Under the Crimson Sky

                                                                                                                                                             Sept 1, 1939                                                                                                                                                       Germany-France Border Leaves crunched violently under her heavy boots, small twigs attached themselves to her hair and she ran through them, terrified , not looking back. To look back would acknowledge the monsters chasing her. Charlotte’s lungs burned, but she had to keep going, luckily her backpack wasn’t too heavy. She could hear distant shouting in the back, she knew she had to be close to the border. Thunder clapped above her head, the wind blew at her back, almost pushing her along. She could hear French shouting in front of her. A calm went through her, the shouting behind her was getting louder.  She had to make it to the border, she had to get out.  “ Aidez moi, Aidez moi !” Charlotte began shouting.  The guards stood up and ran to her, She handed them her passport, and they immediately ushered her to the guard gate.  “ Parlez  vous anglais ?” Charlotte inquired. “Yes Miss, how can we help ?” The Nazis’ are moving to invade Poland, we must get word to your President and I must be on my way to England. “ Charlotte said hastily.  A large truck came around, It had a tarp over the back, to help keep out the rain. Suddenly metal started hitting the side of the trucks.  “ Quickly miss, they are shooting at us !”  Charlotte turned around, only to see a young soldier get hit in the chest, dark red fluid stained his shirt. He was yelling in agony, another two soldiers grabbed onto each of his arms, and drug him off. Charlotte laid down in the back of truck, to avoid the incoming gun fire.  Someone beat the side of the truck heavily three times, and the truck surged forward. She sat up, they flew down the bumpy dirt road. Charlotte had time now to catch her breath, and rub her legs. She removed her backpack, and grabbed her sandwich which was wrapped in brown paper, tied with brown string. She quickly ate the cheese sandwich, she was so hungry.  “ Miss you are arriving at the airfield, it will take you to Calais, from there you will take a steamer across directly to London.” “ Brilliant, thank you.”  The truck came to a sliding stop, she quickly rose and walked to the end of the truck, she climbed down, and the soldiers guided her to the aircraft that would fly her to Calais. She could hear the engine roar, she quickened her steps, she had to get to London. She had to help save England.  Anthony crossed London street, headed back to his shift. There was an uncomfortable hum in the air. The clouds were gathering on the horizon, an impending storm was brewing.  “ Hello Sir, how was your lunch ?” replied Midge. “ It was good, thank you for asking.” Anthony said. His mind was racing, he needed to focus on his upcoming surgery. “ Sir your patient is prepped and being wheeled into the operating theatre.” “ Good, let us scrub in and start straight away.”  Twenty minutes later Dr. Blakeley was walking into the theatre.  He peered at the x-ray films with furrowed brows. Poor chap’s leg was broken in several places.  “ Well let’s get on.” Anthony replied.   The surgery was a success, Anthony was so pleased how the surgery went. He was walking out the hospital doors, when Midge yelled for him.  “ Sir please wait, you have a telegram from the Countess of Forrester and it says it's urgent."  He took the fragile telegram and gently opened it. He read the contents quickly. Thunder clapped above his head, rain began to fall.  “ The Germans are moving to Poland.” So it was war that would be starting. He shook his head. “Come on Midge, we need to prepare for the upcoming war.” “ Sir ?” “ Germany is most likely going to invade Poland soon. Tell your family to prepare. Take tomorrow off to help them prepare.” “Thank you Sir.” She walked down the street and out of sight. He continued to the end of London street. He hailed a cab, and shortly one pulled up. “St James’ Square please.” Anthony said “ Right away Sir.”                                                They drove past Hyde Park, children were playing with Kites and dolls. Moms pushing prams in front of them trying to find shelter under the trees,  Dads helping their kids to pull in their kites. They were all so blissfully unaware of what was coming. ” Here we are Sir, St James Square.” the cabbie replied.  Anthony paid him and got out of the car. The rain was coming down quite intensely, so much so he would have to change his clothes.  “ Good Evening Sir, your mother and Father are in the drawing room.” “ I'm going to change first and then I will be down for tea, I'm famished.” “ Very good Sir.” Edmund the butler .  Anthony climbed the stairs and strode down the hall. He quickly changed and left his clothes on hangers to dry in the bathroom. He descended the stairs, he could here lively chatter from the drawing room. He took a large breath in and entered.  “ Good Evening Mother, Father , little ones, Peter.” Anthony greeted everyone.  He went over to the side table, poured himself a cup of tea and added milk. He got a plate full of sandwiches, he picked a seat next to Clara, the youngest and sat down on the plush couch.  “Well I have received a telegram from Charlotte, and its most dire news.” Margaret gasped, “Oh no darling, is she safe ?” “She has escaped Germany and is traveling back here as we speak. Germany is on the move.”  The room immediately became somber, the smaller girls looked on the verge of tears.  “ Father we need to prepare the big house, we may need to convert part of it into a hospital. We need to be getting supplies as we speak, the farm lands need to be planted as soon as possible.” “ Ok I will go phone the big house, Margaret you make preparations to close this house up. All the art needs to go to the big house, the little ones and Peter shall leave for the big house tomorrow. Nanny can take them up, would that be ok darling?” “ Yes of course dear, I will gather the staff to brief them. “We should hire more staff for the farming work to be done, I want the four plots we haven’t been using to be plowed immediately."  Charles rose, and walked from the room, he picked up the phone receiver,  “ Hello Operator, Ipswich Manor please, Yorkshire county, very good.” “ Ipswich Manor, This is Gwen. How can I help ? “ “Gwen it's me, we are preparing to come to the big house, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Seacliff will get there late tonight. We need to get the house ready to produce massive amounts of food, but also the possibility of using the house as a hospital.”  He could hear Gwen trying to compose herself, she knew what this meant.  “Very good Sir, We shall be ready Sir. Good Bye.”  Charles placed the receiver back down, and turned to see the staff entering into the drawing room. He gathered his wits and walked back into the room.  “Thank you everyone for coming in, we have some news to discuss, we must move quickly to prepare everything. The Germans are on the move.” Small gasps could be heard around the room from the staff.” Anthony continued on” We must pack up the house quickly, everything except a few beds must go, in case the house needs to be used for shelter. The big house will start producing food for the surrounding villages as well as using it as a hospital if need be.” “ We need to move quickly before word gets out. Questions ?” Everyone shook their heads, and with that everything was set in motion.                                                There was a hard thud, the plane Charlotte was flying in landed. She couldn't wait to be home and take a hot bath. She was relieved she had been able to send out a telegram to Anthony, hopefully they were preparing now. She looked at her watch six o’clock, her stomach was growling with a vengeance. The plane turned to taxi to a stop. She could see a small truck with stairs attached to the top driving towards them. The door swung open and she got up, she tossed her backpack on to her back, and strode down the stairs.  “Come miss the boat is waiting to take you to London.” “ Wonderful, thank you so much.”  Walking towards the dock, she started to feel like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders. She climbed down the ladder, to get on the boat.  “ Let's be on our way miss, there are storms in London right now.”  As soon as she was on the boat, the boat went into motion. Dark clouds were on the horizon in front of them, the boat driver was right, they were headed for a big storm. She hoped Anthony would be at the docks to pick her up, otherwise she would get drenched walking back to the house. She had no money left.              In an hour’s time, all the art was packed onto the back of the large lorry they had rented to move the items to the big house. The children, the Nanny ,the tutor, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Seacliff had all left for the big house. Poor Margaret was sipping on some whiskey in the drawing room. Anthony came in to check on his mother, she had teary eyes.  “Mother, they will be alright, they will be safe up there.” “ You are right of course, I just don’t like being away from my duckies.”” I must be away to the docks to pick up Charlotte. Is it ok if she stays for the evening ? Her parents closed Bransley House and are back up at the park.” “ Of course, stop and pick up some food for her, because cook left. Maybe get her some clothes to wear as well. I'm sure she doesn’t have much.” “ Thank you mother.”  Anthony turned and left the room, got his coat, hat and umbrella.  “ Harrods please." He asked the cab driver. “ Sure enough Sir .”  Away they went down the road. The roads were soaked from the thunderstorm that was still actively happening outside. The cab had to slow his driving due to him splashing water up onto the sidewalks. The lights of Harrods shined brightly through the rain covered windows.  “ Here we are Sir.” “ Excellent, please keep the meter running.” “ Will do Sir.”  Anthony walked into the store. Immediately a clerk approached him. His name badge said “ Hugh”  “ I am looking for the Women’s department please.” “ Ah Yes, right this way sir.”  They walked up the stairs, Hugh asked questions regarding the clothes he was looking for. Dress, slacks and a sweater ?  “ Let's do several outfits, I'm not sure how long she will be in town for, and she has had a difficult journey.” “ My apologies Sir.” “ Maude here will help you select items for your friend, I bid you good evening.”  They shook hands, Anthony turned to Maude and introduced himself. She guided him towards the women’s department.  “ Now Sir Mr. Hugh told me you wanted several outfits for your friend, we have a selection of dresses, as well as sweaters, blouses and slacks. Will she need shoes too ?” “ Yes that would be great, thank you.”  Anthony and Maude selected several outfits and Maude wrapped everything, she gave him the total. He gave her the amount plus a tip for being so helpful. He had just enough time to go to the small café and order food for her. Their favorite place to get tea was The Ruffled Chicken. He needed to hurry, he only had an hour left. It was pouring rain, more like the sky was falling he chuckled to himself. They pulled up to the café, and he immediately got out. He hastily went inside, he was greeted by Mary Winters, she had waited on them several times before.  “ Good Evening Sir, how can I help you tonight ? You know the Countess is likely to be very cross with you since you came without her.” she said smiling. “ I’m actual getting food for her, she has been traveling abroad and is quite tired from her journey.” “ Oh goodness I'm sorry to hear she is tired Sir. What can I package up for you? Some of her favorites perhaps ?” “ Yes please, as well as some extra scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam as well.” “ Certainly Sir, please give me five minutes or so. “ “ Wonderful” he exclaimed   True to her word Mary came back with several boxes, all tied so neatly.  “ Sir I also added a small tin of her favorite tea too sir, on the house.” “ Oh goodness, thank you, she will be so excited for that.”  He handed her the amount due, and she handed him the boxes. He was pleased, it had not taken nearly as long as he expected, he would drop off the packages and still make it in time.  “ Back to the house please, then to the docks.” “ Right away Sir. Wow those sandwiches smell amazing.” “ Brilliant, I picked you up some as well.” “ Ah thank you very kindly Sir.”                                 They came to a stop in front of the house, The cabbie helped him take all the packages to the door. Mr. Edmund opened the door and quickly took the packages.  “ Please, can you have the tea ready to tea and the other packages can be placed on the couch in the drawing room, Can you also ensure the fire is going well too.” “ Consider it done Sir” The two men turned and walked out of the house, loaded back into the car. “ All set Sir ?” “ Yes, all set.”  The car went into action, the windshield wipers going as fast as they possibly could, still to see out was difficult.  “ Shouldn’t take us too long to arrive Sir, the traffic is very light.” “ Wonderful, thank you again.”   The lights started to dim slightly as they got closer to the docks, Anthony could smell the sea air coming in, it smelled fresh. His stomach let out a loud roar, he was quite hungry as it was dinnertime and the afternoon had been fraught with stress. The car slowed to a stop, as they approached the information booth. Anthony rolled down the window,  “ Hello we are looking for dock 3.” “ Yes sir, down to the left Sir, steamer coming in from France, Calais to be exact. “ “ Brilliant, that’s the one. Countess Forester is on board.” “ Oh The Countess is back ? That was a quick journey.” “ The circumstances are dire.” Anthony flatly replied “ Sorry to hear that Sir. Ah the steamer is pulling in now Sir.” “ Great, thank you.”  Anthony rolled up his window, and they slowly creeped forward towards the dock. Two men leapt onto the dock, with rope in their hands to secure the steamer to the dock. They secured the gangway to the steamer and dock. He could hear a feminine voice aboard, he could see some movement, then an umbrella opening. She was back. Her hair was plastered to her head , drenched from the rain. Anthony quickly walked to her, his large umbrella keeping the rain at bay.  “ Well Hello, How are you fairing ?” “ A bit chilled, the weather was dreadful coming over.” “ Come on, I have a taxi waiting for us.” “ Oh you are a dear !”  She stepped forward and he pulled her into a tight embrace. He released her and they quickly walked to the car. The chill in the air was heavy and thick, shivers went down Charlotte’s spine. She was so cold and tired, she hoped her parents were at home. She needed a hot shower, food and then bed.  “ Your parents have closed Bransley Park, and gone back to the manor.” “ Oh well that's an inconvenience. Can you take me by the bank? I will need to get a room for the evening and to get something to eat.” Charlotte said tiredly. “No, I have answers to both of those needs.” Anthony replied.  They pulled up to the house, Anthony paid and tipped the cabbie. They quickly walked up the steps, as the rain was still pouring down. Poor Charlotte was shivering, she couldn't wait to get some warm clothes on. The door swung open and Edmund held the door open for them. They entered and gave their hats and coats to him.  “ Sir everything is ready in the drawing room.” “ Ah thank you Edmund.”  Anthony said They walked into the drawing room, it smelled heavenly. It smelled of freshly brewed tea and sweet cakes. The fire was crackling in the fireplace. It was so warm, cozy and inviting.  “ Oh gosh, this is just lovely Anthony, thank you.” “Come let’s sit down and chat.” “ Oh Anthony it was awful, the things that were happening, things that they were saying.” Charlotte spat out.  Anthony poured her a cup of tea, added a bit of cream, handed it to her. He then loaded up her plate with the sandwiches and sweets he got from the café.  “ Oh this is amazing, truly.” “ Brilliant, I also got you some other surprises as well. “  He lifted the boxes from the side table and handed them to her.  “ Oh goodness, Tony you didn’t have to.” “Yes, but I think you will like them.”  She removed the string, opened the box, and pushed aside the paper wrapping. She did this with all the boxes, her face, beaming.  “ We have gotten a room ready for you as well. `` '' Oh you have really thought of everything, thank you so much.” She gave him a warm embrace, he kissed the top of her head gently.  “Come on, I will show you to your room, I will carry the boxes up.” “Edmund, can you bring up a fresh pot of tea, as well as a scone with cream and jam ?” “ Certainly Sir.”  Anthony led the way up the stairs, the sounds of rain could be heard as they climbed the great staircase. She stifled a yawn, and giggled afterwards. He laughed,  “ Gee I hope I'm not too boring.” They both laughed. “ Ok here we are, he swung open the door.”  The bed had been turned down, the fire felt nice and warm. The bath is through that door, fresh towels too.  "Here is Edmund with the tea.”  Anthony walked to the wireless to put on some music for her.  “ Good Night, see you in the morning.”  Charlotte started removing her outfit, it was partly dry, but it needed a good washing. She turned the bath on, she wanted a quick bath and then bed. She removed her clothes, and sank down into the tub. Oh how wonderful the bath feels. She quickly bathed, got out and dressed. She would fix her hair tomorrow. Right now she needed rest. She got into bed, the sheets were soft, the pillows nice and fluffy. She fell asleep within minutes.