My Dearest Josephine

4: Confusion & Obsession

Just when the Chester household was beginning to return to its normal state, tragedy struck once more. The unimaginable happened too soon. Lord Galding appeared at Josephine's door, looking as ill as ever. His daughter rushed to his side, helping him in.

"What are you doing here Father?" Josephine asked. "You need as much rest as possible, you know that." She scolded him, trying not to worry. But inside, she knew better than to pretend nothing was wrong. If her father had gotten out of bed, especially so early, it must be for something important. She could only wonder what had happened.

His round, hazel eyes were bright red, puffy, and watery. His aging face looked drained and exhausted. Josephine had seen her father cry very few times in her life, but she had seen him. Remembering those times, she realized that this is what he looked like afterwards.

Lord Galding didn't speak, instead he sniffled, his eyes watering when they met his daughter's. Seeing her concern, he wished that what he came to say wasn't true, he hoped he'd wake up before he said anything more. He let her help him into a chair, where he sat down and took off his hat.

His daughter asked him what the purpose of his sudden visit was, and he prepared himself to answer. Lord Galding soon found that he couldn't find the words as easily as he thought he would have been able to. As Josephine waited patiently for his answer, he looked down at the hat that rested on his lap, for he didn't have the heart to look at his daughter anymore.

"Josephine, your mother- She," he began, speaking in a breathless manner, yet trying his best to keep his composure. "She fell down the stairs, only a couple of hours ago."

Josephine frowned, bringing her brows together. Her father's eyes were watering again, and he was shaking his head, whispering words softly under his breath. He looked up at her, and cleared his throat.

"I know the two of you have always had many misunderstandings, but you have to understand that she was raised by her grandparents, who taught her what they had learned; a way of speaking, thinking, and acting from a completely different era. She's only ever wanted the best for you." Lord Galding began.

"Where are you going with this?" Josephine asked. "I don't quite understand. Is she alright?"

"If you weren't such a strong willed girl, I think you would have gotten along with her," Lord Galding smiled, half-hearted. "But you were born with quite a spirit, just like her."

"She's very bad then, I'm assuming?" She inquired. "Let me guess, she sent you here, sick and all, to make me feel guilty!"

"No, I-I-" The accusation caught him off guard. He stuttered for a moment, but kept shaking his head, insisting that wasn't so. "She didn't-"

"That woman never rests!" Josephine laughed. She was in awe of the lengths her mother would go to make Josephine feel worse about herself.

"What? No, you don't understand." He assured her.

"I can't believe that she-" Josephine chuckled bitterly.

"She is dead, Josephine." Lord Galding interrupted, his voice breaking. "No one sent me here, I came by my own will."

Josephine stared blankly at her father, her eyes wide, thinking of his words.

"She is gone," he nodded sadly. "My wife and love are both gone. Your mother is gone. That is what I- What I came to inform you about."

She doubted him. Her mother couldn't be gone, just like that. What about all the times she prayed to be rid of her, but to no avail? What about the times Josephine swore she was too sick to cheat death this time, yet Martha would still come through? And now, out of the blue, she was finally dead? Because of tripping on a measly, little step? The concept was difficult to grasp.