Wedgewick Woman

by Patricia Strefling

  He smiled, for he knew he had done his job well. “I shall leave you to your business.” He bowed, using the exact same words as his master, Annabel noted.

  “Thank you Cork. I shall look about for you every now and again.”

  “Aye…and I you…for the Laird told me that I was to do your bidding.” He said proudly, leaning close to whisper in her ear.

  “And what can I do to repay you, Cork?”

  “Well…do you read books?” he looked at the ground.

  “Aye.”

  “Might you….might you…..” he could not seem to find the right words.

  “Show you your letters?” she offered.

  He nodded.

  “I would be about getting started this very day, if you wish it.” she said formally.

  “I wish it.”

  “Then it must be done. I’ll await your knock at my door, or a word from you.”

  “I will come when my duties are finished.”

  She nodded. “Well thank you very much for the walk.” Annabel smiled as Cork ran away, quite pleased with himself.

  The Laird was kind to the boy.

  Chapter 25

  By the time a month passed Annabel found herself accustomed to the Carmichael lifestyle. She met with Cork whenever his duties were finished. They sat at the child’s table in Eleanor’s room by the fire and studied letters.

  “Cork you are very quick to learn your letters and sounds.” She declared some weeks later.

  “Aye?”

  “Aye.” She said back in the Scottish way.

  Cork smiled his thanks, his brown eyes endearing to Annabel.

  After he left she went about her own business. She had written her mother a post the day after her arrival and waited patiently for a return. Each time the mail cart found it’s way back from Edinburgh, she waited but to no avail.

  “Phoebe, do you think anything the matter with mother or Meredith?” she worried her maid.

  “Tis only the weather. It has been so rainy. Perhaps Meredith has voice lessons in London again and your mother has not yet read your post.” She offered.

  “Yes, I suppose. I will feel much better when I hear for myself.” Annabel folded the parchment letter she had just written and sealed it. “I had better get this down before the cart leaves.” She hurried to lay the letter on the table near the huge entryway. She lifted the large rock and put hers underneath with the rest. The wind was so strong these days the rock held the missives down so that they didn’t blow away. Perhaps her original letter had met such an ending. She wondered.

  “Miss Wedgewick.” She heard the Laird’s voice. “I have need of your ear. Would you mind meeting me in the library at the fourth hour?” he asked as he walked past her, not stopping.

  “Yes.” she said softly, wondering what he could possibly want with her? She had managed to stay out of his path for most of the time. The castle was so large it was not impossible by any means. Had he the desire that she should leave? Eleanor had taken well to the changes in her little life. She was now standing upon the carpets smiling and proud that she could be let down on her feet. Of course, Mrs. Donaldson made certain that she never let go of the chubby little hands so too much weight fell on the foot. Many hours were spent walking the giggling little creature across the carpets in the nursery.

  And Annabel saw, too, the times when the Laird did not think she did, that he came in most evenings when he was about the castle to check on her after she was asleep and before he went to his chamber. She had heard him walk across the floor quietly and watched as he stood over the crib staring down at her, love in his eyes.

  Her heart began to tumble around in her chest in distress. She knew well enough the time would come, but so soon? The weather would change and it would be impossible to travel the rutted roads back to London. She must…must make her heart quit worrying…there was nothing to be done…the day would come.

  Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought of leaving Eleanor and never laying eyes on her again nor having the chubby arms encircle her neck. Annabel ran up to her child to comfort herself.

  “Now, my little girl…what are you about today?” She greeted sweetly. “Mrs. Donaldson, would you mind if I took Eleanor for a walk outdoors? It is brisk, but I will see that she is bundled well and ears covered. She might enjoy the wind today.”

  She watched the nurse for a moment. “I see nothing wrong with it…if you come back within a short time.” She agreed. “And the Laird always has a watchman to attend.”

  A watchman? Annabel was careful not to let her surprise show. Did they not trust her? Of course they didn’t. She answered her own question.

  “Thank you. I would like to show her the feel of the wind in her hair, and pick a leaf or two off the trees for her to examine.”

  “Be about your duty, then.” She smiled in a rare moment. “Besides, I am going home soon, so the Laird tells me.” She said happily. “I have missed my own family.”

  “Yes, I am sure you have.” She agreed, heartbroken. So the time was here when she, too, would be dismissed along with Mrs. Donaldson before the cold winds came. All the more important that she spend time with her child.

  Fresh tears found their way to her eyes and she wiped them away so Eleanor would not see. “Come, little one, let’s have some time together. Mummy wants to teach you things.” She heard her voice crack.

  After she was properly bundled and an extra blanket secured, Annabel sought Cork’s services. She knew where to find him. Walking through the kitchens and out the tiny door with Eleanor in her arms, she found him digging up carrots.

  “Cork, may we engage your services?” she tried to sound happy. “Eleanor and I would be about the lawns for a walk in the winds today. But I shall need your assistance, for she grows heavy.”

  “Aye.” Cork popped up, stuck his shovel in the ground next to the wooden fence and washed his hands at the bowl at the back door. “I know where the best place is to watch the wind in the trees.” He said proudly.

  “Then take us there.” She ordered.

  “Wait, I will ask Ross if we might borrow the small carriage.” He said and ran off.

  “Well, then.” Annabel spread the blanket and sat down with Eleanor and waited.

  Soon he was back with a miniature wagon, complete with a small sheepskin cover to keep the sun out.

  “Ross has grandchildren.” He said by way of explanation. “His daughter was not using the carriage and said we might borrow it.”

  “Well, you are industrious, Cork. We’ll put the blanket inside and roll Eleanor across the grass. What a fine idea.”

  He smiled up at her and she could not help herself…reached down and tousled his hair.

  “Me mother used to do that very thing to me.” He said quietly, staring off in the distance.

  Annabel wanted to cry. “She did? That’s because she loved you so.”

  “Aye. The way ye love Eleanor, there.”

  Annabel stared at the young boy walking along beside her. “What happened to your mother…if you want to tell me, Cork.” she asked quietly.

  “Me ma and pa got killed. Campbells did it. I was the only one to survive.”

  “Oh.”

  “It’s all right Miss Wedgewick. I have come to terms with it.” he spoke as an adult.

  “Have you now?”

  “Aye. The Laird has taken me in and said that I’m a Carmichael now…even says that he’ll make me a knight if I show myself honorable.” He peeked sideways to see if she was properly impressed.

  “He said that? That’s quite an honor for a boy your age.” She caught his eye.

  “Aye. I will be the knight…just you wait and see.” He dreamed.

  “Aye you will.” She agreed firmly.

  Cork led her around the grounds and before long she found herself standing in a batch of trees looking up through the branches thick with bright yellow leaves to a very blue sky. “Isn’t it just beautiful, Cork?”

  He followed
her gaze. “Aye, ‘tis beautiful.” He agreed and pulled off a large yellow leaf and handed it to Eleanor. She turned it and turned it in her small hands. “She likes it, too, ya see?”

  “She does at that.”

  “Best be getting her back. It’ll be dark before long.” He said importantly. My duty is to see that you are safely returned.”

  “Yes, you are right to say so.” Annabel checked her timepiece pinned to her bodice. “I must meet with the Laird at four.” She said quietly.

  Cork did not respond.

  She wondered if he knew something then chastised herself for thinking bad thoughts before she knew what was about.

  “Eleanor has had quite a time.” She announced brightly when Mrs. Donaldson came to look her over.

  “Her cheeks are indeed pinker and she has the look of sleepiness.” She smiled and put her down for her nap.

  Annabel did not stay for Eleanor had fallen asleep before she could read to her. She headed below-stairs to await her appointment and found herself pacing the empty hallways. Everyone seemed to be about their duties. She felt quite alone.

  Finally she heard the door and waited while the Laird came down the hallway to the bench where she was seated.

  “Thank you for waiting. It has been a busy day. We have a new accountant and I am just now going over figures with him.”

  She smiled but said nothing, as she followed, preparing to hear the worst of it. The accountant picked up the heavy books and carried them out of the room, leaving her alone with the Laird. Her heart beat faster.

  “Be seated.” He minced no words, she noticed.

  “I have just yesterday received a note from my solicitor in Edinburgh that he has received papers from your solicitor in London. The certificate of Eleanor’s birth is to be changed naming Helen as mother and me as father.”

  Annabel breathed again. “I see.”

  “I will need you to travel with me to see to the signatures.”

  “Yes.”

  He got up and began to pace the room, his hands behind his back as Scots are wont to do…here it comes, she thought…the end.

  “I must tell you I am most displeased that my daughter was not born in the country where she…she was conceived.” He said firmly. “Her place of birth is England.”

  Annabel couldn’t think of a thing to say.

  “She is a Scot.” He said by way of explanation, which seemed, to her quite apparent.

  “Yes.” She’s part English, too…she wanted to remind him, but thought better of it. She had yet to hear why she was summoned.

  “I wish you would have been forthcoming when Helen was carrying my child.” He did not look at her. “She should have been born in the country of her Father.”

  “I, too, wish it.” She admitted.

  Now he turned as if to read her face. He determined she was telling the truth.

  “It has come to be an unfortunate situation.”

  “Yes it has. I am sorry now that it happened.”

  “Well, it is done.” He finished and stalked to the door. “We shall travel Tuesday four days hence. Have you any questions?” He waited at the open door, hand on the knob, dismissing her.

  “No.” she said on the way through. He had not sent her home. Relief.

  “Ross see that Knight is brought round. We’re off to Selkirk this eve.”

  Chapter 26

  Annabel stepped outside her room to find the Laird’s valet. Thinking the Laird had left the castle, she hummed as she knocked once at the Laird’s door, then twice. Blithers opened the door a tiny crack.

  “Sir, I am sorry to disturb you. I was wondering if you think I might borrow a book from the library…”

  The door opened wider and the Laird appeared in black shirt, pants and boots. “Of course. You may use the library at will, Miss Wedgewick.” He stated and moved past her. “No need to wait up Blithers, we shall not be back until the morrow, if I have my guess.”

  Annabel felt her face color. She hadn’t meant for the Laird to find her knocking at his door.

  “I am sincerely sorry to have disturbed you sir. I thought the Laird gone.” She apologized to the older gentleman.

  “Tis no bother.” He smiled and cocked his head. “You have grown up to be a fine young woman.” He said quietly. “I remember the tea parties.” He walked down the hall with her.

  “And I.” She smiled at the memories. “I enjoyed the time I was here with Helen. Very much, in fact. I was sorry when Helen left.”

  “Aye and you were a kind-hearted, soft-spoken gentle girl…same as the woman you have become.” He winked easily.

  She looked down at her feet. “Not like my sisters, I’m afraid…”

  “Now, now, I shall not stand and hear such talk. You are a fine woman. Why I wouldn’t…” he stopped himself.

  Annabel glanced his way.

  “”Tis not my place…” his voice trailed off.

  “You can speak plain with me Blithers. I have no one to talk to since mother and Meredith have left and Helen has died. Now with Eleanor gone…”

  “Shall we have tea in the kitchen?” he offered taking her arm and leading her below stairs. She was glad, for her throat had closed up around her words.

  “Mrs. Calvert would you bring us some of your good pastries.” He asked reaching for the tea pot that was whistling its readiness.

  “Aye…” she called and within a minute a plate of fruit pastries sat in the midst of them. “Apple they be today.”

  “Aye and fit enough for a king.” He laughed, taking one up.

  “Now, why such an unhappy countenance?”

  “Oh ‘tis nothing, Blithers. I…I have so much to think upon these days.”

  “And?”

  “Well, it is to my own shame that I kept the secret of the Laird’s child. I see it so plain now. But then…then I felt in my heart I was doing the right thing.”

  His gentle look persuaded her to continue.

  “It has fallen to me, now to have to give her up and the guilt pains me when I think that the Laird knew nothing of her.” She paused. “I realize now how wrong I was to keep her to myself. How he must hate me.”

  “I do not think he hates you, my dear. It is another that hurt him, not ye.”

  “Yes, I know. I just never saw Helen quite the way he seems to have known her.”

  “Your heart is good…that is why you did not see.”

  She nodded. “I am so glad to speak of these things with you, Blithers, for I have no one I can turn to.”

  “I shall always be about. You may come to me, although you know if there is anything untoward…I cannot keep secrets from the Laird…he trusts me.”

  “Of course. I would never put you in such a position. As well, I am tired of lies, tired of deceit and all that goes along with it. Poor James tried to help me and got sacked and locked into the pantry.” She said sadly.

  “James was a man unto himself. He had a mind and made his choices.”

  “But it was because of…well, I do not wish to go over things again. Tis enough time that I spend regretting my actions as it is.” She smiled lightly now.

  “There, that is what I wish to see…the beautiful smile.”

  “Beautiful?” she wanted to cry. “No one has ever said that to me…always to Helen…who did have the most beautiful smile…Eleanor has it you know. My sister’s smile. Oh, I am rambling.”

  “Annabel, good people do not always come dressed in a fine face and silk clothing. It is what lies within one’s heart that matters.”

  “Yes, you are good to remind me of that.” She mused.

  “I loved a woman once.”

  Annabel looked up, sorry that she had been thinking only of herself.

  “I let her marry another. She waited for me down at the Cumberland Loch one fine sunny afternoon as planned.” He looked away, then back, “I refused to believe that she could love me, a mere crofter’s son, when she had the Vicar’s son who loved her and could give her so mu
ch more than I.”

  “What happened?”

  “She married the Vicar and had two children; both of whom died at a very young age. The Vicar detested her, blaming her for his lack of children, and they lived a most terrible life together. Every time I saw her, she looked sadder and sadder…until finally one day she died walking on the hills by the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh…alone.”

  “Oh Blithers, I am most sorry for you.”

  “Don’t be. It was my error and I paid dearly.”

  “Oh, but you mustn’t look upon yourself too badly. You only wanted what was good for her. How could you have known it would end the way it did?”

  “You are right, of course…but you see I have never married.”

  “’Tis too bad. You are a good man. But then the Laird would not have had you…” she tried to comfort him.

  “Aye…the Laird. I’ve known his parents before he was born. He is as a son to me.”

  “There, you see, you do have a son. He has no father nor mother. I remember the servants talking that he lost his mother at…age eight…was it?”

  He nodded. “His father was a bitter man. It was difficult for the boy.”

  “Ah…so the reason for his continual barking and commands.” She teased.

  “”Twould be true Miss Annabel.” He smiled affectionately.

  “Blithers…do you…do you really think Eleanor will be all right here?”

  “She will do well, child. You are not yet twenty. You should be about finding yourself a husband.”

  “I thought I would be raising Eleanor…”

  “Aye, the Laird is seeking a good wife.”

  “Blithers!”

  “Prodding to see if ye have a desire to be that one. He has talked of needing a good mother for Eleanor and marrying. There is to be a dance in the main courtyard two weeks hence to bring the ladies from all around so that he might choose.”

  “Annabel’s face colored. So he seeks a mother for Eleanor?” She paused. “I guess that is a good thing, is it not?”

  “What think ye?”