York, October 1644 Before I’ve even mustered the courage to knock, the door to the townhouse flings open.
I drop my hand. “It is me, John Falmouth,” I say and wince at how loud my voice carries into the night. My greeting falters when I look up and notice the young woman standing before me. Her smooth countenance and black velvet gown lined with pearls leave me conscious of how dirty I am from the week spent travelling to York. “I am here to see Mr George Strong,” I finish once I’ve gathered myself.
Her mouth opens in surprise and I swallow down my fear that my welcome has been withdrawn. George has weathered the years well since we last met. I’m sure I’m not the only one of his old friends to have reached out in the hopes of a position.
“My husband died a month ago. A sudden illness,” she explains when I step back. Her firm grip saves me from stumbling down the wide marble steps.
“I am sorry for your loss,” I mumble, even while cursing myself for not writing to George sooner.
“You must come in, Mr Falmouth,” she says as I turn to make my way back to my mean accommodations. “I will not shame my husband’s memory by making his friend feel unwelcomed.”
Her offer is a temporary retreat, but one I am quick to accept. Without George’s aid, I am a stranger in a city still recovering from Parliament’s siege, which only ended at the Battle of Marston Moor a few months ago.
This story is from the August 28, 2023 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 28, 2023 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AS 'THE DIPLOMAT RETURNS KERI RUSSELL
ON HAVING FUN WITH RUFUS SEWELL, MEETING THE U.S. AMBASSADOR AND BEING STRAPPED TO TOM CRUISE
FROM HIS CHALLENGING CHILDHOOD TO HOLLYWOOD'S HOT LIST BARRY KEOGHAN
ON BEING DRAWN TO STRONG WOMEN AND ENJOYING LIFE WITH HIS LITTLE BOY
AS 'THE SUBSTANCE' IS RELEASED MARGARET QUALLEY
ON MAKING THE LEAP FROM BALLET TO HOLLYWOOD
BUSY MUM-TO-BE AND DUTIFUL DAUGHTER PRINCESS BEATRICE
TEAMS UP WITH SISTER PRINCESS EUGENIE TO SUPPORT THEIR FATHER IN HIS EXILE FROM ROYAL LIFE
CHAMPIONING WOMEN'S HEALTH THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH
HONOURS 60 YEARS OF GROUNDBREAKING CHARITY
AS ONE DIRECTION REUNITE TO BID FAREWELL TO FORMER BANDMATE LIAM PAYNE
HUGS AND TEARS AS MOURNING FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY GOODBYE
CELEBRATING HER GAME-CHANGING NEW CONCEALER VICTORIA'S SECRETS
THE DESIGNER SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE TIPS AND REVEALS WHICH PRODUCTS HARPER LOVES TO STEAL
CHANNELLING MARY POPPINS TO CHAMPION LITERACY THE QUEEN
JOINS CELEBRITIES AND BEST-SELLING AUTHORS TO APPLAUD YOUNG WRITERS' 'ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT WORK'
CONTINUING A FESTIVE TRADITION - WITH A TINY NEW TREAT TO DELIGHT VISITORS WINDSOR CASTLE AT CHRISTMAS
STAFF DECK THE HALLS - AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ROYAL DOLLS' HOUSE
SNAPPING UP RECORD-BREAKING £60M MANSION IN MIAMI THE BECKHAMS
WE GO INSIDE THEIR BILLION-DOLLAR LIFESTYLE AS THE FAMILY PREPARE TO EXPAND THEIR BRAND