SHORT STORY

TRUE COLOURS

She was dressed in virgin white awaiting her walk down the isle on her Father’s arm.

As she watched the old recording of her wedding Vicky sipped her coffee.  She remembered looking through the veil as she made her way towards the two brothers.

Luke, tall and handsome, yet vain, irresponsible and ruthless. Jeremy the complete opposite was shorter and sturdy in build, though clever, kinder and reliable. She had courted them both and common sense had told her that the unassuming Jeremy would suit her needs as husband material.

She took a deep breath and sighed for twenty five years had passed. Her thoughts interrupted by the soft feel of a hand upon her shoulder, “You looked lovely darling, still do”.  She hadn’t heard Jeremy enter the room. “I just saw it on the shelf and felt the urge to watch it “she said embarrassingly. “Silly isn’t it. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new chapter. We’ve done well in making our fortune and now as you always wished you retire today at 50.  Happy Birthday Jeremy”.  He looked into her eyes and held her, “Yes indeed, all the time in the world now. James is at Uni and Samantha is married so we can

travel and explore all those dreams”.  She turned off the remote, “Must press on for tonight’s celebrations”. He refilled the caffeteire, “More coffee Vicky?”  She paused, “No I’m fine thank you, I need to get to the salon, check the Caterers are on schedule and collect your suit from he dry cleaners; a busy morning”. She picked up her handbag, “See you later”.     

He took her cup and placed it in the dish washer and wandered out onto the patio. Sunshine and showers had been the forecast. He prided himself on convincing her to spend the extra and hire a marquee; British weather would always be unpredictable. His thoughts distracted by the ring tone from his mobile. “Hi Dad, Happy Birthday, I’m leaving on the at 4.30 from here and will catch a cab from the station. Will be with you about 6.30”. “That’s great James, Look forward to seeing you, take care”.

Life had been good. He had built up a multi million businesses from his expertise

within the publishing business, produced two wonderful children and had an attractive wife who constantly  encouraged him to fulfill his ambitions. Albeit too much at times

he thought though perhaps in hindsight he needed that “push.

His mobile rang again, “Jeremy, just to let you I’ve checked with the Caterers and they’ll be with us at five, I’m out of the salon and have just a few things to get. I’ll be home in about an hour”. 

He looked at his watch. One o’clock. Time for a shower and relax with a Scotch. A busy time lay ahead once preparations began.

Vicky arrived home. Hair and nails immaculate and her face glowing from the facial.

She went upstairs and hung her husband’s suit on the wardrobe door and felt the softness

of the long red silk dress she would wear. She knew she had to look good and she would,  for it  enhanced her fine slim frame. As she opened the safe she selected the accompanying jewellery.

The day was gathering speed. The Caterers arrived and the final preparations in place.

Samantha arrived with her husband early. “Do you need a hand mum?” “That’s kind of you but  I believe we are just about  ready. By the way darling, you look lovely and Nick you look rather dapper. Go and grab a drink”. Jeremy’s mobile rang, “Hi Dad, just to let you know I’m five minutes away”.

“Jeremy, we need to get changed”. As she slid into the silk dress Jeremy looked at her longingly, “You look amazing, in fact stunning”. She could see his eyes fill with emotion.

“You don’t look so bad yourself; let’s go down and get a drink. She could feel her own excitement and it gave her butterflies.

It was a fine evening and guests began to arrive. As the champagne flowed so did the  conversation.  This was not only Jeremy’s retirement celebration but a huge thank you to those who had done business with him in the publishing world.

Vicky circulated and  began o relax. The alcohol had obliterated  the adrenalin which had so engulfed her. Jeremy excitedly beckoned her over. “Vicky, Luke and ……

Sorry I didn’t’ catch your name have  arrived.”  Vicky felt the blood drain from her.

Luke had brought one of his many young flimsy girls with him. She gathered composure,

So this was his latest conquest; she wouldn’t last long, they never did.  “Hello Luke,  lovely to see you and lovely to meet you too. If you don’ mind I must circulate”. As she turned to walk away she noticed his eyes following her. Yes, he was as attentive and charismatic as always.

Jeremy requested to make a speech. “Thank you all for joining me on this very special occasion. I would like to say how wonderful it has been doing business with you  all. Your support and loyalty have been much appreciated over the years and from the bottom of my heart it has been a pleasure. None of this would have been possible without

the love and dedication from my family especially Vicky my darling wife. Would you please be upstanding for a toast to Vicky and give her three cheers. Now for the surprise!

He turns to Vicky, “Darling, the day after tomorrow we are going on a Caribbean Cruise.

Start as we mean to go on”. Vicky felt the panic rise. She was notably shaken. Her head spun but she managed to gain composure. She forced a smile and kissed him on his cheek. Their guests duly applauded loudly. James began singing “He’s a jolly good fellow” and  the others followed suit. His sister Samantha beamed with pride and happiness.

It had been a successful evening. The guests had left and Jeremy was happy though a tad over the top with  alcohol. Vicky was both frantic and furious. They made their way up to the bedroom. She couldn’t contain herself. The thought of being with Jeremy away on her own on a cruise and the rest of her life was too much to bear. Neither was she pleased that he had paid out so much money on the expedition. Jeremy lay on the bed. Vicky raised her voice “Why all that money on a cruise Jeremy, why?”  He slurred his words “Oh come on Vic we always said we would do it” then fell asleep.

Vicky had other plans, for hey had sold the business but the money was still banked until Jeremy sort financial advice on how to invest it. That morning whilst out at the Salon and Dry Cleaners she had cleared the account.

 At two o’clock in the mooning Jeremy was fast asleep . She crept downstairs and picked up her mobile. “Hi Luke, I’m ready with the airline tickets and money. Enough to set us up in the South of France.

It had taken 25 years, from the moment she walked down the isle to hold her promise to Luke. It had been contrived by them both and had shown their true colours.  

  

e prided himself HHHHHH

THE OTHER SIDE

PART 5  (FINAL)

Tom began to recover and gain strength. His appreciation aside he could not fail to see Beth in a different light. He watched her with intensity for she would hold the key to unlock his troubled mind. Sleep did not come easy. Within the early hours one morning he awoke startled. His mind in turmoil he remembered Beattie had a sister Milly. He would keep his own counsel until it was time to leave. Inquisition tormented him for this was too much of a coincidence.

Beth knew in her heart she could not loose him for he was her father and benefactor. Unbeknown to each other they were piecing together the truth.

Milly was making breakfast one morning. Beth entered the kitchen, “Good morning Milly”. Milly pointed to the freshly brewed pot of tea, “Good morning lass, just brewed. By the way I think it’s time we found somewhere for Tom to move on. He is getting up and around the house now. I will miss his company, He’s a fine man but we need to get back to normal; I should be back at the Centre full time”. Beth could feel the panic rise and tried to catch her breath,

“Yes I realise that Milly, give me a couple of weeks and I’ll find him somewhere”. She needed time to think and consider her line of action.

Tom had taken a fondness to Milly. He knew she would be the one he could

confide in and would approach her gently with his unanswered questions.

Milly was baking scones for the Centre when he entered the kitchen, “Would you like me to put the kettle on; have a break?” Milly turned round, “Good idea, I’ll just pop these in the oven and they can bake”. As they sat at the table Tom fidgeted nervously with anticipation, “You know Milly I am much in your and Beth’s debt for looking after me, I’d have been back on the streets by now my dear. I’ll find shelter somewhere; you both need to get your lives back to normality”. Milly sipped her tea and placed the cup back on is saucer, “Beth will sort something out for you and you’ll always be welcome here to drop in. Yes I need to get back with Beth at the Centre but I’ll miss our chats”.

Tom took his wallet out from his pocket for now was the moment, “You know Milly I consider it only decent I should tell you a bit about myself. He drew his tattered photograph of Beattie and Beth from the wallet, “My dear I believe your name is Potterton, I was not prying but noticed it on some paperwork you had been completing one morning. May I be so bold as to enquire if you know of this lady?

Perhaps a distant family member? Her name is Beattie and I fathered the little girl along with a twin brother”.  Milly felt the colour drain from her face, she felt weak and confused yet managed to keep composure and listened. “You see Milly, owing to personal status I was unable to marry her. She fought to keep the girl but unfortunately the boy was taken in by a wealthy family to be educated, which I funded. It was a family decision and one taken out of my control in my circle. I loved their mother for she was beautiful and flamboyant yet kindly and gentle. Of course I had to marry and managed to produce two sons but it was a miserable existence. The marriage was disastrous and when they came of age I walked away. Of course I was disinherited from the family Estate which left me penniless but I will find a job and accommodation; get back on my feet”.

Milly needed time to gather her thoughts for he wanted answers, “Just let me check the scones Tom, I think they’re ready”.  The truth was now out full circle

She took out the scones and placed them to cool on he rack, “I will have a word with Beth tonight and see if she has heard of a Beattie Potterton, leave the photograph with me”. Tom passed it across, “Thank you Milly, I’ll go upstairs and read, I’ve taken far too much of your time”. It was only then that Milly remembered him, of course he had aged but yes the face was familiar.

Beth arrived home earlier than usual. Milly looked pale. “Milly are you unwell?”

Milly beckoned her to sit down, “I have something to tell you lass and I don’t know how you will take this”. She showed Beth the photograph. “From where did you get this Milly?” “Tom showed it to me this afternoon. He asked if we knew her. Beth you have this photo of your mother also, I don’t know how to say this but he is your father”. Beth was unparsed. “Yes I know Milly, I knew when he fell at the Centre. I looked for ID  and found his card, Lord Rothbury, that’s why he is here”.Milly angered, “You never mentioned it to me, how could you”. Beth gently touched her arm, “I am so sorry, I was so shocked and would have told you eventually. I was terrified he would die and wasn’t sure of your reaction to him being here”. Beth burst in to tears. Milly cradled her in her arms. “Its ok Beth but I have something else to tell you, you were a twin and have a brother”.  Beth held on tightly to her Aunt, “We must find him. Please call Tom and bring my photo down, it’s in the top drawer in my room.”

Milly felt unsteady as she climbed the stairs. She found Beth’s identical photograph. “Tom can you come down please?” As he entered the parlour he found Beth sobbing and saw Milly give her the photograph. “This is my mother and I knew when I bought you here that you were my father”  Tears filled his eyes, “Where is your mother Beth, I must find her?” “She died from pneumonia about a year ago”, Beth wiped away the burning tears with a soft cotton handkerchief, “Is it true I have a brother, a twin? Tome looked into her eyes, “Yes my dear, your mother fought to keep you but he was taken in by a wealthy family. It was not my doing; it was the family. I loved your mother Beth but couldn’t marry her. It would have brought disgrace and detrimental gossip to the family. I did marry

because it was the thing to do but it couldn’t work”.

Beth brushed the hair away from her face, “Then we must find my brother”/

Tom fidgeted nervously, I still have the address of where he was brought up.”.

“Well, in that case I shall make a visit” Beth said forcefully. “I will go

Tomorrow” . Tom looked anxious, “He should have his inheritance too; I wanted you both to inherit at eighteen. It was the least I could do.”

The next day Beth made her way to No.5 Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge.

She knocked on the door. A woman, well groomed in her mid forties opened the door. Beth took a deep breath, “I hope you will not mind but I am looking for James Rothbury”. “He is no longer here, please do not call again” and the door closed. Beth sobbed and made her way back along the square. A woman stopped her, “Are you all right my dear, can I help?” Still sobbing and barely able to speak

Beth said, “I was looking for a James Rothbury. He is my brother”. “Come with me, I may be able to help. The woman lived only a few doors away. She poured Beth a small Brandy. “Now my dear what is your name?” Gaining composure Beth said “My name is Beth”. “Well Beth, James did live here until he was eighteen. I believe he was due an inheritance and in fact he did get it but his foster parents at No.5 got hold of It  soon after from his bank account by forging his signature.  Disgusting couple they are; not popular around here. He moved into a bedsit in Hackney. I heard from him a couple of months ago, he keeps in touch, saw him grow up. Here take his address. Such a lovely boy but his foster parents thieved and left him penniless.”. Beth breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you so very much, I shall go there now”.

Beth arrived at the address in Hackney. The area brought back memories of squalor, depravity, the child eating a crust on the curb and the stray hungry dog. Nervously she knocked on the door. A scruffy long haired young man opened it. She observed his features, a younger version of her father. “I am looking for a James Rothbury and have this address. Does he live here please?” “I am James” came a well educated and quietly spoken voice”.  Beth felt her heart pounding. “I am your twin sister”. The young man looked shaken, “Oh yes” he punched the air and hugged her. “I knew you existed but never thought I’d find you; I wouldn’t have known where to begin, this is unbelievable”. They continued crying and held each other tightly. “James, do you have a telephone?” “There is a pay phone in the hallway here”. Beth opened her purse for coins and called a taxi. “Will you come with me, I beg you please and I will pay a taxi back for you.?” He slipped on a tatty anorak.

They arrived at Beth’s house in Chelsea. She excitedly put her key in the door.

Shaking with emotion she called Tom. “Tom, please meet your son and my brother. The puzzle was complete.    

   

SONNET

DEDICATED WITH LOVE TO JOHN MARLOW          04/02/2014

(With Iambic Pentameter)

WINTER LOVE

Winter is nigh, dark days, cold winds will blow

Cold frosty mornings laced in ice and snow.

Snowflakes flutter, so delicate and new

They kiss my face; I am sure it is you.

Icicles form like glass chandeliers

Hanging down in structure from tier to tier.

Fresh laden snow like the first love I knew

So beautiful, so pure; “I had found you”.

The days are short, darkness falls and it’s bleak

I hear your voice; my heart lifts when we speak.

Love brings out the beauty in all that I see

My first and real love you’ll forever be.

The fireside glows; it’s superfluous to me

For YOUR FIRE in my heart will always be.