Under the Crimson Sky

Wait for me

                                                                                                                                                             Oct. 1939

                                                                                                                                                        Ipswich Manor

                                 September quickly faded, Anthony was dressing his Army uniform preparing to be sent to the continent. Charlotte’s brother was already off fighting the Germans, it was his turn to go. The sun was barely peeking through the October Mist. The sky was set fire with the Autumnal sun rising. He could see clouds building in the horizon, preparing a storm for their journey. The chilly morning had the footmen up early, lighting the fires. Charlotte was doing a wonderful job with the hospital, and the crops were putting out their bounty. Charlotte said she wanted to go with him to the train station. She insisted, and he relented. Charlotte sat in the sitting room, sipping a cup of tea. She was ready to start the journey down to London. She had a gorgeous brown coat on, with a matching hat, tilted to one side. Mary had styled her hair in a low chignon, to allow the hat to sit on her head. “Ready, Lottie ?” “ No but yes.” She rose, set her tea cup on the sideboard and walked from the room. “ Our bags are already in the car, and they will be loaded onto the train for us.” They walked down the front steps, no one else was awake. His parents said Good Luck last night, and they both did terrible at Goodbyes. Charlotte got into the car, and Anthony closed the door behind her. He walked around and got into the car. They went off down the gravel driveway, the horses coming out of the stable to the paddock to see the noise. Charlotte stifled a large yawn, and Anthony chuckled. “Goodness Countess, are we boring you ?” “ Certainly, you are !” She replied in a cheeky manner. They went along the road, listening to the radio, which offered reports of the war that was getting closer with each passing day.  The town came into view, as did the train station. They pulled up to the station, the sun had been blotted out by the clouds and the mist was failing all around them. Charlotte opened her door and stepped out. The train sent out a shrill whistle into the chilly morning startling Charlotte. Anthony stepped from the car, put on his cap and started for the trunk to get the bags. A train potter came down the steps to help with the bags. “ Suite 2-A, Can we have tea service as well ?” “ Certainly Sir.” The train porter went away quickly, Charlotte took Anthony’s extended elbow and they walked to the train ticket booth. “ Lord Evergreen, Suite 2-A.”  “ Ah yes, very good your My Lord.” “ Here you are Sir, safe journey.” They thanked the train porter and climbed aboard the train. The rain was really starting to come down. They walked down the corridor of the train car, 2-A was a spacious suite, warmly lit, with a lovely tea service all prepared for them. The train started into motion, headed towards the war.   

                           The train pulled into King’s cross station, it was raining here too. Seemed fitting for the mood. “ Do you fancy dinner out Lottie ? I thought it would be nice before my train tonight.” “ Sure that would be so nice.” Charlotte’s stomach churned with anxiousness. Her brother had been gone for a bit, her father was barely speaking to her and now Anthony was leaving. He hailed a cab, and one pulled over quickly. They got their bags loaded into the trunk, and away they went.” St James’ square please.” “ Sure thing Sir.”  They slowly made their way to the house, the traffic was congested and the weather made it even tougher. “ Here we are Sir.” They grabbed their bags and headed up the stairs to the house. “ I just want to have the bags sent up and let me phone the restaurant for a reservation.” Wonderful, I will go in the sitting room and read some more.” Charlotte replied. She removed her book from her suitcase and walked toward the sitting room. She picked her favorite spot by the fire and got to reading. Anthony called The Ruffled Chicken, to reserve a table. They had one left, they were quite busy for the evening.  “ Shall we be off Lottie ?” Anthony asked quizzically “ Oh yes please, I’m famished.” Charlotte said jokingly. They arrived at The Ruffled Chicken. The lights were sent askew on the windows from the falling rain. “ Gosh this rain is not letting up tonight.” Anthony commented “ I know, I wish it would give it a rest. At least for your journey.” They exited the cab and quickly went inside, there was a slight breeze which made it seem so much colder than it was. She pulled her collar up closer, and giggled, “ Oh golly, Autumn is making herself known.” “ She sure is, Father said they are getting the winter equipment in. Mama also mentioned something about you helping for the Christmas celebration.” Anthony said “ Oh I would love to help, I love Christmas !” “ I know you do, I thought you two would have a smashing time planning it. You should reach out to your father, Richard has sent letters to him, Apparently he seems remorseful.” “ If he felt that way, he would reach out to me.” Charlotte said angrily “ I understand Charlotte, but at least extend the olive branch. But let us eat and enjoy each other’s company.” Charlotte shot him a smile. “Your Lordship, right this way.” A waiter led them to their table.” Here we are.” Their waiter set down menus and left them. They were sitting by the window, the rain softly fell outside, searchlights went across the dusk sky, looking for German foe. “ My Lord and My Lady, what a delight to see you both.” They both turned to see Mary standing by their table, they smiled. They both adored her kind heart and sweet smile. “ Darling Mary, how have you been ?” “ I have been well, it has been so long. Last time I saw either of you was when His Lordship came to get some lovely bites for you back in September.” “ Ah yes, thank you so much, everything was wonderful.” “ Did you both decide on what to eat ?” “ I for one am having the Sunday Roast dinner.” She smiled. “ Make that two please.” “ Very good, I will have that out soon.” The restaurant was full of other service members, getting ready to ship out. They laughed and ate their wonderful dinner. “ Did you hear who is coming back to the country ?” No, who ?” inquired Anthony “ Darling Livvy is rushing back from the continent, she almost got caught in France, before they said they were closing the borders. She will be back tomorrow .” “ Why don’t you take her up to the big house with you, you could use the help. Things are going to get busy at the house.” “ Oh could I ? That would be wonderful, she is very interested in the hospital. Her parents are closing their London home, they are coming up north too. They feel it will be safer. We are still getting shipments in from the states for medical supplies. Hopefully the supply will hold.” “  Your Check your Lordship.” Charlotte looked at the bill like it was on fire, she realized he would be leaving very soon. He paid the bill and helped her with her coat. 

They walked outside, to the rain and cold. He hailed a cab, and one pulled over, “ Where to Sir ?” “ Kings Cross” It came out so blunt it shocked Anthony. “ Sure thing Sir.” They talked in low hushed tones on the way to the train. “ Let father know if you need any supplies so he can ensure the hospital has enough money, he has been getting local donations, which helps so much.” “ I will, everything has been going so smoothly. I'm nervous for what the New Year will hold.” “ Here we are Sir.” “ Right, here is for the journey here. Please stay here as she will need a ride to St James’ Square. Here is half and she will give you the rest when she gets back.” He handed her some extra bills to cover the cost. The cabbie jumped out of the car, and took the bags to the train porter. “ Walk with me ?” Anthony asked “ Of Course” Charlotte replied. I will write as soon as I get to the first stop. We will have to get the hospital set up first, but I’m told it won't take very long. “Excellent !” “ Charlotte, I want….” He took her hands in his, the mist swirled around them, the fog was starting to come in. “ I wanted to ask if you will wait for me ?” His eyes met her, filled with questions. Her gaze met his, eyes filled with tears” Yes, of course I will.” The words barely left her lips, when his were upon hers. He held her face, pulling her closer, she wrapped her arms around his waist. His kiss was full of desire but also love. All too sudden, he stopped the kiss. He still held her head, tears were streaming down her face. He caught the tears, gently wiping them away with his thumbs. “Stay at the big house, unless the shipments come into London. Mr. White will come with you and Livvy to get the shipments.” She nodded in acknowledgment. “ I will try and get leave for Christmas, I will write as often as I can. I love you Charlotte.” The air in her lungs whooshed out as he said the words. “ I love you too Anthony.” “ I have to go, please go so I can watch you get in the cab.” He kissed her one last time and she walked back to the cab. She covered her mouth with her hand, to keep the sobs muffled. “ St James Square, please. Right away Your Ladyship.” He sped off from the station, she wanted a hot bath and rest. The cab pulled up the house, she paid and got out. He carried her bag up the stairs. The door swung open to reveal Livvy. “ Oh Darling, Come out of this horrible weather. Mrs. Robertson has tea waiting in your room.” Charlotte wearily climbed the stairs, she needed to rest . She had to get back to the Big House and the hospital. They would have many patients coming in from the continent who needed surgery. “ Dearie what time shall we leave tomorrow ?” “ Early so we can get back, I have shipments coming in as well as patients. I need to make sure it all runs smoothly.” “ Ok then I will let you get settled for bed and see you in the morning.” Livvy hugged her best friend, and went to her room. Charlotte slowly walked to her room, she was so giddy, but tired. She would get a good night’s sleep, and start fresh in the morning. She couldn’t let anyone down, they had to keep the hospital success going.

                    The sun came streaming into Livvy’s room, she yawned and stretched out. She looked at her watch, oh gosh 8 o’clock. She quickly got up and started dressing. They needed to be on their way to the big house, Charlotte looked stressed and tired. She packed her suitcase, and left the room. She went down the stairs quickly, Lottie was at the bottom patiently waiting for her. “ Let’s get going so we can start work not long after we get there.” “ Absolutely Lottie, let’s go.” The pair descended the stairs, and out the door. The car was waiting at the bottom to whisk them away to the train station. They bounced along in the car towards the station.” What do you want me to assist in ?” “ Ordering and inventory, but also helping recruiting new nurses and physicians .” “ Oh Lottie, thank you, I will love doing that !” “ Here we are My Ladies, Kings Cross.” The cabbie got out of the cab and helped the ladies with their bags. They entered the station, walking towards the ticket counter. “ Countess Forrester here to check in along with my guest, Countess Buxton. “ Right My Lady, here we are.” He handed her two tickets, and she started to turn. “ Oh one more thing, can we get breakfast service too ?” “ Sure My Lady, I will have it ordered right away. “ The ticket agent picked up the phone, and spoke into it. “ Yes Breakfast service for 3B, yes for two please.” He set the receiver down, “ Ok My Lady all set.” He motioned for a porter to come over, and help the girls with their bags. The porter whisked their bags away, and the ladies walked towards the train. The train let off a sharp whistle, letting its passengers know it was time to leave. The ladies climbed the train car, walked down the dark corridor to their suite. The suite was warmly lit, with lights and candles. Their breakfast service was already in their suite, hot and fresh. Steam curled above the teapot, Charlotte’s tummy growled loudly. She glanced at her watch, nine o’clock. The train whistled once more and started into motion. The ladies sat down, having helped themselves to tea, eggs and toast. “ I really want you to talk with the doctors and nurses. See what they are like, personality wise. Some are straight forward, others are more relaxed. “ “ Do they get off days, bonus pay ?” “ Yes, but we work long days. Cases come in throughout the day and evening.  We even have a secret runway, that is for our cases only. It makes everything so seamless.” “ Oh gosh that is wonderful, things seem to be heating up drastically in Europe.” “ Yes our surgery load has increased so much ! It is heartbreaking.” The ladies continued chatting about the hospital, about the war expanding and also Christmas. The train slowly chugged into the station.  The ladies got up and grabbed their bags and purses. “ Everyone wears a uniform and you will get one too. Hair must be up and out of your face. Minimal makeup is requested.” Replied Charlotte. “ Oh that is nice, don't have to worry about messing up my clothes.” Livvy said  They walked down the stairs, their heels clanging on the metal stairs. The wind was quite cold , Livvy pulled up her collar on her coat. “ Ah here we are.” Charlotte exclaimed, spotting the car to take them back to the big house. They quickly got in, and they began their journey back to the big house. 

                                                                     They could see the field hands working on the fields, tending to them, encouraging the crops to grow. The machinery plowing newly purchased land. The Big House had just purchased new land to help expand the crops and add to the food that was to be grown . The hospital was being expanded too, the War was growing in size, Hitler was growing his regime by vast numbers. The British Empire was growing their steel fleet by the hundreds. They were hoping to exact their revenge with swift and just might. They continued on until they pulled up to a large gate that had been installed. Their driver waved and they went through the checkpoint. “ Is this new ? '' Livvy inquired “ Kind of, the gate is larger and the guards have been added, since the farm is supplying so much of the food to the Army .” Charlotte replied.  Their car pulled up to the front and they got out of the car. Soldiers and nurses bustled around, coming back from their breaks. Clouds gathering in the distance, threatening rain. It seemed to be getting colder by each passing moment.  “Livvy we will go up and change, and head down to the hospital.” Charlotte replied The ladies walked up the expansive staircase towards the front door. A loud hum could be heard coming towards them. “ Oh a transport plane inbound with some more help, we requested help from the Yanks.” Charlotte said excitedly. They turned in time to see the large plane duck down below the clouds, headed towards their runway. “ Come on , let’s be on our way quickly, we won't change. We need to greet them, and get them sorted right away.” They made their way up the rest of the stairs, walking in through the doors.” Ahh  Charlotte I'm so glad you are back in time to sort out the new incoming help.” Midge replied, greeting her at the front door “ Midge this is Livvy, she will train in your position, we need you back as our lead charge nurse and head surgical nurse.” “Oh thank heavens ma’am, no offence but I’m missing nursing and the operating theatre.” Midge handed Charlotte several clipboards, and then handed some to Livvy as well. “Miss Livvy, I will then help you get everything sorted for Doctors and nurses coming  Peter came up alongside the ladies “ Hello Charlotte, are you ready to meet the new help ?” “ Yes, Peter this is Livvy, she will be training in Midge’s position so Midge can get back to nursing. “ Oh splendid.” The group walked towards the entrance of the hospital. Disinfectant could be smelled, as well as lavender. Lively conversation could be heard.” Livvy we will give you a small crash course in the hospital and its layout. They walked through double doors, and heads turned to see who had walked through. Hoots and whistles could be heard, as well as clapping. “Miss Charlotte has returned !” The soldiers were excited to see her, Livvy could see Charlotte blushing. “ Now lads, I was only gone for a day, I had to pick up my darling friend Livvy to help with the hospital.” Charlotte was shaking the hands of the soldiers. These soldiers were ones that had been injured and were healed, ready for the front once more. “ Oh Miss Charlotte, I have fallen in love with Miss Livvy.” James said thoughtfully. “ James you say that about every pretty girl you see.” She said with a giggle. The group made their way through the crowd. “ Now gentlemen, we must be on our way to meet the new help, but I promise to come check on you all later ok, does tea time sound ok ?” They replied with an enthusiastic hoot. 

                                      They reached the outer doors, which were large doors, capable of allowing a stretcher to go through them. They could see the new help disembarking from the plane, some were headed to the large table set up on the lawn. “Livvy you will sit next to me, we will handle the medical personnel and James will handle the farming crew. We have lots of new recruits for medicine.” Charlotte spoke to the large crowd. “Good Morning everyone, we thank you most humbly for making the long journey here. We have help from here in Britain as well as help from our Yank friends. My Name is Charlotte, I help run the hospital, these are my two assistants Midge and Livvy. To my Left is James, who is in charge of farming. Yes he is young but he is brilliant and fair. Please give them a round of applause. “ The new help clapped enthusiastically. “Now you all will begin in two days, we want you to get settled and we want to show you the grounds and where you will be staying. If you are medical please form two lines in front of Midge and Livvy, if you are farming please form a line in front of James. Thank you all so much for coming.” The lines formed quickly and the girls quickly got through the names on their clipboards, everyone was accounted for.  Mr. Carter could be seen on a tractor with a large trailer on the back to take all the luggage to the lodges for the new help. The medical personnel will put their suitcases on the trailer, and it will be taken to your new lodgings, please ladies put yours at the top of the trailer and men yours towards the bottom. Livvy will hand you tags to put your name and birthdate on them to ensure proper room delivery.” Livvy was amazed how organized everything is. “ Alright let's be on our way, medical staff this way please. They walked up the grassy hill back up to the house, the engines of the plane roared to life. The plane waited till Everyone was far enough away so they could taxi and be on their way. The large group stopped before the doors before going in, Livvy could see another large entrance to the side. “ That is for the emergencies that are flown in by plane, they usually come at night. Nurses will be housed separately from the doctors. Men are not allowed in the ladies’ lodge and vice versa. Dating is allowed, but and I mean a big if, it interferes with work, it won't be allowed. Please remember we are here to help, not add to all the drama. Sundays we try to have family Sunday dinner, and dancing if our workload isn't too much. We have reports things are heating up, so we always want to be on the lookout. We have guards patrolling the perimeter, and of course the blackout is also in effect, but that is sometimes hard if a plane comes in.” Charlotte guided the group threw the double doors of the hospital. “Here we have the soldiers that are almost healed and ready to head back out, upstairs is our operating theaters as well as more major cases that need round the clock attention. We do have two lifts that can take up to two stretchers in each to the operating theater. We have latest in equipment, due to Major Blakeley's medical work. He is off at the front lines now performing surgery. His family owns this estate, we will meet the Duke and Duchess later. Are there any questions, thus far ?” “ Ma’am what about the Christmas holiday ?” A young blond nurse asked “ Ah I'm so glad you asked, we are working very hard to see that everyone has off for at least a few hours on Christmas, depending on the War situation. There will be a large dinner, but the Duchess and I need to go over the details of the holiday first. Now we will go up the lifts to the upstairs, we can split up, there are also stairs as well, right through that door right there. “ Most of the men went through the door, headed up the stairs. There were several doctors that had served during World War 1 and they opted for the lifts. Once the large group had all gathered upstairs, they gathered at triage. Here is one of the three triage stations we have, nurses are at the desks at all times, answering the phones from incoming flights. Through these doors are the operating theaters, and then beyond those doors are round the clock beds. We aren’t able to go into the theaters presently as they are being used, but we can go back to down the downstairs triage. You will get a more in depth tour tomorrow, Midge will show you to your lodges now. I must be on my way to attend some events we have planned. If you need anything please feel free to come talk to me or Col Smith, he is the Dr. in Charge or you can speak with Midge Brighton as well, she is in charge of the nursing staff. Good luck to you all.” They thanked her and she set off to change and speak to the Countess about the upcoming holiday. 

           Charlotte felt so much better after changing into different clothes, she wore flats, a warm sweater and a pair of slacks. She felt warmer already, and much more comfortable than her travel clothes. She spotted Mary coming down the hallway, “ Oh My Lady I didn’t know you were back, Can I help you with anything ?`` '' Yes are you doing anything right now that needs attention ?” Charlotte inquired  “ No My Lady, I'm here to help you.” Mary said “ Brilliant, I need your help, we need to organize the holiday that is fast approaching. Can you see if the cook is available to talk about the holiday ? “ “Sure Ma’am. I will go down right away and see if she is free.” “ Great meet me in the drawing room please.” They parted ways and Charlotte quickly went into their office. Upon passing through the room, it smelled like polishing wax for the leather and books. She noticed some books on her desk, one was a worn leather bible, the other was a large stack of British Medical Journals. Current, so she could be up to date on all the latest information. She opened the front cover of the bible, to see Anthony’s handwriting on the paper. “ This was my father’s while he served during World War 1, please keep it safe.” Tears welled in her eyes, she quickly blinked them back, she needed to make this Christmas amazing. She took the reading to her room, and headed downstairs.  She quickly made her way to the drawing room, seated on the cozy couches were Margaret, Mrs. Seacliff the cook, and Mary. “ Sorry I’m here, Anthony left me a present in the office, I wanted to put it in my room.” She said cheerily. “ How was your trip ? The new help seems to be settling quite nicely, and Livvy is catching on quite quickly too.”