The Lonely Lord
“You rang, sir?”
“Ah, Jenkins. This big house is so empty since her Ladyship died.”
“Indeed, sir. The entire estate is grieving.”
“How does one manage?”
“Friends and family, sir.”
“She was my family, my dearest friend. What was that sweet music last night?”
“A hymn sing in the servant’s hall, sir. We remembered all her Ladyship’s favorites.
“Might I join you next time?”
“It wouldn’t be proper, sir.”
“Thank you, Jenkins. That will be all.”
Jenkins returned to the warm companionship of his fellows, as Lord Lexington stared out at his wife’s beloved garden, springing green after the rain.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA very heartfelt, though sad tale, Fuji. Adore the accompanying photograph. Nicely done
Thank you, Carrie. I loved that picture and could just imagine the big manor house that went with it. I’ve always thought the landed gentry must be very lonely, while below stairs there would be so much life and activity and looking out for one another. Maybe I watched too many Downton Abbey episodes.
I’m sure it was lonely, though I did enjoy it when some of those boundaries were crossed in Downton Abbey!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSuch a shame that class divides the characters and prevents the Lord from companionship with the servants.
Yes, Margarida, I agree. The poor Lord, all alone. I imagine he rang Jenkins just to have someone to talk to. For some reason, I’ve always had a soft spot for the aristocracy. I can’t imagine it’s an easy life, in spite of the so-called privileges.
I felt so sorry for Lord Lexington, Fuji, all alone with only his memories to keep him company. You expressed his loneliness so well. Very sad.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes, I’ve spent many a holiday teasing Americans with advance information about the next series of Downton, while I am watching Fellowes’ Gilded Age about New York!
Your story is so sad, Fuji. My heart goes out to Lord Lexington. His life is really pitiful and very sad. You have expressed all emotions very well, Fuji.
You are a true master of dialogue writing, Fuji. The lines sound totally realistic and natural without being plain. And the few words spoken out aloud hint at a richness of unspoken emotions. It makes me think of Hemingway and his “ice-berg technique.” Impressive!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleFuji, I felt so sad for Lord Lexington. I agree with Margarida, that it is a shame that separation of classes prohibits him from finding companionship with the servants, and in return he has to deal with his grief alone.