Return To Misselthwaite Manor is the sequel to The Secret Garden Part: Chapter 5-9
Chapter 5 Part II: A Visit from an American Cousin
Collin and Mary sits down with Catherine Carter tell her the story how Mary and he met each other on that dreary spring day of 1911
“I had just come from India after losing my parents into the cholera epidemic. There were a handful of children who escaped the epidemic.
We were all British citizens since India was a British territory under the sovereignty of HRH Majesty, King George the V and Queen Mary of Teck.
The British government processed all of the children, located the next of kin to come to London where the boat bringing all of us back to England.
The British authorities had found a Last Will and Testament appointing my Aunt Lily, who I didn’t know had died and her husband, Lord Archibald Craven as my legal guardians if anything ever happened to either or both of them.” Mary tells Katherine, “When I first arrived I was told my uncle would not bother with me since my dear Aunt Lily had passed way ten years before. The only people who took any interest in me for a while were Mrs. Murdock, Martha, and Dickon Sowerby.” Mary says.
“My father would often leave me alone at Misselthwaite Manor under the care of Dr. Craven and Mrs. Murdock. Mary found me by chance because she heard me crying. She told me about Dickon.” Collin said, “It was because of Dickon, Martha, and my cousin-wife, Mary, that I recovered my health and strength. I had been locked up believing that I would have a lump on my back, like my late Father.” Collin said.
“Mary sat there and said, “I didn’t have any lump, I just had knobby spine and body like hers.” Collin remembers laughing, “She threatened to suffocate me with a pillow if I started to scream again.”
Katherine listened without saying a word.
“It was Mary who convinced me to get out into the fresh air so I could get stronger. It was Mary and Dickon Sowerby who helped to walk again.” Collin said.
“I fully recovered because of three things they were due to Mary, Dickon, and my late mother’s garden which when we growing up, we named “The Secret Garden,” we have since renamed the garden after my late mother’s memory” Lily’s Garden.” Collin says.
“Mary found the key near the garden where my late father had thrown it down. Ben Weatherstaff said that if it hadn’t been for the garden my late mother might have lived longer than she did. Something happened in the garden when she was pregnant with me. An accident happened in the arm, I was born too soon, and my mother died shortly thereafter.” Collin tells Katherine.
“Mary was determined to bring my late mother’s garden back to life. Mary, Dickon, Ben Weatherstaff and later with my help me all worked together to restore my late mother’s garden back to its original state of beauty.” Collin said.
“Mary, Dickon, and I stood around a fire with Ben Weatherstaff; we were chanting an Old Indian chant to release my father’s sprit and to bring him back home to Misselthwaite Manor. We don’t know what happened next but my father returned to find Dickon, Mary, and I playing tag in my late mother’s garden. My father was shocked but happy to see that I had been stored to health due to Mary, Dickon, and the beauty of my late mother’s garden. My late father never locked up the garden again and he thanked Mary for restoring all of us back to live. He said, “Mary you have done something I never thought anyone ever could do.” Collin says.
Katherine listened quietly and then said, “What a wonderful story Cousin Collin.”
“Yes it is one that Mary and I will cherish all of our lives.” Collin says.
“It was as if my late mother knew what my late father and I need and it was Mary to bring us back to live and to help us learn how to live again.” Collin said.
“My life isn’t as glamorous as that I am afraid. My life was very simple. There is not much to say about Brooklyn, New York I am afraid.” Katherine tells Collin and Mary.
“I attended public school in Brooklyn, my only enjoyment was sports and athletics. I sense I was a disappointment to my father because I wasn’t born a boy but rather a girl.” Katherine said, “My mother was happy when I was born, as she had lost all her other children.”
“My father was a very cold, distant man. He would have nothing to do with me. I decided to become more athletic and I was hoping I would win his affection that way. I didn’t. My mother became sick with tuberculosis. She would get better than get worse over time. My father placed her in an asylum for persons with tuberculosis and that is where she died finally.” Katherine said.
“I see you were as unwanted by your father as we were unwanted by our parents.” Collin said to Katherine.
“Yes before my mother passed away she said, “Katherine, go to England, look up your Craven cousins.”
“I promised my mother on her death bed I would look up her side of the family and come to England to visit you all.” Katherine said, “She begged my father to love me as he loved her. It didn’t have much affected on him when she made that last request.” Katherine said to Collin and Mary.
“We are sorry about the lost of your mother, Our Cousin.” Collin said.
“Yes it was time I came to England, look for my English Cousins.” Katherine said.
“My late mother talked so glowingly about Misselthwaite Manor, I had to see it for myself.” Katherine said.
“Cousin Collin and Mary, will you show me Lily’s Garden.? Katherine asks them.
“Yes Cousin we will take you to Lily’s Garden, perhaps within the garden you will be able to heal as well as I did in the past.” Collin tells Katherine.
Katherine said nothing. She was a sad young woman whose father didn’t want her after her mother passed away of tuberculosis and because her father wanted a boy rather than female child at the time of her birth.
Mary looked at Katherine and said, “Cousin Katherine if you listen closely you will hear my Aunt Lily tell you it is time to heal.”
Mary sat quietly, she could hear the voice of her late Aunt Lily tells her ,”Prendre Cousine Katherine dans ma jardin ma nièce Mary elle est temps pour la pour est guéri.”
Mary said, “Être que vous ma Tante Lily.”
Lily says, “Yes my niece Mary, it is Aunt Lily.”
“Mary take Cousin Katherine into my garden. It will be there she will experience the same healing as my son, Collin and you have.” Lily says to her.
“Tante Lily, Collin et Je avoir besoin de vous tant.” Mary says.
“Je Suis ne…jamais au loin de Collin et vous Mary si vous avoir besoin de me.” Lily says.
Mary says, “Tante Lily Je t’ aime.”
Lily replies, “Je amour Collin et vous aussi.”
All of a sudden the quiet but gentle spirit of Lily disappears once again leaving Mary alone and by herself.
Collin comes up to Mary, she says, “We are to take Cousin Katherine into the gardens. What the garden did for us it will do for Katherine.”
Collin says nothing but he knows that he would have never recovered his health if he had not gone into then what they called The Secret Garden.
It was ten years ago, when Lady Mary Lennox first arrived at Misselthwaite Manor. She had been orphaned and the only family that could be located for her was her Uncle, Archibald Craven, widower to her mother’s twin sister, Lily, who had died shortly after giving birth to their only son, Collin, now a grown man. Collin may have never recovered if Lady Mary had never been taken in by her late Uncle, Archibald Craven. It was as if Mary’s Aunt Lily knew what her beloved husband and son, Collin needed to be bought back to life, and it was Mary.
Once Mary’s Uncle, Archibald Craven, and Cousin Collin began to live, again Misslethwaite Manner started to change for the best.
Lord Craven was happy once again, lived life fully, when he died he died peacefully. He simply closed his eyes, didn’t wake up.
He was able to see his beloved son, Collin grow up, go on to Oxford, and serve HRH Majesty’s service during World War I in which he was given a medal of honor for his service in HRH Majesty’s Armed Forces. He was able to watch Mary grow up into a fine, well-mannered, young woman of impeccable beauty and grace.
Lord Craven’s last words to Mary were “Thank you Mary for bringing us back to life. I thought no one could ever do that again until you came to us.”
Mary sitting in a chair near his bed cried, “It should be me thanking you Uncle Archibald for taking me in, giving me a place to live after my parents died from cholera in India in 1910.”
Lord Craven said, “We should be thanking each other then. We gave each other life.”
Mary just sat there crying of broken heart as she watched her Uncle Archibald lying dying in his room.
Neither Collin nor Mary was present when Lord Craven passed away into eternity and joined by his late beloved wife, Mary’s Aunt Lily.
Dr. Craven informed Collin and Mary that Lord Archibald Craven had finally passed away peacefully in his bedroom.
The two grown children clung to each other when the news was broken to them by Dr. Craven.
Collin holding Mary in his arms said, “Whatever are we to do now that Uncle Archibald is dead.”
“Mary, it is a great lost but we have each other.” Collin tells her, “We have our garden.”
“Yes we have each other and our garden.” Mary said drying her eyes.
That was how Lady Mary Lennox came to live at Misselthwaite Manor with her, Uncle Archibald Craven, Cousin Collin; it was all due to a cholera epidemic that took the lives of parents in India in 1911.
Every Sunday after Collin and Mary attended Anglican services at the church where their dear father and mother were Uncle Archibald and Aunt Lily, where laid to rest they would visit their graves and place fresh flowers on their graves.
Mary would stand there for a few minutes to talk to her Uncle and Aunt.
“Hello Oncle Archibald and Tante Lily, Je avoir étais pensée de vous les deux. Collin et Je suis ouvrage très bien.” Mary says.
Mary looks up into the sky. There is no a cloud in the sky after church service.
Collin walks over to her and says, “I see you are visiting our father and our mother. Yes Mary, it is true my parents have been more of parent to you then your own have been ever since you came to stay with us at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“This is so true Collin, no matter how hard I tried to please my late mother and father there was nothing I could to please them.” Mary said.
“I know it shows disrespect for the dead, but the way they treated you for the first ten years of your life proves they never loved you. You were passed on to Ayahs and governesses all of your life. This is not to say my late father didn’t ignore me. He did, until you came to live with us. Everything changed between my late father and me when you came to live at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“Collin did I ever tell you on the evening that the cholera epidemic broke out, my late mother and father were in the formal dining room, partying with other British officials and my late mother was flirting with another gentleman and my late father did nothing about it.” Mary said distastefully.
“No Mary you never told me about the incident in the formal dining room in Governor’s House in India with your late mother and one of her paramours.” Collin said.
“My late mother was such a flirt and I don’t know how my late father put up with her flirting and carrying on with other men in front of him.” Mary said.
“I don’t know Mary. I guess your late father just put up with it the best way he could.” Collin said.
“I would never do that to you Collin. Your mother and my mother were twin sisters yet both of them were as different as spring and winter.” Mary said.
“Remember all of the pictures of my late father and mother we found in his desk my den Mary.” Collin asks Mary.
“Yes Collin, they looked so incredibly happy together.” Mary said, “It is so sad that Aunt Lily had to die so early in her life.”
“My late mother loved Misselthwaite Manor. She really loved the garden that my father gave her as wedding present when she first came to live at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“Collin, sometimes I can smell Aunt Lily’s perfume. I know she is close by.” Mary tells her, “don’t you sense that she is watching over us.”
“Yes sometimes when I walk down the corridor I can smell her perfume she use to wear.” Collin said.
“My late mother and father had a very elaborate bedroom full of Indian décor. My late mother had the same furnishing as my Aunt Lily did in her bedroom.” Mary said, “I use to watch my late mother from a distance get ready to go to one of the many parties, galas, and government dinners in her bedroom. She never saw me.
She would be looking in her mirror at her own reflection and admiring herself.” Mary said.
“I would be watching my late parents from their balcony in the bedroom. I saw the Mata Raja come up to my late parents and they would be introduced to him.” Mary said.
“I wish my late mother had been more like your late mother, My Aunt Lily, happy to be married, to have a child.” Mary said.
Collin just looks at his wife remember things that happened during her first ten years of life before she made her way to England and come live with at Misselthwaite Manor.
“We best be going Mary, remember we left Cousin Katherine at the Manor.” Collin says.
“I almost forgot about Cousin Katherine.” Mary said.
Collin and Mary walked toward the coach, climbed in, and head back for Misslethwaite Manor after church services.
Katherine was outside, when they drove up the path that lead to the front door of Misselthwaite Manor walking in the yard.
“Good Morning Cousin Katherine, I hope you slept well last night.” Collin asked her.
“Yes thank you Cousin Collin I slept very well.” Katherine said.
“Mary and I were in Thwaite Village attending church services this morning.” Collin said.
“I see my father was never the one to attend any religious services. My mother was often to sick and weak to take me.” Katherine said.
“Where is our Cousin Margaret buried now?” Collin inquired.
“My late mother was buried in a small family cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.” Katherine said.
“You say it is a family burial plot. Who shares it with her?” Collin asks Katherine.
“My paternal grandparents are buried there as well.” Katherine said.
“Does your father plan to be bury side by side your late mother at the proper time?” Collin asks Katherine.
“Yes he has his plot right next to my late mother.” Katherine said.
“Where will you be laid to rest Cousin Katherine?” Collin asks
“I have my plot next to my late mother.” Katherine said, “Father will take the left plot and I will have the right plot.”
“I see you are out walking in the front lawn.” Collin says.
“Yes, it is such a beautiful day I thought I would walk around the manor.” Katherine said.
“There are many gardens on the property you may go and visit.” Collin says.
“My late mother use to speak of the gardens here at Misselthwaite Manor.” Katherine said, “She showed me pictures of the manor.”
“My mother’s last words to me before she succumbs to tuberculosis were, ‘Katherine you have cousins in England in Yorkshire. Go to them.”
I said, “Mother I will do as you wish.”
My father was nearby and said, “Margaret don’t put any silly notions in the girl’s head.”
My mother looked at me weakly and said, “Go to England and look up your Craven cousins. They will accept you as you are, she died that very day.” Katherine said.
“Well your mother was right, we accept you as you are.” Collin says.
“My father didn’t want a girl child when I was born he wanted a male child.” Katherine said sadly, “I have been a big disappointment to him since I was born.”
Mary looks at Katherine and said, “Katherine, neither Collin nor I were wanted. The first ten years of Collin’s life were miserable. They had him believing he was a sickly and weakly child who wouldn’t make it to adulthood.”
“The first ten years of my life in India I was given over to Ayahs and governesses to take care of me. Neither of my late parents had any time for me.” Mary said.
“It seems as if we all have much in common.” Katherine said.
“We do have a lot in common; maybe the reason why your late mother sent you here to England to find your Craven cousins is because she knew we are simple country folks.” Collin said.
“Cousin feel free to walk around the manor, visit the gardens.” Collin said offering Mary his arm, “Come Mary, I am sure Mrs. Murdock has Sunday brunch ready for us. You are free to join us Cousin Katherine.” Collin invited her.
“Thank you Cousin, I would love to have Sunday brunch with you two.” Katherine said she followed Mary and Collin back into the manor.
Mrs. Murdock came and said, “Good Morning Master Collin, Mistress Mary, and Katherine, brunch will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Thank you Mrs. Murdock.” Collin replies.
“How was Sunday Services?” Mrs. Murdock asks Collin.
“Church services were fine.” Collin replies.
Mary walks over to the large picturesque window said, “I have never seen such blue skies over Yorkshire.”
“Yes I have to admit the skies are exceptionally blue today.” Collin says.
“Autumn will so be upon and our garden will go to sleep until the spring returns.” Mary says.
“Mary we must show Cousin Katherine our garden.” Collin says.
“Yes, we will take you to Lily’s Garden after Sunday brunch.” Mary says.
“Master Collin, Mistresses Mary, and Katherine, brunch is ready in the dining room.” John announces.
“Thank you, John, Ladies shall we go and eat our brunch and afterwards Mary and I will you to our garden.” Collin tells Katherine.
“I would like that very much Cousin.” Katherine said, Collin offers both ladies each on of his arms and they walk together into the dining room to eat their Sunday brunch.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine sit down to enjoy a nice, quiet Sunday brunch together.
The cook comes in, starts to serve Collin, Mary, and Katherine his/her brunch. They all eat a quiet meal together. Little is said while they are eating brunch.
Mary looks out the window, as she sits at the table. Collin watches her as she sits at the table eating her brunch.
Collin notices she is much distracted and asks,” What are you thinking about Mary my darling?”
“I am just thinking about when we were young Collin. We had such fun while we were growing up.” Mary said.
“Yes we did have a lot of fun fooling Mrs. Murdock and Dr. Craven.” Collin says laughing.
“I can’t believe we are married and one day I hope we have children.” Mary said.
“Yes I would love to have a child.” Collin says.
“We will Collin, we just got married we have plenty of time.” Mary said.
Collin just looks at Mary and Mary smiles at him.
Collin takes the bell and rings for a servant come to clear the table.
“Katherine, Mary, and I would like to show you our garden.” Collin says.
“Thank you cousin, I would love to see the garden.” Katherine said.
“You better put on your sweater Cousin; it gets cool here in Yorkshire later on in the day as the day turns into late afternoon.” Collin says
Katherine excuses herself from the table, heads upstairs to get a sweater to carry with her. A few minutes later, she comes downstairs and Collin says, “Come Cousin Katherine, it is time to show you our garden.”
Katherine, Mary, and Collin use the front door to go out into the yard, they walk down a path that leads them to their garden that they have renamed Lily’s Garden.”, Collin takes the key out of his pocket, unlocks the door to the garden, he allows Katherine, Mary, to go in before him, and he follows them into the garden.
Katherine looks around the garden and says, “What a beautiful garden Cousin.”
“Thank you Cousin Katherine. Did you know that Mary, Dickon, Ben, and I spent hours in this very garden that was a wedding present to my late mother from my late father to bring it back to life?” Collin says.
“No my mother never spoke of the garden.” Katherine said.
“I am not surprised my late father didn’t meet my late mother until she was twenty years old. They met in a garden she was working in Thwaite Village.” Collin said.
“My father was considerably older than my late mother was when they first met.” Collin said he was close to forty years old when my mother had me.”
“I see my father was older than my late mother too.” Katherine said.
“My late father locked up this garden for ten years after my late mother passed away. It was Mary who found the key, with the help of Dickon, Ben, me, we all worked together to restore my late mother’s garden back to life.” Collin said.
“This garden is far too beautiful to lock up and not share with the world.” Katherine said, “I have seen gardens before but not as beautiful as this garden.”
Mary smiles at Katherine and said, “We have such memories of Lily’s Garden. We use to call this Our Secret Garden, until just recently.”
“Cousin Collin I am sure your mother had she lived would be proud of how you are tending her garden.” Katherine said.
“Thank you Cousin Katherine. That means a lot to Mary and me.” Collin said.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine spend the day in Lily’s Garden, there they recapture the lost days of their youth.
The garden still held its special magical powers it held so long ago for Collin, Mary, and Dickon.
Oh yes, Lily’s Garden has a special power of its own. It was if Lily was present there within the garden that her beloved Archibald gave her when she first became the Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor.
Mary was now the Grand Mistress over Misselthwaite Manor, as her late Aunt Lily once was. There were times when Mary’s mind would wonder back to when Collin, Dickon, and she were children playing in the garden- The Secret Garden.
Mary had wandered off by herself in the garden, stopped by the little goldfish pond that was inside of the garden property. She sat on the edge of the pond, looked at her reflection and said, “Tante Lily, Je désirer vous étais ici avec nous tantôt.
Mary said, “Tante Lily Je désirer vous pouvoir voir votre jardin tantôt.”
Mary sat on the edge of the pond and heard Collin call out for her, “Mary, where are you?”
“I am over at the pond.” Mary calls out to Collin.
“Katherine and I will join you in a few seconds.” Collin calls out.
“There you are Mary. Why did you wander off by yourself?” Collin asks her.
“I wanted to come over to the pond, sit down for a little while.” Mary said.
“I was thinking as I often do about how much my late Aunt loved this garden so.” Mary tells Collin.
“Yes, remember all the pictures our late father took of my mother in the garden over at that swing. He even took a picture of your mother and my mother together. They looked so happy together.” Collin says.
“My late mother happy, I guess she may have been since you had no time for the only child she ever had.” Mary said bitterly.
“My father simply had no time due to his military duties to HRH, King George the V of England.” Mary said.
“Collin when I see photos of my late Uncle and Aunt together I get a little jealous.” Mary confesses to Collin.
“It is alright to be a little jealous Mary.” Collin tells her.
“Collin Craven, the Vicar said in church services today that jealous is one of the seven deadly sins.” Mary reminded him.
“I have never understood those seven deadly sins.” Collin tells Mary.
“That is because you never listen to the homily when the Vicar delivers it.” Mary said.
Collin laughs and says, “I go to church because while I was at Oxford I was expected to go so I keep on going.”
“Collin Craven, while I was away in Switzerland. We were expected to attend daily Anglican services and Sunday services as well.” Mary said.
“You don’t find church services just a little boring Mary.” Collin asks her
“Yes I find them boring, but I don’t know how I would have lasted as long as I did without God being there for me Collin Craven.” Mary said.
“What religions do they practice in India Mary?” Collin asks.
“The Indians practice Hindu or Islamic and some practice Christianity.” Mary replies.
“There are so many different religions and only One God Almighty over all of us.” Collin says.
“Collin Craven there’s but one Faith, One Lord, and One Baptism. The rest aren’t worth debating over.” Mary says, “Do you know who said Collin Craven?”
“No, but you will tell me anyway.” Collin says laughing.
“Queen Elizabeth the First of England.” Mary says.
“You mean HRH Elizabeth the Great.” Collin replies.
“Yes Gloriana is what they named the forty-five year reign of Elizabeth the First.” Mary said.
“Queen Elizabeth the First was quite a woman.” Collin replied.
“Yes just as her late HRH, Queen Victoria.” Mary said.
“I agree both were remarkable woman in their own time.” Collin
says.
Katherine just listened to Mary and Collin talk about English history.
“Tell us Katherine, have you any opinion about President Woodrow Wilson.” Collin asks his cousin.
“Cousin Collin, American women do not talk about politics. They leave it to the men to discuss.” Katherine said.
“I see so what do American women discuss between themselves.” Mary asks Katherine.
“We talk about fashion, education, and the right for women to vote.” Katherine said.
“So Cousin Katherine what is the fashions like in America?” Mary asks Katherine.
“Our fashions come from the run way of Paris, Milan, Rome, London, and Hollywood, which is in the state of California on the West Coast of the United States.” Katherine tells Mary.
“What do you think of the Maritime disaster of The HRR Titanic in 1912?” Collin asks Katherine.
“It was a great lost of people coming from Europe back to America.” Katherine said.
“What think you of what the Bolsheviks did to the royal family of Russia?” Collin asks Katherine.
“That too was a great tragedy to the Russian people. The American government doesn’t recognize the new form of government in Russia.” Katherine says.
“How do the American people feel about how HRH King George the V and his wife, Queen Mary of Teck treated their youngest son, Prince John?” Collin asks Katherine.
“Poor Little Prince, I feel for the little man.” Katherine said, “We have a similar situation over in the America with a rich family name Kennedy. They had a daughter and they treated her no better than HRH King George V treats his youngest son, Prince John, who is now of a blessed memory.” Katherine said.
“I have heard of this Joseph Kennedy.” Collin said, “They live in Massachusetts.”
“Yes that is correct, Boston to be exact.” Katherine said.
“How many children do these Kennedy’s have? “ Collin asks Katherine.
“They have four children so far.” Katherine states.
“One son was born in 1917; his name is John Fitzgerald Kennedy.” Katherine said.
“I see they are Irish Catholics.” Collin said.
“Yes, they are very good Catholics in the United States.” Katherine says.
“What is the name of their eldest son?” Collin asks
“Joseph Kennedy III.” Katherine states.
“What are the names of their other children?” Collin asks
“They had, Joseph, John, Kathleen, and Rosemary.” Katherine said.
“My they did have a large family.” Collin said.
“Yes Joseph and Rose Kennedy believed in large Irish Catholic families.” Katherine said.
“America is interesting place one day Mary and I should like to visit there. We don’t know where to start though.” Collin said.
“I would think you would like to visit the Nation’s Capital which is Washington D.C.” Katherine said, “It is there where our President lives, and where the see of our government is at.” Katherine tells Collin.
“Yes but every State in America has their own Capital does it not?” Collin asks Katherine.
“Yes every state has their own established Capital where their state government runs the state. Albany is the Capital of New York State.” Katherine said.
“The Union of South Africa is much like that they have three Capitals.” Collin says.
“This is the first time I have ever left America to come to see you Cousin.” Katherine said.
“I hope your stay will be a memorable one for you cousin.” Collin says.
“It has already taken on a special memory for me because you shared your special garden with me.” Katherine said.
“Mary and I are glad that you enjoy our garden.” Collin says.
Mary just sits by and listens to Collin talk to his cousin Katherine.
“What think you of World War I Cousin Katherine?” Collin said.
“It was another great tragedy and lost of life. I am glad that it is over with.” Katherine said.
“Mary and I were both glad to here that The Treaty of Versailles was signed between France, England, America and Russia, and Germany, Austria, and The Ottoman Empire.” Collin said.
“Mary was a Red Cross Volunteer while I was in His HRH Armed Forces.” Collin said.
“I was glad to see that Collin came out with a minimum wounds from that war.” Mary said.
“The only thing Collin and I disapprove of was when Queen Wilhelmina of The Netherlands ran like a scared chicken with her head chopped off.” Mary said.
“I was glad to see that Switzerland remained neutral in the war.” Mary said, “I attended La Francais Finishing School for Young Women.”
“I see that Cousin Archibald made sure you were given the best education.” Katherine said.
“Oh yes Uncle Archibald wanted to make sure I was taught all the social graces that young women of my standing are taught.” Mary said, “It was a very rigid school.”
“I was not so lucky. I had to attend public schools in Brooklyn.” Katherine said.
“The Kennedy’s made sure their children are received the finest education money could buy. They all attended private schools which were Catholic.” Katherine said.
“We English are Anglican. We broke away from the Catholic church when The Catholic church wouldn’t grant Old Buff King Henry a divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn, mother of Gloriana.” Collin said.
“We people in America have no established religion. We are given the freedom of religious conscience granted to us by Our Constitution.” Katherine said.
“Ah yes America the land of opportunity and the oppressed.” Collin says.
Katherine says nothing, but looks around the garden and says, “This garden is splendid.”
“Yes we love this garden, it is has certain magical properties and qualities.” Collin says to Katherine.
“It does have those qualities and properties.” Katherine says. “This is the garden that Cousin Archibald gave to your dear late Mother, Lady Lily Craven.” Katherine asks Collin.
“Yes, my late parents use to lock themselves out here in the garden for hours like two love birds and then the accident happened to change all that.” Collin said.
“I can see your dear late mother, Cousin Lily, walking this garden Cousin Collin.” Katherine said.
“Mary tells me sometimes she can hear my late mother, her Aunt Lily, sing here in the garden to my late father when they were both alive and well.” Collin says.
“That is the magic of the garden- we can hear those we love talk to us.” Collin says.
Mary says to Catherine, “Listen, you may be able to hear Aunt Lily sing.”
Collin, Catherine, and Mary sit in the garden and a soft voice starts to sing in the garden, “Venir a’ ma jardin ma enfant venir.”
Collin and Mary smile, and Katherine says, “What did Cousin Lily say?”
“Aunt Lily sang Come to My Garden My Children, Come.” Mary says.
“Nous sont tout ici Tante Lily dans le jardin.” Mary says.
Collin and Mary look at each other and smile.
Katherine just looks at her cousin Collin and Mary while they sit in the garden as the late afternoon sunsets and the skies turn from blue to a hazy purple over Misselthwaite Manor.
Collin leans over and says, “We best be getting back to the Manor. Dinner will be ready soon.”
Collin, Katherine, and Mary all head back to the Manor after spending a day in Lily’s Garden.
Chapter Six: Lassier Nous Retourner a’ Lily’s Jardin
Let Us Return to Lily’s Garden.
“Collin, I am going out to the garden.” Mary calls out, “I am taking Cousin Katherine with me.”
“Alright Mary, I will join you two as soon as I can. I have some paperwork to catch up on since my father’s death.” Collin tells her.
“Come Cousin Katherine, we will go into the garden today.” Mary tells Katherine.
“You should take a sweater with you. Autumn here in Yorkshire can change like the wind.” Mary tells Katherine.
Mary grabs her coat, and Katherine and she walk out the front door towards Lily’s Garden, and Katherine said, “how long have you been living here Cousin Mary?”
“Cousin Katherine I have been living here at Misselthwaite Manor since I was ten years old, I came here in 1911.” Mary says.
“How did you like living at Misselthwaite Manor at first?” Katherine asks Mary.
“I had no choice. My parents had died from cholera and they left instructions that I was to come to England and live with my Aunt Lily and Uncle Archibald. I didn’t know that my Aunt had passed away ten years before.” Mary said, “It was only until I met Dickon, Martha’ s brother, and found Cousin Collin that we started to live again here at Misselthwaite Manor.” Mary says.
“Collin thought he was going to die, until Dickon and I got him out into the fresh air and showed him his late mother’s garden is when Collin got well.” Mary said.
“It was a spring day when Uncle Archibald returned from France to Misselthwaite Manor and saw that Collin was fully recovered, strong, and full of life.
“I remember what Collin said, “Father don’t cry, I am well, and I will live forever and forever. It’s my mother’s garden that made me well and Mary that made me walk.” Mary told Katherine.
Uncle Archibald came up to me and said, “You bought us back to life Mary. I never thought that anyone could ever do that again. Thank you.”
“Uncle Archibald took me in and treated me as if I was his own daughter.” Mary said.
“The only family I have ever known since I was ten years old is Uncle Archibald and Cousin Collin.” Mary tells Katherine.
Katherine listens to Mary, says, “My mother was the only family I ever had. When she died my life fell a part.”
“I am sorry for your pain Cousin Katherine.” Mary says.
“My father is a bitter, stern man. He never wanted a female child but that is what he got.” Katherine said.
“Cousin Katherine, let the garden heal you as it has healed Collin and me.” Mary tells Katherine.
“Sometimes if you just come to the garden and if you listen with your heart you can hear Aunt Lily sing here in the garden.” Mary tells Katherine.
Mary says, “Aunt Lily sings in French she sings about the garden that Uncle Archibald gave her when she first arrived here to be Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor.”
“Uncle Archibald gave me a picture of my late Aunt Lily with my late mother.” Mary says, “It is the only picture of them together.”
“My late mother told me that Cousin Archibald had married a twin sister but she never made mention of your mother to your late father.” Katherine said.
“My parents married, moved to India under HRH Queen Victoria, I was born one year before she passed away in January of 1901.” Mary says.
“How romantic it sounds to go to an exotic land.” Katherine tells Mary.
“India was hot, sticky, and humid. I hated it there.” Mary said.
“New York is cold in the winter, but hot, muggy, and humid in the summer time.” Katherine tells Mary.
Mary listens as Katherine tells her all about New York.
Katherine and Mary sit together in the garden near the pond. They talk throughout the afternoon until finally Collin comes out looking for Mary and Katherine.
Collin comes up and says, “There you are Mary and Cousin Katherine.”
“Yes Collin, Katherine, and I have been talking here in the garden.” Mary says.
“What have you two ladies been talking about?” Collin asks
“We have talked about everything and anything.” Mary says.
“I am sorry I would have joined you sooner but I have so much paperwork to catch on since father passed away.” Collin says.
“Collin why don’t you call Uncle Archibald’s barrister he may be able to help you.” Mary suggests.
“I will no doubt have to go into London to see Barrister Cates. Mary, Katherine and you may join me when I do. It will be a nice outing for Cousin Katherine and you while I talk business with Barrister Cates.” Collin says.
“Yes, we can look through the shops near Buckingham Palace.” Mary says.
“We will make a day of it. We never get away much from Yorkshire.” Collin says.
“It sounds grand Cousin Collin.” Katherine says.
“I wonder what time it Collin.” Mary asks
“It is around three O’clock in the afternoon.” Collin says.
“Katherine, we haven’t even stopped and had lunch.” Mary said.
“I am sure the cook has made us something for lunch.” Mary said, “Shall we go back to the manor, have our lunch although it is a late lunch.”
“Yes, I am hungry Cousin Mary and Collin.” Katherine tells them.
“Come ladies I will accompany you back to the manor.” Collin says offering each of them one of his arms.
All three walk back to the manor.
Mary turns around and says, “Nous volonté retourner a’ le jardin Tante Lily.”
Mary listened with her heart and she could hear Lily say, “Je volonté est attente pour vous ma enfant.”
Mary smiles as she walks back into the manor with Collin and Katherine.
Chapter Seven: A Trip to London
Collin, Mary, and Katherine had decided to take a trip to London. It would be the first time for Katherine to see the historical sites of London, which included Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Collin had some legal business to conduct in London with his Barrister, Mr. Cates while Mary showed Katherine the city of London. Katherine and Mary stopped by Harrod’s Department Store to look around.
Katherine said, “Oh my Harrod’s reminds me of Macy’s Department Store in Manhattan, in New York City.”
“What other department stores do you have in America?” Mary asks Katherine.
“Oh we have so many different stores in New York.” Katherine said.
“Do you have any little boutiques in New York?” Mary asked Katherine.
“Oh heaven yes, in Greenwich Village. That is where all the poets, artists, musicians live.” Katherine tells Mary.
“It sounds charming.” Mary tells Katherine.
“It is very expensive.” Katherine tells Mary.
“What do you think of London Cousin Katherine?” Mary asks Katherine.
“I think it is charming. I love the old fashion cafés that line the streets.” Katherine said.
”Yes, it does give if it an old world charm.” Mary says.
“How often do you come to London, Cousin Mary?” Catherine asks Mary.
“Collin and I don’t offer come to London. It is a good eight hour journey.” Mary says.
“Where do you your shopping?” Katherine asks Mary.
“We send Mrs. Murdock to Thwaite Village to do the shopping.” Mary says.
“I see but how do you get your clothes?” Katherine asks Mary.
“Oh Collin and I come into London twice a year for our clothes.” Mary says.
“Have you been to any other countries besides Switzerland?” Katherine asks Mary.
“The only other country I have been to is India where I was born, besides England and Switzerland where I received my education.” Mary says.
“Tell me something Cousin Katherine have you seen much of America?” Mary asks Katherine.
“No I never traveled out of New York less alone America until I came here to England.” Katherine said.
“You have all those wonderful states to visit you have not taken advantage to see America.” Mary asked her.
“It takes money to travel. My mother left me a sizable amount before she died so I could come here to England.” Katherine said, “My father is a very greedy, selfish man.”
“I am sorry; they say my late mother was a very silly, shallow young woman. My late father had no time for me because of his military duties.” Mary says.
“It is hard to believe that Cousin Collin’s late mother and your late mother were identical twins.” Katherine said.
“They were but they were uniquely different. Collin’s mother, my late Aunt Lily, was a sweet pretty thing. She was much loved, whereas my late mother was exactly the opposite of my late Aunt Lily.” Mary said.
“My late mother was much loved. My father didn’t appreciate her.” Katherine said.
“It is hard when you lose a love one.” Mary said.
“I agree it is very hard to lose someone that you love and don’t know how to get on with the rest of your life.” Katherine said.
“Collin and I had to because we knew we were destiné for each other.” Mary said.
“I hope I am able to find the person one day that is destiné for me.” Katherine said.
“You will Cousin Katherine.” Mary said.
Collin walks out to find Mary and Katherine sitting at the little café around the corner sipping afternoon tea.
“There you two are I am glad I have finished up my business with Barrister Cates.” Collin says.
“Was it that bad Collin?” Mary asks
“No just a lot of paperwork that needs to be completed since father died.” Collin said.
“Join us for tea Cousin Collin.” Katherine asks him.
“Thank you I would love to join you two ladies for tea.” Collin says sitting down next to Mary.
“Garcon, we would like another cup please.” Mary asks the waiter.
“Yes Milady, right away.” The waiter says, bringing Collin a new cup for his tea.
“What have you ladies been up when I was conducting business?” Collin asks Mary.
“We went to Harrod’s, did some shopping.” Mary said.
“Please Mary tell me you didn’t buy the store out.” Collin says laughing.
“No Collin, I didn’t buy the store out. In fact, I could not find a thing.” Mary says.
“What Mary you couldn’t find a thing in Harrod’s. It is one of London’s finest Department Stores.” Collin says.
“Harrod’s may be one of the finest but I couldn’t find what I was looking for?” Mary told Collin.
“What may I ask what you were looking for?” Collin asks Mary.
“I was looking for a new dress, however, have you seen the fashions lately. They are much to be desired.” Mary says.
“My wife is so particular on what she will wear.” Collin says laughing
“What would you have me dress like a lady of the night?” Mary asks Collins.
“No Mary I will not have you look like one of those ladies of the night.” Collin replies.
“Thank heavens for that.” Mary said sipping her tea and smiling at Collins.
“I want to thank you both for this trip into London.” Katherine said.
“It is our pleasure we hope you have enjoyed your stay in England so far.” Collin tells Katherine.
“Oh yes, Mother was right. My Craven cousins are delightful people.” Katherine said.
Mary and Collin just smile at Katherine. They are glad to see Katherine is finding some peace during her stay in England.
Collin takes out his pocket watch, which was left to him by his late father and says, “We need to start heading back to Misselthwaite Manor.”
“What time is it Collin?” Mary asked
“It is nearly Four o’clock in the afternoon. We have a good two hour drive a head of us before we arrive back at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin tells Mary and Katherine.
The car drives up to the café, and the chauffeur climbs out of the car, opens the door for Collin, Mary, and Catherine to get into the back seat, and closes the door.
The chauffeur starts to drive back toward Yorkshire, which is a good 200 miles away from London.
As Collin, Mary, and Katherine head back towards Misselthwaite Manor, Mary says,” I trust you completed your legal business with the Barrister.”
“Yes for now I have completed all the legal work that came with my father passing away.” Collin says to Mary.
Katherine sits by the window and she is very quiet as they head back for Misselthwaite Manor.
Collin turns toward Katherine, says, “I trust you enjoyed yourself in London cousin.”
“Oh yes it was very enjoyable. I enjoyed seeing the historical sites of London.” Katherine tells Collin.
“I am glad you enjoyed visiting the historical sites here in London. I was never the one much for history.” Collin says laughing, “It was my worst subject while I attended Oxford University.”
“You were indeed lucky to be able to go to college.” Katherine replies.
“Why don’t young women attend college in America?” Collin states.
“Cousin Collin women just got the right to vote in America this past year thanks to Woodrow Wilson, however, public education came to women in the latter part of the 19th century because of a Mr. Horace Mann, that only covered up to a certain grade in public schools. Most women who chose to work either had to decide between nursing, teaching, or secretarial work.” Katherine said.
“Well Florence Nightingale was a nurse in the Crimea War and she was given a medal from HRH Late Queen Victoria.” Collin said.
“Yes Ms. Clara Barton learned from Ms. Nightingale they were very much near the same age and died two years apart from each other.” Katherine said.
“Education was granted to women here in England only to the nobility.” Mary said.
“The first one to offer young women an education in America was 1809, she was mother of five children, and one was an Episcopalian but converted to Catholic Church and started a school for young women in another state called Maryland.” Katherine tells Mary and Collin.
“An Episcopalian is the equivalent to the English Anglican church.” Collin says.
“Yes that is so, however, this particular young woman lost her husband to tuberculosis while in Italy, and she stayed with family friends who were Catholics. She converted to Catholicism in 1806 and was asked by the Catholic Church to start a school for young women in Maryland.” Catherine said, “She herself died of tuberculosis at the age of 46, as did three of her children.”
“How sad and tragic that such a disease can claim so many lives.” Mary said,” This tuberculosis is as bad as cholera.”
“I don’t know much about diseases.” Katherine said, “I just know that my dear late mother withered away from it.”
Collin and Mary look at Katherine with great deal of sympathy and understanding, as they are driving back to Misselthwaite Manor.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine don’t arrive back at Misselthwaite Manor until 8 PM in the evening, and they are greeted by Mrs. Murdock as the car pulls in to the front of the Manor.
“Good Evening Master Collin, Mistress Mary and Katherine I trust you all had a pleasant journey to and from London.” Mrs. Murdock says.
“Good evening Mrs. Murdock our visit went well.” Collin says, waiting for the chauffeur to open the door, to let them all out.
Collin takes Mary’s hand and says, “My dear wife here couldn’t find what she was looking for at Harrod’s.”
Mrs. Murdock looks at Mary and says, “Mistress Mary, what might you have been looking for at Harrod’s?”
“I was looking for a new dress something simple.” Mary said.
“Ma’am there is a new dress shop in Thwaite Village you may wish to check it out. The woman is a seamstress and can make you a new dress to order.” Mrs. Murdock suggests.
“Thank you Mrs. Murdock I will go to Thwaite Village and check out this woman’s dress shop. I can’t say I like the fashions this year.” Mary says as Collin, Katherine, and she go back into the house for the evening.
“I for one am glad to be back at home.” Collin says, “These trips to London take a lot of us.”
“I must agree there.” Mary tells Collin, “I am very disappointed with the fashions this year. I can’t believe that Paris, Rome, Milan, and even London can’t do better than what they are doing.”
“Well dear Mary, I am not a woman so I really don’t have much to say on that subject.” Collin tells her.
“You should count your blessings. The dresses are much to gaudy for my liking.” Mary says, “I simply can’t stand the colors.”
Katherine walks in, Mary and Collin look up at her, and say, “Dinner will be ready soon come join us for some conversation Cousin Katherine.”
“Thank you Cousin Collin and Mary for the invitation to come in join you.” Katherine says.
“Tell me Katherine what do you think of the fashions?” Mary asks Katherine.
“They are not for me Cousin Mary.” Katherine said quietly.
“Why is that Cousin Katherine?” Mary asks Katherine.
“I find them much too decorative for my liking.” Katherine said politely.
“I see we do have a lot in common with each other.” Mary tells Katherine.
Katherine looks up and says, “I see you don’t approve of the fashions either Cousin Mary.”
“No I don’t. I can’t believe that the dressmakers in Paris, Milan, Rome, and even London can’t do a better job this year in dressmaking.” Mary says.
“I am afraid the fashions in America are
Dictated on what comes out of these European countries not to mention New York and Hollywood, California.” Katherine tells Mary.
“What is this Hollywood?” Mary asks Katherine.
“It is a city in the far-west state of California, which is near the Pacific Ocean.” Katherine tells Mary, “It is where they produce movies.”
“Oh like the ones with Mary Pickford.” Mary asks Katherine
“Yes, the silent movies with Miss. Pickford, and other silent actors and actresses.” Katherine said.
“We once saw a Charlie Chapin movie.” Collin said, “It was quite funny. I never knew he came from England, and made his way to America.”
Mary said, “Where did you see this silent film at Oxford University?”
“Yes, they had film night there for the students.” Collin said, “It wasn’t all that bad just that it was a bit too strict for me.” Collin laughs.
“Tell me about the chocolate houses here in England?” Katherine asks.
“Chocolate houses are where you go to have hot cup of cocoa.” Collin said, “It is quite the rage.”
“There is so much of England I would like to be shown.” Katherine said.
“Cousin Katherine we will be glad to show you England.” Collin said.
“I hope I am not being too much trouble.” Katherine said apologizing.
“No not at all we are happy that you are here dear Cousin.” Collin says.
“Dinner is served Sir.” Mrs. Murdock informs Collin.
“Thank you Mrs. Murdock, ladies shall we go to dinner.” Collin says offering one arm to Mary and the other arm to Katherine. They walk into the dining room; take their seats at the dining room table so they can eat their evening meal.
Dinner was usually a quiet meal for Collin, Mary, and Katherine. They sat there together and ate their dinner together without much conversation.
Katherine looks around the elaborate dining room and says,” This is quite a lovely dining room Cousin Collin.”
“Thank you Cousin Katherine, it wasn’t much used until just recently.” Collin tells her.
“Why is that, it is furnished so nicely.” Katherine says.
“I really don’t know, I guess maybe my late father didn’t do much entertainment after my late mother passed away.” Collin says.
Mary says, “Collin when I first came here, it is the first place I saw your father in.”
“When I walked through the ballroom, which leads into this dining room, I could sense my late Aunt Lily’s presence.”
Collin looks up at Mary and says, “Remember when we started to look around Misselthwaite when it was raining and we had nothing better to do with our time. We went into my mother’s bedroom and we could smell the fresh scent of roses and the perfume she wore.”
“Yes I do Collin, how much her bedroom resembled my late mother’s bedroom in India.” Mary says, “All accept for the Indian furnishings on the canopy bed.”
“When you live in India you have to have a mosquito net over your bed to keep the bugs off of you when you are a sleep.” Mary tells Katherine.
Katherine looks at Mary said, “India sounds quite exotic to me.”
“Well I can assure you India was hot, muggy, and humid and very dry.” Mary tells Katherine.
“Brooklyn is not much better. The streets are crowded with vendors and immigrants are coming in all the time from Ellis Island.” Katherine said, “We have so many different ethic communities within Brooklyn.”
“India is similar. We had Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christian communities.” Mary says, “The British military were over there to maintain the peace.”
“Cousin Mary, have you ever wanted to go back and visit India?” Katherine asks.
“Oh yes it has crossed my mind but I wouldn’t go without Collin now.” Mary says.
“I have no intention of leaving England ever.” Collin tells Katherine and Mary.
“I know what you are thinking Mary; I am not like my late father.” Collin says.
“That is true Collin, Uncle Archibald use to travel the continent.” Mary said.
“Well I am not my father.” Collin said
“That is for sure Collin; you are not like Uncle Archibald.” Mary said to Collin.
“I am content to stay right here at Misselthwaite Manor. I did see some of the world when I was in HRH King George V Armed Forces. I saw much too much blood shed, innocent lives taken for no good reason.” Collin replies.
“War serves no good purpose.” Mary says, “I saw a lot of men wounded in combat and I took care of them. I saw some of them lose limbs, and even their lives afterwards.”
“A total of 16, 000, 000 people lost their lives in the war and all because of power.”
Collin says, “I hope we never see another war such as that one.”
“I say Amen to that my dear husband.” Mary says.
“I am glad that England, France, America, and Russia all came together to defeat Germany, Austria, and The Ottoman Empire.” Collin says.
“The only tragic thing that came from this war is the fact that Russia lost their ruling family by the Bolsheviks.” Collin said, “They were related to HRH, King George the V.”
“When I read the news that Czar and all his family had been assassinated by The Bolsheviks I couldn’t believe it. They must have been barbarians.” Collin says.
“I would say anyone who overthrows their rightful government is barbaric.” Mary says.
Katherine says nothing but listens to Mary and Collin converse between each other on current events that affect European countries.
Collin reaches for the bell, rings it’s, a chambermaid comes in and says, “Yes Master Collin, can I help you?”
“Yes, you may clear the table, we will take our tea in the drawing room which is much more comfortable to sit in and converse in.” Collin says.
“Very good Sir, I will bring the tea into the drawing room.” The chambermaid says curtseying.
Collin gets up, walks over to Mary, pulls her chair out for her, helps her to get up, he takes her by the hand, and Katherine gets up, and follows them into the drawing room.
Collin pulls his chair up near the fire; Mary sits by his side.
Katherine pulls up a chair and joins them by the fire as it is a chilly autumn night at Misselthwaite Manor.
There is not much conversation between the cousins as they sit in the drawing room. They sit in the drawing room to enjoy their evening tea, and the cozy fire, which keeps the room warm and comfortable.
Mary looks around and said, “I remember the first time I met Uncle Archibald in this very room. He was sitting in that very same chair that you now sit in Collin.”
Collin just smiles at Mary, says, “ I can imagine what it must have been like to meet an uncle you had never met before until you came here to Misselthwaite Manor.”
“The first time I met Uncle Archibald he seemed so sad and so lonely. My heart actually broke for him.” Mary said, “He asked me if they were taking good care of me, if I needed anything like books, dolls, or toys.”
He said I was much to thin, and I said, “I am getting fatter.” Mary told Collin.
“He then asked me if I needed anything, and I asked him if I could have a piece of earth to grow things on.” Mary said, “He said I could take my earth from anywhere on Misselthwaite Manor and I did.”
“He started to think of my dear late Aunt Lily, your dear mother Collin, and said, once he loved someone who loved gardens as much as I did, I think I bought up memories that hurt him and I felt for him.” Mary said.
”Yes Mary, but at the end, father and I were bought back to life because of you. I suspect you had so much more of my late mother in you than father ever knew.” Collin said.
“Collin, I don’t think your late mother, my late aunt Lily, would have wanted your late father and my late Uncle Archibald to stop living. She would have wanted him to live and be happy.” Mary says.
“Yes I think you are right Mary. I think that is why my late mother sent you to us because you would be the one to bring us back to life again.” Collin said.
“Aunt Lily wouldn’t have wanted to see either of you two to mourn her forever.” Mary said.
“I am glad the last ten years of my father’s life were considerably happier than the first ten years of his life after my late mother passed away and he thought I wouldn’t live to reach manhood.” Collin said.
“Well husband you did live to reach manhood and you made your father proud of you.” Mary said.
“I am sure Mary if your parents had lived. They would be equally proud of you and how accomplished you have become not to mention quite the lady.” Collin said.
“Collin my parents were nothing compared to Uncle Archibald who cared about us.” Mary said, “My parents were selfish people.”
“One time I stood in the doorway of my parent’s room, watched my mother groom herself and she didn’t even notice I was standing there watching her. She just looked at her own reflection in the mirror for the longest time.” Mary said.
Collin just looks at Mary sadly, as she has no good memories of her parents.
Katherine gets up, says, “I hope you will excuse me cousins. I am very tired. I think I will retire for the evening.”
Collin gets up and says, “We quite understand Cousin. Sleep well we will see you in the morning.” He walks Katherine to the door, watches her climb the stairs to her room.
Collin walks back into the drawing room and says, “Shall we adjourn for the evening Mary.”
“Yes, let’s retire for the evening. It has been a long day for all of us.” Mary says.
Collin and Mary get up; walk up the stairs to their bedroom, which once was shared, by Collin’s father, Archibald, and his mother, Lily, when they were first married twenty years before.
Chapter Eight: Come In To My Garden
Autumn like spring comes suddenly in Yorkshire, where Misselthwaite Manor resides. They experience Indian summers, warm days, and cool nights, which require fireplaces to be lit.
Every room in Misselthwaite Manor has its own fireplace. John, Collin’s gentleman-gentleman brings in the firewood to all the rooms that require there fireplaces to be lit.
John knocks on the door of Katherine’s bedroom, “Good Evening Mistress Carter, I have come to light up your fireplace.”
“You may come in Mr. John in light the fireplace.” Katherine says.
John goes to the fireplace, places the wood inside the fireplace, and lights the fire.
“Your bedroom should be nice, warm, and cozy in few minutes. Misselthwaite is very drafty as it is over 100 years old.” John shares with Catherine.
Katherine is sitting in a comfortable chair in her bedroom and says, “Tell me something Mr. John how long have you been here at Misslethwaite Manor?”
“Ma’am, I have been employed at Misselthwaite for many years.” John replies.
“You knew Lord Archibald well, I take it?” Katherine asks John.
“Yes Ma’am, well enough, However, Mr.Pitchard knew him better than all of us who worked here accept Mrs. Murdock who knew both Lord Archibald and his cousin, Dr. Craven as boys.” John replied.
“Thank you Mr. John for lighting my fireplace for me.” Katherine says quietly.
“You are most welcome Ma’am.” John said, walks out of the bedroom.
The room that Katherine occupies is furnished in turn of the century furnishing. It has a comfortable queen size canopy bed, floral and lace-matching bedspread, sheets, and pillows.
The chest drawers were antique with gold trim around it and had a large full-size mirror. It was very comfortable.
The bedroom itself looked out into the courtyard of Misselthwaite Manor.
Katherine stood by the window that looked out into the courtyard and noticed that the leaves were changing colors. The window also looked out towards the garden that Collin, Mary, and she went into. The garden, which was once known as “The Secret Garden,” now renamed for Collin’s dear late mother, Lady Lily Craven.
Katherine stood by the window she remembered what Mary had told her if she listens with her heart, she can hear her Aunt Lily sing about the garden that Lord Archibald gave her when they first were married so long ago.
Katherine listened and she could hear the sweet voice sing, “Venir a’ ma jardin Je Suis attente pour vous pour venir a’ me. Elle faire ne pas ouvrage qui vous sont tout sont bienvenue a’ ma jardin.”
“Who is there?” Katherine asks
Lily replies sweetly, “Ma prenom est Milady Lily Craven.”
“How can this be, you died many years ago?” Katherine asked frightened.
“Je avoir ne…jamais patir ceci maison a’ tout le années Je avoir vie la.” Lily replies.
“Why do you come to me now Katherine asks Lily?”
“Pourquoi faire Je venir pour vous tout de suite.” Lily answers Katherine.
“Je venir a’ vous tantôt parce que vous avoir de soin de responds pour votre questionnaires.” Lily replies sweetly, “Faire ne pas avoir peur de me.”
“How can you help me I am lost and I am trying to look for my mother’s side of the family which you married into so long ago.” Katherine asks the spirit of Lily:
“Comment pouvoir Je assister vous pour trouver dehors quant a’ mère famille. Tout le response pouvoir est trouver dans ma jardin.” Lily tells Katherine.
Katherine asks Lily, “Did you know my mother when she was a little girl living here in England Lady Lily?”
Lily replies sweetly, “Venir a’ ma jardin vous volonté trouver le responses la.”
As suddenly as Lily appeared, she disappeared leaving Katherine baffled as to why she is being directed to the garden. What clues would it hold for Katherine and what would the Secret Garden reveal to her about Lady Margaret Craven.
Katherine wondered just how long the Secret Garden had been there, and had it been all the time before Lord Archibald Craven married Lady Lily Craven.
Katherine set out to find out what secrets the garden held concerning her mother who had passed away and left her to fend for herself.
There was no one to ask within the Craven household about her mother, Lady Margaret Craven, who left England, made her way to America and married Katherine‘s father, Mr. Carter.
Someone knocked on her door, Katherine looked over said, “Come in.”
“Hello Cousin Katherine, I thought I would come and see if you needed some company. Misselthwaite Manor can be a lonely place.” Mary said.
“Mary may I ask you a question?” Katherine asks Mary.
“Yes of course, you may ask me anything.” Mary replies.
“How long has Lily’s Garden been a part of Misselthwaite Manor?” Katherine asked.
“When I came here from India some ten years ago, I was told about my Aunt Lily’s garden that she loved so much. My Uncle gave the garden to my late Aunt Lily as a wedding present after they married and settled here at Misslethwaite Manor. They would spend many hours in the garden like two lovebirds and inside of the garden; they would read and spend time with each other. I was told my late Uncle locked up the garden, threw away the key after an accident happened to my late Aunt and she gave birth to Collin, prematurely.” Mary said to Katherine.
“My Aunt Lily died in childbirth but clung on to life just long enough to give birth to Collin and she died.” Mary said, “I was the one who found the key to the garden after years of it being neglected.”
“I see but do you know how long it is actually been here?” Katherine asked Mary.
“I only know what I have been told by Martha and Dickon Sowerby, and Mrs. Murdock.” Mary tells Katherine.
“How old is Misselthwaite Manor do you know?” Katherine asks Mary.
“Oh yes it is over two hundred years old. It has been in the Craven family for a long time.” Mary says.
“Is it possible that the garden existed before Lord Archibald married your Aunt Lily?” Katherine asks Mary.
“There are many gardens on Misselthwaite Manor’s property it is possible.” Mary says.
“Have you ever met any of the other Cravens here in England?” Katherine asks Mary.
“The only Cravens I have met since I came to England ten years ago are my Uncle Archibald, My uncle’s cousin, Dr. Craven, and Collin.” Mary says.
“You never met any of the female side of the Craven family?” Katherine asks
“No not one. They are a very private family.” Mary says.
“I was told that my late father and my Uncle attended the same college and that is how my Aunt met my Uncle Archibald.” Mary said.
“My Uncle Archibald married my mother’s twin sister, Lily and my father married my mother, Rose.” Mary said.
“Did they ever make mention of my mother growing up?” Katherine asked.
“I don’t know. I was left for Ayahs and governesses to take care after I was born. My parents never had the time for me.” Mary said.
“Katherine the only person who may have any information about your mother is Dr. Craven. He is a very old man; his memory is less the perfect.” Mary said.
“There is no one to help me fill in the blanks and un-raffle the mystery concerning my mother then.” Katherine said.
“I am sorry I can’t be of anymore help than I have been.” Mary says.
“Thank you Mary for your help though, it may be I never know anything about my mother’s side of the family.” Katherine said.
“I am sorry I can’t be of anymore help to you.” Mary says.
“Yes I will never come to find out about my mother’s side of the family.” Katherine said.
Mary said “Good night Katherine. I will see you in the morning. I am sure Collin is looking for me.”
“Good night Mary. Thank you.” Katherine said Mary walks out the door of Katherine’s bedroom.
Katherine thought about what Lily’s spirit had told her about the garden which was given to her when she married Lord Archibald Craven after they were married and she came to live up on the hill at Misselthwaite Manor.
Katherine looked out of the window that looked out into the courtyard of Misselthwaite Manor. There seemed to be a light pointing to the garden. It seemed that someone was guiding her into what Mary and Collin named the “Secret Garden” so long ago.
Katherine wondered why Mary, Collin, and Dickon Sowerby called the garden a secret garden so long ago. Did the garden exist long before Archibald Craven inherited the property from his father, and married Lily, the girl from Thwaite Village?
Mary had said it was possible that the garden existed way before Lord Archibald married her Aunt Lily. The title, land, and property had been in the Craven family for many hundred of years. The estate itself was well over 100 years old. It was a grand place, that was before the tragic accident caused Lady Lily Craven, Collin’s mother to go into premature labor, delivered Colin, who wasn’t thought to make it to manhood, and dies shortly after Collin’s birth.
There must be someone in Yorkshire who remembered The Entire Craven Family and Lady Margaret Craven before she left England to go America. There must be someone in Thwaite Village you remembered Lady Margaret Craven.
Katherine decided she would go into the garden by herself, maybe there she would find the answers to her questions concerning her late mother’s family. She walked over to her bed, climbed into it, and before she fell a sleep the last words she heard were “aller a’ ma jardin ma enfant.”
Chapter Nine: Elle Mener Me Pour Le Jardin: She Lead Me to the Garden
The next morning Katherine woke up bright and early while everyone was still sound a sleep accept the Cook in the kitchen, John, Collin’s man attendant, and Mrs. Murdock. She dressed quietly, let herself out through the back door so she would not wake anyone.
She decided to venture out into the grounds of Misselthwaite Manor when she came across the path that lead in to Lily’s Garden.
She finally came to the door, opened it, and walked into the garden by herself. There was no else there but her, she walked around the many paths through the garden, came to a little pond where she could sit down and rest.
“Why have you brought me here please tell me?” Katherine asked again.
A gentle voice came out of nowhere and said, “Je avoir amené vous ici parce que elle est ici vous volonté venir a’ savoir le vérité quant a’ votre mère.”
Katherine said, “Please tell me about my mother’s family.”
Lily’s sweet voice said to Katherine, “La est très tant pour dire vous quant a’ Le Craven famille.”
“What can my mother’s family be that bad?” She asked.
“La est très tant vous avoir besoin de savoir Katherine.” Lily says quietly.
“Please Lady Lily, tell me what you can. I need to know.” Katherine asked Lily.
Lily said in her quiet voice, “Aller tantôt Je volonté dire vous que vous avoir besoin de savoir .”
Katherine turned around, Lily had disappeared once again, and it left Katherine wondering why Lily’s spirit always remained in the garden, why Collin and Mary called Lily’s Garden, the secret garden along time ago.
Was this truly a garden full of secrets or just children’s imagination?
Katherine continued to walk around the garden, why was Mary chosen out of everyone to find the key to the locked up garden, by a brisk wind of air revealing to her the key, and then later on in Mary’s despair, another brisk wind of air revealed to Mary where the door was to the locked up garden.
Why did Lily’s Spirit reveal to Mary where the key was and the door was why?
The only thing Katherine could figure out is that Lily wanted her niece to take care of the garden that had been given to her along time ago and that it would not be forgotten.
While she was in the garden she heard someone call out for her, “Katherine, you are in the garden?”
“Yes, who calls for me?” Katherine calls back.
“It is Mary. I thought you would be out here.” Mary said.
“I hope you don’t mind if I come into the garden by myself.” Katherine asks Mary.
“No, the garden is open to everyone who wants to come into it. It is a safe haven.” Mary says.
“I am glad you are enjoying while it is still wicke.” Mary says.
“Wicke what is wicke?” Katherine asks.
“Wicke means a live in Yorkshire language.” Mary says.
“I see, do you mean to tell me that the garden will go into hibernation.” Katherine asks Mary.
“Yes, the roses which were in full bloom are now going back to sleep until next June.” Mary says,” The leaves are changing colors as I am sure they change colors in America as well.” Mary says.
“I live in the borough of Brooklyn; I have no mountains, trees, or green growing plants around where I lived.” Katherine said.
“What a shame while I lived in India all I had to play with was dirt, sand, and I use to make pretend gardens.” Mary said.
“Brooklyn was a very dirty city.” Katherine said, “I didn’t have a wealth of friends.”
“You and I are much a like. I had few friends myself until I came to England.” Mary said.
“Tell me something Mary, did you have some friends in school?” Katherine asks.
“Yes a few, but once we left La Francais we never keep in touch with one another.” Mary said sadly.
“It is much the same way in school in New York. We all go our separate ways.” Katherine said sadly.
“I was glad to get back to Misselthwaite Manor, to Collin, Martha, and Dickon Sowerby.” Mary says, “Most of all, I was glad to get back to our garden.”
Katherine just listens to Mary as she talks, Mary says, “We should be getting back. Breakfast will be served soon; we don’t want to miss it.”
“No, we don’t want to miss breakfast, since the cook is gracious enough to cook breakfast for us.” Katherine said.
Mary and Katherine walk back together toward Misselthwaite Manor.
A soft wind of air comes by them and Mary says, “Smell that heather coming out of the Moors. I once hated it. I now love it very much.”
Katherine just looks at Mary, smiles as they head back toward Misselthwaite Manor for breakfast.
Book I of Southern Swallow Series – 12th Century scholar Li K'ai-men takes command of his first official assignments during a time of political unrest and barbarian invasions.
Joli Stewart is raised in the lap of luxury on her father's plantation near Charleston, South Carolina. High spirited, non-traditional and head strong, Joli refuses to accept any interference in her life or her romantic decisions. Follow her life dur
Available Now! Rated 5 ***** by readers and listeners.
Sweet Revenge is a powerful and romantic saga of th mid 1800's, recalling pirates and those trying to rid the seas of such vermin. Shawn, a debonair captain, gets caught up in
Chapter 5 Part II: A Visit from an American Cousin
