Chapter 29 - "War Stories..."

January 1922

Clara's PoV

'Your not going. And that's flat'

'I don't want to go. But I have too' he mumbled as I paced up and down my bedroom.

'George is ready to come to the nursery my Lady' someone said as I watched the little boy crawl through the door.

'You can't leave me. You can't leave him' I begged, looking down at the 8 month old who had advanced so quickly I hadn't had time to blink.

It wasn't a war exactly that he had been called too, but I blame my father. He had refused to go to Germany and now with John being nobly ranked married to me - he had been called.

It will be awful for him, especially seeing as he isn't noble born in his own right.

'It's not fair John. You can't leave' I pouted, picking George up, and giving him a quick kiss. 'I've got him Nanny. Thanks' I said.

'I have to go Clara. Come on. It's been a year and a half since we married and a baby - providing his heir - and he still thinks as much of me as he did before I have to get in his good books'

'I can't see anyone there approving if you John. Please don't do this. I would rather you be a cowered than go'

'I survived the last time - believe it or not. Who knows what will happen but I'm sure I'll be fine' he scoffed taking George in his arms. 'Daddy will be fine' he assured him.

'Anyway. My father dies like you - at least he's come to get used to you being around'

'Clara you need to go back to England. Back to London' John said stepping towards me.

'What? We live here now. I thought we decided that we would stay here until he was at least 6. Before school age? He doesn't need to grow up in Oswald house until he's that age' I scoffed.

'Come on Clara. What's the point in you knocking your heels around here? Your a noble lady and George needs to go to his house. He owns that house technically. You'd have people to talk to. Otherwise you'd just spend all your time alone and worrying' he said with a raised eyebrow.

'But?'

'I'm serious Clara. You have to do what you can in your best interest and our child's'

'Which is why you can't go' I cried, as he put George down totally shocked and glared at me.

'You have two children John. You can't die'

'1child Clara. We've had this argument before as well. I feel like we're going round in circle--'

'Lady Clara. I apologise. Your father is on the phone and would like to speak to you?'

'I'm coming. Watch George' I demanded to John.

- - -

'So your coming home?' Dad said excitedly.

'Only so that John can take your place in Germany. You should be going' I scoffed.

'And your bringing Master George. Your bringing him with you?'

'I'm closing up the France house I guess and coming home for good. John's right. There's no point hanging around here and personally I would like my children to be raised English' I said rolling my eyes.

I know how horrible it can be, and if he stays here then he would have to learn in In having a hard enough time trying to teach John the basics of French. He can't even read English that well.

'Were coming home. And when John comes home he is going to sit his exams. We're putting them off now which is just rubbish, all because of you, but I suppose he is doing this in his best interests as well' I sighed.

'When?'

'We'll be on the 4 o clock train tomorrow. All three of us. That will give us enough time to pack some things up and close the house. Then John will be on the 6 o clock train the next day to London' I said sadly.

'Sounds like a plan' he said, making me slam the phone down.

'Dinner is ready your lady' Rory said, to which I smiled.

'Thank you Mr Williams. Could you ask nanny to bring George to the table?'

'Very good' he said turning to walk away, and then I stopped him. 'How are you and Amy? How is yours and Miss Ponds relationship? Are you both well?'

'We are my lady. Why do you ask?'

'I'm closing this house tomorrow and going back to London... With George and John's coming too'

'Right. I don't meant to be harsh or so upfront but does that put me and Miss Po-- Miss Williams out of a job?'

'No. Not in the slightest your more than welcome to come back to London with us. I wonder if you might like to join me and Mr Smith for dinner?'

'In the dinning room? At the dinning table? With yourselves?'

'Yes. If you could ask Mrs Ryan's to cook for 4 people and if you could ask the Nanny to come and see me' I said leaning against the door. 'Mr Smith and I... Would like a moment alone. Tell Amy I'll dress myself for dinner' I said then turned to walk up the stairs. 'Rather Mr Smith wi help me' I smirked.

- - -

'I've spoken to a friend of mine... And u think she can help' I said looking up at John's sweat ridden face.

'Hmm? You make a habit of talking to friends. What exactly can she help with?' John says running a hand over my stomach and rolling to be on top of me once again.

'Well she thinks she can find her. But I need the name of every woman you've ... Well you know. Your previous encounters!' I said blushing.

'Your not talking about the child again are you? I can't understand what difference it will make. She can't come here'

'Well adopt her. Make up a story and adopt her into the house. She'll be well looked after here and you'll get to see her'

'And if she looks like me?'

'Fine... Then we'll say that it's a relation of yours. We'll work this out. If you just tell me the names...'

'No'

'There's no point in hiding them John, you may as well tell me because while your away I will just find out myself' I says rolling my eyes and kissing him again anyway.