Snug in a Snowstorm

by Cynthia Moore

  Gerard looked very relieved when he heard her words. He lowered his hands from her shoulders and grinned. “I’m very glad to hear you say that. I’ll get to work so we can go relax by the fire.”

  “Yes, that would be wonderful. I’ll make Mrs. Quentin’s tea and prepare the salve for Augusta’s joints.”

  Nothing further was said as each of them concentrated on their tasks at hand. Isabella located the mortar and pestle from her bag and placed a few of the dried Arnica petals in the bowl. She carefully ground the pieces of flower into tiny bits. Then she spooned a tiny amount of the reserved fat from the chicken into another small dish. She added the Arnica and stirred until the mixture was of a smooth consistency. Then she walked over to the cupboard where Jane had located the dish towel in hopes of discovering some pieces of linen that she could use to apply the salve to Augusta’s affected joints.

  Isabella found some soft cotton material that had been torn into strips in the back of one of the shelves. Those would work admirably for her purposes. Satisfied that this chore was successfully completed except for the application before Augusta went to bed, Isabella located the tea kettle.

  “May I?” She turned toward the sink and realized that the piles of plates had almost disappeared. “My goodness, you two took care of those dishes in a hurry!”

  Gerard poured some more hot water into the sink as Jane stood back. “I find that the thought of relaxing in front of the fire a good incentive to finish as quickly as possible. Jane is a good helper as well. Have you ever thought of working in a kitchen, girl?”

  Jane blushed as she heard Gerard’s compliment. “Thank you, my lord. Although I don’t mind helping out, I much prefer working as a lady’s maid to Lady Isabella.”

  Isabella pumped some water into the kettle. “I certainly wouldn’t wish to lose your services either.”

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  Isabella took the leftover piece of ginger out of her bag. She turned toward the counter to chop off some pieces and was momentarily startled to find Gerard blocking her way.

  “I heard from Quentin that his wife’s cough has substantially improved since she drank the beverage you brewed for her. Where do you get your supplies?” he asked.

  “My cousin works for the East India Company. He periodically sends me exotic spices as well as ginger root from India. I also have a flower and herb bed in my garden.”

  “How did you determine ginger could be used to calm coughs?”

  “Ginger can be used to bring relief to an upset stomach. When my father became ill a few years ago after catching a chill, ginger was the only herb I had on hand. I had a hunch that it would help. I tried boiling it in water and added the liquid as well as bits of dried lemon rind to his tea. The tea soothed his throat and brought him immediate relief. Since that time, I have given ginger teas to many of my servants when they come down with coughs, chills or even influenza.”

  “Interesting. You certainly have a talent for discovering useful remedies.”

  “I enjoy being able to bring sick people relief in my small way.” Isabella had reason to feel gratified by Gerard’s interest in her hobby. It left her with a warm feeling inside to know he truly cared about what she was doing in her spare time. She chopped the pieces of ginger, added the lemon and finished brewing the beverage. Then she decided to make another pot for Augusta as well. She placed the teapots, cups, salve and linen strips on a tray. “I’ll take the tea to Mrs. Quentin and see you in the drawing room later, Gerard.”

  “When I’m finished here, I’m going to check and make sure the men are warm enough in their quarters in the stable. I’ll join you and Augusta shortly.”

  “That’s fine.” Isabella turned to Jane. “Are you comfortable in the service room accompanying my own?”

  “Yes, my lady, it’s quite suitable.”

  “Good. When you’re finished drying the dishes, you may retire for the night. We have all had a long day. I don’t imagine I will stay up much longer either.”

  “You don’t want me to wait up and assist you?” Jane asked with concern.

  “No, no, as you pointed out earlier, I’m perfectly capable of getting out of this garment on my own.” Isabella smiled reassuringly at Jane. “However, I will need you to be awake early tomorrow to assist me and help with the morning meal.”

  “Of course, my lady. Good night to you.”

  “Good night.” Isabella walked out of the kitchen and down the hallway to the housekeeper’s door. She rapped softly. “Mr. Quentin, I’ve brought more tea for your wife.”

  The door opened slowly to reveal the little man dressed in a woolen robe with a stocking cap covering his bald head. “Thank you, my lady.” He looked down and suddenly seemed to notice his attire. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep me eyes open. I was that anxious for bed.”

  “That is perfectly understandable, sir. You were awake most of the night and you’ve been doing your best to see to our needs this evening. Please make sure that your wife drinks this. She should be much improved by morning.”

  “Thank you again, my lady.”

  Isabella handed him the teapot, containing the specially brewed tea, and one of the cups and then made her way to the drawing room. She opened the door to discover Miss Hatch snoring loudly with her head bent over her embroidery frame. Isabella lowered the tray onto a nearby table, being careful not to make too much noise.

  “Don’t wake her. Come over by the fire and share the rest of the wine with me.”

  Isabella turned around to see Gerard walking on tiptoe into the room carrying an open bottle and two glasses in his hands. He winked at her in what could only be described as a conspiring manner and carefully placed the goblets on a table directly in front of the hearth, alongside a sofa that was liberally adorned with green silk cushions. He poured some of the ruby-red liquid in each container. Isabella slowly walked across the room and sat on the seat somewhat gingerly. For some unknown reason, she could feel her pulse racing and she suddenly felt quite breathless. “What…what a nice idea.”

  Gerard sat down next to her and handed her a glass. He raised his own and then stared intently into her eyes. “To a very happy Christmas together.”

  Isabella found herself mesmerized by the liquid-blue warmth in Gerard’s eyes reflecting off the glowing flames inside the fireplace. She didn’t speak, she simply raised her arm in a perfunctory gesture and sipped her wine.

  “You are truly a vision of loveliness sitting there with your jet-black hair and large emerald eyes, wearing a green satin gown with matching pillows at your back resonating with an almost uncanny brilliance from the warm light of the fire.”

  By the time he stopped speaking, Gerard’s voice had quieted to a gentle whisper. Isabella felt her heart begin to thump erratically. She took a shaky breath before drinking more wine. What is happening to me? I must be more tired than I thought.

  “Thank…thank you, Gerard for the compliments. I promise I won’t ask you if you really mean them.” Isabella smiled at him, thinking that the last sip of wine must have gone to her head for her to have made such a bold comment.

  “Careful, my dear, you’re tired.” Obviously he had come to the same conclusion. “I’m certainly very happy to hear you’re now accepting my praises without questioning whether I’m serious or not. By the way, the men are quite comfortable in the rooms above the stables and it hasn’t stopped snowing.”

  “I’m glad to hear the men are warm enough but I hope the storm lets up soon.”

  “I can’t imagine it would keep up too much longer. So much snow in this area would be a very rare occurrence.”

  Isabella struggled to think of a topic for conversation when she abruptly remembered Julia complaining to her brother about all the time he spent taking care of matters on his estate. “Your sister mentioned your preoccupation with Malden. Tell me a little about your estate,” she whispered.

  Gerard sat up a little straighter and turned to her with a pleased expression on
his face. It was obvious by these simple gestures that he was very proud of his home and eager to speak of it. “Malden sits on fifty acres of mostly gently rolling hills,” he began, keeping his voice low. “I’ve been experimenting with crop rotation methods of late. I have several tenant farmers and their families living on my lands. Many of the men have previous generations—fathers, uncles, even grandfathers—who have worked at Malden. It has taken me some time to convince a few of the old-timers to come on board with the new practices. I have always made certain their homes were in good repair and their families were in good health. I find these practices create an allegiance and steadfastness in my farmers and all the men have recently agreed to adopt the new procedures. This past spring we already noticed a substantial increase in our wheat and barley production.”

  Isabella listened with great interest. She enjoyed working in her own small garden at home. What an exciting challenge it must be to be in charge of so much land and so many people’s livelihoods as well. No wonder Gerard found it hard to be away from Malden for too long a period of time. “I have heard that crop rotation methods do cause big improvements, especially by opening up fodder and grazing crops so that cattle may be bred year round.”

  Gerard’s eyes widened as he listened to her comments. “You are very well informed. We have substantially increased our cattle production as well.”

  They sat together in companionable silence sipping their wine for a few minutes. Suddenly Isabella found it hard to keep her eyes open. She stood, placing her empty wineglass on the table. “I should wake Augusta and help her to bed. I still need to apply the salve as well.”

  Gerard came to his feet and reached for her hand. “Isabella, it has been a great pleasure spending time with you today. I look forward to more enjoyable moments tomorrow.”

  “Huh…huh! Where…where am I?” Augusta called out peevishly as she woke up, clearly disoriented.

  Isabella smiled wearily up at Gerard and gently removed her hand from his grasp. “Those moments will have to be wedged in between our many chores.”

  “It will make them easier to accomplish knowing such a reward is waiting for me.”

  Chapter Six

  Gerard pulled back the curtains on the window in his bedchamber and studied the frosty white world outside in the dim early-morning light.

  “The snow looks mighty deep, my lord. Are you certain we’ll be able to collect somethin’ to serve as a Yule Log without gettin’ lost?” his valet spoke out while he was laying out Gerard’s warmest clothing.

  “There is a dense wooded area near the back of the house. I’m confident we will find something to serve the purpose without going too far away.”

  Gerard buttoned up his shirt and accepted a freshly ironed strip of linen from Jones’ hands. He swiftly and masterfully tied the cravat in his favored Mathematical style. Then he quickly finished dressing in dark-blue trousers, matching coat and a woolen beige waistcoat. He tugged on his newly polished Hessian boots with a sigh. “These won’t stay in such pristine condition for long, I’m afraid.”

  “I brought you an extra pair, my lord, so you be covered, so to speak.”

  “You think of everything, Jones. Thank you.”

  “It’s my job, my lord. It’s my job.”

  Gerard walked to the door and put his hand on the knob before turning around to speak. “Meet me at the back door in an hour. I’ll be in the dining room if you need me.”

  “Certainly, my lord.”

  Gerard walked swiftly down the deserted hallway to the stairs. He paused briefly to listen for any sounds of activity. Everything was still and silent. Perhaps Isabella and Augusta were still asleep, although he thought it unlikely. Even with the unusual circumstances surrounding this holiday, he was conscious of sensations of happiness and anticipation on this Christmas Eve. It was hard to imagine that the ladies wouldn’t have been affected by similar expectations as well.

  He opened the dining room door to find the table set for two people instead of three as it had been the evening before.

  “Gerard, there you are. I was just going to send Jane up to inquire if you were ready to break your fast.”

  He turned toward the sound of Isabella’s voice and found her standing on the threshold. She had donned a cherry-red gown with short puffed sleeves. A green ribbon embellished the neckline as well as the edge of her sleeves. “Good morning. You look very festive, my dear.”

  “Thank you very much. You look quite dashing as well.” She grinned up at him and blushed rosily. “I meant to say that I never have found fault with the way you are turned out.”

  Gerard smiled back at her as he valiantly fought the urge to kiss her luscious lips. “You must thank Jones for his successful efforts then.”

  “Yes…yes, I will.” She hesitated before clearing her throat and beginning again. “Please sit down. Jane will be bringing in tea and toast momentarily. We also have ale if you wish.”

  “That would be fine. I only see places for two at the table. Is Augusta still in her bed?”

  “No, no. Augusta is awake and doing quite well after I applied the salve last night. She claims the pain in her joints has disappeared. She has returned to her room to retrieve her shawl and will join you momentarily.”

  “You aren’t eating with us, Isabella?” Gerard tried unsuccessfully to keep the disappointed tone out of his voice.

  “I’m sorry but it’s absolutely impossible for me to sit down right now. I have decided to roast two of the joints of beef and one chicken as well as the goose. They went into the oven an hour ago. I have also located the necessary ingredients for the mince pie and plan to roll out the dough shortly.” Isabella began to back away toward the hallway.

  “Please don’t try to do too much. You should enjoy the day as well,” Gerard reminded her.

  “I’m finding I like cooking almost as much as I love dabbling with my herbal remedies. But don’t be concerned. Jane has been a great help to me. Here she is now.”

  Jane entered the room carrying a tray full of toast, a teapot and cups and a jug of ale. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”

  Augusta tottered into the room at that moment. She was all smiles. “Good morning, all. Ah, I see you brought milk and sugar. I have everything I need.”

  “Good. Jane and I must return to the kitchen. We’ll leave you two to enjoy your meal.”

  Isabella turned away with Jane at her side. They left Gerard to the now almost hysterically happy mercies of Augusta Hatch. He listened with one ear to the lady’s effervescent description of a masked ball she once attended as a young woman. From there, she moved on to tell of an extremely handsome gentleman who had asked for the pleasure of dancing with her only to learn that he was thwarted in his desire because her dance card was full.

  Gerard managed to extricate himself only by promising to locate a piece of mistletoe during his search for the Yule Log and greenery.

  “You must hide the mistletoe upon your return, Gerard. Then pull it out and kiss me when I least expect it this evening after dinner.” The lady laughed gaily as he left the room.

  He was gratified to see the men gathered and waiting for him near the back door. Jones helped him into his caped coat and then handed Gerard his gloves, hat and scarf. “Let’s stay together as much as possible. I think the woods behind the house will be our best chance to find something to use. Ideally, a recently felled tree that is not too large for us to carry is what we should look for. Jones, bring along that bag for the pieces of greenery.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Gerard led the way through the thick, frozen slush. Fortunately, although it was still snowing, only a light dusting of powder was falling. He had no trouble seeing where he was going. Before long, they arrived at the edge of the wood.

  “Fan out but don’t go too far away. Call out if you see anything suitable.”

  Gerard looked at several possible trees only to determine they were too large and or too heavy to carry. Then he
spotted one lone trunk jutting out of the snow. Upon closer examination, he found it had rotted away on the inside. All the while, his thoughts were of lovely Isabella. It had been so wonderful to sit with her in front of the fire discussing his estate and the intricacies of crop rotation. Gerard was very impressed by the extent of her knowledge on the subject and looked forward to further conversation with her. He sincerely hoped Isabella wasn’t exhausting herself by doing so much to make this holiday meal for them.

  “Over here, my lord!”

  Gerard and the others followed the sound of the voice to a clearing a short distance away. There in the middle appeared to be a tree trunk that had just recently collapsed under the weight of the snow. It looked to be of a manageable size.

  “Very good…George, is it?”

  “Yes, my lord. Thank you.”

  Gerard directed all the men to take out their knives and gather some pine limbs and holly branches. Remembering Augusta’s command, he located a large piece of mistletoe and hurriedly thrust it in his pocket. Then they placed the greenery in the bag and Jones lifted it up onto his back. Gerard and the rest of the men hoisted the log up on their shoulders and made their way back to the house.

  * * * * *

  Isabella closed the door to her bedchamber and walked down the hallway to the stairs. She had taken a moment to freshen herself before the evening meal was served. She took a deep breath as she made her way down to the front hall. It had been a long day but miraculously, everything seemed to have turned out well. Even Augusta’s coveted mince pie looked delicious with a golden-brown crust and a small bit of sweetmeats peeping invitingly out of the opening at the top.

  She wanted to check the appearance of the dining room table. Jane had assured her that it looked very beautiful and festive. She opened the door to discover Augusta busily placing pine branches and bits of holly down the center of the table.

  “Isabella, what do you think of my handiwork?” Augusta stood back and beamed at her.