Under the Crimson Sky

Safe at last !

                                        Charlotte’s eyes fluttered open, her room was quite dark from the setting sun. She looked at her wrist watch to view the time. 7 pm, she quickly got up and started pulling on her robe. She pressed the maid button, and went over to the closet. All her clothes had been brought over from her house. She didn't recognize one of the gowns in the closet. It was a gorgeous sapphire colored dress. There was a soft knock at the door and in came her maid, Mary. “ Good Evening My Lady, how are you feeling ?” “ Oh so rested, thank you. It is so good to see you. Can you help me with my hair ?” “ Sure thing miss, you come right over into the chair, and we will fix it up.” Mary gently pulled the zipper up on the back of Charlotte's dress. She had finished her hair while Charlotte touched up her makeup. She looked radiant. Her hair  gently went back into a rolled chignon in the back. Her hair in the front was swept up into a roll. She had a drop diamond necklace her brother had given her, as well as the matching bracelet. She dabbed on her favorite rose scented perfume, and walked from the room. She glided down the staircase. She could hear laughter coming from the sitting room. Everyone must have gathered there. “ Certainly hope I'm not late.” She exclaimed walking into the room, everyone turned and gasped. “ Darling, you look a vision.” Her mother came over and kissed her cheek. “ Oh thank you Mama.” “ Your Grace, dinner is ready .” Mr. Edmund replied. 

   The large group paired up and walked into the dining room. The room was flooded in candle light and crystal reflecting from the candle light. It made the room magical. Anthony pulled Charlotte’s chair out and helped her into it. Charlotte placed the napkin in her lap. Anthony sat down next to her, she turned and smiled at him. “ Did you get a hold of the hospital ?” Charlotte inquired “ Yes, I have a two week leave and then I must go back.” “ Oh then we can work on the hospital here together.” “ Yes I started the order list already, we can go over it if you like ?” “ Yes, that would be wonderful.”  The butler, and two footmen brought the first course in.  Cream of Mushroom soup sounded so good, Charlotte was quite hungry. The bowl was set in front of her and she immediately picked up her spoon. Her spoon touched down into the soup, and the warm liquid flooded the cool metal. The soup was so meaty and filling. “ Charlotte how are you feeling ?” Margaret asked “ Slightly tired but better than yesterday.”  “ Very good to hear, we are so glad you are staying here with us.” Margaret smiled warmly at Charlotte. “ William, have you heard why those nasty buggers were after poor Charlotte ?” Replied Charles. “ Something about her being nosy and eavesdropping in a very important meeting.” “ Papa, how would I know about a meeting, and are we just going to ignore the fact that they are invading a country. They also were chasing me, at certain points shooting at me !” Charlotte said angrily. “ Oh my poor darling.” Elizabeth said, taking a large sip of her Champagne. “ Well I for one am glad she won’t be staying at the house, she will be more safe here.” Richard said  He stared at his father hard, he was very angry. The main course was coming in, much to Charlotte’s relief. All this hostility was getting to her, she was nervous that they would find her.  “ Would you like to go riding tomorrow ? I can show you the property, and also we can talk to various people regarding the new improvements.” Charlotte turned and smiled “ Oh that would be lovely, I want to make sure I am up to speed on all of this.” “ Great !” Anthony gave her a warm smile. The main course came in, it smelled amazing. Roast Beef, Potatoes, and her favorite Yorkshire pudding ! She gave herself two, the conversation began to get lively around the table and laughter came in loud bursts.  The plates were cleared and tea was brought in. Charles stood, “I’m headed out to the balcony for a smoke, would anyone like to join me ?” Anthony stood, as did William and Richard. Then men slowly walked from the room, and found their way outside.  Margaret turned the wireless on, and helped her self to another drink. Charlotte’s mother moved closer to her.” I’m sorry your father is blaming you for that whole fiasco. He is under a lot of pressure from the ministry. “ Elizabeth said nervously. “ Mama, really !? They were shooting at me, and a young man got hit in the chest from a bullet. I don’t understand why he is so mad, and why he is mad at me.” She stood from her chair and pushed it in. “I’m going for a ride.” 

         Charlotte turned and left the room, she was so upset. How could her parents blame her for this mess ? It did not add up. She quickly walked up the stairs, down the hall towards her room. “ Charlotte !” her brother exclaimed, holding the waist of her maid, Mary. They both looked flustered and red. “ What is going on ?” Charlotte inquired “ We were just talking about the upcoming war.” Richard said nervously “ Oh really, I was born yesterday Richard.” She pushed past the duo, and Mary tagged along with her back to her room. “ I’m sorry he lied to you My Lady.”  “ Just be careful.” Charlotte warned. She began removing her jewelry, she placed it back in the safe in the wall. She picked out a blouse, sweater and riding pants. She quickly dressed and pulled on her boots. “ Mary, how do I go out the back way ?” “ I will show you My Lady, just this way.” They walked down the hall a bit and Mary opened the door. “ Right thru here. They went down the spiral staircase, to a long stone covered hallway. Servants bustled back and forth, finishing the day's work.” Just out that door My Lady.” Charlotte pushed opened the door, the dusk air felt good against her warm skin. She could hear masculine laughter from the balcony, she quickly walked down the pathway, trying to not make that much noise. The stable doors were open, with the stable boys still working to feed all the horses. She approached one, “ May I have a horse saddled, I would love to go for an evening ride ?”  “ Certainly My Lady, in fact your horse is here. Give me just a moment to saddle him.” He turned and walked down the broad hall. What seemed like only a minute he was walking back down the hall, with her horse saddled. He flicked his ears back and forth, he started to prance down the hall. She giggled to herself, cheeky devil. “ Here ye are Miss.” She stuck her foot into the stirrup and swung up into the saddle, he handed her the reins and tip his hat. She gave the reins a bit of slack and off they went down the gravel path. She would go towards the back of the house, so she wouldn’t be seen. She needed to be alone, she needed to breathe. She gave a low whistle, and Coal took off into a gallop. Much to her dismay, the men had moved to the back balcony. 

                                         Anthony could see Charlotte take off on Coal. “ What the devil is she doing, night will be upon us, and then we will have to go search for her.” Charlotte’s father spat out. “ “ Richard and I will go after her, just to check on her.” Richard and Anthony strode down the stone steps, leading to the stable. “ Maybe it’s better if you go after her, she was upset with me earlier, and I know she is feeling upset after this evening’s dinner.” “Alright, but stay in the stable until I get back.” “ Ok, I could use a break from all the war talk. “ By time the guys had reached the stable Ralph had already saddled his horse, and was bringing him down the pathway.  “ Thank you Ralph.” Anthony took the reins, swung up and was off down the back path. He figured she would be headed back towards the pond he had told  her about earlier. The cool dusk air felt good. His nerves were so tight from all the war talk, to Charlotte’s father out of line rant , to him getting his draft letter from the Army. They wanted him as a field surgeon, they would make him a Major as soon as he signed. Him and Aries galloped down the dirt path, the light was fading fast. He needed to hurry, he knew the path lights would be going off soon. He eased Aries into a trot, he didn’t want to scare Charlotte or her horse. The thicket was loud with all sorts of noises. The one that made his heart tighten was the sound of Charlotte sobbing. He pulled Aries into a stop, and dismounted. “ Charlotte ?” “ I’m fine, just letting off some steam.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, her eyes were so red and her hands were shaking.  Anthony came towards her, she backed up. “ I'm not a china doll, I don’t need to be constantly watched. Germany was not my fault, How would I know they were having a meeting, and frankly who cares.” “ Charlotte, this is not your fault, your father was wrong to blame you. “ She shook her head in agreement, her hand shook as she covered her mouth, as she continued to sob. He pulled her closely and wrapped his arms around her.  She sobbed into his shoulder, he was seething. She should have never been put into this position. “ Lottie, I’m here please don’t cry.” “ He gently rubbed her back, she lifted her head to look at him. Her face was tear stained, and her nose was pink. “ Come on, I have some news to tell you. I have been drafted into the Army. They want me as a field surgeon, I will go in as a Major. “ The tears started once again down her face, the world had turned upside down in a matter of a 24 hour span. I will be leaving next week for training and then on to the continent. We don't have much time to set everything up. I have some friends coming over from America to help work in the hospital. We both need to get a good night's sleep and need to be fresh for tomorrow. “ He kissed the top of her head, and let her go.

                               “ Will you help me up, I’m feeling a bit poorly from crying.” She asked “ How about you ride back with me, as it is quite dark now.” She shook her head in agreement, and he lifted her up into the saddle. He went on, and they started on their way back. She gave a slow whistle and along came Coal trotting behind them. The breeze picked up, and soft thunder rumbled on the horizon. “ We must hurry, Coal doesn’t like storms.” He nudges Aries into a faster trot. She could slowly make out the lights of the stable. As they came around the bend, they could see several people gathered in front of the stable. Oh great he thought, a welcoming committee, just what Charlotte didn’t need. “ Where the bloody hell have you been Charlotte ?” Her father’s voice boomed out in the storm charged air. She hadn’t seen him standing there, and she jumped. “ Papa ?” Anthony pulled gently on Aries reins and he stopped in front of the group. He swung his leg around and hopped down, he reached up for Charlotte and helped her down from Aries. Anthony handed the reins to Ralph who came quickly down the gravel path. Her father’s voice sounded again, “ Where…” Anthony cut him off.” That is enough ! Your Grace you will leave immediately, your foolish ways put Charlotte in harm’s way for the foreseeable future and now we will protect her. Good Evening !” Anthony took Charlotte’s hand and they walked down the gravel path towards the house. The rest of the group slowly walked back to the house. Anthony’s heart was racing, he was furious, but he was also exhausted. He needed a good rest tonight. They went through the side door in which Charlotte had come out of. They walked through the corridor and up the spiral staircase, They almost bumped into Mary on the way up. “ Your Lordship I apologize, I didn’t know when you would be returning.” Please can you bring a tea tray for The Countess.  “ “ Right away Sir.” They continued up the stairs, until they were in front of the door. He swung the door open and ushered her through the door. He closed the door gently behind him. The house was quiet, the sound of their shoes on the plush carpet became muffled. She was exhausted, she needed sleep desperately.  He could hear muffled sounds of the wireless on, Mary must have turned it on for Charlotte before she headed downstairs. He could also hear his parent’s laughter coming closer and closer down the hallway. “ Darling there you are ? We wonder what you got up to ? How are you doing Charlotte ?” “ She went for an evening ride, got more of an earful from her father, so I bid him good night and brought Charlotte up here immediately. She needs rest desperately.” “ Please rest and have Mary bring up a tray. Just relax tomorrow if you can. Good night, dears.” His parents continued down the hall to their room. Anthony opened the door for Charlotte, and they went into a different room than Charlotte recognized. It was dimly lit, and the fire was going, it was such a cozy room. The walls had floor to ceiling bookshelves, filled with books and mementos. “We can use this room as an office, all of my medical books are at your disposal. I have extra notebooks, pencils, pens and all the stuff you will need. Peter will also be working here as well, as will I when I'm home. Now for you to get to bed, you can go right through that door to your room, it locks on your side.” Charlotte walked over to the door and slowly turned the handle, she paused for a moment, turned back toward Anthony, and quickly walked to him. He grabbed both of her arms, and pulled her into a tight embrace. “ I'm so glad you are here.” He whispered, his hands reached her face, cupping them, rubbing his thumbs against her cheeks. He pulled her close, and his lips gently touched hers. Her arms encircled his waist, his hand threaded through her hair. Her heart was beating just as fast as his was, and just as quick as the kiss started, it ended. He pulled away and smiled. “ Good Night Anthony.” She reached up and caressed his cheek, turned to leave the room. She turned the door handle, gave him one last smile and closed the door behind her. She walked to the small couch in front of the bed, and started removing her boots. She quickly got ready for bed, she sank down into the fluffy bed and fell asleep quickly.

                                           Charlotte woke up to the smell of eggs, bacon, toast and beans. She smelled vanilla tea too, her favorite. She got up, and saw Mary setting the tray down.” Good Morning My Lady, I picked out your clothes and His Lordship is waiting in the next room.” “ Goodness, let me take my food to the other room. I will dress quickly and get ready. Please tell him 15 minutes.” Charlotte practically flew out of bed to get ready. Within 15 minutes she was walking into their study office to start learning. Anthony turned at the sound of the door creaking open, in walked Charlotte, Mary was behind her carrying the breakfast tray. Mary set down the tray at the small table and walked from the room. “ So we have gotten supplies in, so we will go down and start to organize everything. Take your time eating, How are you feeling ? “ “ Much better thank you.” She gave him a beaming smile. She ate and they were headed down the main stairs, they turned left and headed down the long corridor. Charlotte could hear lots of hammering and shouting. They stepped through the door and turned to see scaffolding attached to the side of the house. They were extending the ballroom, which was huge to begin with. They were also adding on to the upstairs of the house. Anthony explained the ballroom would be used as the main part of the hospital, with 100 beds, upstairs would house the surgical theatres and recovery units. She couldn't believe how much work had been completed. “ Well they are working around the clock, we have large lights to light up the area. They will be done next week. “ “ Wow, so quick ? “ “ Yes, there are injuries already, casualties too. Hitler is much more aggressive than anyone thought he would be.”  “ Let's go to the storeroom and start organizing.” Hours went by before Charlotte realized she was quite hungry. Mary came in with a footman. Both were carrying trays of food, tea and sandwiches. “ Your Lordship, your mother thought you both would be hungry.” “Thank you Mary, we are famished.”  “ My Lady, your brother is here as well, he will be in shortly.” “ Wonderful, thank you Mary.” They had almost finished unpacking 30 crates worth of supplies. Charlotte knew where everything was located, which was good cause she would be in charge of everything. “ Wow Lottie, Tony, this place looks amazing ! Your mother phoned and asked if I could come and help.” Charlotte looked at her brother, her eyes round and searching. Her brother was in an Army uniform.     "Richard, why are you in a uniform ?” “ I have been drafted, I’m headed out tomorrow.” Charlotte’s hands shook, tears filled her eyes. “ No, you can’t go yet.” Charlotte don't be silly, everyone is going, we have to fight this evilness."  "But so soon, it just barely got started.” Tears were now rolling down her cheeks, lip quivering. “Lottie please try to understand, they need pilots desperately.” “ You can't be serious, there are reports of massive amounts of planes being shot down.” “ CHARLOTTE, you can't stop this, this war is coming, you have to face it and not think it won't come here.” “ Yes you're right. Excuse me” Charlotte set her cup down, knocking the cup out of the saucer. Her eyes angry, she walked from the room. She was angry, angry at her father, angry at her brother who liked to take risks, and most angry at the mad German that started this whole mess.  She walked towards the garden Anthony had created, at least the war hadn’t come there yet.