Elana poured tea into the cup that rested on the table. She picked it up admiring the red roses on the pattern. “New china?”
“Yes, new china. Now be careful, I don’t want it broken,” Mary Margaret fussed. Elana rolled her eyes. “Charles has gone to see his father. Poor Lord Birmingham is not well.”
“Mother went back to work. I pity her working with the dragon breathing fire at every turn.” Mary Margaret and Elana laughed loudly.
“Charles assured me that Mother would be alright. If not, she can come and work here. I honestly don’t know why she didn’t accept Charles’ offer and give up her job. He would make sure she had enough to live on.”
“Mother is too proud to take charity, even from your new husband. So how do you like living in the manor house?” Elana finished her tea and looked around. She was impressed.
“I love nice things. It is so different than living in the tiny cottage. Charles is wonderful to me. Would you like to see my new wardrobe?” Elana looked at her sister fondly.
“No, I had better get back to work. I don’t have a rich husband like you do. I am happy for you, Mary Margaret. Just don’t let the dragon get you.” They both laughed. Mary Margaret hugged her younger sister and walked her to the door.
“Lively young thing.” Bertha picked up the two pies she was making and carried them to the ovens. “Works here does she?” Bertha had heard the gossip about Mary Margaret and Charles in town. She still could not believe that Mary Margaret’s mother was the housekeeper in the manor and here she was married to the Lord and Lady’s son. Bertha could not help but admire her new mistress.
Mary Margaret sniffed the air. The kitchen smelled of fresh baking. “Yes, she works on the farm and yes, she is very lively, too lively sometimes.”
In another part of the manor, Charles went to see his father. Robert was not doing well. He motioned for his son to come closer. “Charles, you will have to be strong. Your Grandfather ran this estate with a firm hand and a gentle heart. I want you to do the same.”
“Father, I won’t be running this estate for a long time. You will be feeling better in no time. Now just rest.” He placed his hand tenderly on his father’s hand.
“No Charles, I am failing fast. You must be strong, my boy. Your mother will not give up until she breaks you. She is heady with power, Charles. She is not the loving woman I married. Please promise me, you will not let her win.” Charles was growing more upset. He didn’t want his father to talk like this. “Charles, promise me.” Robert started to cough.
“I promise, Father. Now you must rest, while I go to fetch the doctor. I want him to give you something. Lie still and rest. I will be back in an hour or two.” Charles adjusted his father’s covers and with one last look, he sprinted down the stairs and out of the house. Evelyn saw him go. She looked toward Robert’s room thinking that perhaps something was wrong, but after a moment’s hesitation, she turned disinterested, and went back to her room.
Charles ran to the stables. “Max, Max I need my stallion now.” Max appeared from one of the stalls, a large pitchfork in his hand.
“Master Charles, is something wrong?”
“Yes, Max, it is Father. I don’t like the way he looks and I am off to fetch Dr. Wilson. I need the horse now, Max.” Charles went to fetch his saddle while Max brought his stallion from the stall. It was only minutes before Charles was mounted and off in a flash. Max watched him go, his brow furrowed. He was worried that Lord Birmingham was failing fast. God help us with her in charge.
“Did I just see Mr. Charles riding off like he was being chased by the devil?” Elana carried a bucket of oats into the barn.
“Yes, his lordship is failing fast according to Mr. Charles.” Elana looked sadly at Max.
“A pity, he is a nice chap, is his lordship. I hope his son is as nice because now my sister is married to him.” She went into the stall and came out with an empty bucket. “Max, have you seen Daniel?”
“He should be coming in from the north field. There were some carcasses found this morning. He has gone out to look for stray dogs. We don’t need to lose any sheep now or I will have to go and talk with the dragon.” Elana nodded her head, understanding just how frightening that could be.
“Have you seen his drawings?”
“Yes, he is very talented, that young man. He made one of me. I hung it in the tack room; go take a look.” Elana turned and set off for the tack room. She returned minutes later with the sketch.
“Max, this is amazing. It looks just like you.”
“It does, messy hair and all. That lad knows how to capture your soul when he draws.”
“And his stories are wonderful as well. Daniel is much too talented to be working on a farm, Max. But he seems happy here.” Elana filled the bucket with oats and entered the second stall.
“Apparently, his uncle was a cruel bugger. He hit the lad often. No wonder he is happier here. Now you feed those horses and put my portrait back. I have work to do.” Max laughed loudly. Elana grinned as she continued her work. She thought about Daniel. He had a strange effect on her, unlike any other young man. She could hardly wait until her day off.
Charles returned a few hours later and the doctor arrived soon after him. Dr. Phillips went directly to Robert’s room. The man was barely conscious. Dr. Phillips took a small vial from his bag and held it under Robert’s nose. Charles watched him with interest. Evelyn stuck her head in the doorway, greeted the doctor and left. Charles was not pleased.
“What is that, Dr. Phillips?”
“Vapors, Charles. I like to get the treatment into the lungs. Consumption is a disease of the lungs. It starts with tubercles and after softening and breaking down, they discharge and a more ulcerous cavity develops. The cavity develops at the summit of the lung and eventually works down to the base. It will eventually devour the lungs.”
“Devour the lungs? But that means…,” he could not finish. Tears appeared in his eyes.
“Yes, Charles, but I said eventually. The vapors and some powders that I am going to leave with you will slow the process. I treated your father with the powders a month ago and he showed some improvement.”
“I remember. He miraculously came downstairs on his own accord. We went riding together. So there is hope, Doctor?”
“Charles, this disease will eventually take your father’s life, but we can delay it as long as possible. You or someone very responsible, your mother perhaps, must give him the powder and vapors regularly.” Charles agreed to take responsibility. He looked away. Mother will let him die. Once the thought entered his mind, he felt guilty. Surely she wouldn’t go that far?
“Don’t worry, Doctor Phillips. I will make sure Father is given the best care. How often will you come?”
“Once a month until the disease progresses, but only if I am sure you will give him the treatment as scheduled.” The doctor soaked cloths in cold water and placed them on Robert’s forehead. “This will help keep him cool. If you find he is burning up, just put cool cloths on his forehead like this, until he cools down.”
“Doctor, will you come and meet my wife? I think she will have to help me with Father and I would like you to tell her about the illness.”
“Of course, Charles, and perhaps a cup of tea?” Charles patted his father’s hand and he and Dr. Phillips went down the back stairs and into the west wing. The doctor was impressed with the recently opened section of the manor.
“You have done wonders with this wing, Charles. I was last here for your Grandmother Birmingham.”
“All down to Mary Margaret, Dr. Phillips. Here she is. Darling, I want to introduce father’s doctor, Doctor Phillips.” Mary Margaret rose from the chair, set her book on the table and offered her hand to the doctor.
“Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr. Phillips. May I offer you some tea?”
Charles smiled at his wife. She was the perfect hostess.
“I would love a cup, my dear.” Mary Margaret left the men alone
in the parlor. She returned with the tea tray and some fresh scones a few minutes later.
“Fresh from the oven, our Bertha is a wonder in the kitchen.” Doctor Phillips thought that he recognized Mary Margaret but could not remember where he had seen her. She was a lovely young woman. He explained the illness and the treatment. She offered to help without hesitation. Charles beamed with pride as he sat beside his bride.
The next morning, Mary Margaret left the west wing and headed down the long corridor. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves. When she reached the end of the corridor, her hand shook as she reached for the doorknob. She stood still trying to compose herself. For Heaven sake, stop this. She is your mother-in-law. You have to face her sometime.
She stepped into the foyer of the main house. No one was there. Breathing a sigh of relief, she made her way to the stairs and began her ascent. Every step up toward the bedrooms created more and more tension. She was frightened that Evelyn would appear. When she reached the top, she looked up and down the long hallway before making her way to Robert’s room.
She opened the door, stepped in and closed the door behind her like a thief in the night. She leaned against the door, breathing a sigh of relief. Her body started to relax. She looked toward the bed; it was empty. Panic took hold of her. Oh no, don’t tell me I have to go down those stairs so soon. Where could he be?
Robert appeared from the water closet. He struggled to make his way back to the bed, not realizing she was there. Mary Margaret didn’t want to startle him. She cleared her throat. Robert turned to look at her. A wide smile graced his pale face. “Mary Margaret, this is a pleasant surprise. Could you help an old man to his bed?” She moved to his side and took his arm.
Once he was settled, she looked at him carefully. He didn’t look well. “I have come to give you your vapors and perhaps read to you if you would like that.”
“That is very kind of you child, but you don’t have to waste your time with me.” He coughed and his breathing became labored.
“You are going to be seeing a great deal of me over the coming weeks, so you had better not complain. Now let me fix those pillows. I think you will breathe better if we elevate your head.” She waited until he sat forward and arranged the pillows behind him. He settled back gently.
“That is much better. So I have myself a nurse, do I? The powders and vapors are in the top drawer of that cabinet.” He waited as she fetched the necessary medicines and returned to the bed.
“Now are you going to be a cooperative patient?” She joked with him. He found her charming. Robert understood why his son loved this woman. He nodded like a small boy and she placed the vapors under his nose. He took deep breaths. A deep breath for Robert would have been a shallow breath for anyone else, but he tried. Settling back in his pillows, he let the vapors work their magic in his chest. Mary Margaret noticed that he seemed to breathe easier.
“Would you like me to read to you while we wait for Maude to bring your breakfast?” He pointed to a small bookshelf beside the window and Mary Margaret perused the fascinating titles. She sang to herself as she fingered the books. Choosing one, she moved the small armless chair beside his bed and started to read. Robert closed his eyes listening to her melodic voice; it was soothing.
Maude delivered the breakfast tray. She smiled when she found Mary Margaret reading to his lordship. What a good lass. Doris should be proud of you.
The rest of the morning went well. She sang to him when he was awake and sat quietly while he slept. Just before noon, Mary Margaret was looking out of the window as Robert dozed. The door to the bedroom opened and Evelyn stepped in. The two women glared at each other. “You, what are you doing in here? Get out, get out!” Evelyn’s raised voice woke Robert.
“Evelyn, the girl is taking very good care of me. Stop shouting.” His voice was weak, but Evelyn stopped. Ignoring Mary Margaret she inquired as to his health but did not approach the bed. The tension between them was obvious. Lady Birmingham was not going to forgive and forget. In her mind, he had betrayed her and she would not tolerate it. “Much better now that I have a nurse.” Robert smiled at Mary Margaret, who stood paralyzed to her spot by the window.
Evelyn snorted disapprovingly and left the room.
Mary Margaret stared wide-eyed at Robert. “Relax girl, she is gone. Now let’s find out what happened to our heroine shall we?” He picked up the book from the table and held it out to her.
Evelyn returned to her room. That hussy is moving quickly. I must think of something. I won’t have my position as mistress of this house threatened by the daughter of a housekeeper.
Mary Margaret and Charles took turns caring for Robert and his health began to improve. Evelyn stayed away from him. She was busy with the estate.
One morning she was interrupted. “Mother?” Evelyn looked up from her ledgers. Charles stood in front of the desk, dressed in his riding coat and breeches.
“What is it, Charles? I am busy. This estate won’t run itself and since you have decided to play nursemaid, I have much to do.” She looked at him impatiently.
“I wanted you to know that Father is feeling better today and he and I are going out for a short ride. You are happy to hear that, are you not?” he challenged her. She didn’t respond. “The vapors that Dr. Phillips left seem to work very well. I want Father to have more of a life than being an invalid.” She looked at her ledger, ignoring him.
“Fine, now let me get back to work. By the way, Charles, I received a lovely letter from Lady Jane. She was most disturbed when you slighted her, but it appears she has found a nice young man of considerable wealth. He wants to marry her and we are all invited to the wedding next month.” Charles just shook his head. Obviously Lady Jane’s wedding was more important than his father’s health to her. Disgusted, he turned on his heel and left her alone.
She fingered the ledger as if she were about to crush it. That brazen hussy ruined everything. The Windsor estate should have been yours, Charles. I know you would have left me in charge of this estate and both of us would have been happy. All of that money gone and all because of the housekeeper’s daughter. She lifted the ledger and slammed it on the desk. Pencils and papers flew onto the floor. Evelyn stared straight ahead with a look of hatred on her face.
Something will have to be done before it is too late.
Suddenly she remembered that she needed Robert’s signature on the bank letter. She stood and moved toward the door in an effort to catch him before he went riding. But she stopped, letter in hand and returned to her desk. It had always bothered her that although she was running the estate during Robert’s illness, it was his signature that was required on all paperwork. Multiple possibilities began to form in her mind. She removed some letters bearing Robert’s signature from her file cabinet. Taking them to her desk, she practiced writing his name. After only a few attempts, it looked very much like Robert’s signature. Evelyn grinned an evil grin as she signed the letter to the bank. It was only a release of funds to purchase a prize bull, but the possibilities were endless.
Doris arrived for work the next morning. Hanging her coat and hat, she reached for her mop and bucket, but they were not where she left them. Maude stepped into the kitchen from the pantry. “Maude, have you seen my bucket? I know I left it in the usual place.” Her old friend gave her a worried look.
“You better sit down, Doris love. I am afraid there is bad news.” Doris looked at her curiously. “Have a cuppa.” Maude went to fetch two cups of tea and Doris sat at the table as she had done for years.
“Bad news, Maude? It’s not his lordship?” Doris was worried that his lordship had taken a turn for the worse. Mary Margaret had told her that his health was improving.
“No, Doris, I am afraid her ladyship has hired a replacement for you. You no longer work here.” Maude took Doris’ hand and the news sunk in.
“But Mr. Charles…..”
“I know, Love, but I’m telling you that the new woman started this morning. Lady
Birmingham is showing her around the manor as we sit.”
Doris stood up, patting Maude’s shoulder. “Well, I best be going then, Maude. Thank you for telling me. I am not even going to see her ladyship.” She removed her coat and hat from the hook, leaving by the kitchen door. As the door closed, Doris turned back to stare at it. More than forty years I have come and gone through that door and now it is over. She stood for a few minutes, letting the reality of it sink in and then headed for home. She thought of going to see Mr. Charles but decided it was over. No sense flogging a dead horse, she laughed. I can hear you saying that Maude. She was tired, but she had some savings put away and at least Elana was working. Doris walked down the dusty road, noticing the singing birds and the smell of the pine trees for the first time. She smiled, things could always be worse.
Elana arrive home at midday. She burst into the cottage, rage burning on her face. Her copper hair flew around her head. “Mother? Mother? Where are you?” Forgetting to remove her boots, she left a trail of mud across the floor as she searched for her.
“Elana child, look at the mess you have made. Take those boots outside and stop shouting.” Doris went to fetch the broom. Elana was about to speak, but realizing she was still wearing her boots, she went back out the door. When she returned all of the mud was cleaned from the floor and Doris sat in front of the fire waiting for her. “What is it, child? You look like you could kill someone.”
“I could. I could kill her ladyship-the dragon. I’ve just been sacked!” The two women stared at each other in dismay.
Chapter Seven
Daniel and Elana climbed to the top of the cliff. Together they sat on the grass watching the tiny boats sailing on the sea. “I would love to go to sea,” Daniel exclaimed.
“Not me. I went fishing once with Max and I was sick the entire time. I like my feet planted on God’s green earth.”
“It is so romantic. Sailing to foreign lands, discovering new and exciting people and places, I would draw pictures and write about all the new things I saw.” Elana saw a sparkle in Daniel’s eyes that she had never seen before.
When Fate Steps In Page 7
