Henry is in love. He’s head over heels for his little sister Ellen.
He spends much of his time with her, playing games and telling her stories. It does me good to see them this way. I was never that way with Caroline. Alexandra, yes, but she never was close to us. She was cold, even as a child.
My oldest sister may have a heart of stone, but assuredly, her son does not. Alfred is much like his father, even if he much takes after his mother in looks. He is Henry’s best friend; the two are as thick as thieves.
As happy as that makes us, there are times in which having two young and energetic boys in the house can be trying, to be sure. For example, today I was in my study, trying to read the financial part of the daily paper,
when lo and behold, my son and nephew fly through, playing chase.
This is not the first time they have interrupted my work, but this time the mischief twins decided it would be wise to stop inside my study and make faces at each other.
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“Alfred Davenpore and Henry Darcy, is that anyway to behave in my study?” I said as I folded my newspaper. Henry and Fred froze, and then turned to face me.
“No, Papa.” Said my firstborn, echoed by his cousin, “No, Uncle Charles.”
“I thought not. Why are you running about, instead of being at your lessons?” I asked, as I motioned for the boys to sit.
Fred scowled. “The lessons are dull, Uncle, and it is not like my parents care. Father never leaves his chambers anymore and neither does Mother.”
Sadly, his words were true. Alfred was ill, and rarely even left his bed. Caroline stayed with him, showing more care than I was used to, even going so far as to move her easel into their bedchamber so she could paint without leaving his side. Any attention she had paid to her son before was no longer existent.
Still, I could not have the boys running about the house. Perhaps it was time to introduce them to the horses. All Darcys by blood rode, the Darcys breed some of the finest horses anywhere. Soon Henry and Fred would be old enough to ride them, it would be better to teach them now how to care for one of their own.
“Perhaps instead of returning you two to your lessons, perhaps I can give you a new one. Would you like to learn about care for the horses?” I asked. As I suspected, they got quite excited. “Come on, then.” I said.
Out in the stable yard, I introduced Henry and Fred to my personal mount, Gregorian. Gregorian was a pure thoroughbred, fast and agile, a wonderful horse and descended from ancient Darcy stock.
“This is Gregorian, boys. He is my personal mount. When you are old enough, each of you will get one of his sons for your own. But before that, you need to learn to care properly for a horse. It is important to be able to keep your horse clean and healthy. First lesson: picking hooves.”
As my father had done before me, I taught my son and nephew how to care for a horse.
“I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, but I fear Mr. Davenpore is not much longer for this world.” The doctor said. I was saddened by this, but not surprised as the doctor went on, “Mr. Davenpore is very old, and his body is simply failing him.”
“How long does he have?” I asked.
“Days, perhaps weeks, but it will not be long. He is not in any pain, but it could be any time. I have instructed Mrs. Davenpore on how best to keep him comfortable. She is proving to be a capable nurse.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Can I offer you supper before you depart?” I asked.
“Thank you Mr. Darcy, but I had best be going. Send for me again if needed, I will help if I can.” He said, and then left.
I stood there for a bit, thinking, before Fred came in.
“Uncle Charles?” he said, sounding uncertain.
“Yes, Alfred?” I replied, “What do you need?”
“Is my father dying?” the boy asked.
“I am afraid so, Fred.”
He swiped a tear away, and I said “Fred, he is not gone yet. Go, sit with him. Talk to him. He wants to spend time with you. Your mother will be glad for the company. ” I said, and he smiled weakly at me before going in.
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“Father?” Fred said.
“My son,” said Alfred from his place on the bed. “You must know as I do that I am soon to be no more. I must tell you before I am about your half brother and sister. You must learn from them. Grow to be an honorable man worthy of the Davenpore name. Be like Charles. He took us in, you know. When your sister died, I was in no state to live alone in our family home. I grieved bitterly, son. And even after I married your mother, he allowed us to live here, where you could grow up with his children. It gladdens this old man to watch you play with young Henry. I am proud of you. But do not let pride rule you. It is what ruined my other children. Be a better man than I was.”
And he closed his eyes.
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“We gather here today to honor Mr. Alfred Davenpore and his life. Mr. Davenpore was an outstanding gentleman, husband and father. He was preceded in death by his first wife Gloria, and his son Caleb and his daughter Priscilla. He is outlived by his wife Caroline and his heir, Alfred.” Even as I listened to the minister, I could hardly believe he was dead.
Fred had burst from his parents’ quarters in tears. Caroline had followed more sedately, solemnly announcing his passing, and then to my great surprise, she had wept.
And now we were here, gathered in the small chapel next to the ceremony, at his funeral. Caroline, as his widow, was the first to rise and follow the minister out of the chapel to the graveside, with Fred at her side. Charlotte, Henry and I followed, Ellen quiet in Charlotte's arms. She was much too young to understand. . It struck me, that at our last family funeral, only Alexa had married, and now as we buried a family member, we all has young ones at our sides.
We paid our respects, the women cried, and then Charlotte guided the children to play in a small garden nearby, while I stayed with Caroline.
“Caroline?” I said, standing next to her as she cried. She turned to me and wept on my shoulder. I tried to comfort her as best I could. I was never good with crying females.
“I loved him, you know.” She whispered, her face still in my shoulder. “Not at first, but by the time our son was born I was beginning to. He wanted a sibling for him, but I was not ready for another. And now it is too late. He is gone, and I am not sure I ever told him.” Suddenly, her devoted care made sense. I had not understood why my sister, so long seemingly cold hearted had so diligently nursed her dying husband.
“I am sorry, Caro, for your loss. I promise you I will do my best for Fred, as your brother.” I whispered back.
She straightened up. “I will hold you to that, Charles. I fear I may not be able to devote as much time to him as he deserves for a while.”
“Is that not what family is for?”
Sigh, this ending was sad but I did like to see the children growing up. They are cute.
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