Chapter 1

What Remains Hidden

They sat in the parlor as they did each night after the children were to bed. Eva was reading the latest novel her husband had purchased with toppins he set aside each week for just this purpose. Cedric read the latest news from London. He hadn't the time in the mornings these days as he was needed earlier at the funeral home now that Mister Midgewaller had taken to sick bed and was in no wise improving. In fact, he seemed to grow more worn, weary and worse by the day. The doctors held out little hope of full recovery, if there was recovery at all.

The extra work and hours brought little more money to the household and the toll it was taking on her husband was not lost on Eva as she sat across from him, his good looks enhanced by the firelight. But there was a tiredness taking over that handsome countenance that concerned her. So far she had been unable to broach the subject. What was there to say on it?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar militaristic knocking on the parlor door. Cedric lay his paper to his lap and removed his glasses.

"Come."

"Permission to enter, sir."

"Yes, Mrs. Blatherwick, what is it?"

"Permission to speak freely, sir."

"Always Mrs. Blatherwick, and please, relax."

Eva turned her attentions towards their guest and listened intently.

"I was just wonderin'. Seein' as your anniversary is comin', if you'd be needin me ta, you know, stay a night late to care for the little ones."

The offer, in and of itself, would have never come about just over two years ago. The answer was a given. Cedric fumbled with the paper on his lap and could not now meet his wife's eyes. The two ladies, as well as he, knew there would be no celebration other than dinner at home, as every night, and perhaps an evening walk around town. There was not the money anywhere to do so. It was more than kind of her to offer, but it was just another reminder of how useless Cedric felt, at times, to his family. How he knew no other vocation and if not for outside monies he would be worthless to them all. It was an inward struggle that never left and he had learned to hide well.

The silence was deafening as Mrs. Blatherwick stood at ease and waited for some form of response from, what she perceived, the blissful couple. She moved her eyes and quizzical posture from one to the other and back.

"Yes, thank you, Mrs. Blatherwick. We'll let you know.

"Not too long now. Tis on Saturday."

As Mrs. Blatherwick left Eva looked up at her husband and understood the melancholy that now had taken over his features. She knew it was hard on him, but she was happy with just being his wife. Being with him was more than enough. Yet she also knew he wanted to give all of them more. She closed her book and reached for his hand as he stood up.

"Cedric, it's alright, you know this."

He looked down at this beautiful young woman whom he had fallen in love with and could not fathom why she had done the same towards him. What had just occurred hit him harder than he was willing to reveal.

"I've a few things to attend before bed. You go one without me. I won't be long."

********

He stood in front of the only pub in town, The Pig Sty, and stared in, seeing familiar faces. He hadn't been in there for near three years, was it? Not since his Aggy had.... And if he dared, everyone in the village would know by tomorrow noon. This was not his goal when he'd left to attend things. He wanted to not be gone too very long. He replaced his hat to his head, turned at the corner and hesitated at the end of the walk to the Armitage household. He understood it was past eight and that he likely shouldn't be calling on Charles at home, but the query of his cook had set him on end. After a few moments he mustered the courage to reach the door and knock.

"Cedric it's a bit late to be calling, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, Charles. I am aware of the hour."
"Did you need something?"

"Has it arrived?"

"Has what? Oh yes, that. No, not as of today."

"Can you tell me will it be here by Friday?"

"Cedric, it's very late. I can't answer you here. Come by the shop tomorrow and we'll give the supplier a call."

"But I've not the time," went unheard as the door closed before the statement was made. Cedric turned around and stared up at the full moon rising without a care, placed his hat on his head again and started the slow walk back to his own home, his own bed chamber and his lovely, selfless wife.

"What am I to do if it doesn't?"