The Duke's Daughter (Editing)

Chapter Seventeen

AUGUST 1915              

            Since we had gotton back from Bath, Drew seemed to progress with his ankle. Once Elisa told him he no longer needed his walking aid, there was no turning back. GIl and I had exachanged many letters in the past few months. He'd been all over France fighting. Luckily Jerry nor Gil were seriously injured.

           My birthday was coming around the corner and it would be the first time I would celebrate it without Jerry. But being the brother he since the day he was born, Jerry sent me a letter:

                              Dearest Sister,

                                    Eighteen already. I remember when you were a little girl running around in my old overalls playing with mud, now you have turned into such a young lady. Father would've been so proud of you. GIl and I hope to be home your birthday, so perhaps as you read this we'll already be there. I miss you so much Len. Gil gives his love, but I'm pretty sure I love you more.

                                                         With Love,

                                                                 Jerry

       The hope of knowing that Jerry and Gil would be home for my birthday made me grow in anticipation. Just one more day until they'd here, nothing would take joy away from me. 

              "What's that silly grin on your face?" Drew asked smirking.

              "My brother and Mr. Yeardley are coming home tomorrow." I said grinning like an idiot.

              "Ah, I see." Drew's face changed.

              "Aren't you happy?" 

              "Oh yes, yes of course." He smiled quickly and left. I knew something else was on his mind, but I decided it would be best not to ask any questions.

             Once I told my Aunt Henrietta the good news of Jerry's and Gil's homecoming she eyed me with concern. "You know darling, I must really talk to you about something." She sat me down on the cushioned couch, "It's about Mr. Yeardley."

               "What about him?" I asked suspiciously.

          "Olivia has told me about how she's been hearing rumours about the two of you." Henrietta started rubbing my hands lightly, "This is a concern for our family as you know. We don't want his kind around you constantly espically after the incident between Miss Woods and him."

             "I see," I tried to hold back the tears.

          "I wouldn't tell you this if I didn't care," she said but I didn't believe a word, "We just want our family to keep the sacred name alive."

            And what about Olivia? What of the rumours about her? I thought. "Yes, of course."

         "So I suggest that you don't spend time with that boy any longer." Henrietta's eyes narrowed, "For the family's sake."

           Aunt Henrietta scared me. I wasn't sure what she would do to Gil's reputation if he tried to marry me. With tears I held back I answered, "Yes Aunt Henrietta."

            "Good." She smiled, "Now scurry off, I'm quite busy."

          I ran out the room letting the tears stream down my face and I knew Henrietta felt successful. Why? I prayed, Why?!