Under the Crimson Sky

Comfort and Joy

                                                                                                                                                      Dec. 1939

                                                                                                                                                 Ipswich Manor-Library

                   Charlotte smiled, “I'm so glad to hear that, Midge has been begging me to get back to the surgical theatre.  Mrs. Seacliff thank you so much for joining us today, we want to plan a crackin’ good time for Christmas, but we need your help. Mary I also want to promote you as well if you are up to the task of being my assistant ?” Everyone turned to Mary, She blushed a crimson red. “ Oh my Lady thank you so much, I gladly accept, can I also still be your ladies’ maid as well ?” “Of course, you are amazing, and no one can do better with my hair than you.”  “ Now Mrs. Seacliff, what are you needed/wanting to do for Christmas ?” “ How about a wonderful Christmas ball, for everyone, during the day can be just for the family to celebrate together. I can have food for the farming staff, as well as the hospital.” “Oh what a wonderful idea, that sounds amazing. We will need a band, we can set some tents up outside on the lawn to house the ball. “ Mary proclaimed “ Oh this will be so much fun.” Sighed Margaret “ Hopefully Anthony and Richard will be able to get leave.” “Oh Richard had secured it, he told me.” Mary blurted out, then realizing what she said she blushed heavily and apologized. Charlotte stood and said ”No need to apologize, let’s be on our way then shall we ?” The ladies were walking from the drawing room, when a footman approached Charlotte and handed her a telegram. It was from Anthony. “My Lady if you don’t mind, I'm going to see about unpacking for you and doing the laundry. I also want to get started on the ball.” Mary stated “ Yes of course, I'm just going to read this and then go check on Miss Livvy. And Mary, Call me Charlotte please.” Charlotte replied. Mary went down the hallway and out of sight, Charlotte quickly opened the envelope and read its message.

                                   “ I'm sorry no Christmas Leave.” -Anthony.  

Charlotte melted down to the chair that was close by, she was so looking forward to seeing him at Christmas, she wanted to show him the hospital, all the hard work they had completed. “ Chin Up “ She thought to herself, maybe he can come home for the new year. She folded the envelope in half and tucked it into her pant pocket. She needed to go check on Livvy, and finally have supper. She was exhausted and hungry.  

                                                                                                                                                            Dec. 24,1939

                                                                                                                                                                   France

                  Anthony blew smoke out from the last drag he had of his cigarette. Hopefully he could quit before Christmas, he hated the habit.  Their transport truck went along down the bumpy dirt road. His hand were dirty from moving equipment, from hard labor but not performing surgeries. The air was cold and bitter for December, snow fell around them. He had been approved for time off but he didn’t tell Charlotte yet, he wanted to surprise her. A few hours and he would be up in the air across the channel towards home. His mother had written to him telling of all the fun things they had planned. He couldn’t wait to scrub up and change his uniform. The war so far, had been so slow, nothing happening on either side. Hopefully they could go in and remove the pompous German bag of hot air. “ Here we are Sir, the plane is ready for you and not a single plane on the radar, be quick now.” Anthony jumped down from the truck, grabbed his duffle and walked towards the large plane. His heart is full of joy and excitement. His mother told him, they were hosting a large event tonight, to thank all the new help that had come to Ipswich Manor back in October. Less than 4 hours and Charlotte would be in his arms again. “ Here we are, Sir. “ The airman ushered him up on to the plane, Anthony found a seat near the front door, he wanted to get off quickly. Several more Officers got on board, and finally the back door closed. The plane taxied down the runway, and took off quickly. Everyone was very excited to be off the Continent, but also out of the reach of the Luftwaffe. Anthony put his head back to rest his eyes, seconds later he was out, dreaming of dancing with Charlotte.

                                        “ Yes everything looks amazing, the garland around the staircase looks amazing, great eye Mary.“ Livvy commented. The three ladies were admiring  the grand staircase. The house smelled like pine and cinnamon, Mary had really done wonders making the house and hospital feel special.  A large tree sat in the foyer, glittered in the soft glow of the lights. Red bows adorned the staircase, along with garland from the property. Everything was so festive, trying to make the War seem like it wasn’t going on. So many of the soldiers had been sent back to the front lines again. The ones that were still recuperating had been drafted to help Mary and Livvy decorate the hospital. They gladly helped. “ Well we really should head up to start getting ready for tonight’s festivities.” exclaimed Livvy. “ Charlotte glanced at her watch, it read  a little after 4. “ Yes, let's do”.  Margaret said. 

                Charlotte and Mary made their way up the stairs. Charlotte was wearing a gorgeous ruby colored satin dress, she would wear her favorite diamond necklace and bracelet from her brother. She also added small diamond earrings. Mary helped her with her hair, she dabbed on her rose scented perfume. She slid on her off white satin gloves, and Mary helped her into the bracelet as well. “ Mary I want you to change into a gown and attend the party.” Charlotte said strongly “ But Charlotte I haven't anything to wear and I’m surely not allowed to attend. “ Mary said meekly “ Stuff and nonsense. “ Charlotte replied, the tone in her voice brooked no refusal. “Plus I have loads you can wear, pick something out and I want you to keep it.” Charlotte stated “ Thank you Charlotte.” She went to the closet and chose a gown of soft yellow, and departed the room. Before closing the door she had told Mary to come back up to her room so they could go down together, that way if anything was said, Charlotte would handle it. Charlotte went to the office right next door, leaving her door open to her room. She looked over the supply list, as well as the inventory that had just been taken. Everything was looking well, patients didn’t have any complaints other than wanting to stay for the good food and the wonderful Estate. Most also stated they wanted to beat the Germans, so back they went. Thirty minutes sped by an in walked Mary, she looked beautiful. “I'm all set Charlotte.” Mary said. Charlotte rose from the desk and the duo walked down the hallway. “ Ma’am, wait there is something I must tell you, His Lordship is nervous to tell you. Mary said concern thick in her voice “ Which Lordship ?” She chuckled “ Your Brother.” She paused, looking down. “ Mary tell me please so I can help” Charlotte said, reassuring “ Your brother proposed, and I accepted, he wants to marry when he comes over.” Charlotte immediately reached out and hugged Mary. “ That is wonderful news Mary or should I say sister.” Mary sighed with some relief, Charlotte took her hand “ Truly it is wonderful news, Father might be a bit stubborn about it, but he is stubborn about most things. Shall we start planning tomorrow ?” “ Yes please.” Mary beamed. The ladies walked down the main stairs, only to find Richard standing at the bottom, grinning from ear to ear, eyes locked with Mary’s. “ Wow you look incredible.” Richard said lovingly Mary blushed a Crimson Red. Richard offered his arm to Mary and they walked down the hallway towards the ball. Charlotte followed behind, but a bit back to give them privacy. 

                                           She sighed, she wished Anthony was here, she longed to dance the night away with him, but she also wanted to show him all the new improvements that had been done. The closer she got to the ball, the louder the music got. Glenn Miller’s band’s song was playing “ Moonlight Serenade” had all the couples entwined, slow moving on the dance floor. She smiled to herself, at all the couples together. “ Ma’am might I have this dance ?” A recovering Pilot asked “ Oh Thank you, I'm not feeling up to much dancing.” Charlotte said sadly “ Ok Ma’am I understand, what about with him ?” She turned around, and there standing behind her was Anthony.   She gasped and said “ Oh thank the Lord.” He pulled her close, so no one else could hear, wrapped her in his arms. “ You look gorgeous.” Anthony said to her. Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. “ I'm here until the New Year, I haven't seen much action at all. He lowered his head, touching his forehead to hers. He turned his head slightly and his lips touched down on hers. She pulled him close, She had missed him so much.  “ Sorry to interrupt everyone, I would like to make a few announcements. Firstly, Charlotte the Hospital looks amazing, and the chaps are saying the care is top notch. Well Done Charlotte !” A thunderous roar sparked from the crowd. She felt her cheeks blush. She nodded in acknowledgment. “ Next I would like to say to my Mary, the Manor looks amazing, you look amazing, and I must say I'm so glad you said yes you will marry me.” The crowd applauded in a thunderous roar. Richard pulled Mary into a kiss, and the service members whistled and hollered. Charlotte could see her father making his way through the crowd towards the bar. Richard hadn’t told him prior to this event. “ Should I go check on your father ? Anthony inquired “ No let him be by himself and his whisky.” Charlotte said flatly. Anthony pulled Charlotte on to the dance floor. “ The hospital looks amazing, you have done amazing !” She blushed, “ Thank you.” They danced the foxtrot together, shortly after dinner was announced. “ Oh Super, I'm starved.” Anthony chuckled. He offered his arm, and she gladly took it. She eyed in the corner Richard and her father, looking very tense, her mother trying to keep them both calm. “ Let’s go over and get them to dinner. Anthony stated. “ Yes, lets, it's Christmas and there is no reason to fight. Charlotte said “ Father you are being unreasonable, we will be getting married, if you want to cut me off that is your business, I make an income from the farm and the Royal Air Force as well.” Richard stated “You have no business marrying that girl, she is a servant.” “ Father be reasonable, she is my assistant and has done a wonderful job with the hospital and house. This isn’t 1890. “ Charlotte chimed in. “ You stay out of this, your meddling almost cost me my job at the ministry. Her father aggressively said. Charlotte said a prayer for her father, he was clearly upset and nothing she did or said would make anything better. “ Shall we go into dinner ?” Charlotte inquired, looking at her brother. “ Yes, Let's do that. You and Mary can make plans for the wedding then. We were thinking of New Year’s eve.” Richard told Charlotte as they all walked towards the dining area. Mary looked scared, but also relieved that Charlotte was there to help. “ Thank you so much for your help Charlotte, I know together we can really make this wedding look amazing.” Mary said gratefully. The two couples walked into the dining area. Trees, lights, garland, red bows and mistletoe was in abundance everywhere one looked. “Wow, it looks like a fairy Christmasland in here. Simply wonderful.” Were the comments heard whilst walking around the room. Anthony helped Charlotte to her seat, the four sat at a table. A waiter came to take their order and brought them bowls for the soup. Charlotte hadn’t realized how hungry she was until the soup was ladled into her bowl. “ Oh this looks amazing, Mrs. Seacliff really did amazing with the food. Her and her staff made over 1000 cookies for the hospital and local village. She said she never wanted to see a cookie again.” They all laughed. Charlotte caught Anthony staring at her, she leaned towards him and he gave her a sweet kiss.” Walk with me after dinner ?” “ Of course I will.” The band that had been playing during the dancing was now playing Christmas classics. “To the birth of Jesus and to the hard working soldiers fighting this war. “ Charlotte toasted. They toasted with her.  Dinner was quickly brought out. The roast beef smelled heavenly. “ Oh goodness my favorite !” Charlotte exclaimed.  They all laughed, “ I know I had Mrs. Seacliff make Roast Beef as a treat.” They ate, laughed and ate some more. Anthony got up from his chair, “ We will be right back.”  Anthony helped Charlotte out of her chair, and offered his room. Several other couples had also gone for a stroll. It was cold, but after the food and cocktails, the fresh air felt good. “ Oh Anthony, tonight has been amazing. I'm so very glad you surprised me. “ “ I'm sorry, I just really wasn’t sure, but towards the end they granted me leave. “ He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed knuckles. He pulled her close, encircling her with his arms. “ Anthony will you go to church with me tomorrow ? “ Charlotte asked. “ I would love nothing more. Shall we go after breakfast ?” “ Yes I would love that.” In the distance Charlotte could hear the clock tower signaling that midnight was upon them. The snow was softly falling around them, the trees slightly rustled with the breeze swaying them. “ Merry Christmas my dearest Charlotte.” He turned to her and faced her. “  Charlotte, will you Marry me ?” Charlotte did not hesitate one iota, “ Yes !” Anthony pulled a small but beautiful ring from the box he held in front of her, he placed it on her finger, she giggled as tears fell from her cheeks. He picked her up and spun her around. They both laughed in unison, for now, in this moment their world was perfect. 

                                                                                                                                                   Dec 31, 1939

                                                                                                                                                 Ipswich Manor

                                         Almost a week passed, the wedding was upon them. Charlotte helped spread out Mary’s veil behind her. The duo had become quite close over the past week. She was so happy for her brother and her new sister. “ Ok we are ready Mary.” Charlotte grabbed her flower bouquet and slowly walked in front of Mary. Mary had asked her to be her maid of honor. The church was full of guests, all craning their necks to get a glimpse of the bride. She spotted Anthony standing behind her brother as she made her way down the aisle. Mary glided down the aisle, by herself as she didn’t have any family. But Charlotte had told her they were her family now. The bride reached her groom, and he took her hands in his. They said their vows, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Camera flashes go off, as the wedding photographer took pictures. The wedding party walked back down the aisle towards the future. Mrs. Seacliff had made the couple's favorites. Champagne flowed, and dancers spun around on the dance floor. " I'm sorry we won't be able to go on a honeymoon, but we can go when I have leave." Richard said remorsefully. " That is ok my darling, there is much to do. And we can save up to go to Scotland." Mary said excitedly. The couple spun around on the dance floor, as the music played on.  " Come on my future bride, let's dance." Anthony pulled Charlotte on to the dance floor, " You have done a wonderful job my darling. The soldiers leave and they want to come back." He chuckled. " We train heavily on nursing care and Mrs. Seacliff has done wonders with the meals. We are expecting to triple or quadruple our crops." She said proudly.  " Oh wow, that is fantastic my darling." Anthony said boastfully. He leaned down and kissed her soft lips.