Finding Life

The Rest of the Family

                                                                                         (1)

5th August, 1909

Lady Hartfield is sitting in library having tea with her younger daughter and son.

'I am beyond excited for Madeleine..oh we will have such fun', Caroline says with excitement in her voice.

Richard and Rachel chuckles.

'Hold your horses...Pappa said she is still not well enough, I can't imagine how she will travel this far alone.'

'Oh no she is not alone..her mother's lady's maid and another maid will accompany her..', says Rachel.

Just as they were discussing Madeleine's arrival..an old lady enters the room.She was in her early seventies with a dead expression on her face.She walked towards Rachel and Rachel gets up to greet her and so does Caroline and Richard.It was Philip's mother the dowger countess.

'Mamma what a nice surprise..I didn't know you will be stopping by for tea', Rachel says with a surprise look on her face.

Rachel and her mother in law Lady Marion Hartfield were not always on good terms..there were times when they were head to head with eachother.But for the sake of the children and Philip they managed to form a bond with eachother to keep peace in the family and not give the county anymore reason to gossip about the family.They had developed and understanding and respect in the circle of which they always communicated.

'Oh granny it is so lovely to see you around', Caroline kisser her on her cheek.

'Granny..', Richard smiles at her lightly kisses her.

'I hope I have not disturbed your little mid day chat Rachel', she says.

'Oh no we were just discussing Madeleine's arrival..the girls are very excited', Rachel replies politely.

'Oh yes..Elsie wrote to me too but then Philip told me she had asked him too so I was a bit relieved as I was worried Madeleine is gonna find me boring comparing to the girls or else I was gonna make her stay with me..that way I can keep an eye on her..you never know with these young girls today', she says in a secretive tone.

At this both Caroline and Richard chuckles.

'Have I amused you two?', Marion says in a serious tone.

'Oh granny if anyone you should be keeping an eye on is Audery',Richard says in playful manner.

'Richie! Thats not very nice', Rachel gives him a stern look.

'Oh please mamma everyone present at this moment can attest to that', Caroline defends Richard.

'Amen to that',Richard chuckles and takes a sip of tea.

Marion stares at both of her grandchildren and turns to Rachel, 'I do not understand your children or half the time what the intend to say'.

At this both Richard and Caroline hold in there laugh.

'But I need to make sure that Madeleine's stay here is pleasant.. I do not want to give Cornelius the chance to point out my parenting skills anymore', she says.

'I am sure she will have a wonderful stay here mamma..', Rachel replies.

                                                                                    (2)

7th August, 1909 (Staffordshire)

It was early in the morning and all the servants at Beaufort house were busy in cleaning for the evening festivities.