“Girl, you girl, come in here right now.” Evelyn opened her door and ordered Jill into the room. She walked hesitantly toward the open door. Her ladyship was even more frightening of late and Jill tried to avoid her. “Hurry up girl, start packing we are going to see Lady Jane Windsor.”
“But your Ladyship?” Jill wasn’t sure what to say. Should she do what she was told or go and talk to his lordship.
“Do as you’re told, girl. I can take no more of your insolence.” Evelyn began to throw dresses on the bed and Jill quickly opened the large trunk and started to pack. The next morning Evelyn left Birmingham Manor and did not return. The unfortunate Jill went with her.
The servants were thrilled with their new mistress. Hazel was given a severance and let go. Mary Margaret hired her mother to run the household staff. Doris was thrilled to be back to work and Maude and Bertha worked together until Maude was needed in the west wing.
Betsy and Georgina replaced the two upstairs maids, who were relocated to the west wing. Although Evelyn had left, Charles knew it was not permanent. He had the west wing set up with a small staff for her return.
Life on the estate was elevated to new heights. Laughter and merriment were heard often and everyone seemed happier. Max and Daniel and the rest of the farmhands worked well together under Charles and all had great respect for the new Lord and Lady Birmingham.
The baby was born on a bright, sunny day. The midwife handed Charles his son and he beamed with pride. Mary Margaret was tired, and happy. A healthy son and heir to the Birmingham Estate, a wonderful husband and Evelyn was gone. What more could she want?
Little James was a bonny child with his father’s blond curls and blue eyes. Mary Margaret was a wonderful mother, just as Charles had predicted. The servants fussed over him, as did Elana and Doris. He was a happy baby. Mary Margaret hired a nanny named Susan to watch the baby when she was busy. The woman was in her thirties and very efficient. She loved baby James and took very good care of him. Charles was proud of Mary Margaret. She was the perfect wife and lady of the manor. Her friendship with Lady Jesse Douglas helped her be accepted in the county and her circle of friends was increasing. He was content and fulfilled.
Baby James was a year old before he met his grandmother Birmingham.
Evelyn arrived unannounced. She did not go directly to the manor house, but instead settled into the west wing. Jill came down the corridor to tell Thomas. “She is back, Thomas. How I have missed everyone here.” Thomas patted Jill’s shoulder. He in turn informed the Lord and Lady.
Charles went to see his mother. She had aged, but her disposition did not seem to have softened in all this time. “Mother, it is nice to see you. Are you settling in?”
“Charles. Yes, everything is fine thank you. I will send one of the girls if I need you.” She appeared to be dismissing him. She had not asked about the child.
“Would you like to come and see your grandson?”
“So it’s a boy is it? That woman will be happy to have another hook into you and your money.” Charles looked at her with such loathing. He could have hit her. “I will see him in good time.”
Filled with rage, he turned on his heel and left her. His fists were clenched and he stomped down the corridor. She might be his mother, but the woman was so infuriating.
Mary Margaret was in the garden with little James. He had just learned to walk and was toddling around the lawn. Flower petals blew across the grass and the toddler chased after them, giggling. Evelyn watched him from her window. So you have a son and heir to this estate. A plan began to form in her mind. An evil plan that would make sure she, and she alone, had control of the estate and all that went with it.
Chapter Nine
Elana and Daniel walked on the cliffs holding hands. They had remained chaste but loved each other very much. One day they planned to marry. “I need to earn more money, Elana. We can never be married on my meager earnings.”
“But I work too and we could get a small cottage. Perhaps mother would let you come and live with us if we were married. I am getting tired of waiting. I love you Daniel, and I am almost eighteen now.” He kissed her cheek. “Soon I will be an old maid!”
“An old maid, indeed. You are just a babe in arms, my Elana.” He teased her and pulled her into his arms. She leaned into him placing her head on his chest. “I love you, too. We will see what happens in the next few months. I would like to sell some of my drawings; however, I don’t know how to go about it.”
The next day Daniel assembled his drawings together. He would take them to the market on market day. Max called for him and he left the drawings on the table in the tack room.
“We have a problem in the west field, Daniel. Get into the cart, we have to go.” Daniel climbed into the cart and the two set off.
Charles entered the barn, finding it empty. He walked toward the tack room looking for Max. When he entered the empty room, he noticed the pile of papers on the table.
As he picked up the drawings, he became more impressed at the expertness of the resemblances. This young man knew people; he could see past the facade they projected to the world. There was a frightful drawing of the older Lady Birmingham. She looked vicious; yes that was the word-vicious. The drawing of Elana was purity and innocence. Her arms were outstretched as if to embrace. He imagined the Spectator or Punch would jump at sketches like these. This young man showed great promise. He took the drawing of his mother with him and returned to the house. Mary Margaret was in the study with Doris.
“Look at this drawing. Daniel, who works out on the farm, drew it and he shows great talent. Is he the young lad your sister is courting?” He handed the drawing to Mary Margaret who sucked in her breath when she saw the likeness. Doris looked over and stifled a laugh.
“Dear me, you better not let her see this. She will go insane. Yes, Elana and Daniel are courting. He is a lovely lad.”
“Good character insight, don’t you agree?” Charles and Doris laughed out loud. Mary Margaret suppressed her own laughter, thinking that it was a very good impression of her mother-in-law. The drawing was definitely of Lady Birmingham, but she was grotesque. The long thin body ended in the tail of a dragon. The nose was like a snout and flames shot from the snarling mouth. She set the drawing on the desk and directed Charles to the ledger books. They discussed the household accounts. Afterwards the three left the study.
That evening as they were relaxing in the parlor they heard a loud scream. Together they rushed in the direction of the scream, to the study. Evelyn stood behind the desk holding a piece of paper in her hand. “Who has made this hideous drawing? Is this supposed to be amusing? This should be burned.” She was shaking with rage. Charles approached her with caution. Mary Margaret backed out of the room and away from them both.
“Mother, it is just a caricature. The young lad shows great talent. He has drawn one of all of us and we think they are quite amusing.” Charles tried to suppress his smile.
“Amusing? Bring the scoundrel to me and I will show him how amusing he is! What is his name, Charles?” She tore the picture into a hundred pieces and stomped on them. Charles stood out of her way. He had no intention of revealing the artist’s name. It occurred to him that his mother had no reason to be in the study.
“Mother, why are you in the study?” She looked at him. Her countenance changed and she stood up very straight. It took her a few minutes before she answered.
“I was looking for my writing paper. It must have been left here when you moved my things.” She looked nervous.
“Did you find it?” Charles was suspicious. Something was going on and he intended to find out what she was up to.
“Of course not, this horrible drawing distracted me. Never mind, I will send one of the maids to buy more in town. I wanted to write a letter to Lady Jane.” She left in a rustle of taffeta leaving him alone and very apprehensive.
The following week, Charles spoke to Max about Daniel’s drawings. He gave Max the name of
an associate in town and told Max to take Daniel to see him.
Things moved quickly over the next week.
Elana was walking home when Daniel caught up to her. “Elana, wait.”
“What are you doing here? Don’t you have work to do?”
“Your mother invited me for supper. I’ll walk with you.” She smiled thinking that her mother liked Daniel very much. Why shouldn’t they be married? Doris would let them live with her.
They walked the rest of the way home talking about the farm work and the market. They were young, and in love with life, enjoyment, and their own mortality, nothing would tear them apart.
Doris was happy to see them both and served a lovely stew for supper. After the meal, Daniel made an announcement. “Things have changed in my life.” Both of the women looked at him in surprise and anticipation.
“Changed how?” Elana sat up hoping that she was included in this change.
“I shall be able to earn a living with my drawings.” He announced proudly.
“You’ve managed to sell them?”
“Yes, and to the Daily News. I am paid four or five shillings for each one.”
“Oh Daniel, I am so proud of you.” Elana threw herself into his arms. He kissed her on the cheek and then remembering Doris, pushed her gently away.
“Daniel, that is very good news,” Doris interjected. She smiled at the young people. They made a very nice couple. Perhaps one day they would marry.
“One of the gents at the newspaper said I should go to London and I might get as much as one pound per drawing!” Daniel showed great excitement.
“London! You are not going to go to London and leave me, are you?” Elana was growing concerned. This good news for Daniel could be bad news for their relationship.
“Of course not. Well, not now anyway.” He patted the back of her shoulder. “How could I afford a ticket to London?” She smiled up at him. She loved him and she could see how happy he was now that someone had bought his drawings. She would do anything for him, but she didn’t want to lose him.
“You will be able to afford one soon, now that you have sold your drawings.” Again she smiled. In her heart she prayed he would not leave her, but she would not let him see her fear.
“Is there more of Maude’s pie, Mother? I am sure Daniel could eat another piece.”
“Yes please, Mrs. Madison.”
That was the beginning of Daniel’s journey. He sold his pictures on a regular basis to the newspaper and mailed several to London. He did not hear back from them, but remained hopeful.
Max was proud of the young man and thankful to Lord Birmingham for helping him. One day Charles was in the stable when Daniel came in from the fields.
“Lord Birmingham, how can I thank you? I have sold several drawings and the newspaper wants them on a regular basis. But don’t you worry; I won’t be leaving the farm. I owe you and I will work hard for you, your lordship.” Charles offered Daniel his hand and Daniel was taken aback. Slowly he put his hand in the Lord’s and the two were shaking hands when Max arrived.
“You haven’t gone and given him my job now, have you my Lord?” The three of them shared a laugh. “Daniel is a good worker.”
“Yes he is, Max. We were just discussing his artwork. I must say my mother was not impressed when she saw the drawing you made of her.” Daniel turned white. Max’ mouth dropped open, remembering the picture in question.
“She saw that? But how?” Daniel was embarrassed. He hung his head in shame. “I am so sorry, my Lord. Please apologize to your mother for me. I am very ashamed of that drawing.”
“Lighten up, lad. I thought it was funny and so did everyone else, except mother of course.” Daniel began to relax. “Just don’t do another one; I had trouble keeping her from skinning your hide.” Charles laughed and left his men to get back to their work.
“That was a close one lad. You best be careful in future.” Max handed him the pitchfork. “Manure’s waiting, man.”
“I bet she would skin me alive. She is an evil one that one.” Daniel gave a little shake and Max laughed. “Best get back to work, thanks Max.”
Six months later, Daniel received a large payment from London. The newspaper there had purchased four of his drawings and paid him £14. He asked Elana to marry him that night. “Marry you? But what about the money? You said we would not have enough to live on.” She stared at him in surprise.
“Look at this, half a year’s wages for my drawings. Can you believe it? This much money for my drawings. Now we can tie the knot.” He looked at her and remembering that she was a woman and Max said women liked niceties, he dropped down on one knee.
“Elana Madison, will you marry me?” She looked down at him, beaming with joy.
“Yes I will, Mr. Dryfess. Yes I will.” He stood up and took her into his arms. Their lips met. They were both very happy.
Four months later they were married in the manor house. Mary Margaret insisted on giving her sister a wonderful wedding and Charles was equally pleased to do something nice for Daniel. Mary Margaret bought Elana a lovely, white wedding gown. Her sister felt very uncomfortable in the dress when she tried it on for the first time.
“I am a farmhand, Mary Margaret. I don’t wear fancy dresses like this.” She stood, shoulders hunched, dirty fingernails clenched in her fists.
“You will clean up nicely. Now stand up straight. For one day of your life, you are going to look like a lady.”
Elana wore the dress and Daniel thought she was the most beautiful woman on earth. Her wild copper locks were pinned up on her head with tiny flowers scattered throughout. She carried a bouquet of bluebells and daisies and she felt beautiful and happy. Evelyn did not attend. Lady Jane Windsor was visiting and neither of them made an appearance. The young couple went to Blackpool for their honeymoon and returned very much in love.
Doris was thrilled to have both of her daughters married to wonderful young men.
Elana continued working at the Douglas estate. Charles offered her a job, but she liked the Douglas’ and wanted to stay where she was. The two of them moved in with Doris. Daniel would sit and draw in the evenings or read one of his stories to the women. Doris was enthralled with Daniel’s imagination.
When Mary Margaret found she was again with child, Doris moved out of the cottage and into the manor house. She wanted to take care of her daughter and give the newlyweds some space of their own.
The following year, Daniel traveled to London to sell more than a dozen drawings. He offered the newspaper one of his stories and came home with a very tidy sum.
Mary Margaret and Charles welcomed their lovely daughter, Emily, into the world. Big brother James was thrilled with his sister. Once again, Grandmother Birmingham did not come to see the baby.
The next few years passed in a flurry of activity. Although Daniel and Elana tried to have children, they were not blessed. Daniel sold several stories and drawings to newspapers all over England. He wrote stories of sailing ships and great discoveries. The children loved to listen to him read his tales. Elana loved her niece and nephew and spent as much time as possible with them. She loved to play the laughing game with James. The game was in fact an effort not to laugh, but they always ended up in hysterics. “Come on, James, let’s play a game.”
“The laughing game, Auntie. I love the laughing game.” He clapped his chubby hands together. Mary Margaret was thrilled that her sister spent time with the children. The estate flourished under Charles’ care and everyone was healthy and happy.
Chapter Ten
In 1853, James celebrated his sixth birthday. Most of the guests were in the parlor. Elana supervised the games. The children played musical chairs with Charles playing the piano. Doris held three-year-old Emily. Max and Daniel helped the children find a chair and ushered the loser off the floor. The room was filled with laughter and merriment.
Only two people remained in the dining room. Grandmother Birmingham sat at the head of the table for the bi
rthday feast. Her hair was completely white now, but she had lost none of her animosity towards her son’s wife. “It is time for James to go away to school. As future Lord of this estate, he will need a good education.” She stared down the table at Mary Margaret, challenging her.
“I am sure the tutor is doing a wonderful job of teaching James everything he needs to know. We would miss him if he went away to school.” Mary Margaret grinned, but she was gritting her teeth in anger. How dare this woman tell me what to do with my children?
“You don’t understand these things. Considering your background, I am not surprised. Charles will agree with me.” Mary Margaret didn’t want to argue. Every time she and Evelyn were in the same room, there was an argument.
“Charles wants James to stay home with us. I am going to see my son enjoy his birthday.” She stood up and left Evelyn sitting all alone.
Evelyn watched her. You will soon learn who is in control, my dear. She raised a wrinkled hand to her brow. Charles found her there.
“Mother, are you not joining in the games? I believe charades is about to start.”
“I don’t play silly games, Charles. I have told your wife that it is time for James to go away to school, but of course, she doesn’t agree. You know that he must leave.” Charles looked at his mother with pity. Would she never give up trying to control his family?
“Mary Margaret and I agree that James will be tutored here, Mother. Now come and play charades.”
“I have a headache. If your wife starts her singing. My head will pound, good night Charles.” She rose and left the room, immediately making her way to the west wing. Charles scowled at her.
Life continued in Birmingham Manor. Doris liked living in the manor house. She could perform her duties as head housekeeper, help her daughter and see her grandchildren all of the time. One morning she woke with a pain in her side. She tried to go downstairs, but soon realized she was dizzy. She went back to bed. Mary Margaret found her lying on the top of the bed in pain. “Mother? Is something wrong?”
When Fate Steps In Page 10
