The English Rose

Soft laughter floated down to the foyer where the Duchess of Strathmore waited for her daughter, Rose quite impatiently. “ Rose, let’s go now, exclaimed Maude in her heavy German accent. “ Just coming Mama” replied Rose, floating down the stairs. Her chestnut hair pilled on top of her head. Her creamy complexion is just what an English rose should have, and staring out at you, were the most intense green eyes. At just 18 Rose is preparing for her coming out ball, being presented to the Prince of Wales. “ Sorry Mama, Clara couldn’t get my hair just so.” “ Rose, that is no excuse, you know we have to sail to Paris to get your new wardrobe made for the upcoming season, make hast and let’s go”.                       The coach pulled up to the front steps of their posh Belgrave Square home.  Having such a large family required lots of staff to make the household run smoothly. A total of 4 coaches were ordered to take the family to the docks for their voyage. The boys and Rose followed in the second coach. Rose preferred riding with her brothers. They didn’t hen peck her and they looked after her, like big brothers do. The day was gloomy and chilly, just like a November day in London should be. Andrew, the oldest and heir tapped the roof with his cane and away went the coach. Rose sat back against the seat watching others go past them. She was excited to see what adventure lay ahead for them in Paris .“ Rosie, darling are you excited to be presented to the Prince of Wales ?’ asked Andrew, her eldest brother and heir to the Covington Empire. “Nervous, a bit, but Mama may have a stroke before it’s all done.” “ She does worry about every little detail, Papa is talking about taking the yacht and going to America for business, but I mostly think its to get away from her meddling.” Everybody let out a giggle. Soft rain began to pelt the glass windows of the coach as they rolled past Buckingham Palace. The road was speckled with travelers and single horseback riders taking shelter under the trees that lined The Mall. “ Papa said we are not sailing from Dover, we are sailing from the Royal Docks.” “ We are ?” Rose sat up and exclaimed Excitedly. The coach slowed as they grew closer to the dock, Rose could smell the salt in the air from the sea. Her brothers donned their hats and picked up their canes. As soon as the coached stopped, Nathan jumped down from the back and opened a large black umbrella to shield the passengers from the downpour. Andrew was the first to get up, so he could help Rose down. The brothers doted on their precious baby sister. The frigid air nipped at Rose’s neck, she pulled her fur collar closer for warmth. She tucked her arm threw her brother’s extended elbow. Andrew took the extended umbrella and they started their climb up the long gangway to the massive yacht. Henry cast his gaze along the city skyline, slightly obscured due to the heavy rain and fog.   They were sailing on Papa’s yacht, but they were taking lots of friends to Paris. And they were late leaving. The first group arrived it seemed, Henry’s sapphire eyes looked toward the gangway. He sucked in his breath, his hair on the back of his neck stood up. There she is, looking absolutely gorgeous. Her melodic laugh filled the air around them, soft hints of her rose perfume wafted towards him, almost drawing him closer to her. Andrew stepped onto the yacht, helping Rose up. The yacht started to slowly sway back and forth. The wind started picking up. Henry’s father, James pushed threw the parlor doors, knocking the door into the wall.   “ Where the bloody hell is Joseph and his family? The wind is picking up and I received a telegram from Calais saying the storm is moving this way. David, help get everyone on board and get the bags to their rooms. Have Mr. Perkins come see me at once.” “ Yes your Grace and very good Sir." replied David the first footman. James turned to Henry, who was speaking with Rose and Andrew. “ Hello Your Grace, and Thank you for letting us come with you on our way to Paris !" exclaimed Rose. She did a quick curtsey and extended her hand to him. “Rose you look beautiful, and We are happy to have you accompany us.” She turned to Henry and curtsied as well, his heart beating out of his chest when his hand encircled hers. They were warm from being ensconced in her fur muff. The rest of the Covington family ambled up onto the yacht. “ Andrew, why is your sister still out in this cold air, take her inside immediately ! Where is that damn fool of a girl, Clara?’“ Just here Ma’am”. Coldly replied Clara “ Get to Lady Rose’s room and make sure she has everything she needs, start unpacking a dinner outfit for her, and see that she has some tea.” Rose turned back to Andrew and rolled her eyes at her mother’s treatment. Mr. Perkins walked at a steady pace down the corridor leading to the stateroom Rose was to occupy for the trip. “ Ahh here we are Your Lordship, 2A.” “ Thank you Mr. Perkins." said Andrew. He opened the door, and revealed a stunning room. A crystal chandelier was hung in the middle of the room, She walked to the opposite side the enormous suite, to find a red eyed Clara taking out a few dresses from her trunk. “ Ooh Clara darling, I'm sorry Mama was so harsh with you. Andrew you must speak with Mama about her bad attitude.” “ I will talk to Papa about it, this afternoon, so she doesn't ruin the trip. I’m headed to my room Rosie, I will be back when we depart for tea. I will drag along Matthew, Isaac and if I can find him, Henry too.” Rose’s eyes got slightly bigger at the mention of Henry. “ Do you think he would want to visit with us ? I'm sure he is quite busy with important business matters.” Andrew chuckled and walked out the door. Rose glided back to the large bedroom where Clara had 3 dresses hanging up for Rose to choose from. “Oh Clara you really are a lamb for helping me so, Andrew will speak to Papa this afternoon about Mama.” “ Thank you so much Rosie”, sighed Clara . Their bond was closer to sisters, and Rose enjoyed that. Mama was overbearing at the best of times, and this trip was shaping up to be quite interesting. "Rosie what would you like to wear for tea, when the gentlemen come ? “ Oh how about the pink tea gown, with the lace running down the edges ?”  With a turn of her skirt, Clara was back in the trunk to find the gown. It would need to layout for just a bit, to ensure that there wasn't any wrinkles in it. Rose laid her brown fur muff at the edge of the bed, she set her reticle down next to it too. She reached up, found her hat pin, and gently removed the pin releasing the hat from her head. She let out a soft sigh of relief.  Clara laid Rose’s walking robe out she could put it on. Rose continued to remove her travel outfit. The bottom of the hem was quite wet and it was cold against her legs. Rose inserted her arms threw the sleeves, tied the sash around her and sighed a bit of relief. “ The wind picked up so, that I thought I was going to fall backwards down the gangway." laughed Rose. Rose was seated in a chair, removing hair pins from her hair, her hair came down and she quickly plaited and secured it with a ribbon. There was a sharp and sudden knock at the door, “Lady Rose, we are leaving the docks.” Said Mr. Perkins.  Rose glanced at the clock, “Oh dear Clara we should send for the tea service, the gentlemen will be back in twenty minutes.” “ Very good Rosie, I shall send for a footman. Clara tugged the pull cord twice and then checked the sitting room. The room had lots of natural lighting due to large windows that faced the covered promenade. “This will do quite nicely for a relaxed tea”, saying to herself.     Rose’s Father, Richard the Duke of Strathmore is a powerful man. Quite modern in his thoughts and ideas for business and farming, he amassed a fortune to rival most in England. For centuries his family has owned the estate and lands, in Northern England. The estate Ashington Park is the crown jewel of the Strathmore Empire. His eldest son sat at the table with him, along with his other two beloved sons. “Papa, Mama has got to stop this behavior. She is treating the staff quite horribly. I’m surprised no one has given notice yet." Andrew vehemently said. Richard turned a small crystal glass in his hand, illuminating the dark amber fluid inside the glass. “ I will speak with her now, and this will not be a problem anymore. My boys, enjoy your tea with Rosie.” The three men got up from the table buttoned their jackets, and left the room.    Rose smiled and looked pleased with the sight in front of her. The large square table had a snow white tablecloth draped upon it, on top of that was an array of tea sandwiches, cakes and scones. The tea pot was steaming hot and the tea cups were awaiting the hot beverages that would soon occupy them. Yes this would do indeed. Rose walked to the bedroom to give herself one last look in the mirror. Her ivory complexion glowed with youth, which made her green eyes pop. Her pale pink tea gown stood out against her skin. Her Chestnut colored hair was pulled to the side, into a plait. Soft curls stuck out, giving her an ethereal look. “Well Rose, you look gorgeous, and the tea service looks stunning. I think you do great hosting tea.” Clara beamed with pride. There was a sharp and sudden knock at the door, followed by two random knocks. Her brothers were here, and she hoped they brought Henry. Lily Anne was quite nervous as she stood behind Rose’s brothers and Henry. She could hear Rose open the door and greet her brothers. “ Please come in, replied Rose” Suddenly Rose spotted Lily. “Oh my heavens, what are you doing here?” Giggling, laughing and hugging commenced. Rose looked up and saw Joseph Von Schneider walking down the corridor, dripping wet, eyes ablaze. He gave a slight nod, and she gave a weak smile. Isaac called after her, “Come on Rose darling, the tea will get cold.” Lily pulled Rose into the suite and closed the door behind them. Mr. Perkins showed Joseph Von Schneider to his suite, “Well damn this room will not do,” thought Joseph. “Are there any rooms that are bigger that are available ?” “ No Sir, all the rooms are taken and accounted for, We have a large number sailing with us today.” “ Very good Perkins.” Joseph shooed him from the room, and began removing his soaked hat, and jacket. He tossed everything on the floor. He called out for Peter, his valet. “Here Sir, what can I assist you with ?” “ Find out who is on board.” “ Right Sir.” And with that Peter turned and vacated the room. Joseph knew what he must do, he had to secure more financial holdings for his family.                 “Oh the sailing over to London was quite easy compared to this, the weather is ghastly” Lily continued to tell her tale of her journey over to London from Austria. The yacht leaned to one side, so much so that the tea started falling out of the cups. Rose quickly stood to grab towels to soak up the mess. “Oh gosh this is a rough journey, I hope that weather will calm down for dinner.” Rose said.  Clara brushed and brushed Rose’s hair until it shone like the sea. Clara coiled it carefully on top of Rose’s head. She gently pinned it in place. “ Now let’s get you dressed My Lady.” Clara had picked out a beautiful evening gown, an ivory gown, slightly off the shoulder with black embroidered scroll work all over the gown. Clara attached a jet black pearl choker to her neck, and attached a scroll work diamond bracelet. Under the bracelet were satin opera length gloves.  Rose stood in front of the mirror, turning from side to side, checking herself in the reflection. She loved the dress and style. Her papa had brought it back for her from his last trip to Paris. Clara had to tailor it just a bit to fit properly. “Ahh I love the new style of gowns, they are gorgeous.” A soft knock was heard at Rose’s stateroom door. Clara walked to the door, and opened it. “ His Grace, my lady.” Clara curtsied and her head slightly went down. Rose noticed the soft smile on Clara’s face. “ Good Evening your grace, please come in.”  “ Your brothers thought it would be alright if I escorted you to dinner, we are having an early meal since we are arriving in Calais soon.” “ How very thoughtful of you, I would be honored.”  Henry held out the crook of his right arm, and Rose’s hand gently wrapped around it, and he led her from the room. Walking down the stairs of the grand staircase, Joseph could see the crystal chandelier lit by gas.  He could hear the soft melodies of the string quartet playing, and of voices coming from the bottom of the stairs. Everyone on board was mingling and chatting about the journey, as well as the excitement of going to Paris. “ Oh Rose darling, you look incredible." Lily exclaimed. Everyone turned to see Rose and Henry descending the staircase. Joseph glared at Henry, “How dare he impose himself and escort her down to dinner. I must gain her trust and win her affections, recalling the earlier meeting between his mother and Rose’s mother”. Mr. Perkins stepped forward and spoke to Her Grace the Duchess Eleanor. “ Your Grace, dinner is served.” Everyone paired up and walked to the dining room door. Joseph was stuck in the back, escorting his sister Marta to dinner.  The lights made the room ensconced in a warm glow, and the crystal from the glasses sparkled like diamonds. The Duke liked to entertain, as did his wife. The table was set with a stark white tablecloth. The china was set at each place setting, perfectly arranged. Checked twice by Mr. Perkins, he required perfection. The pink and white Peonies dotted the table, the crystal twinkled under the gas light. Henry helped Rose into her chair. Everyone started to chat amongst each other, when the servants brought in the main course. Rose placed her napkin across her lap, Henry turned and said “Lady Rose do you like to ride?’ His eyes danced with amusement. “ I do like to ride, Your Grace.” “ Would you go riding with me sometime ?” “Yes, that would be wonderful.” She picked up her wine glass and took a sip. The bubbly liquid tickled her nose. The servants began bringing in the food, the aroma of Roast Beef wafted through the room. Poor Rose was quite famished. The footman placed her plate in front of her, on it was Roast Beef, Creamed Corn and Roast Potatoes. The group began eating, chatting about the upcoming landing in Calais, as well as the Season that would soon be upon them. Rose started to feel the long day creep up on her, she stifled a big yawn. “ Goodness my lady, I hope we aren’t boring you." replied Joseph. Rose slowly turned her head , she was tired and she wasn’t ready to deal with rude questions. “ No Sir, I’m rather tired, I have had a long day.” “ Doing what, climbing in and out of carriages ?’ He slid his chair back and rose, turned and walked from the dining room. Rose’s face turned three shades of red, she bit her lip to keep from shedding her tears. Henry quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed, “ Rose that is not true.” He removed his hand from hers, but gave her a warm smile. Andrew stood and walked towards Rose. “ Sister let us go back to your sitting room for some tea.” Rose, her brothers, Henry and Lily walked from the room. Rose was trembling, she didn’t know why he had said that, she was also exhausted from the day’s events. Clara helped, Rose into a fur stole, and handed her her muff as well as her gloves. Her traveling dress was nice and warm, she could feel the temperature drop in the cabin. Her brothers came into the room, with Lily and Henry. “ Rose, are you ready to go ? The ship is about to dock.” “ Yes, Lets be on our way.” Clara gave a head nod and short curtsey, and the group left the room. “ Rose may I escort you to the carriages ? “ Henry asked, his gorgeous blue eyes staring at her. “ You may” Rose replied. Henry stuck out his elbow so that Rose would be able to loop her arm through it. Lily had her arm looped through Andrew’s arm. The wind was cold and unrelenting. Rose pulled her fur stole closer around her neck. The ship creaked as she rocked back and forth. Rose looked nervously towards the gangway, as they made their way closer and closer to it. Shipmates help the gangway on each side with ropes attached to metal loops that were secured to the docks.  Lily and Andrew had already gone down and were loading into the covered carriage. Rose gripped Henry’s arm, “ Don't worry Rose I have got you." he said confidently. They slowly made their way down, their pathway shook against the wind. “ Rose, we must get down quickly, would you allow me to pick you up ? “ Yes, this is awful.” With one swoop, he lifted her from the ground and carried her quickly down the gangway. He set her down in front of the steps of the carriage, and held out his hand so she could enter the carriage. The horses stomped the ground in frustration, they wanted to be on their way. Away from the large ship, away from her swaying in the wind. Rose entered the carriage, and right behind her was Henry. He closed the carriage door and off they went. Henry spoke to Andrew, “ Papa told me he invited you all to stay with us in Calais, and your father said Yes. Papa sent a telegram ahead and everything is prepared for us. “ “ Oh brilliant, I'm so pleased we don't have to stay at a hotel.” Henry turned towards Rose” Joseph and his family have not been invited to stay, especially not after his remarks to you at dinner.” “ Oh thank you, he was rather rude wasn't he.” The carriage slowed, the occupants rocked back and forth, rain unleashed from the sky. . Rose could feel her body start to shiver, she tried to adjust her body to hide the fact that she was freezing, but Henry’s quick eye caught it. “Here Rose , to keep you warm, shouldn't be too much longer.” He removed a blanket from the shelf above them. She smiled warmly at him. She stared out the window, trying to make out where they were. She could see glowing lights up ahead. “ Ahhh here we are, it will take a bit of time for the others to get here, Papa was still on board with Mama when we left. He told me for us to not wait up for them.” “ A warm bath, a cup of tea, my book, and a warm fire sound amazing.” Lily exclaimed. “ Oh that sounds wonderful, but I don't know that our trunks will be here yet.” Rose replied. “ I had the crew take them off as soon as we docked, they will be in your rooms as well as your Lady’s maids.” beamed Henry. The carriage slowly turned into the drive, leading to the house. Rose longed to be out of her travelling clothes, to soak in the tub whilst enjoying a cup of tea. She was quite tired from the day, and needed  rest. The carriage rolled slowly under the covered porch, which helped protect the weary travelers from the rain and wind. The horses shook to get excess water off of them, water flew in all directions. The girls let out a giggle. The four of them climbed the stairs to the house, it seemed every lamp was on in the stately home. Somehow Mr. Perkins appeared before them, “ What is your directive, your grace ?” “ See that the Ladies both have baths drawn up and we would also like full tea in about an hour.” “ Very good your grace, both Lady’s maids are upstairs, bathwater is drawn.” “ Excellent Perkins, well done.” Henry extended his elbow to Rose and they entered the house. A soft glow of light surrounded them as they entered the home, they climbed the stairs. Henry turned to Rose” This is your room that you will be staying in, it's my favorite.” “ Thank you for thinking of me.” Rose said as her cheeks flushed. The suite door swung open and Clara stood by the entrance. She did a small curtesy. “ See you in an hour.” Henry turned and strode down the hall. Clara softly closed the door behind Rose. “He is so charming, Rose. He ensured we were here before you all left the docks.” Rose smelled lavender scented water, she spied a tea gown draped across the bed. Rose quickly removed her travelling dress, excited to sink into the warm water. After a quick but through scrub she exited the tub, and began dressing to ensure she wouldn't be late for tea. It was well after 7pm and her stomach growled, loudly. Clara brushed and secured her hair in a side plait. Rose walked to the door of her room and opened it. Lily walked by, stopping to wait for her friend. “ I don't know about you, but I am famished. This cold weather is making me hungry.” The duo made their way to a large room on the second story of the home. It was well lit with lamps and had a roaring fire going. The drapes had been pulled, as the temperature seemed even colder. “ Mama, Papa and everyone decided it best to stay on board. They are reporting hail at the docks.” “ Oh goodness.” exclaimed Lily. Perkins opened the heavy wood door and rolled a cart into the room. He had a large assortment of delights on the cart, all of which looked wonderful. The group had gathered by the fire, sitting on oversized couches. Lily sat down, and Andrew immediately sat down next to her. Rose sat close to the fire, Henry sat next to her. Perkins arranged everything on the lower table in front of them and left quickly. Rose chose several tea sandwiches, as did everyone else. The tea smelled heavenly, warm Vanilla and Bergamot notes floated through the air. The group finished their food and was talking about the upcoming season. “ I for one am not excited for the dress fittings.” Laughed Lily, Rose chimed in unison. Rose sat back, content with the warm fire and comfortable couch, she felt her lashes drop down, paralyzed to stop them. A warm hand caressed her cheek, “ Rose, it's time for bed.” Her eyes flew open, panicked she looked around. She met Henry’s gaze, her brother and Lily were gone from the room. Clara stood near the door. Rose tried to stand, but she was still trying to wake up. “ Rose, I can carry you to your room if you like ?” “ That would be lovely, I'm so sleepy, I seem unable to make my feet work.” Henry stood up, and moved the table to the side just a bit, and swooped Rose into his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder. Clara went ahead and opened the door, and he walked to the edge of the bed, setting her down gently on the bed. Henry reached for her arm, she placed her hand in his, and he gently placed a kiss on her hand. His lips were soft and velvety. “ Good Evening Sweet Rose.” “ Good evening Henry, sweet dreams.”    “ Rose I have pulled your warmest dress, hat and gloves, but I think they are out of style.” “ Have my parents arrived yet ?” “ No they all have been delayed, the gangway was slick with ice this morning.” “ Perhaps we can go into town, to get something warmer ?” “ Will you please send for my brother Clara ? “ Yes of course, I shall return quickly.” Clara departed from the room, and Rose sat in the chair sipping her warm tea. Clara entered the room with her brother Andrew in tow. “ Is something wrong Rose?” No not at all, it's just my warmest outfit isn't quite warm enough, nor is it fashionable. “ “ I will ask Henry if we can go into town.” “ Andrew, do you think we could also visit some of the other shops as well? Like perhaps the stationery shop and maybe we can find a decent bookstore, since Mama isn't with us.” Chuckled Rose “ Can you be ready in half an hour ?” “ Yes, I finished breakfast and will quickly get ready.” True to her word, she came down the stairs in a half an hour. The four of them vacated the foyer and made their way towards the carriage.  Henry helped Lily and Rose into the carriage, then quickly got in himself, followed by Andrew who shut the door behind him. The carriage leapt into motion. “ Oh after our shopping we should go get some Hot Chocolate, doesn't that sounds just lovely?” said Lily The carriage slowed to a stop in front of a cozy dress shop, in the window they had displays of winter attire, of course in the latest fashions. Andrew excited first, Lily stepped down on to the first step. She gripped her hat, she had placed her hand in Andrew’s hand. He placed his hand gently on her waist to help steady her. She stepped down and took 3 long strides into the shop, La Paon Moelleux. Rose entered closely behind Lily, the store smelled like rosewater and lavender. The ladies walked across the plush carpet towards the clerk. “ Bonjour.” the clerk replied. The duo got to the counter, “ We would like to see some of your latest winter fashions”. Rose said “ Oui, Miss. Right this way.” Sophie, the clerk lead them through velvet drapes into a larger room, that held mannequins, with the latest fashions on them. “Oh my goodness, will you just look at the trim, look at the beadwork on the evening gowns.” cried Lily. Rose picked up a gorgeous grey fur hat, placing it on her head, it felt warm. She picked up the matching cape, it was trimmed with the same grey fur as the hat. “ Oh Andrew I love this, may I get it ?” Rose asked. Rose turned and faced the two gentlemen. Henry’s breath sucked in, she looked gorgeous. The grey made her green eyes pop even more, small tendrils of hair framed her face.” Rosie, just get whatever you need, you have earned it.” Andrew said proudly.  “Andrew thank you so much, you are such a gem.” Rose said affectionately. Andrew whispered” Rosie you placed top of your class, and the whole class was men. You should be very proud of yourself.” Rose whispered back “ Yes I am, but we cant let that get out because no man is going to want a wife who is a Dr.”