She turned to her mother, she too was gazing out of her window, at the people, their homes; and then turned to her daughter, the look that she gave Sarah, made her burst into flames of shame. For the first time, she was furious with her husband, he had shamed her before her mother!
How could one claim to be a Lady, and yet, have no pride about the very things that reflected back on that position; that privilege? The longer she sat, the angrier she became.
She wanted to strip the clothes from her back that he’d provided for her, and stand as cold and naked as the people she viewed in their arrival! What right did she, he, they, have to don themselves as they did when people within THEIR village, stood dirty, cold and hungry – with their cottages in need a severe repair.
Slaves!
Slaves no better off than she had been and she would be damned to eternal hell before she would allow such a thing to exist while they KNEW that she was the lady there now. She refused to be the owner of slaves – she refused to step into this new world and be just like those of the world she’d left – such horror worked its way over her that she could easily ignite into flames. They were midway into the village when she suddenly threw the carriage door open and jumped out.
“MILADY! LADY SARAH – WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Ellen shouted, shocked by her actions.
The carriage suddenly came to a halt, Quinton who had been riding up ahead, brought his own horse to a halt, turning.
What Sarah did not see, was that he was just as ashamed as she. He had no idea that his estates were in such dismal condition. He looked at his brother, whose face was red. Yes, Evan had told him, when he returned there would be things he should see about, but he’d never said that it had gotten so bad.
Just as he fought to swallow the lump of embarrassment in his throat, he’d heard his wife’s name shouted out and turned to see her out of the coach, standing in the middle of the road, looking at the people, village folk – who stood also shocked at her actions.
“LADY CAINE!” Quinton’s strong voice shouted her name in disbelief, yet, she would not turn to him, would not look his way.
The second carriage that held the servants who had already gotten to know her, stopped, all those within, stood outside and on top in rapt awe of her, a lump in many of their throats.
Her mind on nothing but the people she now saw, she walked very slowly back the way they’d come, eyes gazing at everyone as they looked at her. She couldn’t help herself; tears welled up in her eyes as she searched the bleak eyes of those around her, looking as if their souls had left them. One young woman stood, ragged, cold, shivering, holding a young child of no more than two in her arms; nothing on either of their heads in the dreary grey mist. Sarah walked up to her, they were about the same height, brown eyes looking into dull blue, her blonde hair hanging lank, dirty and wet.
“LADY SARAH!!!” Her name was shouted from behind, once from Ellen, again from her husband, “SARAH!”
She ignored them, him - and introduced herself to the speechless young woman as she began untying the bonnet from her head, “I am, Lady Sarah Abigail Caine, Countess of WhistHirst…” She lifted the bonnet from her head and turned it around, placing it on the young woman’s head, who gasped in disbelief as Sarah tied it under her chin.
“I am from the new land – I was so afraid, to come here – but …” She went on, this time, she untied her cape, removed it with one flowing swirl and draped it around her and the baby, “I am not, afraid anymore.” She stroked the speechless woman’s cheek and stepped back, looking at those who had slowly started gathering around her. “Now I see why it was right, that I come here.”
She sighed and began speaking to those that came closer, “What is your name?” She asked a woman, who stepped closer and humbly answered, “Dinah, Milady.”
“From the bible, lovely name.”
“SARAH!” Quinton called out to her once more; and still she ignored him walking further away from him.
“And your name, what is yours?” She asked from one person to another, walking among them, asking for introductions, stroking them, smiling – informing them, “I will make many trips among you, I must learn each of your names – and you all shall remind me.” She smiled and sniffed. A little girl of 7 faced her, cold as well; without a thought Sarah undid her overskirt and it too came off to wrap around the child whose name was Sarah was too.
She walked among them, talked to them, asked where they lived, and would they show her. Her husband was the last person she wanted to see at that moment. Yes, she knew that he was the head of her; in fact, the head of them all – and she must find it in her to forgive him this trespass, but for now, these people were her first priority. Later, she would follow his commands, but at that moment, she could care if he never spoke with her again.
He had forced her to come back to this place with him, and well – there she was – and she wasn’t leaving until she met as many of the people as she could, to know them, touch them, reassure them, this would not continue to be; and if it did not change, then she could not remain in such a place – baring such a name.
To her surprise, she reached the market area, and Moose was at her hip, as if guarding her from so many people trying to get close to her; to a few of the men, he showed his teeth – it was clear to all, the animal was very protective of her. She clicked her tongue, with another sound and he began wagging his tail. Even so, he would not leave her side and it was because of him, people were no longer so close right up on her.
There was an open space now, a barrier as it were, but they still surrounded her outside of it. They were excited and eagerly spreading the word about her, the things she had already done, the crowd was growing, various ones calling out her name, telling her their names, where they lived, what they needed, how hungry they were – how cold they were. How terrible things were – and then she met up with Hayden, he stood next to an older man, who stood among the others, introducing himself.
“Milady Caine, it is with the greatest honor to meet you. I am Warner Heathcote, I was once, steward at the great house, but long since, I’ve been turned out by Lady Lilith.”
At the mention of her name, the crowd grew loud and angry, cursing her very existence.
Fearing for his wife, Quinton had no choice but to cut through the crowd, most all knew him and slowed his progress to her because of telling him as well of the terrible things they’d suffered since his leaving and his father’s death. It had been hard on them back then, but now, it was ten times worse. He promised that he would give them a day to come forward, and most certainly, things would change, but for now – he was abrupt because he needed to get to his wife. By the time he reached her, she was talking with Heathcote – he couldn’t believe his eyes, “Heathcote? What? What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”
Chapter XVI
“Milord Caine,” The old gentlemen nodded his head to him, “I was just explaining to your Lady that I was turned out, by your mother; since your leaving, and-…”
“Turned out? Why? Replaced by whom?”
“She has taken over sir, nothing is as it was. She now sees to the household I am told, and those within are in a miserable state, sir.”
“Gather your things; I am hereby immediately reinstating you to your rightful position, at once! You will return with us.”
“Yes, thank you Milord, thank you.”
Turning to Sarah, Quinton, with tight lips, spun her to face him and noticed that she was considerably shorter, looking down, she was without her boots – obviously, some poor soul had been given them as well.
Too angry to speak, and as he noticed, she was likewise; he grabbed her hand to lead her back to the carriage. She stubbornly, quietly stood her ground, refusing to budge even though her chin trembled in fighting to keep her teeth from chattering.
“To the coach, now – Lady Caine.” He spoke with low control.
“I would sooner walk. This day, has brought me enough shame, I will not travel
in comfort while all around me, your people, now mine - suffer from neglect.” She bit out from clenched teeth, just as low.
She then turned from him and made her way through the crowd, promising those she passed, that she would return. Quinton marched up behind her, scooped her high in his arms and growled, daring her to fight him or speak against him again before the witnesses.
“It is damp and cold, you’ve shed all that kept you warm and now, will fight me - with chattering teeth and all, where have I seen you last this way? Hmmm, I would rather that one back than this new one.”
“That day has ended, this is a new day, you wanted Lady Sarah Caine? You have her – and you shall see to the needs of these people or I shall swim all the way back from whence I came, and be proud once more to be a common fancy!” She sassed back, looking him right in the eyes.
“Em, yes… you have changed, indeed you have, t’would have been nice if-.”
“I can walk!”
“In soaked stockings? Shut up! At once, do you hear?”
“You have disgraced me!”
“I – disgraced you?”
“How could you leave these people in such an abysmal state and yet, do what you have for me? How could you leave them at all, knowing their needs?”
They were cutting back through the crowds, all who could hear didn’t mind eaves dropping on the young couple’s argument, her words bringing a smile and chuckle here and there. Vonn had Quinton’s horse and was meeting him with it, “Milord’s horse.” He stated, standing proud to have known her first. “Thank you.” Quinton returned with a nod, Sarah smiled doing the same, however was still put off by her husband who unceremoniously sat her up on the saddle sideways. He removed his cape, wrapping it around her legs and dirty cold feet, she was freezing; he removed his coat handing it to her, “Put it on - at once!”
The people were watching them, and for once in a long time, felt uplifted and without a doubt, on her side.
She took it and put it on, it was warm and wonderful; he pulled himself on behind her, reaching forward for his reigns, “We shall finish this discussion at home, in the warmth and privacy of our rooms, do you hear?”
“I – want the needs of these people seen to at once, immediately, or I shall walk all the way back, bare foot, as you once found me.” She threatened. He sighed and knew that she meant it. He looked to Heathcote, “You have much to do, join the others in that carriage - you’ve heard Milady. If I am to have a return to peace, a fix must begin at once.”
Grinning, Heathcote nodded, “Yes, Milord,” he couldn’t help himself; he looked at Sarah, “Welcome to WhistHirst Lady Caine, welcome indeed!”
All those behind that heard, cheered in agreement, calling out a welcome to her.
Quinton turned his horse to ride off with a cheer of the crowd behind them; riding by the carriages, giving the nod to proceed onward to the mansion.
Ellen sat with a smile on her face and looked to Sarah’s mother, and for the first time, there too, was a different kind of smile, much brighter, filled with pride.
Falling behind, Quinton could not believe his wife, yet felt he should not be surprised, “You are obviously looking to catch your death – stripping the clothing from you, now you sit, shivering.” He scolded softly, trying to hold her close to share his body heat.
“I do not care about those things; I never imagined you being so heartless.”
Quinton sighed, “Sarah, I did not know – I never imagined that leaving things to my mother and brother to see to would end in such a way.”
“I will not have it! I will not!” She stressed.
“Do you not wish to hear my side?”
“Do I dare? I cannot bear it, to see people as I did this day – it broke my heart, because they belong to you, I was frightened that perhaps I truly do not know you.”
“Sarah – Suga, surely, you have more faith in me than this?”
“All that I am certain of is that I never want to see that look upon their faces again.”
He pulled on the reigns to halt their progress, turning her to face him. “And I – never want to see the way you looked at me today – again. You are my soul mate Sarah – you have become the very air that I breathe – know that – what we saw today reaffirms that my return home was right and even more so, the choice I made for WhistHirst’s Lady. I give you my word; I will make this right – with you by my side, as has been since our first days together. It is already plain to see, they will come to love you, as I do.”
Palming her face gently, he gazed into her eyes, “Am I forgiven? Trust me?”
Sarah sighed, nodded and leaned against him. Quinton kissed her brow, and tilted her head back by the chin, kissing her lips as well; a moment went by that he broke the kiss to say with all the passion he felt, “My God, you make me proud Sarah, my love – my wife, my life – my heart, my soul swells with pride. Whatever you say, it shall be – I leave all in your hands now. WhistHirst, will be – what you make it, Milady.”
Sarah wrapped her arms around him, holding him, squeezing him as he snapped the reigns to get moving again. What was paramount on her mind was his mother? What kind of woman would allow the things Sarah had witnessed that day? If that were not bad enough, she – Lady Lilith had once been one of them – and instead of her sharing her good fortune, improving the quality of life for everyone – it seemed as if all said were to be true, she chose to hold all to herself.
“What of your mother, Quinton?” She finally asked.
“You and I are so close, we think of the same things as one, she is on my mind. I will speak with her and let her know, now that we are here, all to do with our estate will be left to you and I. No decisions will be made without your or my approval.”
Once more Sarah sighed; something told her it would not be as easy as that.
Standing upon the long stairs of the immense stately home, arms crossed before her, Lady Lilith caught sight of a tri-colored barking dog, running down the drive; a massive head, powerful body, large thick fluffy tail and a bark that could easily wake the dead. Behind it, two carriages, the first she assumed carried her new daughter in law, Lady Sarah. Her mind was racing and wishing to get the meeting over with, she would let her know from the very start that WhistHirst was her place to run, given to her by her son, Quinton. All would be fine, as long as she stayed out of affairs concerning WhistHirst – Quinton was her husband – he should be her first priority to see to, but the estate, the running of it, would remain under her direction.
She glanced at the servants standing at attention; all lined up as she’d directed them. She slowly began making her way down the stairs, deciding if she should smile or not for their first meeting. The carriages rounded the circular drive to stop on the stone portico. The horsemen went forward immediately to assist the lady from the carriage as Lady Lilith stood back watching. First to exit was a woman she assumed was Lady Sarah’s servant, an Indian of some sort by the looks of her, dressed a bit better than a servant should be – she would have to speak to her about that; the servants had their place, just as they had theirs – and most certainly their clothing should not come close to matching what they wore. The dark servant looked directly at her, into her eyes; the dislike was immediate and mutual.
Lady Lilith’s lips grew tight, that too would be discussed, she didn’t know how a servant was treated in the Americas – but such insolence would not be tolerated there by any servant. She cut the dark woman by turning a cold shoulder to her, giving her attention to the carriage door and to a young woman, pretty with dark hair, standing and holding a baby while the horsemen assisted her down. Another man from up top jumped down and came to stand by her side.
“Greetings to you, I am Lady Lilith – are you not, Lady Sarah, my son’s bride?” She asked, confused by the young man taking up one side of her, placing his arms around her shoulders.
Ellen smiled, “It is certainly a pleasure to meet you madam, no, I assure you – I am not. I am Mrs. Murra
y, Ellen Murray-…”
“And I, her husband, Erwin Murray.” He introduced himself.
Immediately Lilith stood back, “What then, are you to my son?” She asked them, and then saw Evan walk from the other side of the carriage.
“Evan? What is going on here? Where is Quinton? Lady Sarah?”
Evan stood grinning, patiently waiting for the surprise of his mother’s life, “They b’here any moment, they were right behind us, riding.” He stated.
The second carriage was unloading; the servants who had gone to Quinton were now working quickly to un-pack the many trunks and especially the one belonging to Sarah. Lilith’s eyes were on them about to say something when she saw Heathcote standing with them, directing them, telling them what to do.
“Quickly now, these things must be taken to Milord and Lady’s room, she will be needing a change, perhaps a bath as well, quick about it!” He ordered, clapping his hands. They were only too willing to rush ahead, their minds on Sarah and getting her clean and warm.
“What in…? Heathcote? Everyone stop right where you are! Do you hear me? I said stop at once!” She railed at them. However, because they knew what she did not, they carried on as if she were a ghost, a mist in the wind, and they rushed to get fresh clothing out of the trunks for Sarah.
The Fancy Page 19
