The Fancy

by Mercedes Keyes

  Furious, she turned to Heathcote, “What is the meaning of this?! How dare you come back here when you have been dismissed?”

  Heathcote turned his eyes from her to Evan, “Please explain to Lady Lilith while I see to matters inside.” He turned from her and stopped where the servants were lined up, “Please head back inside and resume your duties until Lady Sarah has been seen to, this lineup can resume then and I will call upon you at that time.” He instructed.

  Realizing something was happening; all those lined up did as the others did and headed quickly inside a head of him.

  Seeing this set Lady Lilith to fire, “NOT ONE MOVE, DO YOU HEAR?!” She raged, burning hot – she turned back to her youngest son, Evan.

  “What is going on here?” She demanded, breathing hard.

  “All t’be explained shortly mother, as for Heathcote, Quinton restored him to his original position here.”

  “Quinton? How? When?”

  Before Evan could say anymore, the dog – Moose, who had run up the drive and then turned back to find his masters, was now returning, barking up a joyful storm as the horse came riding into the courtyard.

  Lilith stood breathing and blowing hotly, watching her son’s arrival with a young woman sitting side saddle before him – not just any woman, but a Moor – her mouth slowly fell open. Smiling, Evan leaned to her ear, “Mother, behold – Lady Sarah Abigail Caine, the new Countess of WhistHirst.”

  She could not believe her eyes.

  Vonn had been waiting for the horse, grabbing its reigns, he held it still as Quinton dismounted and then reached up taking Sarah into his arms, holding her high he turned, and having seen his mother standing at the side, turned to her with his bride in his arms.

  “Greetings mother, we-…”

  Nothing more could be said, because his mother fell immediately into a dead faint.

  “Evan, see to mother please, I must see first, to my wife.”

  The house of WhistHirst was in an uproar.

  Lady Lilith had locked herself away in her NEW room, as she’d been removed from the room she’d claimed back when she thought her role secure as mistress of WhistHirst – that room was now Lady Sarah’s – as well sharing the rooms of her husband.

  The servants were all a twitter, gossip spread like wildfire to those who had not seen the new lady, a Moor. The servants who had gone to the Americas and were the first to have seen her, who had gotten to know her first, were now celebrities – everyone sought them out to hear whatever tidbit might be shared.

  Each spoke of her grace - of her beauty – of her kindness – of her eloquence and intelligence. They told of how she could read and write, that she was humble – and had served to sweep Lord Caine so off of his feet, he had no choice but to marry the lass and bring her back to WhistHirst. They whispered of what had taken place when they entered the village, how she stripped herself almost naked to clothe the poor souls calling out her name. So much talk was going on that Heathcote twice had to break it up and get the servants back on track of their duties; stepping from one room to another.

  He even caught one of the older men servants cackling out a laugh and leaping into the air clicking his heels to hear of Lady Lilith’s forced removal as head mistress and her unceremonious humbling.

  Many of the girl servants pleaded with Aislin to help her with anything, anything at all so that they might get just a peek at her, so eager were they to see her with their own eyes. Because she’d heralded and sang of her stunning looks and mass of mountainous hair, bragging that only she could tame and fix her hair the way that Lady Sarah liked it; so much so, that she always tipped her with many coins and to prove it she showed them her currency earned since being her Lady’s special attendant.

  Many sighed and envied her, wishing they had been chosen for such a role.

  Aatu also bragged that his special duty was to see to Lady Sarah’s great beast. For it was the Lady’s greatest treasure and she had wanted someone special who could handle the chore of seeing to one as mighty as her animal, special as he was – rare, no other like it in all the world, he claimed with rapt attention from all the young men who listened. Yes, the servants were excited, giddy, joyful and entranced by the new Lady – even though few had the honor of meeting her.

  Erwin and Ellen Murray were seen to immediately, given an entire wing for themselves to be comfortable in and call home. While just down the hall from Lady Lilith, Cora was set up in her own suite of rooms, as beautiful and neatly arranged as any important guest – difference being, she was there to stay. All were being seen to until the Lord and Lady arranged a meeting for that day.

  As for Lord and Lady Caine, they were occupying their rooms, or more importantly, Lady Caine was soaking in a nice deep, hot tub of fragrant oils while her husband sat next to her shoe bath, with its golden filigree feet; Moose lying in his favorite place within reach of her.

  Quinton knelt beside her, stroking across her back, enjoying the pleasure of touching her smooth brown skin.

  Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her wet shoulder, across the top of it, and slowly up to the side of her neck. “You do know that such antics will need to be curtailed as our first born grows in size and weight.” He murmured at her ear.

  Sarah sucked in a gasp, “How did you know?”

  He made a face, as if she could not be serious about such a question. “Surely you jest?”

  She slapped the surface of the bath water, blowing out exasperated, “The lows of having a husband for a doctor, no surprising him!” She pouted, making him laugh.

  “Aaah, I’ll pretend that I don’t know – and you can surprise me.” He joked, kissing her protruding lower lip.

  “Then, it is fine that I am?” She asked, needing to be certain.

  “Considering how much I enjoy our private moments together, if you were not – I would be worried.” He kissed her forehead and stood from the edge of the bath. “In fact, speaking of which, I would have you dress comfortably and rest to recover from our journey-…”

  “Rest? How can I rest with so much to be done? You saw those people, our people – no! I will not rest, not until I see to the things that have been long neglected. You cannot ask me such a thing, in fact, I – I wish to ask in which matters have I, a say?”

  He stood staring down at her and knew that she would be impossible to deal with if she did not get her way, he wouldn’t put it past her to sneak about to get whatever matters she found lacking, done.

  “I meant what I said to you, all matters I leave in your hands. In this instance, you will have more than enough help – if you could care for me at my worse, you can care for many with assistants and managers. However, I would like to know what plans you have.”

  She sat forward looking around for her towel; he was quick to retrieve it as she stood from her bath.

  Just as she was about to answer there was a tap on her door, with Colleen peaking in, Aislin right on her tail,

  “Don’ mean t’disturb Lady Sarah, but we’ve come t’dress you, do yer hair. We’ve a job to do. We cannah ‘av our lady goin’ ‘bout any such’ah way – she’be ours now.” Colleen started off, pushing their way in. “Never yer min’us, carry on you two.”

  The servant’s words brought tears to Sarah’s eyes.

  Quinton smiled, he knew they were not about to leave until they were done, so he and his wife merely spoke around them. “Carry on then,” he gave permission and to his wife, “… as you were saying, what plans have you?”

  Swallowing, having given everything much thought, she continued on, “As soon as I am dressed, I wish to speak with Heathcote – with you present, Erwin as well. Not a soul will sleep this night until repairs have begun on the horrendous cottages I witnessed. Not a cold wind is to get through, nor a drop of rain should fall upon their heads. With your permission, I wish to start with all cottages where there are children within.”

  “That can be arranged, and then…”

  “I wish
to see WhistHirst food stores, the larder, the smoke house, wherever there is food stored for those of us within. We will not sit and dine while others go hungry; I want to know of all provisions – to see how they are handled so they may be bettered. I can see no reason for us not to be completely self-sufficient – there is no reason for even one of us, to be hungry – it will not be allowed, not here, not anymore.”

  Quinton smiled; he had not missed the glances that went from Aislin to Colleen.

  “With that, I agree, anymore?”

  “I will have Ellen first meet with Colleen when she is done with me.” Sarah looked at the startled woman.

  “If you will, I wish you to direct her to the weaving house, where all fabrics are made, together, I wish every man, woman and child to be properly clothed for the winter and then together, we will establish a clothing store where cloth of every kind is available to those who are in need in exchange for services done. Thankfully, we are heading into spring – but this year, now, we will prepare for all the years to come - will you help me, please?”

  “Milady! You say, t’will be done! Aye, I’ll be helping.”

  “We will need any ideas or women that you know who are good seamstresses. We have much to do, but my husband’s name will not be remembered for what greeted us this day, no – nor ever will it again!”

  “Aye, yes Milady!”

  Suddenly, a smile lit up Sarah features; she turned on the bench to face her husband, with Aislin dancing around her to keep up while doing her hair. “Quinton, please – today, I wish a mighty festival – a grand cook up of wonderful stew with plenty for all. Can we, please? So many were hungry, I don’t wish to wait.” She pleaded.

  “Today?” He gasped, grinning.

  “Yes please, today – and we shall all celebrate into the night, a hearty meal, where all will pitch in. We will put up fire that will chase the cold from all of our bones – and we will laugh, eat, warm each other, build, work and repair, and get to know everyone, today, tonight – I do not wish to wait – they have waited for this long enough.” She had tears in her eyes the passion sang so strong within to see it done. Quinton sighed, “That’s a lot for one day, Sarah, you really do need your rest, it is early stages yet for our first born.” Colleen and Aislin’s eyes grew huge. They turned red with the desire to be out and spreading the news.

  “You speak as if all must be done by me alone; I am strong, healthy and willing to work as hard as any other. You know that I am not one to sit around and point Quinton, I must work as hard-…”

  “Ah! In this, you will do as I say – I mean it. All that you’ve stated, we will do, and more – but you – my wife – will learn your role as WhistHirst’s lady – and learn to delegate - let others see to matters you’ve set into motion, understood?”

  She was quiet, with that look he was very accustomed to. “Sarah?!” He repeated her name.

  She gazed up at him with large doleful eyes, afraid to give her word, there was so much to do, she had to be a part of it.

  “Will you force me to lock you in our rooms and station a guard at the door until I get your promise?” He threatened.

  She sighed, giving it some deep thought, “If I must, I do not like it-…”

  “It is not necessary that you like it, what is necessary is that you do as I say.”

  “If that is true, you must take part in seeing to that which I cannot, I want no time wasted, nor an able body standing, leaning, chatting while others work.”

  Quinton stood with his mouth wide, “Are you accusing me of being idle and-…”

  “No – of course not, I simply want it done – today. I want laughter, joy, cleanliness and this place bursting with all that it takes, to make this estate, better than all others, for everyone.”

  Quinton knew he had his work cut out for him.

  “Very well Milady, and it will be done.”

  Chapter XVII

  Not since the Marquis’ death, was there so much activity going on. All meetings Sarah requested, they had, rolling out instructions with haste to be quick about it and not a soul whimpered, whined or complained.

  Their new Lady’s arrival seemed to infuse all with such enthusiasm and energy, many were dancing about, chipper and flirtatious, full of ideas that the new Lord and Lady were more than willing to hear.

  One thing that Sarah did not care for at that moment, was to meet with her mother-in-law; with all that she intended to get done, that was one meeting she felt could wait, however – Quinton knew that he could not hold off on it. Once he saw to everything that was needed for the time being, he made his way to his mother’s new suites. Taking a deep breath, he knocked at her door.

  “Mother, it’s me – Quinton. We need to talk.”

  “Go away, I have a headache.” She shouted. “If that is true, I am just the person you’ll wish to see, let me help.”

  “Go – away! You are the last person I wish to see! I can’t believe you’ve done this to us – how could you do this?”

  “Open the door mother, I’m not going away, neither is my wife.” He stood waiting, tapping on the door over and over, “Mother – you have to come out at some point, you do have to eat.”

  “What do you care?!” She railed beyond the door.

  “Open – the door – at once!” He demanded.

  She ignored him, refusing to budge, to open it.

  “If you force me to drastic measures, I will take them, what is it going to be?” He waited a moment and finally the door was snatched open, with his mother standing glaring at him, at first, angry and when that didn’t appear to move him, she crumbled into tears turning away from him, rushing across the room to fall onto her chaise longue , crying pitifully, “What have I done to deserve this! How could you do this to me? After all we’ve been through, all the suffering we’ve done, losing Rose-…”

  “What has Rose to do with this mother?” Quinton had entered her rooms, closing the door behind him.

  “She died!” She blazed at him.

  “I am aware of that, what has her death to do with your behavior today? What has her death to do with the shame of your actions since my leaving?”

  “Shame?! You speak to me of shame – when you – you return with a Moor as your wife! Do you know what I’ve gone through to be accepted? Do you know how they look at me, reject my every invitation? There have been two balls, an honorable affair and not once, have I received an invitation. Not one! My speech is refined, my carriage, my etiquette, yet they treat me as though I am a carrier of Leprosy! And what do you do – return with a Moor as your bride!”

  “My God, have you always been so shallow? You spoke of Rose in one sentence and then immediately after another concerning balls and the acceptance of the aristocracy? All of it packaged to say that you have somehow suffered? That you have been shamed? Now I understand why I was so miserable – why I could not wait to leave this place, why all in my world was grey. I, Evan, Rose, we were nothing more than your chance to possibly gain a name, a title, and acceptance with the elite.”

  “What are you saying? Don’t be ridiculous Quinton!” She denied all, sitting up, taking a handkerchief to her eyes to wipe at fictitious tears.

  “Tell the truth mother, Rose meant nothing to you, nothing at all. I, on the other hand, made all of this possible for you – the one son who could not be disputed as his. You have done well for yourself and in truth; my departure was your greatest gift, because it left you with all of this and full control. Isn’t that right mother?”

  “I – deserve this!”

  “Why? Why do you deserve it? What have you done that you should be worthy of so much?”

  “I bore his son! I gave him you! I endured much to find my place here, and in one day, you come in and -…”

  “What?”

  “Hand it to that – woman – what does she know of these matters? How to be a Lady? How to run an estate, to be worthy of standing next to the elite!? Besides that, she is dark – who will accep
t her, if they will not accept me?”

  Quinton stood bewildered, saddened by the woman who was indeed the reason he existed – and also the reason he could find no joy in his dark world, until he discovered light in the bottom of a ship surrounded by stink and dead rats. He’d been in that light until that moment when he faced the source of all the darkness that had been his world.

  “Mother, I am sad for you. Truly sad, because all that you felt was once yours – we found it dead – my wife and I. And within a few moments of her stepping into this dark world you made, it has now come back to life and it shines. You say she is not worthy? Ask the servants if this is so, ask those in the village – if this is so? One day – one day – and already, they rush about heralding her name, while cursing yours.” He paused to let that sink in, and could see she was not happy with his words.

  Quinton exhaled and changed the direction of their discussion, informing her, “I have turned all authority over to my wife, Lady Sarah. Anything concerning WhistHirst, must meet with her or my approval. That includes the hiring or firing of the staff. You are welcome to remain here, and if you choose to do so, you will at all times show the utmost respect to my wife and to her mother. If you cannot do that, say so now, and I will gather enough servants to see to your care at Willbourne House – it is sufficient in size for you and your needs, you need only say the word. I will leave you to consider that. Good day to you mother.” Quinton nodded his head, backed up and walked out of her door.

  The impromptu festival was a winning success. It had not come together easily, but it had come together. Repairs were being made, at the same time fittings were being done, food stuffs sorted and a great bonfire lit with stew pots and spits of meat turning to assure all had something to eat to the fullest. Of course where there is celebration there is plenty to drink, and many of the men sang out from their cups praises of their Lady Sarah.