“Perhaps one day you’ll do it.”
“Oh I hope so, Elana. It is my dream. Now what have you brought for our picnic?”
“Mother prepared the lunch. You know I am not the domestic sort. Here, let’s start with these lovely sandwiches.” The two ate in silence. Daniel stared dreamily out to sea and Elana stared dreamily at Daniel.
“How do you like working on the Douglas estate?” Daniel stopped daydreaming and turned his attention back to his friend, asking about her new job. “I understand Lord and Lady Douglas are very nice.”
“They are nice, not like Lady Birmingham. I like working for them. They have a fine vegetable garden. The entire garden is my responsibility. At least I see Max at the market on market day. But I miss Max and I actually miss you.” She laughed out loud.
“You miss me? Never thought I would hear you admit it, but I miss you as well. You were lucky to get the job so quickly.” Daniel picked at the grass beside him assembling a pile of cuttings.
“It was Mr. Charles and Mary Margaret that arranged it. He was livid when he learned that his mother had sacked me and of course, she sacked mother on the same day, the old hag!”
“Why didn’t he just hire you both back? He is the master after all?”
“Actually, his father, Lord Birmingham, is still the overlord of the estate. Mr. Charles will only be Lord when his father dies. Since his father is ill, her ladyship is running things. I don’t think Mr. Charles has much say. But it was very nice of him to get me a job and mother is happy staying home. She goes to Mary Margaret’s and is teaching her how to run the household. That was Lord Birmingham’s idea. Mother worked at the Birmingham estate for years and she knows how a household is run. The lord thought she should start training Mary Margaret now because one day she will be Lady Birmingham.” A shower of grass fluttered down on her. She turned and returned the gesture, grasping a handful of grass and throwing it at Daniel. They both laughed.
“Soon you will be royalty and I shan’t be able to speak with you, your Majesty.” He feigned a bow and she punched him in the arm.
In her snootiest accent she looked down her nose, “You peasant, out of my way!” She stood up and ran toward the moors. He chased her, both laughing as they ran.
“Your Majesty, wait for your humble servant.” The day continued on a happy note.
Robert had good days and bad ones. Mary Margaret continued to care for him and she avoided Evelyn as much as possible. Charles took his father riding on his good days. He also started spending time with Max.
“Max, you know more about this farm than anyone else. I need you to teach me everything you know.” Max looked at the young master skeptically.
“You want to learn how to shovel manure?” he joked.
“No, not that sort of thing. I want you to teach me about market gardening, how we grow things, where we sell them, how we get the best price, that sort of thing. I want you to show me what the difference is between a fine stallion and an old nag. In other words, I want to know everything I need to know so that I can run this place if something happens to my father.”
Max was impressed with Mr. Charles. “Alright, but you won’t learn in one day and you better change out of those fancy Oxford duds because you are going to get dirty.”
“Bring it on, Max. I will be here tomorrow morning dressed in my worst.” Charles turned and headed back to the manor. A lighter step and a newfound enthusiasm seemed to show in his movement. Max watched him go, smiled and went back to work. Good for you Mr. Charles, good for you. There might be hope yet.
Andy, the man that replaced Elana, was leaning against the barn. “You won’t get much done lounging around Andy, back to work.” The man sneered and spat his tobacco on the ground. He turned and went back in the barn. Max didn’t like this fellow. He was not pleased when Lady Birmingham hired him without consulting him. Max was in charge of the farm workers and hiring was his responsibility. He never would have hired this newcomer. There was something untrustworthy about him. Daniel had made the same observation the day before. Max would keep a close eye on this one.
Andy moved into one of the stalls, but he didn’t get to work. He stood, pitchfork in hand thinking about her ladyship. “Just keep your eyes and ears open and report to me.” He never understood the aristocrats. Here he was, hired as a spy for her ladyship, who pranced around town like the Queen herself. Never underestimate the hobnobs. Anyway the pay is good.
He threw a small pile of manure out of the stall. He would not work any harder than he had to.
Max delivered the eggs to Maude. “I don’t like that new fella. Always seems to be hanging around snooping.”
“Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves. What does he think he is going to hear?”
“I don’t know, but he is not what he seems. I am keeping a close eye on him. How is the new housekeeper?”
“About the same, doesn’t talk much and when she does she asks a lot of questions about the staff. Nosy, if you will. Sound like a pair, the two of them. Here drink this before it gets cold.” Maude handed him a cup of tea. He lifted it to his nose, enjoying the fresh sweet aroma.
“I miss Doris. Her and I had some times over the years in this house, a damn shame.”
“Elana was twice the worker this Andy is. Never will understand it.”
“You know as well as I do that it is because Mr. Charles married Mary Margaret that they got the sack.” Max nodded, drinking his tea. He reached for a scone and devoured it in one bite.
“Best get back to work.” He brushed the crumbs from his shirt.
“Yes, the devil makes work for idle hands. Have a nice day, Max.” Maude cleared the table and Max returned to the outbuildings.
An hour later, Evelyn was in the study. The new housekeeper, Hazel, stood in front of her. “What have you heard?”
Hazel picked at her teeth with her fingernail. She looked around the room.
Evelyn had no patience with this unruly woman. Her words came between her teeth as she cried, “Make yourself plain woman, and at once.”
“Some gossip between the cook and the farm foreman, that’s all.” She sucked her teeth.
Evelyn cringed at the rude sound. Hazel scratched at some mysterious itch on her leg.
“Spit it out woman! I don’t have all day.”
“The gent was saying that his new farmhand isn’t as good as the old one and she said I was nosy, asked a lot of questions. She was right what she said.”
“What, what was right? For God’s sake woman, you are trying my patience!” Evelyn slammed her fist on the desk. Hazel startled, opened her eyes wide and stared at Evelyn.
“Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves. It’s true. I heard them say I was nosy so she was right.” Evelyn had enough. She lurched at Hazel, but Hazel jumped back out of reach. “Eh, don’t you be grabbing at me. I know you’re paying me more’n I deserve, but don’t you grab me or I’ll walk out, yes I will.” Evelyn regained her composure as best she could. The woman was infuriating.
“I apologize, but please do get to the point. Is that all you heard?” Evelyn put her hand to her throat, trying to calm her nerves.
“Yes, your Ladyship, that is all. But I will come back if I get anything else for you.” Hazel headed for the door. As an afterthought she turned back, “Mighty nice place you have here, you must be richer than I thought.”
She disappeared through the door leaving Evelyn staring at her in shock. Why you impertinent bitch, if I didn’t need you I would fire you right now.
It was six months after their marriage and life had taken on a pleasant routine. Charles was growing more and more involved in the day to day running of the farm. He went to market with Max. He learned how to get the best price for the produce and when to dicker and when to settle.
He found he liked farm life. “I went to Oxford to study business, but I actually enjoy the farm more. Of course, the farm is a business in itself and it supplies a great deal of our wealth.
How are you coming along with your lessons, Love?”
“Mother has taught me all she knows and Lady Douglas, I mean Jesse, is a godsend. She has introduced me to several of the ladies in the area, we often have tea and she is kind enough to direct me in certain manners and traditions. People in the village seem to have accepted our marriage now. I feel almost as if I were born to this life.” Mary Margaret laid her petitpoint down. “Would you like a brandy, Darling?”
“Lovely, yes. It is amazing how Jesse Douglas is so different than mother.”
“Please, Charles, I know she is your mother, but must we talk about her. She still terrifies me.”
“She hasn’t done anything lately has she?” He accepted the brandy she was offering him.
“No, but I just don’t trust the woman and neither does your father. I am so pleased that he is still having days when he can get out.”
“You have been his lifeline, my Dear. He loves spending time with you. It is kind of you to read to him. His eyesight is failing and he used to read a great deal.” He looked up from his brandy to find Mary Margaret rushing from the room. “Darling?”
After closing the door to the water closet, she immediately vomited into the basin. Her stomach turned and she vomited again. Dear Lord, I’m not getting sick too am I? Perhaps all that time with Lord Birmingham is causing me to become ill? But it wasn’t contagious. Dr. Phillips said so. Then the light dawned. She let the thought sink in and then she laughed.
She was gone for several minutes and when she returned her face was white. She held a handkerchief to her mouth. He rushed to her side. “What is the matter, are you ill?”
“I have just vomited again. I am afraid I might be with child, Charles.” She looked at him waiting for his reaction.
“Afraid, don’t be afraid, my Darling, this is wonderful news.” He grabbed her in his arms and twirled her about.
“Charles, please you will make me sick again. I must sit.” Quickly he brought her to the settee and sat beside her holding her hand.
“I am sorry, Love, but I am so excited. You are happy about his aren’t you?”
“I am very happy, but right now, I feel horrible. Perhaps you could fetch me a cup of tea.” He rushed from the room almost skipping. She smiled as she watched him go. I am very happy, but I know one person that won’t be. Never mind, I won’t let her ruin our special time. She shook her head, dismissing any negative thoughts. I shall only think happy thoughts, my baby. Gently she laid her hand on her flat stomach. No sign of you yet, but it won’t be long.
Back in the main house, Andy went to the kitchen door. He looked around the room, finding it empty. Like a thief, he crept through the kitchen and into the foyer. Again it was empty. This is too easy, he thought to himself. Walking towards the study, he stopped, admiring the silver candlesticks that were perched within reach. He put one in his pocket, patting it smugly. Soon he was knocking on the door to the study.
“Enter.” Evelyn looked up over her glasses. A vase of fresh flowers was perched on the desk between her and the door. She slid it to one side. “You? I told you not to come here.”
“Relax, your Ladyship, no one saw me. He turned slightly away from her so she wouldn’t notice the bulge in his pants pocket. “I’ve news for you.”
“Well, get to it, man. I am a busy woman. Are you sure no one saw you come in?”
“I’m sure. Max and Mr. Charles are going to Manchester to buy some new-fangled steam machine. I heard them talking about it.” Evelyn’s face grew red with anger.
“But I told that man we were not buying any equipment. How dare he go behind my back? There are rules in this house and rules have to be adhered to.”
“Well, apparently your rules aren’t working anymore because they’re going tomorrow. Now, I have been thinking that you might want to pay me more money.” He was taking a chance, but from the looks of this room there was plenty of money.
“Get out! You will get what you get and if you dare ask me again you will be gone, do you hear me?” Andy looked at Evelyn slyly. He shifted from one foot to the other.
“If I get the sack, my big yap will start flapping and everyone will know that you hired me to spy on your own flesh and blood. What will the fancy ladies think about that, eh?” He stood taller, trying to look threatening.
“Don’t you threaten me, you little worm! Get back to work or you will wish you never came here!” She threw the vase at him. He ducked, the vase smashing against the wall behind him.
“I’m going, take ‘er easy, your Ladyship. It was just a suggestion.” He scurried from the room like the rat he was, leaving her boiling with anger. Hazel, ‘hired eavesdropper’, having heard the commotion, stuck her head in the door.
“Everything alright, yer Ladyship?” She saw the broken vase. “I guess you want this cleaned up?”
“Get out, just get out!” Evelyn screamed at her. Hazel shrugged and closed the door. Andy was still in the hallway. The two nodded knowingly to each other before disappearing down opposite ends of the hallway.
Charles and Max went to Manchester and purchased some new steam farm machinery.
They bought a reaping and threshing machine, new ploughs and drills. Max told Charles about a new fertilizer made from bat guano. “Bat guano, you must be joking.”
“I’m not joking. It is nitrogen fertilizer imported from South America and it makes the crops grow bigger and better.”
“We best add it to our list, Max.” Charles was learning a great deal. He meant to make the farm better than ever. He never forgot his father’s words, ‘Run the estate with a gentle heart and a firm hand.’ Production increased and even Evelyn had to admit it was a good move. “Mother, the new machinery is making our farm much more productive. Look at the figures yourself.”
“I look at the figures every day, Charles. What I didn’t know is that you looked at them.”
Evelyn was not aware that Charles had been checking the ledger books at night.
“Every night like clockwork, Mother. That is what a Lord should do and someday I will be in charge of this estate. I intend to know everything I need to know.” He looked confident and secure. She looked worried.
Evelyn didn’t like this turn of events. She placated him but she was fuming inside. “You made the right decision with the steam equipment. We are making much more and it appears we don’t need as many farmhands. Good job, Charles.”
“Mary Margaret and I would like you and father to come for dinner this evening. We have some news.” Evelyn looked at him. What now?
“I am very tired and your father is not well, perhaps some other time.”
“Mother, we will see you both tonight at seven. Father has already agreed.” He wasn’t going to let her stall. She had not come to his home for dinner in months. Mary Margaret avoided her as much as possible and it was time for things to change. He thought that once she learned of the child, she would soften. What woman didn’t want to be a grandmother? “At seven sharp, Mother. I will see you later.” He left the study. Evelyn sank back in her chair. Dear Lord, now what? Turning her thoughts back to the business, she picked up her notes. She would have to be very careful with the ledger in future.
“Darling, Mother and Father will be here at seven.” Mary Margaret was organizing her two servants, Betsy and Georgina. She instructed them that the silverware must be positioned straight and in the proper order. Although she was a kind-hearted mistress, she was a perfectionist and insisted things were done right. The table was set and Bertha had dinner cooking and the aroma filled the house.
“Wonderful. Now I must find something to wear. Nothing fits me anymore.” She patted her small, swollen belly. “I think your son is going to be a big boy.”
“Or our daughter, who is going to be beautiful just like her mother.” Charles kissed her on the lips. He reached down and patted her belly. She pushed his hand away, but not before Betsy and Georgina had seen the gesture and ran giggling from the room.
�
��Charles, really. Do not be so boorish in front of the staff.” He held her shoulders and looked at her.
“My my, you really are becoming a lady. Come up stairs and I will show you how boorish I can be.” They both laughed.
Evelyn and Robert arrived at seven o’clock. Mary Margaret was already seated at the table in an attempt to hide her condition until Charles could make his announcement. Robert was already in on the surprise. Having spent many days with his daughter-in-law, he soon guessed.
Once they were seated, Charles took the chair at the head of the table. “Mother, Father, we have a wonderful announcement to make. We are expecting a child in the spring.” He smiled at his wife seated at the opposite end of the table. Evelyn’s mouth dropped. Robert beamed.
“A child? Already?” She didn’t expect this. ”I suppose that is why you married her?”
Charles and Mary Margaret ignored her comment since it had been months since their marriage and both of them knew it was just a slight against Mary Margaret.
“Congratulations, my boy and you, Mary Margaret. This is wonderful news isn’t it, Evelyn?” She just sneered at him. Their relationship had deteriorated over the previous months. She barely spoke to Robert anymore.
“Mother?” Evelyn looked at Charles, who was standing with his glass outstretched ready to propose a toast. Her eyes moved down the table to Mary Margaret, but it was hate not joy that her daughter-in-law saw in those eyes. A cold shiver ran down Mary Margaret’s back.
“To the happy parents.” Robert stood with difficulty and joined his son in the toast. Evelyn reluctantly raised her glass. The scowl never left her face.
The winter passed without incident. Evelyn stayed to herself, almost becoming a recluse much to the relief of Mary Margaret and the staff. Hazel seemed to be the only staff member that visited the study and the other servants wondered what was going on.
The snowflakes fell like eiderdown, covering the lawns and bushes. The frosty moors were eerily quiet under a cloudy, dark purplish, sky. As Charles admired the snow-covered fields from the study window, Thomas reported that things seemed to be disappearing from the house. Charles said he would look into it, but nothing was discovered. Charles told his father about the missing items.
When Fate Steps In Page 8
