The Fancy

by Mercedes Keyes

  Hayden was attractive, on the large side, tall, strong, not so muscular looking; he had a soft looking body – not very defined in his shape. He wasn’t fat, but it wouldn’t take much to tilt him that way if he didn’t stay active. His eyes were cognac; hair sandy blonde; with a soft face that looked younger than his years.

  Cora would not interfere, but hoped her daughter would notice the man’s attention to her was a bit more than it should be.

  They stayed away from the mansion all day and into the evening from one cottage to the other until Sarah was at risk of her knees buckling. Cora couldn’t help but wonder if Sarah had stayed away deliberately to irritate her husband? She was moving from one area of the village to the other to make it as hard as possible to find them should he come looking; and he had – forced to use Moose to track them, or rather, her.

  By the time he caught up with them, it was dark and they were on their way back to the mansion. In truth he had not been out long looking for them, it was the dark that made him seek them out.

  Meeting them on the road, his eyes went from Hayden to his wife, “I will take her the rest of the way,” he informed him, moving his horse up along the carriage where she sat.

  Sarah was too tired for much resistance, and allowed her husband to transfer her from the carriage seat to his saddle.

  Hayden nodded and snapped the reigns to take Cora the rest of the way back to the mansion – it could not be missed that he had little to say to Quinton. It was something Quinton was trying not to see, but it was becoming more obvious that Hayden was attracted to Sarah, the signs that it was so had begun on the journey through the South in America and while crossing the ocean.

  For the time being, it was a matter for the other man to squash, it was either that, or depart for the time being, his wife was the first to be dealt with.

  “Why did you spend the entire day out? Have you eaten?”

  “Along the way, yes.” She answered.

  “And the day away?” He reminded her.

  “I searched for you, could not find you – and so left you alone, which I assumed you wished to be.”

  “I returned home, not long after you left.”

  She let the silence be her response to that.

  “I know that you and mother spoke today, it did not go well – I was informed by the servants.”

  She still had nothing to say.

  “She is gone. My decision to send her to Willbourne house had been made – before the servants spoke of what transpired between you. My resolve that she must go was not an easy one, but necessary. You see, long ago, she and my feelings about her were the motivation I needed to seek adventures elsewhere, to further my medical knowledge – because – I knew the words your mother spoke were true.” He led the horse slowly, speaking softly, and though she gave no response, he knew that she listened.

  “She let my sister die – I’m certain of it. She was sickly, weak and needed extra care and attention – my mother was irritated by her needs; she could not divide her time between trying to get my father and caring for a sick child that she did not want. She – sent my brother and I off one day on an errand, and – when we returned – it was over – she had passed. So, when I say, that she let my sister die, I cannot help but wonder – if in truth, she helped her along.” He said nothing more as they rode. Sarah wrapped her arms around him, and held him close – keeping all thoughts to herself; there was nothing to be said.

  Weeks rolled by with husband and wife, Lord and Lady busy on the estate, everyone there made a contribution towards improving and the spring weather helped towards that end.

  As for the monstrosity that was her home, it took days for Sarah to see all the rooms of the mansion. At the end, she, her mother and Ellen counted exactly one hundred eighty-five rooms in total. They could not believe it. Neither could see why it was necessary for one family to live in such ostentatious opulence. Because they found the excess over the top, they discussed an idea with Quinton. The idea was, to build a dividing wall so that the larger portion of the mansion could be used as an infirmary while keeping the other side as their home, still more than adequate for a family, with ample rooms for all their needs even if everyone they knew dropped in on them.

  He thought the idea to be excellent and gathered a crew to work with him and Erwin on what would be needed in case some or a few grew sick. They joked about all the space and how there was no way it could be filled – at no time ever would there be a calling for such a large accommodation, but they had it just the same.

  Evan it would seem, for whatever reason, went to live with his mother at Willbourne house, located at the very opposite end of the land Quinton owned, more than two village lengths away.

  With so many activities going on, no one really expected to see anyone visiting WhistHirst and so when the Marquis, Sir Fitzallan appeared with his daughter Lady Jemima Fitzallan by his side – it was quite a surprise.

  Shown to the parlor to await their hosts, the father and daughter sat noticing the changes taking place. Their visit had also been prompted by rumor – one being, the Earl had returned, and with a Lady bride. Not just any Lady, but one in which all the servants had been singing the praises of – by the description given – a Moor.

  There was more of course, and that was, that the Moor was treating many of the servants, with more or less similar medical skills as Lord Caine.

  Even though Sarah struggled with nausea and exhaustion, she stood next to Quinton in greeting the Marquis and his daughter.

  Lady Jemima could not believe her eyes; however once she moved beyond the color of the woman before her, she could see that not only was she eloquent, but refined, graceful, gentle and well-spoken.

  They invited the father and daughter to have dinner with them, and it was during that repast that a question from the Marquis stunned Sarah, “I find myself very intrigued by your wife, wherever did you find her?” of all the things they’d prepared, neither had discussed what to say should someone ask such a thing, and so, Sarah left it to Quinton to give whichever answer he felt suitable.

  Unwilling to lie, as he was not in the frame of mind to try and impress anyone, at the same time he would not insult his wife’s heritage he stated, “She was a gift – one of great value with much to offer. A descendent of strong African blood as well a daughter of the Powhatan tribe -…”

  “I’ve heard of that tribe…” the Marquis broke in, perking up to nudge his memory.

  “I’m certain you will have; Pocahontas is the link you seek.”

  “Aaah, well of course! She was very interesting to say the least.”

  “According to the tale; in either case – my wife has honor of her own; already many here at WhistHirst do all they can to show gratitude for the changes she’s commissioned since our arrival. If interested, I’d like to take you on a tour to see what ideas are hers that we’re putting into effect even now.”

  The Marquis agreed, after eating, the four went on a tour.

  They were astounded by the idea, but couldn’t be sure if such a large facility for the sick would be needed. It wasn’t long before the men separated from the ladies, with Jemima dying to ask more questions of Sarah.

  “You, read, as well write?” She asked.

  Sarah smiled, “Yes, don’t you?”

  Jemima sighed, “No – not as I sometimes wish I could. There is no need that I do such things.”

  “No need? How so? Surely there is a need.”

  “Not when everything is done for you. I pen letters, invites, things of that nature – but – writing, reading to know what you know, there has never been a need. Perhaps if I had such an ability, he – Lord Caine, might have been more inclined to entertain me as a wife.” She smiled, speaking honestly.

  Sarah wasn’t sure how to take that, and so left her words to flow by.

  “He is, very pleasing to the eye – Lord Caine. You are fortunate; my inability to gain his interest could very well put me in position for a marriage
of convenience to someone I cannot abide.”

  “Can you not refuse? Can you not wait for the man who moves your heart; your soul?”

  “Rebel? Refuse? Hmmm, it has often crossed my mind, but matters such as that depend on what my father is to gain by such a union, or the man who chooses me. I often dream of the new land, the Americas. There, I am told, such traditions no longer exist – one is free to marry the choice of the heart.”

  Sarah declined to comment, it wasn’t entirely true. They strolled, speaking softly, Sarah thinking of the things she was hearing.

  “You were a gift to Lord Caine, were you a slave?”

  “Yes.” Sarah did not deny it.

  They fell quiet once more, and then Jemima nodded and admitted, “So am I – freedom is not mine to choose the direction I would take in life, that makes me a slave.”

  Sarah wasn’t sure how to respond to that either, and after some thought stated, “At least you will be treated well.”

  Jemima smiled, “Will I? To be a spinster is an awful thing, yet – in a way, it is what I long for, if I cannot marry a man that I desire. Quinton was my only hope – now – time is running out, it won’t be long before my father secures my future by choosing for me.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I came with the intent of hating you for taking my only choice from me. However, I find that I cannot – your disadvantage was far greater than my own.”

  Once more, words were trapped within; Sarah didn’t know what to say. They were at a standstill when suddenly Jemima asked her, “Help me runaway. Surely someone like you, understands – there is no hope for me, if not even you will assist me.”

  “How can I possibly help you?”

  “Teach me. Maybe, if I can read, write like you, I can escape, to the Americas where I can be free. Please – help me Lady Sarah, otherwise – my life will not be worth living.”

  Sarah stood in a world of disbelief, never had she imagined being in such a position. Once more, Lena’s words, her teachings, her wisdom came to her. Her husband, Manny was coming to do business with Quinton and right away she knew that she could help her.

  “You really wish to leave here and all that you know, this life of privilege?”

  “I want to be free.”

  “What if the man your father chooses for you, is one that you can live with?”

  “I want to be in love, with the man that I marry. I want to choose him, not have him chosen for me.” She was on the verge of begging Sarah.

  “Why me?” Sarah asked, baffled.

  “The servants all speak of your kindness, your heart, your compassion. You – more than anyone, will know what it means to be a slave and have no say in your life. Yet, you are free – I beg you – help me to be free.” Jemima looked away before the gathering tears in her eyes fell.

  Sarah knew in that instant – she would do all that she could to help her be free. She needed to get her to Lena and Manny – and they would help her in her pursuit to be free – as well as in her education.

  Before rejoining the men, Sarah made eye contact and gave her word, “Okay, I’ll do whatever I can.”

  Jemima hugged her, “Thank you Lady Caine, thank you.”

  Later that night, as Sarah lie in bed with her husband, she told him of their conversation and her promise to help.

  “You what? How could you have given such a promise?” He asked incredulously.

  Sarah stared into his eyes as if he’d lost his mind for asking her such a thing. That look from her, as well the plain visual fact of what she was and where she’d come from was all the answer he needed to that question.

  He reached over and caressed her cheek. “You are beautiful, to everyone you meet. Perhaps I have done you an injustice by changing your name.” He slid down into their bed, pushing her along with him, kissing her mouth, touching her in a way that always led to them making love. After a gentle session that brought them both blissful pleasures, he gave his word that he too, would help.

  In a little more than a fortnight, Manny and Lena arrived at WhistHirst; after he and Quinton conducted business concerning him supplying Manny with iron – they discussed Jemima – while Sarah did the same with Lena. Of all people to understand, it was Lena, little needed to be said – as one, they all agreed that upon their departure, they would be taking Lady Jemima with them, where she too, would learn to read and write and start a new life; one of her choosing.

  She was sent an important missive with the express urgency that it should go to her, and her alone – no one else.

  Within, were instructions.

  Jemima received her missive and with a gladdened heart, did as was directed. A few days later, before she departed in the night to rendezvous with one of Manny’s men, she left her father a letter with few words – I cannot live this way, I must be free… Love always, Jemima.

  Making her way from their estate in the deep foggy night, running with her cloak about her, she barely entered the grounds when a man stepped into her path.

  “Lady Jemima, I have been sent by Manny.”

  She gasped in surprise, hand to her breasts, “I thought I must go further.”

  “What gentleman leaves a lady to wander about the woods alone? Come – we must be on our way.” A large calloused hand grabbed her smaller one, holding on firmly and off they rushed into the night. Jemima’s heart fluttered and quickened in her chest, all previous doubts and misgivings of earlier, disappearing - already the world was a new and different place, one that she was now free, to explore.

  As weeks went by, it would seem that Jemima had escaped just in the nick of time, because suddenly, there was a spread of Cholera that caused more devastation than a forest fire – no one knew where the epidemic had started – what was certain was that many became victim to it.

  Talk of it spread, as the deadly infection hit one place and then another. Each estate frantically took steps in order to prevent it striking.

  Quinton, Cora and Sarah knew what had to be done, and traveled to where the outbreak was most prevalent, adding their knowledge and skills to other doctors and scientist trying to pin down the cause of it.

  Food and water contamination.

  To prevent it from spreading, the remedies were to clean all – the washing of their bodies and hands, also the area where one ate. The fight was to clean up the water source, dispose of contaminated food, and establish a cleaner sewerage system for body waste. While one team worked towards doing those things, and spreading the word – there was the matter of taking care of the ill, there were thousands, many of them dying.

  That is where Sarah, Cora, Quinton and many others came in, working around the clock to save lives. It was not an easy job and some were too far gone to save.

  Because of so many falling, the small team from WhistHirst worked tirelessly and because there were few facilities to help house those dropping like flies – every single room at the infirmary at WhistHirst, and space they’d joked about never filling, was filled.

  Those stricken were fighting for rehydration, dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea made it impossible for them to retain fluid.

  Cora and Sarah knew that salts, one to three sugars, would help to keep them alive, while using herbs to curb their diarrhea and vomiting. The two women worked around the clock at WhistHirst, while Quinton rode from one estate to another giving the same instructions, treating those who were struck down with it. Due to the efforts of all, the numbers of dying began dwindling.

  The persons brought to WhistHirst, looked to Sarah and her mother to save them, afraid they would die.

  The village people of WhistHirst almost worshipped Sarah; they boasted about their Lady Caine to all who would listen. Finally, the epidemic was under control, lives were being restored to normal, and those held within the infirmary were well enough to leave and return to their homes, taking tales to be told.

  As for Sarah, all events had taken their toll on her, it seemed that once things h
ad returned to normal, she was unable to get herself to rise or to move.

  She stayed in bed, sleeping for days. Quinton watched her day and night, when he had matters that could not be neglected, her mother was ever there by her side.

  Loyalty was strong and sure within the household, not one servant spoke a single word against her – all ran about on tender feet as if afraid to disturb her. Nowhere upon their estates, would disloyalty be tolerated.

  In fact, it was so strong, that when Lady Lilith, plotted what she thought was her own little secret – to kill Sarah it backfired on her. The servants at Willbourne house sent a message to the servants at WhistHirst, that she – Lady Lilith was up to something. They saw her putting something together, a dangerous mixture; instantly, she was suspected of a vile act. As it stood, there were servants who already thought she’d been the one to do in the previous Marquis and Marchioness – that in itself had been the talk for quite some time.

  Now this – and as this suspicion spread like wildfire, all those who loved her, moved in and around her at her most vulnerable time. Every eye was open, every ear was cocked, and Moose lay by her bed, hard to move, as if he too knew, something was in the air.

  Quinton lay behind his wife, spooning, caressing her, fussing over her, kissing her ear, “I’m afraid my beauty, you are done for a while, do you hear? You have gone as far as anyone possibly could, and beyond. You are exhausted, no more, understand?”

  Sarah gave a slow nod of her head.

  “You do know, that you have surpassed all expectations. You, Lady Caine, will be spoken of for all times to come.” He was holding one of her hands as he spoke softly to her, his thumb stroking over her knuckles.

  “I think back to nights we spent in another bed, the one we left in America, there – you cried of your fears, do you remember that?