The Royal Station Master's Daughters in Love (Book 3) by Ellee Seymour

Author:Ellee Seymour
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Historical Saga
ISBN: 9781838776855
Publisher: Zaffre Publishing
Published: 2024-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

The mood in the meeting room was sombre. It was filling up with estate workers and their families, their faces tired but showing determined expressions, as the Sawards arrived. Reverend Rumbelow was already at the front of the room talking to another vicar, a slender man with a gentlemanly air about him and twinkling eyes. He wore a monocle on one eye and had a benevolent expression. Lady Appleby was seated on the front row with George and Kitty. They were joined by Harry and Maria on the two spare seats at the front, while Jack and Jessie sat themselves on the row behind.

As a sergeant of the Sandringham Company, Harry had thoroughly enjoyed attending training camps in lieu of his holidays, such was his dedication to King and country. His age went against him when it came to volunteering; at the age of fifty-six he was too old. A day never passed when he didn’t think of his dear friend, Captain Frank Beck, the Sandringham land agent who was two years younger than him. He had bravely insisted on leading his men despite his age and being asked to by the King not to go. He too was missing with the rest of the Sandringham Company.

There was a heavy sombre atmosphere in the hall and soon every seat was taken, with those arriving last having to stand at the back. The group comprised of many of the people who had been at the church that morning. Some had already received the dreaded telegram announcing the death of their husband, son or male relative and were there to support a relative or friend whose loved one’s fate had still not been officially declared. Some already had tears in their eyes.

On their way to the meeting room Harry had recounted the bravery of Reverend Pierrepont Edwards. Jessie was astounded to hear that he known as the Fighting Parson, and queried how this came about.

‘He used to be a curate in an East End mission before the war, and it was rumoured he was not afraid to use his fists to settle a political disagreement. He was a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party and was ready to defend his political beliefs with both actions and words during meetings and marches.’

Jessie narrowed her eyes and leant forward to scrutinise the chaplain with her father’s words at the forefront of her mind. She could only see a gentle and modest countenance, which belied the courage and spirit of God’s man beneath his black cloth.

He had sailed to Gallipoli with his battalion from the East Anglian Division with the 5th Norfolks and Sandringham Company and was present when the terrible battles claimed the lives of hundreds of young, fit men.

Jack acknowledged Harry’s account. ‘Yes, this is a man of great character who speaks his own mind. You do know he doesn’t approve of women wearing trousers in public and ignores them.’

Jessie covered her mouth to conceal a chuckle. ‘My land army days may

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