. Mrs. Jordan said that normally their office liked to go in and do a deep cleaning before new tenants moved in, but if Giselle didn’t mind, they’d schedule it for another time. Giselle told her she would do the deep cleaning herself. Five more pounds came off the rent. Giselle accepted the key and handed over a cheque for the first and last month’s rent. By nightfall, she was tucked into one of the double bedrooms, where sea-breezes filled the house. She could hear waves lapping on the shore.

The next morning she sat at a table on the terrace, drinking a cup of tea and writing a letter to Elise. She had the property-office brochure, so it was included, along with her own description of their new home. She knew Elise would be thrilled. After posting the letter, Giselle made a list of chores that needed to be done. First, she made a trip to the village and purchased necessary items. Then, she put fresh linen on all of the beds, cleaned both bathrooms and scrubbed the kitchen until it was spotless. By the end of the day, the cottage was as clean as a whistle. She was proud of what she’d accomplished.

***

It only took Elise two days to reach Thornton-on-Sea
.
One of those was spent packing all of her possessions. On her last night in Brighton
,
she dined out with Violette and several other friends. The few girls who weren’t close to Elise didn’t attend. Two women, Adele and Lana, were Elise’s only true adversaries, but she’d quickly learned to avoid them. They scarcely spoke to her anyway and didn’t seem the sort with whom she would want to be friendly. They were quite rough around the edges, but Violette kept them on because she needed ladies to entertain men who weren’t as distinguished as most of her visitors. They were undoubtedly happy Elise was leaving. During dinner there was a lot of talk about the town to which she was moving. A few girls knew the village. They raved about the heavenly location – the quaintness of its streets and lanes. Elise showed the brochure Giselle had sent, and everyone oohed and aahed at the cottage’s charm. She was so anxious to see her new home. She promised to write to Violette and instructed her to share letters with everyone.

The following morning, the porter from the railway station came to collect her bags. He said he’d meet her at the depot. They’d become friends since the summer night she’d arrived from France, seeking
Maison de Violette.
That subject was hilarious now. Just as Elise was about to leave for the station, Violette took her into the private office and handed her an envelope.

“I want you to have this little gift, to carry you and Chloe through. Put it aside, if you don’t need it now. The time may come when it will be useful.”

Elise opened the flap and saw that there was a great deal of money inside. Enough to live on for more than a year. Tears welled in her eyes.

“You’ve been so wonderful to me. I wish I could repay you. I promise I’ll never forget you, Violette. You’re like a mother to me. Thank God I found you. I’ll put the money away and use it for Chloe’s education. It’s important to me that she have the best of everything. I’ll tell her, of course, who it came from. I hope you’ll come to visit. You need to watch Chloe as she grows up.”

“Don’t count on that. I’d never take the chance that someone might see me coming or going from your cottage. I can never know who might recognise me. You and Giselle are starting a new life. You need to put me, and anything connected with me, far behind you.”

Elise began to weep. “I’m not ashamed of you. I could never be anything but loving to you. Please say you’ll come for a visit.

“Elise, you’re such an innocent. Giselle will explain it all very clearly. Please remember, I don’t want you to ever mention where you lived while in Brighton. Even though you didn’t work here, there are people who’d never believe that’s true. You can’t make any reference to me or to my establishment. You know Brighton well enough by now. You can name any of several boarding houses where you might have lived. Don’t ever mention my name. Promise me.”

“All right. I promise, but only to make you feel at ease. I don’t care what people think. I know in my heart what a good, kind person you are. I’m not ashamed of you. But for Giselle’s sake, as well as yours, I’ll do as you ask. You can’t keep me from writing to you though. I’ll not promise that.”

“All right, Elise. Write, and send pictures of Chloe. I do love her and want to see her grow into a fine, young lady. If you ever need anything, let me know.”

The two hugged and exchanged kisses on each cheek. Then, Elise lifted Chloe and began the trek up the beach to the depot. She was excited at the prospect of a new life, but there was a lump in her throat when she looked back at the lavender, three-story house, covered with morning glories.

Giselle met Elise and Chloe at the station. Mrs. Jordan, from the Property Management Office, drove her, making it easier to transport Elise and Chloe’s possessions to the cottage. The two were like young girls, chattering incessantly. As soon as Giselle finished a sentence, Elise began a new one. It was as though they’d been parted for ages, when, in reality, it had been less than two weeks. Elise had never heard of Thornton-on-Sea, nor did the name Thornton ring a bell. If the RAF pilot, upon whom she’d made such an impression in May 1940, had mentioned either the name of the town, or his surname, she only remembered that his Christian name was Sloan. Mrs. Jordan parked the car in front of the cottage and placed Elise’s bags on the kerb. Then, she hugged each of the ladies and said goodbye. They all promised to see one another again soon.

Elise threw her hand over her heart and gasped. She could scarcely speak and was flooded with emotion.

“Giselle! It’s the place we dreamed about. Identical. Everything about it is the same – even the garden and the pretty fence. I can’t believe you found it! Even better, that we could afford it! Oh, you dear, dear person.”

“I knew you’d love it. The moment I saw it, I was mad for it. It needs a bit of work on the inside, but nothing dreadful. I’ve done all of the deep cleaning. Chloe’s room is ready for her. I think we’ll be very happy here.”

“I know we will. It’s more than I could have imagined. And right on the sea! Oh Giselle, there’s nothing I love better than falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves.”

“Yes, I’ve been keeping the windows open at night, and it’s heavenly. We’ll have to learn to keep the garden in proper order. I don’t know a thing about gardening, but I’ll be surprised if you don’t.”

“Oh, I do, I do. Remember, I lived on a farm in France. My brother did the heavy things, but I was the gardener. I’m very familiar with what needs to be done to keep it in good form. Isn’t it pretty now?”

“Yes. I was scarcely able to believe my eyes when I saw how enchanting it was. That was the
piece de resistance
. Come. You need to look inside. Then we’ll get sorted out,” said Giselle.

They unlatched the gate and entered the quaint structure. Chloe was gurgling and babbling, as though she also gave her approval. Elise was enthralled. The size was perfect for two adults and a child. When they reached the baby’s room, she was once again speechless. Giselle had managed to find a delightful baby cot, very old, made of wrought iron and painted white. It had once been in a French orphanage. An antique shop in the village had displayed it in the window. Giselle said she’d lost her head and purchased it. Elise immediately told her about the money she’d received from Violette. She said she’d pay Giselle for the cost of the cot. Giselle waved her hand, telling her that it was meant as a gift for Chloe.

“You have to accept it,” Giselle declared. “It was so perfect for her. I wanted her to have it. I have a good bit of money put aside. It wasn’t that expensive anyway. But, it’s my special treat for Chloe.”

“I won’t argue, but please remember we have this windfall. I think it should be kept for Chloe. I thought perhaps a savings account in a bank. But, if we find ourselves in dire straits, it’s there for an emergency.”

Giselle hugged Elise. “What good news, and how generous of Madame Violette. Yes. I agree. It should be Chloe’s, except in the case of an emergency.”

There was also a large, old cupboard in the room. It had been scarred and chipped, but Giselle had sanded it and painted it white. It was perfect for Chloe’s clothing, with a side door which opened to a large space for toys. The baby cot was covered with a white eyelet comforter. Matching curtains hung at the windows, and a rocking chair sat in the corner. Elise was overwhelmed at what Giselle had accomplished in such a short time.

“This gives you an idea of what we can do with the rest of the cottage. Eventually, I think it might be lovely to put up wallpaper in here. What do you think?”

“Oh Giselle, yes. Perhaps something pink and white. Is there a shop in the village?”

“Yes. I’ve already explored. We’ll have to measure. Do you know anything about that sort of thing?”

“Yes. I’m not an expert, but I’ve done it before. If the pattern isn’t too difficult, I’ll be fine.”

They both laughed. After a complete tour of the cottage, they carried the few items Elise had brought with her into the hallway. Then Giselle suggested they sit down and catch-up. Elise sat on the chintz sofa in the parlour, and Giselle curled up in a comfortable chair across from her friend.

“So,” began Elise. “Tell me everything about the village. It’s absolutely charming. What have you discovered? Have you met anyone? Also, I want to hear all about your new employers.”

“Well, yes, the village
is
charming. Not just in appearance, but everyone has been very friendly and helpful. I was a bit frightened about whether they would be welcoming to strangers – particularly foreigners – but everyone I’ve spoken to has been extremely cordial. They seem to think we were very brave to escape the Nazis.

I’ve told them that you’re a widow – the whole tale. There’s great sympathy for you. I’ve said we met at a boarding house in Brighton. I haven’t come across anyone who knows Brighton
well – only its location, of course. Thornton-on-Sea is such a pretty place and, being directly on the sea, there aren’t a lot of reasons why anyone would visit Brighton for a holiday. Of course, I’ve not met a lot of people yet.

There’s a school very close to our cottage. Only two lanes over, which will be convenient for Chloe, when the time comes. I haven’t located a Catholic church, but there’s a very pretty Anglican, called
St. Martin’s by the Sea
. I’m rather taken by it. While I’m not Anglican, the services are very similar, and I think I can make the adjustment. I’ve already attended. It’s what’s known as a ‘high church’, so I feel at home. I know there’s a difference in some beliefs, but I’m not terribly concerned about them. They have a Mass every morning, so I can attend before reporting to work.”

“That’s perfect, Giselle. I need to have Chloe Christened, too. I’ll have to talk with the rector and make arrangements.”

“We’ll go this Sunday. I think you’ll like it. It’s important to be a part of a church in these small villages. No matter. I want to go anyway.”

“Yes. I do, too. It’s important for Chloe to have a Christian upbringing. Now, tell me about the house you’ll be working in as a lady’s maid.”

“It’s incredible. It’s called
Highcroft Hall
. The family name is ‘Thornton’. The town is named for them. They’re an earl and countess. He’s Lord Rowan Thornton and his wife is Lady Celia. Of course the family goes back eons – to the 1600s. I went to the library and looked up information about them. Needless to say, they’re very posh. The house isn’t absolutely ancient, since it’s been re-built and added onto as years have passed. But, it still dates to the seventeenth century. I’ve never seen anything like it, but where would I? Unless you count having visited Versailles, when I lived in Paris. It isn’t as grand as Versailles, but it’s awfully spectacular. There are so many rooms, it will be hard to learn all of them. I suppose I shall, eventually. Lord and Lady Thornton seem like good people. He’s quite a handsome old gent, with white hair and a trim form. She’s one of those people you want to put your arms round and cuddle. She’s very aristocratic, but still approachable. One seldom sees her without her knitting. She dresses sensibly and has white hair, worn in a neat updo. I already like her immensely.”

“And what will your duties be? I know your title is ‘lady’s maid’, but what exactly does that entail?”

“I’ll be her personal maid, responsible for her clothing – making certain it’s in top shape at all times. No buttons missing, no tears, no seams requiring a mend. I’ll tend to her personal needs, too. I’ll do her hair and anything else that’s part of her toilette. I don’t think she wears any cosmetics – perhaps a bit of light lip rouge. She always looks immaculate. I’m told I’ll advise her on what frocks to wear, if they’re entertaining, or even just for daywear.”

“Aren’t you a bit frightened?” Elise asked.

“Not really. Naturally, I’ll be somewhat nervous. But Elise, I did so many of those things when I worked in Paris. When I first began, I was very young – sixteen. Well, you know that. I was trained to assist the older girls with their toilette. I became very accomplished at hair dressing, and also took charge of keeping wardrobes in perfect condition. I even made some clothing. The moment I was offered this job, I searched out the village library and found several books on the duties expected of domestic help. One was particularly helpful regarding proper etiquette in a great house. I’ve read it so many times, I practically have it memorised,” she smiled.

“You’ll learn everything very quickly. I think your accent adds to your charm. Your command of the English language is wonderful. I’ve never heard you make a mistake. I’m sure you’ll be a great addition to the staff.”

“We’re both fortunate we were taught English. I’m very comfortable with it.”

“Yes. So am I. In fact, I’ve thought about teaching French someday, when Chloe is older. You’re going to be very successful, Giselle. They’re lucky to have you.”

“I do hope so. I liked everyone I met. The housekeeper, Mrs. Littleton, has apparently been with the family forever and a day. She seems very kind, but I imagine she can be strict. One would have to be to oversee such a massive home. The butler, Richmond, is exactly what you’d expect a butler to be. Tall, dark haired, somewhat stern-looking and exceedingly proper. I’m sure he’s very nice, but it’s hard to tell about someone in that position, until one gets to know him. The only other person I met was the cook, Ruth. I imagine she’s quite talented. What with the entertaining called for in a large house, she’d need to know how to prepare extravagant meals. Just cooking for the family is probably an event. There are parlour maids, kitchen helpers, upstairs maids – I’ll get to know them in time.”

“Have the Thornton’s any children?”

“Yes. Only the one son. He’s away fighting, of course. RAF. Lady Celia said he’s in Africa. I don’t recall his name right now. She may not have told me. Since his father is an earl, he’s a viscount. I learned that at the library, too. These things are very important to the gentry.
Mon Dieu
! I never dreamed I’d find myself working in this sort of position. It will be a whole new experience, but I’ll adjust. I want to start over. I want to forget the past and become a decent lady.”

“You’ve always been a decent lady, Giselle. You made some unwise choices, but so does everybody in one way or another.”

“I feel that way too. As long as no one from my past pops up and ruins everything.”

“I think that’s highly unlikely. Where would people like the Thorntons meet someone from a brothel in Brighton, or even Paris? That’s very improbable.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“I have to worry about that, too. After all,” Elise said, as she turned the gold wedding band round and round on her finger, “there are things I’m not being completely honest about either.”

“Elise, there’s no way anyone would learn that you didn’t lose a husband at Dunkirk. There are hundreds of women who’ve had the same thing happen to them. If anybody wants to hear details, which would be very cheeky, simply tell them that you never talk about it.”

“Yes. I’ve already decided to say that. I
don’t
want to talk about what really happened to me, so it won’t be hard to resist speaking about myself at all. When will you begin your new job?” Elise asked, changing the subject.

“Not for another week. It gives us time to explore the village a bit more and to make some decisions about what needs to be done to the cottage. I’ll also have plenty of time to spend with Chloe, which I always love. Isn’t it nice that she’ll be growing up in this precious village, in a cottage by the sea?”

***

The next week flew by. Each day they took Chloe and went on another excursion. By the time a few days had passed, they’d been on every street and lane in the village. They had taken a bit of Violette’s gift, and purchased an old automobile. It wasn’t pretty, but it ran well. As soon as they had it, Giselle took Elise to see the outside of
Highcroft Hall
and, of course, Elise was overwhelmed. She couldn’t imagine her friend actually going there to work each day. Giselle was fortunate she wasn’t expected to sleep at the mansion. Most of the staff were. At first that’s what the Thorntons had in mind. But, when she explained that she had a widowed friend, with a small child, who shared a cottage with her, they said that if Giselle didn’t mind working until Lady Celia dressed for dinner, it would be fine if she lived away from
Highcroft Hall.
Giselle wasn’t concerned about the hours. In return for putting in such long days, Lady Celia told her she could have Sundays and Mondays off. The arrangement was perfect. After the two friends talked further, Elise decided that, since Giselle would be free on Mondays, Elise could add to their income by giving French lessons. She wouldn’t have to wait until Chloe was school-age. Giselle would be free to tend Chloe, while Elise taught. By the time Giselle started work, Elise had placed an advertisement, and she already had three little girls, whose mothers wanted them to speak fluent French. She planned to start a class on Monday afternoons.