The Fancy

by Mercedes Keyes

  Looking to each of them, he stated, “My wife, Lady Caine, Countess of WhistHirst. As you all know, I swore never to marry and now, I can assure you, there was good reason for me doing so. Stand please and introduce yourselves.” He bade them.

  The ladies did so first, starting with the youngest who would be attending Sarah personally. The young girl smiled with bright eyes, she stood, nodded and began.

  “I’em Aislin, Milady, an ever s’glad t’meet yah.” And took her seat for the cook to stand, “Milady, I’s a pleasure, I’ll be needin’ th’stew recipes, tis certain – I’were good I’was-…”

  “Aiy! T’be sure!” The men nodded in agreement cutting her off.

  “Thank you, and your name?” Sarah asked softly and demurely.

  “I’s Colleen, Milady – jus’ Colleen.” She added quickly, taking her seat.

  “I will share mine, if you will share yours and most certainly, my Lord’s favorites.”

  “Aiy, that I will! T’b’sure!” She smiled agreeing.

  Sarah looked to the next that stood, “Orla, Milady – I’ve gowns t’complete for’ya, pretty as ever, colors so lovely for your skin, twill be a d’light – all who see’ya will’be green wit’envy – I’ll see t’that!” She winked and grinned.

  Surprise, joy and elation filled Sarah so that her smile was bright and beautiful, she couldn’t help but turn her smile on Quinton. Nothing brought him greater joy than to see her happy; unable to resist, because it was not done while standing in the presence of the servants, he leaned over and kissed her brow, “So there was no need to fear.” He reminded her.

  She turned back because one of the men stood, “I’s me turn, an’ I’m Owen – Milady, it will be my pleasure t’serve’ya!”

  “Aye, an’ mine as well, I’m Hayden! I know Milord since ‘e wa’ this high! We miss’im w’have.”

  All spoke at once agreeing, getting warm, their bellies were full and from what they could see, things looked already as if finally, a change for the better had come.

  The next man that stood, introduced himself as Vonn, and the two young men, Aatu and Kaci. After introductions were done, one of the young lads asked, “Milady, more stew please?”

  “Most certainly you may,” She went to serve him more, when Colleen stood, “Milady, yer deeds be done, I’s m’job to be servin’. Seem t’me, b’time fer ‘er’fittin’.” She stepped in the way of Sarah going to the pot, and looking at Orla, “Let’us get started then.”

  Sarah stopped, once more surprised and sure enough, found herself taken away to her room, which became her fitting room, while the men occupied themselves with bringing in trunk after trunk filled with all the things needed to fit her with new gowns; nothing had been spared in form of fabrics. Wools, Linens, Brocade woven silks and cottons; patterns were made from her measurements and transformed into chemises, underskirts, bloomers, day dresses, dinner dresses, riding dresses and gowns – each one, with matching stockings, shoes, gloves, shawls, capes and scarves.

  One gown that had been started earlier was being finished to fit her, while the young Aislin coaxed her to sit, so that she could do her hair. Sarah was not comfortable with trusting her – and wanting so badly to please her, the girl burst into tears, promising to do a good job. Afraid that she would regret it, Sarah sat and let the girl unbraid her hair. After taking all of the braids out, all of the women could see why she was so hesitant to let the young girl; Quinton stepped into her door to see, after all – they’d kicked up such a fuss, his curiosity had won.

  His wife had more hair than he’d ever seen on any human’s head – he couldn’t imagine how her head could even hold so much hair. Because of her Native Indian mother, and her African father, the blend not only gave her hair down past her hips, but also a coarseness that made it stand away from her head in the most startling cloud of dark waves.

  Orla was so startled by the amount of hair, she crossed herself in prayer. The young girl, Aislin, sighed deeply, rolled up her sleeves and dived right in, up for the challenge.

  Quinton backed out with his heart pounding heavy and hard from amazement – she was amazing – different, unique and he, was more in love, because who could compare?

  Sarah, ever patient, showed Aislin the type of combs that would be needed to tame her hair, and showed the young one how to part it, the best way of handling it. Aislin was all ears, eager to learn, excited that she had such a Lady to care for, and listened to her every instruction – so much so, to Sarah’s surprise, not only did Aislin do her hair, but did it beautifully, in an assortment of twists, braids and wraps – that would only work because of her texture of hair.

  Upon completion, she was exhausted, but proud, and stood a bit taller when Sarah turned to her, smiling in delight at the good job she had done. “Right then, Milady, yer ‘air, tha’be m’job now – no others.” She was staking her claim, after all, whose job was more important than hers?

  Sarah nodded, she found the girl Aislin, endearing, genuine and unabashed for her place in their lives. For some reason, Sarah had always thought that only persons such as herself, African and Indians had been slaves, but it appeared that wasn’t true.

  Outside, the men were deep in discussion as Quinton shared with them his new plans. After doing so, leaving the young boys and Hayden behind to sort through the furnishings and bring them inside – the other four, Quinton, Evan, Owen and Vonn went to the Murrays.

  There introductions were made and more discussion resumed with the end result that in three days, it would be time to travel. Erwin and Ellen agreed to join them in two days.

  The entourage had been the talk of the town when it pulled in. It was also the talk of the town upon departing; with Quinton posting on the door at the town hall a notice that stated there were two empty residences for claiming – one with a carriage rig included - each was filled with furniture and livestock left behind free for the taking to any who would claim them. Also - immediately needed, a doctor!

  Altogether, a train of five wagons pulled out, loaded down with only the essentials they needed in travel, part of the essentials – weapons; just in case - they were fully armed, and their destination; New York, and Ramsey Fleets & Passage.

  1831 – New York

  Ramsey Manor

  Most who traveled abroad – after their first experience traveling with Ramsey Fleet, returned to them often for the quality of care and convenience one received while booking passage. Those who did not dwell near New York awaiting their day of travel, could do so at the hotel in town, or – if they could afford it, book a room at Ramsey Manor, or reserve one of their eight chalets on the magnificent grounds of the estate; the preferred choice of many of the aristocracy. The wealthy, those traveling for business and various merchant captains of the Ramsey fleets stayed there for their stopovers.

  Travel weary, Quinton and his entourage finally arrived; driving their wagons onto the grounds and down the lane to the large stable block, set up to hold numerous carriages, wagons and their horses.

  They were more than eager to shake off the road sludge and mud, in need of a hot bath, a meal and rest from their journey from Cincinnati. Once they pulled up, there was nothing for them to do but turn their wagons over to the young men waiting and point out which of their trunks should be brought inside; they had a two or more day wait before their journey down south to Virginia – so all were brought into the mansion, where they were given a suite of rooms on the west wing – the chalets were all occupied. With Moose on a lead, and Quinton holding it loosely, he led the way down the long path from the stables to a back entrance of the mansion, Sarah directly behind him, Evan following her, the Murrays and their servants made their way into the grand sun room where they met their host; a lovely black woman, with the most engaging gold eyes and hair coloring either had ever seen. She wore an elegant day dress and smiled bright and gleaming.

  With those eyes of hers on their dog, she opened greetings, “Welcome to Ramsey Manor, I am Lena,
helping out; your regular hostess is otherwise occupied and will be with you later… if you are in need of anything, there will always be someone around to assist…” pausing, she pointed at Moose. “He is a really big dog.” She pointed out with emphasis on big. Quinton smiled, “I assure you madam, he is well trained and under our full control, he will not be a problem, we shall see to his full care.”

  She smiled, asking him, “And you are?”

  “Lord and Doctor, Quinton Caine, Earl of WhistHirst.” He responded, “We are in need of double bookings, one south, and following that, another home, to England.” He explained. “That won’t be a problem.” Lena responded, her eyes once more on the dog, who was sitting obediently by his master’s side, tongue hanging out, panting – content and at ease.

  She glanced back over all those who stood with him, and couldn’t help her eyes going to the very well dressed, incredibly pretty, black woman standing directly behind him. Their eyes met – both of them smiled, and gave a nod which spoke volumes.

  Directing her attention back to Quinton, “My only concern is that your dog is kept under control, he appears to be well behaved – as long as he is, there won’t be a problem, follow me.” She smiled, leading the way, explaining as they went. “We shall have baths sent up for you shortly, dinner shall be in another hour – if either of you are in need of something now, we can arrange to have a trencher sent to your rooms.” She informed them, leading them down a corridor and then up rear stairs that led to the west wing.

  “Once you’ve been made comfortable and have settled in, you may book passage at the office in town, or see Mr. Webster, who just so happens to be in attendance;

  he can arrange your double bookings.” She went on, opening the doors to one suite, “This one is yours,” She smiled at Quinton, noting that Sarah walked in taking control of the dog from him. His brother Evan followed her with Quinton doing the same. To those following him, she led the way to their suites – all together, they took up four of the spacious accommodations.

  Much later, after the weary group had bathed, rested and eaten, the day was still early enough for some of them; the Murrays, Colleen, Orla and Owen to head into town for supplies, picking up odds and ends to be used while traveling.

  Sarah, wearing one of her new day dresses, accompanied by her brother-in-law, took Moose for a walk on the vast grounds and woods surrounding Ramsey Manor. To Evan’s surprise, she was carrying the bow and arrows she’d made while they’d traveled.

  He hadn’t really thought she might use the hunting weapon, only that she’d made it to stay occupied. However, as she carried the quiver harness over her left shoulder, filled with arrows, her bow in hand, it amused him to see that she actually might try and use them. He didn’t understand his brother, he, after all had seen her making the crude instruments, what if she was to hurt herself with such weapons? Trying not to interfere with his brother’s wife, he went along hoping that if she did use them, they were pointed well away from him and that Quinton hurried along with his meeting with Maynard Webster – owner of Ramsey Fleets.

  The snow was melting, leaving the gardens soaked; to avoid the same happening to the hem of her skirts, Sarah gathered them up in one hand to stroll while the dog romped and played ahead of her, not daring to leave off too far ahead but scampering and working off the pent up energy of their traveling.

  Evan thought it interesting that she was so comfortable with exposing her legs from the knees down; something most ladies would not do; if the hem of their gowns became muddy and soaked, so be it. She obviously treasured her clothing over the modesty of showing off her lovely legs encased in the pale stockings. Her small feet were protected by leather high lace boots. He was supposed to be keeping an eye on her for his brother – it was the least that he could do as he was doing nothing else at that time. However, keeping an eye on her would turn out to be not as easy, as commanded. She was heading for the woods, following her dog, “Ah, Milady – the woods, can be rather dangerous.”

  She smiled, “Em, I suppose - might I then suggest you sir, stay behind, for your own safety I mean.” And giving little attention to his warning, continued on scanning the area, smelling the air, looking for hidden treasures.

  A smirk passed over his features before he picked his way through slush puddles, trying to catch up with her.

  Yet, it seemed, that she was going faster and further from him in her need to keep up with the dog, he never knew of any woman who could move so fast, no hesitation, no fear, was she running? He thought aghast, “Lady Caine! Wait!” He called out, having lost sight of her. No matter how fast he tried to move, he could find her nowhere, nor the dog for that matter; he began to panic, thinking that she would surely be lost if he didn’t find her and soon, he began running wildly about, searching for her, calling out for her or the dog.

  Unused to running, Evan stopped – leaning back against a tree, trying to catch his breath, wondering where she could have gone so quickly. He also feared consequences from his brother; would he think he’d deliberately lost her? Quinton was very protective of her and would tolerate not even the tiniest slight or joke; because Evan was completely dependent upon Quinton, finding her was a must. The mist was thick in the air; his breath could be seen on the cool air like steam from a kettle. All seemed quiet around him as he wondered which way he should go? He called her name once more, “Lady Caine!” Out of nowhere, the sudden loud and piercing squeal of a wild boar filled the air, echoing amidst the damp and fog - immediately capturing his attention and then, just as suddenly the animal’s squealing went dead.

  Evan stood, looking around him; he was starting to feel the chill in the air with the mist seeming to close in on him. He stood, turning one way and then another; his vision short sighted due to the grey foggy day, looking down at the ground, he tried to find her tracks.

  “LADY CAINE?!” He shouted, at the top of his lungs, scratching his head, “C’mon lass – WHERE THEE’BE?!” He yelled once more. It was growing dark, with little choice in the matter, he turned back following his tracks to where he’d come from, wondering what he would tell his brother, praying he would not be blamed.

  Chapter XIII

  Meanwhile…

  Finally, he stood before Maynard Ramsey Webster, this would be the first time that Quinton had met the man in person. He and others who traveled abroad would have heard of him, especially if they’d ever traveled on one of his seven ships; Quinton had the privilege of having traveled on two of them, the Carolina Mist – which had taken him to Africa and the Windcutter which had taken him to the Orients. The man that stood before him with his hand extended for a shake stood no less than 6’4 to Quinton’s 6’, powerfully built, rugged features, hair more grey than blonde, with vivid sea green/blue eyes; he figured him to be somewhere in the region of his middle to later fifties, of course he couldn’t be sure of that – the man had an imposing presence no one could ignore.

  Shaking his hand, Quinton introduced himself as Dr. Caine.

  “Nice to meet you, please, call me Manny. Ms Lena tells me you are in need of a double booking?”

  Quinton smiled, he needed to tread carefully, he was about to take a chance based on hearsay, and prayed that it was all true. He’d heard from various sources that this man had married a princess, who just so happened to be his former slave.

  It was said that she’d been taken from her father’s island as a young girl; and he, the king had offered a great treasure as reward for her return, Maynard Webster had been the man to return her, after he’d made her his wife.

  There was quite a bit more to their story circulating about; as for Quinton, he hoped all had been true, because he was about to ask for this man’s help – based on that information. He wasn’t completely in the dark; the stunning dark beauty who had greeted them, and brought him to Manny’s office, matched the description given of her – it had long been said, she was rare in her looks of gold eyes, tawny hair and regal presence. He would bet all that he ha
d, that she was indeed his wife, after all, he hadn’t missed the furtive glances between them, the subtle gleam in their eyes when they met – right or wrong – he was going for it, he’d promised Sarah.

  “Indeed yes sir, I am. And if I am allowed to explain, you will find that my needs go beyond what has been stated.”

  “I’m all ears.” Manny returned, leaning comfortably in his office chair. He and his wife were in transit, they’d just arrived from the south and would be spending a bit of time there with their daughter and her husband – as well getting to know their 2 year old grandson, only to find that their daughter was expecting again. The mansion, Ramsey Manor, was his gift to his daughter. She ran it and had expanded it to serve as a resting place for those who traveled with him. Her genius was partly the reason for the ever rising success of Ramsey Fleet – few offered such amenities and for that reason, they were always fully booked and he was in the midst of taking on two more ships, the seven merchant ships he had, simply weren’t enough.

  Quinton took a deep breath, hoping that he was right because he was about to spill all, “To begin sir, I would like to assure you in what I ask – all extra, I will gladly pay you and then some to see the end of it successfully.”

  Manny nodded, his cheek resting against his left hand, his index finger and thumb extended to cradle his chin. “And…” He prompted Quinton.

  “First order, at all cost, my wife must be protected. In our journey south with her – it will be risky, yet I have little choice because she is stubborn and slippery. I must keep my eyes on her at all times – at a moment’s notice, she would be off, into the woods. You see, from the moment I found her, rather, from the moment she was given to me as a gift – and well – that is because she was known as a fancy. I’m certain you are familiar with the term – a most dreadful state of affairs; that aside, I did not keep her as my fancy, but have made her my wife.” He paused, waiting for Manny’s reaction.