Royal Beauty Bright by Ryan Byrnes

Author:Ryan Byrnes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amphorae Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2019-01-16T16:00:00+00:00

ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY. JOIN THE ARMY TODAY.

As soon as we unpacked our suitcases, Luther and I headed over to Lavinia’s. On our way, we passed the crowd of boys and young men standing in front of Carraway’s Pub, which now boasted a sign that said “Recruiting Office.” It made sense that old Mr. Carraway, the veteran that he was, would be eager to loan his place of business to the army.

At Lavinia’s, she ushered us into the drawing room and poured tea.

“Have you read the news??” she asked.

“No. Honestly, we were so busy with the contest and it seemed so far away until now.”

“Germany demanded passage through Belgium, and they refused, so Germany declared war and invaded. Under the Treaty of London, we’re obligated to join the fray to protect Belgium. Now, it seems the whole world is on fire!”

“What about Mark?”

Lavinia’s back straightened. “Mark’s a man of peace, which is why I love him so. Some ladies gave him the white feather yesterday, but he doesn’t care. He said the postal service is reorganizing for the war with the Royal Engineers. It means he’ll be doing his duty sorting letters to and from the soldiers, probably in London.”

We were both quiet for a moment as we sipped our tea.

“London’s not too far,” I said. “It’s better than a battlefield.”

She nodded, took a sip, and then looked at me. “Have you heard anything from Jim?”

I could feel my own back straighten and the color rise in my cheeks. “You know how I feel about Jim.” I tried to keep my voice even. “He turned his back on this family when he left school and disappeared. Sending word now and again about a job here or there does not make up for that.”

Lavinia sighed. I knew she still had a soft spot for Jim. “So you haven’t heard anything at all?”

“No.” I’d flipped through the mail when we returned home, but there was nothing. I wasn’t even going to confess that I looked for a note. I told myself since the war had broken out, maybe he’d write to say he’d enlisted, finally done something right. But, no. Nothing. “But I have news about Luther,” I said to change the subject. “He’s gone and got himself a job offer. At Warwick Castle, no less.”

“Luther!” Lavinia squealed with delight and gave him a big hug. “You are full of surprises!”

We chatted about the castle and what working there might be like and then Lavinia suggested we stay for dinner. Mark would be working late at the post office helping to get things organized for the war effort, and I could tell Lavinia didn’t want to be alone.

“I’m a terrible hostess, though. I’m afraid I’m out of everything. I don’t think I’ve been to the market since all this started.”

“No matter, we can all walk down together. We still have the whole afternoon.”

Lavinia smiled. “Then it’s settled. I’ll get my hat.”

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