Home Again?

[hawkins]

OOC: I've god-modded your coming into the entrance so we can keep the thing moving.

Rain and wind battered the Rolls-Royce automobile in the typical British fashion as it made its way down the long drive to the Hawkins estate west of Crowborough. It was 10 November 1940, one day before Armistice day, celebration of the Great War. Corporal Hawkins was sitting in the back of the automobile with his new friend Owen Pearson, a corporal he had met in a pub while at the base. The young corporal was now wearing his red dress uniform in preparation for Armistice Day.

The heavy wool uniform was comforting with the cool temperatures around him. The car was not heated as it all auto-technology had been suspended for the production of military vehicles. Conrad breathed and saw his breath rise in the air. As he sat there in the shaking vehicle, he thought of meeting his family. His younger brother would be there as would his parents, two snobs that had more money than they deserved. He could not forget that his younger sister would be there as well, she would be home from school also.

Since the grammar school let students out for patriotic holiday, Conrad's brother would be there. Edmund was perhaps the only reason Conrad went back home aside from his sister who offered a reasonable contact from home. He even brought a friend with him so as to ease the pain of home. Ever since he had seen battle, he had realised the snobbery of his parents. He hated watching his brother turn into the same stuck-up person his parents were becoming.

Finally, the car rolled into the main drive of the manor estate that was ever so unfamiliar to Conrad. Leafless Ash trees lined the drive to the massive home. As the automobile pulled to the house, Conrad could see tens of windows complimenting the red brick that was the manor. A man dressed in black stood outside the entrance with an umbrella. It was Williams, the butler to the Hawkins estate. He began walking out to the running vehicle, but Conrad stepped out before he could get there, not wanting to be conventional in the services.

He got under the awning as Williams made his way back up and Owen stepped out of the car and got under the awning as well. Conrad smiled at the old man that stood next to him. “Hello, Williams. How are you? Well, I hope.” The man smiled slightly, but reverted to his normal stature, “I am well, Mr Hawkins. I trust your time in the army isn’t too hard.” Continuing into the hall, Conrad stopped. A large chandelier hung from the wide arched ceiling of the entry hall that held two large staircases at either side at the end.

A few servants rushed their ways through doors at the sides of the hall, but continued with their business as usual. Williams stepped to the side a bit as Conrad looked at him again, “Williams, this is Owen Pearson. He’s an American friend of mine that I met at base. I trust you heard before that he would be with me.” Finally, a few maids stopped at the entrance and greeted Conrad. He was home again, though not as happy as he would have liked to be.

[⊕ Owen Pearson]

Owen sat in the back of the luxury Rolls-Royce automobile as it barreled down the wet Sussex road. Although he would probably only have that experience once, he was busy concentrating on the pen and paper that had been nestled inside his hands. The paper was being supported by the envelope and had french writing sprawled out across the page. He had been writing a letter to Prudence Chamberlain, a French-Canadian girl that he had left back in the states. Once he had reached writers block, he just sat there staring at the few sentences that he had written. The pen hovered over the paper waiting for what it would write next on the stained paper.

Of course, he had created great conversation with Conrad Hawkins, the one soldier who was polite enough to invite Owen to an Armistice Day celebration as Owen was going to be the only one in the base without a place to head off to for the holiday. The two had met in a tavern only a short while ago and appeared to have become fairly good friends with each other, as could be seen by the invitation. Owen had known that Owen was well off when it came to money but was quite surprised when he had stepped into the nicest car he had ever ridden in just after riding first class in the train.

They were wearing the red dress uniforms of the British Army as they were on their journey. Before getting the opportunity to go to an Armistice Day celebration, Owen had never heard of the holiday, as it was not one that was recognized in the states. As he was living at a British Base at the time this was met with great surprise from the soldiers around him. He still did not quite understand it, but he had just decided to follow Conrad and hope not to mess up anything.

Owen noticed the large mansions that they were driving past. He folded up his letter and slid it into the envelope then put the envelope into his jacket’s inside pocket for safekeeping. He then looked out in awe at the great architecture that was going by the windows of the car, expecting Conrad to be laughing at his surprise by the grandeur of the neighborhood. The car pulled up to one of the nicest looking houses that lined the ritzy boulevard and although the manor’s looks were dampened by the rainy day, it still easily outdid Prudence’s New York apartment that Owen had been renting space in before leaving to go to the war.

A man dressed in all black and holding an umbrella walked quickly out to the now parked car, but before he got there, Conrad had opened the door and stepped out, prompting Owen to think that Conrad was not very accepting of the rich life. After the two had gotten out of the car, Owen ran behind Conrad to the awning of the house. As Conrad greeted what appeared to be the butler, Owen looked over the property they had just entered. The driveway created a grand arch around a sprawling garden, which was probably a wonderful place teeming with members of the insect family. An iron and stone fence was surrounding the property sealing the house off from peasant people. There were trees off to the right side of the property concealing a dampened bench under their dripping limbs. He felt the envelope in his pocket and wished that Prudence could be there to see the leafless ash trees that sat along the sides of the driveway.

The trio went into the main hall, which was the grandest room that Owen had ever laid his eyes on. Two curved staircases led from the sides of the room to the balcony that wrapped itself around the upper portion of the room and highlighted the large crystal chandelier that hung from the vaulted ceiling and brightened up the entire room. Servants, although they would have held a higher place in society than Owen, were rushing about the room with places to go. Owen was introduced to the butler that was outside and had ushered them in. Owen replied to the butler in a polite tone saying a very basic, “I am very glad to meet you Williams.” The comment appeared to put the man into a brighter mood. A few maids that had come up to see Conrad, eyed Owen with confusion. He was out of his element, but was happy to have a break from the monotony of the army.

[hawkins]

Conrad was glad to see Williams had warmed to his guest, Owen. the old man was so often mistreated by his parents that he was perhaps the unhappiest man in the building. It seemed his parents had enough money that they could pay their servants to take dirty talk at any time. Ever since he had been in battle and promoted, he viewed his parents with disdain. they knew to a degree how much he didn't like them, but they otherwise ignored it. It was likely that he would not see them until dinner time.

Three maids had come to the entrance to greet the returning son. Mrs Eldridge, the 'Head Maid' greeted him. Conrad smiled, "Mrs Eldridge, you look absolutely ravishing. My parents haven't worked you too hard have they?" They old woman smiled back, "Thank you, Mr Hawkins. Your parents have been keeping me busy, that is to be sure." The other maids greeted the Conrad before hurrying their way into other parts of the massive building.

Looking back at Owen, Conrad walked forward. "We can't stand here all afternoon, Owen. I'll show you your room." In obvious rebellion to the wealth of the family, Conrad walked down the main hall and only got down a few metres before a loud, piercing voice shrilled through the hall from the left staircase. "Conrad! Conrad!" It was the voice of his younger brother, Edmund, as he ran down the staircase and came to an immediate embrace with his older brother.

After the hug had lasted uncomfortably long, Conrad set his ten-year-old brother down. "Where is Theodora?" asked the young corporal in enquiry of his sister. Edmund smiled back, "She'll be here soon. She went to Crowborough to see something in the market." Since Owen was behind Conrad, the young boy looked inquisitively. Conrad, noticing the glance behind him, turned to Owen, "Edmund, this is Owen Pearson, he's an American." knowing that the word 'American' would trigger a reaction, Conrad smiled. Edmund grinned, "From America, is he?"

Walking over to the American corporal, the boy grinned largely, a sign of trouble to come. "Where in America are you from? The boy's inquisitiveness was not to be trusted. He was a bit of a troublemaker to say the least. He was by no means stupid, just amazingly clever to say the least. Conrad grinned as well, his younger brother would be taking the piss out of Owen for the next two days.

[⊕ Owen Pearson]

Owen was left standing there in awe at the intricate designs of the grand hall, while Conrad was rekindling relationships with the maids. There was what appeared to be hand-cut stonework lining the edges of the walls to give definition as if they were wooden trim for the rich person’s home. There were also what looked like hand-blown glass sconces that lined the walls, lighting up the intricate detail-work in the construction. He looked down at the marble tile that they had walked across to get to the point in the room that they were. Owen had begun to become disgusted at the sheer expense that would have needed to be put forward to purchase such valuable wares. While so many others were being forced to live in complete poverty during this terrible war, these snobby fiends were living with surplus luxury.

By the time Owen had finished that thought, Conrad had turned around and had said to Owen, "We can't stand here all afternoon, Owen. I'll show you your room." Conrad began to walk down the grand and over-luxurious hall, expecting Owen to come too. Owen began to follow him and had just taken a few steps along the marble floor, when the most terrible sound reverberated throughout the entirety of the room. Shrills of joy were bursting out of a young boy dashing down the staircase that was to Owen’s left. The ball of joy sprinted from the base of the staircase into Conrad’s arms.

After the two brothers had a few short words of greeting, Owen noticed a slightly confused gaze coming from the young boy. It appeared that this gaze alerted the older brother to introduce the two. "Edmund, this is Owen Pearson, he's an American."


Owen put his hand out to shake Edmund’s. The boy firmly grasped Owen’s hand with a grin and said, "From America, is he?" That’s what American means, thought Owen to himself. He smiled a bit more and Edmund being interrogative asked, "Where in America are you from?”

“New York, New York. Redundant huh?” Owen said to answer the young boy’s question. “I am from the Manhattan borough, just a few blocks away from Central Park.,” he said, expecting another question from the inquisitive mind. “So, Conrad, about that room. My bag is starting to get quite heavy.” said Owen, the bag draped over his shoulder.

[hawkins]

OOC: Just so you know, Owen, I'm using the British terms for floors. Ground floor = first floor, first floor = second. Makes it a bit more realistic.

Realising that Owen was getting uncomfortable, Conrad walked over and looked down to his younger brother; "Edmund, why not tell father I have arrived while I show Owen his room. I will see you at dinner. Hopefully, Theodora will be there. Go on now." The boy smiled and unwillingly turned away, leaving his high voice behind; "Yes, Conrad. Mrs Elridge said dinner would be ready in an hour." He then ran up the staircase on the left and disappeared into one of the many doors that lined the side of the 1st floor.

Looking back to Owen, Conrad grinned, "you'll have to excuse him, Owen; he's absolutely mad about America. My parents are taking him there this summer. He cannot wait to see New York and Washington. Anyway, follow me. I'll get you to your room." Picking up his bag, Conrad led Owen down the entry hall toward the stairs. He stepped onto the red carpet of the right staircase and felt a certain embarrassment as he did it. His family lived in this mansion while so many others were being bombed out of their homes and evacuated to the northern parts of the country.

He was sure Owen was feeling very self-conscious, but he didn't know what to do about it. He continued up the stairs and went down the balcony that overlooked the entry hall. All the maids and man-servants had begun scurrying about the building, doing work that had become so monotonous, they often looked flustered more than tired. Finally, Conrad took a turn to the left and went down a short corridor before he finally reached the heavy wooden door he was looking for.

Conrad opened the door and stepped into the lavish room. A king-size bed stood at one side while a doorway to a bathroom was on another. Red velvet curtains hung from the windows that looked out to the apple orchard. Letting room for Owen to come in, Conrad looked to him. "Owen," he said, shutting the door; "there's every reason in the world to feel uncomfortable here. I can't tell you how I feel about it. I just have to give you fair warning, my parents are the epitome of snobbery. If they offend you, it is best to act as if it didn't happen and move on. It would be rude of them to comment on your mannerisms; so, they won't." Conrad tried his best to make his American friend more comfortable.

[⊕ Owen Pearson]

"Edmund, why not tell father I have arrived while I show Owen his room. I will see you at dinner. Hopefully, Theodora will be there. Go on now." Owen swore he heard harps playing quietly in the distance. The ball of joy left saying that dinner would be ready in an hour. Edmund ran up the left staircase, following the arc of the railing. He reached the top and vanished through one of the many doors, leading into the depths of the mansion.

Conrad turned around to Owen and said, "You'll have to excuse him, Owen; he's absolutely mad about America. My parents are taking him there this summer. He cannot wait to see New York and Washington. Anyway, follow me. I'll get you to your room." Owen debated to himself, should he ask the question that he was waiting to. He decided to avoid giving an invitation, and to see how things went here. He grabbed his duffel bag, prompted by Conrad, and followed along the marble of the grand foyer.

Owen’s right foot hit the crimson carpeting that was on the right staircase. He felt the sponginess of the thick floor covering through the sole of his boot. As he moved up the stairs, left hand guided by the railing, he noticed the darkening of the scarlet runner from water dripping off his boots and soaking slightly into the carpet leaving his trail up the flight.

The duet took a left and walked along the balcony that overlooked the foyer. Owen saw a few maids run to their wet footprints that were present on the stairs, and he watched them begin to dry the wet floor covering. They walked along the stone-tiled floor of the balcony and down a corridor. A large wooden door greeted their arrival. The door was elegantly carved another element of the interior design that seemed to be hand-done. The handles opened and they saw the marvelous room that the door was concealing.

The room was larger than Prudence’s entire apartment. The largest bed that he had ever set his eyes on greeted his entrance into the room. The bed had many pillows on it and was perfectly color coordinated with the rest of the room. The ruby velvet curtains were pulled back away from the windows. Outside, through the rain, Owen saw apple trees populating the outside property. The walls were elegantly painted with a scene from an Ancient Greek myth, telling a story in pictures as a person would look around the room. Another quite grand door was slightly open on the wall opposite the bed, showing the luxurious bathroom to Owen’s wandering and impressed eyes.

The door closed behind him, interrupting Owen’s thoughts about how magnificent the other rooms must look if this is only a guest room. "Owen, there's every reason in the world to feel uncomfortable here. I can't tell you how I feel about it. I just have to give you fair warning, my parents are the epitome of snobbery. If they offend you, it is best to act as if it didn't happen and move on. It would be rude of them to comment on your mannerisms; so, they won't." said Conrad, giving Owen a warning about the rest of his stay in luxury. He went over and sat on a splendid armchair in what was a sitting room, part of the décor in the ostentatious bedroom.

He asked his friend a question that was probably expected of someone like him, “So, you actually live like this?”

[hawkins]

His friend asked the question that hit the wicket. Sitting down in the upholstered chair across from Owen, Conrad looked very seriously to him and spoke in a low tone; "Owen, I grew up in this luxury and indulgence, yes. However, I don't live like this. The army is my life, and I don't plan on returning home after the war. You have to understand that things over here in England are very different than America." He looked out to the grey orchard outside the window.

"I'm sure you've noticed all the servants; this is the only employment they can get, and my parents have taken advantage of it. They are making enormous funds from war factories and wealth has simply been the normality of my life and family. Please, do not judge me, or my siblings, for the wealth and luxury that we have." He looked directly to his friend and stood up. He stood at the window and walked to the centre of the room. "You will find that I have already broken the silent pact of wealth. I got out of the automobile myself; I greeted and acknowledged the maids. Fighting for king and country has taught me much about humility and tact."

He stepped across the thick red carpet that covered the floor and stopped at the seat again, his life flying before his eyes; quickly followed by glimpses of Africa. He could no longer live with the luxuriousness of home. He would not return home again for some time. He put himself in the state-of-mind that would help him get through the evening.

[⊕ Owen Pearson]

"Owen, I grew up in this luxury and indulgence, yes. However, I don't live like this. The army is my life, and I don't plan on returning home after the war. You have to understand that things over here in England are very different than America." Conrad said in a very displeased tone making Owen feel bad about bringing the topic up in the first place.

Owen replied, trying to avoid starting a fight, "I was just taken aback by the sheer size of the place. This room is larger than the whole apartment that I share back in New York." He got up and went over to the window to see what else was outside in such gray weather.

"I'm sure you've noticed all the servants; this is the only employment they can get, and my parents have taken advantage of it. They are making enormous funds from war factories and wealth has simply been the normality of my life and family. Please, do not judge me, or my siblings, for the wealth and luxury that we have." said Conrad while getting up from his chair.

Owen turned around from the windows, framed by scarlet curtains. He said to Conrad, "I know what being a servant would be like. Prudence has worked as such in many of the largest mansions in New York and comes home everyday exhausted by those who give her work. I did not mean to judge your family by your good fortune." He was trying to relate and be as polite as possible.

"You will find that I have already broken the silent pact of wealth. I got out of the automobile myself; I greeted and acknowledged the maids. Fighting for king and country has taught me much about humility and tact." Conrad said to Owen while leaving from the center of the room.

Owen thought that this conversation was becoming to confrontational, and he decided to switch the topic, "So, what’s the plan for the next couple of days. I’ve never been to an Armistice Day celebration. How does this work?" He went back to the chair that awaited his return.

The comfortable chair greeted his return as he sat next to the warm fireplace in the room, that created a great warmth that spread about the large room. He watched as the fire burned, flickering itself in a random pattern. It reminded him of the time he had met Prudence. The cold winter’s day a few years back became clear in his mind. He remembered the bench in central park, which he had pulled to a nearby trashcan that was burning from the matchbook that he had found. The heat warmed his body greatly. A woman came up to him speaking in French, "Puis-je m'asseoir?" He had taken many French classes and had become fairly fluent. His answer was just a short "Oui", but prompted a great conversation that lasted all the night.

The moment rang throughout his head as he looked into the fire that was in the room. He felt the homesickness come into his head, and wished that he could see Prudence very soon.


Translations

Puis-je m'asseoir?
May I sit?

Oui
Yes

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

Moderation Post:

The following CP has been issued:

Pearson - 7CP, four nice posts

-JT