[Measure of Devotion 01.0 - 03.0] Box Set

by Caethes Faron

  Demetri was right. The thought of someone else taking the responsibility was irksome. A strong sense of kinship with his father’s valet washed over him. Demetri must be at a loss. Like Jason, he had nothing to do. The master he had served no longer had need of him, except in this last act of devotion. “Of course you may. If John would like to relieve you, let him. He’s the only other person who can lay claim to the responsibility. You need your sleep like the rest of us.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Jason rejoined his hand with Kale’s and walked to their room. On the way, it struck him that Demetri had called him sir when the proper address was master. The will hadn’t been read yet, but it was natural to assume that Jason now had ownership over him. There was something honorable in Demetri, who always followed protocol, refusing to transfer the title of master to another man before Robert was buried. It was a loyalty Jason admired and that he once again gave thanks for. It was a comfort to know that while his father had surrounded himself with few men, the ones he had chosen were worthy of him.

  “What can I do for you, Jason?” Kale’s voice reminded him that he had somehow lucked out the same way his father had. The Wadsworth men eschewed quantity in favor of quality when it came to the people in their lives.

  Jason looked at Kale and saw in his eyes an unadulterated love for him. For the first time since his father had died, he knew he was going to be all right.

  “Read to me, please. Let me lie with my eyes closed and just listen to you.”

  Jason allowed Kale’s voice, the voice of a man whose fidelity was absolute, to chase out the dreary thoughts that threatened to creep into his mind. Peace followed the gentle realization that the way to mourn his father was not to lament the past, but to honor him by accepting the love of those around him.

  Chapter Forty-One

  The people started arriving around ten o’clock. Kale was wary of this idea from the beginning. He didn’t understand why Jason was obligated to accommodate these strangers. Inevitably, Jason ended up reassuring and comforting the people who offered condolences. It was ridiculous.

  “You need to sit.” Kale had stood by Jason all morning.

  “I need to greet everyone. I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re not. I’m going to get you a chair.” Kale pulled one of the simpler chairs in the room over to where Jason stood by the open casket. “Sit, or I carry you out of here right now.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Really? What in our history leads you to believe I won’t do what’s best for you regardless of what others may think?” Kale stared into Jason’s worn eyes. The man’s face was drawn. If Jason could see what Kale did, he wouldn’t put up such a fight. As much as Kale wished Jason would decide to follow Kale’s advice for his own good, he knew Jason relenting had more to do with the group of people accumulating behind Kale as he stalled the proceedings. As soon as Jason was seated, Kale pulled another chair next to him and joined him.

  Refreshments were served in the sitting room. The mourners lingered about, chatting. Kale had no idea what they could be talking about. Probably gossiping. He doubted any of these people had spent enough time with Robert to be reminiscing.

  The only break Jason took was to eat and only then because Kale had Darlene’s support. Despite how foolish Kale thought this all was, he was proud of Jason and understood his desire to keep going until all the mourners were gone. It was like when Kale had worked laying rail. His muscles would burn, and everything in him would ache for a break, but he knew if he were granted one or let up for a bit, it would be nearly impossible to start again. Better to steel himself and forge ahead until the work was done.

  Voices raised in anger floated into the parlor, muffled by the walls. Jason looked up from the woman he was greeting. Kale placed his hand on Jason’s leg, giving a light squeeze to indicate he’d take care of it, and stood. The commotion was coming from outside.

  In the driveway, John stared down a red-faced James Cartwright and his son Carter, as well as Mrs. Cartwright and Carter’s three younger sisters. “Mr. Cartwright, I won’t be telling you again. You’re not welcome here.” John’s voice was strong and steady. He stood calmly with his arms crossed in front of him and his feet planted shoulder-width apart. Kale didn’t think a bull would dare try to get past him.

  There was no hesitation in Kale’s gait as he approached. Jason had decreed that he didn’t want the Cartwrights to attend. The gesture touched Kale even though he knew it wasn’t just for his benefit. Jason wanted to avoid an altercation, and he didn’t trust himself around Kale’s previous owner. As far as Kale was concerned, anything that kept more people out and kept the day as short as possible was fine by him.

  Mr. Cartwright seemed to search for a reply. From his flushed face, it appeared he had already gone several rounds with John, who didn’t look at all ruffled. Kale took his place at John’s shoulder, crossing his arms over his chest. John didn’t even spare him a glance. Mr. Cartwright, on the other hand, sneered at Kale. “And what do you think you’re doing, slave?”

  Maybe it was fatigue, maybe it was the instinct to protect Jason from people he didn’t want to see, and maybe he was just fed up with being scared of people who could do him no harm. Whatever the reason, Kale raised his chin and stared Mr. Cartwright straight on. “You heard him. I wouldn’t test him if I were you.”

  Mrs. Cartwright shrieked from where she stood, her small frame dwarfed by her husband. “So it is true. The Wadsworths are letting their slaves behave like free people now.”

  Kale met her wide, ice-blue eyes. “Ma’am, you may gawk at me all you like, but you will have to do it off of Wadsworth property. Jason does not want you here.”

  Mrs. Cartwright’s hand connected with Kale’s cheek. It wasn’t as painful as it was humiliating. Kale tried to cool the heat flooding his face and gave thanks that it was Mrs. Cartwright who had struck him. If it had been either of the men in her family, he didn’t think he’d be able to prevent himself from striking back. The last thing he needed was to cause a scene. Or more of one, at least.

  “How dare you!” Mrs. Cartwright’s voice was indignant as only a country biddy’s could be.

  “I’m sorry you’re offended, Mrs. Cartwright, but this is a private affair, and your family will have to leave.”

  “Don’t talk to my wife like that, boy.”

  Kale could only assume he meant that Kale shouldn’t be talking to his wife at all, and certainly not with his head raised, looking her in the eye.

  Mr. Cartwright leaned in close enough that Kale could smell his foul breath. Before either of them could say a word, John appeared between them. Kale momentarily resented the man for interfering, but it only made sense. If it came to blows, there would be unneeded complications if Kale was involved.

  “Any problems here, John? It looks like we’ve got some hot tempers.”

  Kale was surprised by the unfamiliar voice. He looked behind Cartwright and saw a middle-aged man he didn’t recognize with a woman on his arm.

  “We were just helping Mr. Cartwright and his family find their buggy, Sheriff.”

  “I have the right to pay my respects to one of my oldest friends.”

  “Not if Jason says you don’t.” Kale kept his voice as cool as possible.

  “And who is this?” The sheriff nodded to Kale.

  “The slave Robert bought off me for his son.”

  “I’m not a slave. I’m Jason Wadsworth’s partner.” Kale kept his eyes trained on James Cartwright.

  “You lying—”

  “John?” The sheriff’s voice overrode Mr. Cartwright, silencing him.

  “It’s like he said. Kale’s family, Sheriff. We’re just trying to follow Mr. Wadsworth’s orders.”

  “Well, then, it looks pretty simple to me. James, why don’t you take your family home? If you need an escort, I’d be happy to oblige.” The sheriff’s tone gave the distinct impression that he’d “escorted” certain members of the Cartwright f
amily numerous times throughout the years.

  James turned away, muttering under his breath and gestured for his family to follow. None of them had any problem sneering at Kale before they walked away, even the youngest who couldn’t possibly remember the time when her family had owned Kale. He had never seen so much ugly in one place.

  “Thanks for the help, Rich.” John shook the sheriff’s hand.

  Kale didn’t move until the Cartwright’s buggy was on its way down the drive. It was the first time he’d ever felt superior for being able to afford a car. Such sentiments were usually beneath him, but maybe just this once it was all right.

  When he was satisfied, he turned to Rich and held out his hand. “Thank you for your help, Sheriff.”

  “Not a problem. I learned early on that I would never truly be off-duty.” Rich didn’t hesitate before shaking Kale’s hand, despite what he had just learned about his past.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to Jason. I trust John can see you inside.” Kale nodded to John and then headed back to the parlor. When he sat next to Jason, Kale gave him a smile and rested his hand on Jason’s knee. That seemed to be all the information Jason needed on the subject.

  At six o’clock, the insanity ended. Kale didn’t know whether the people had ceased coming or if someone was stopping them. Or maybe it was general knowledge that viewings ended at six just as it appeared to be general knowledge that social rules dictated one went to a viewing even if one did not know the deceased by any more than reputation. At least the funeral would be a private affair.

  “Where is everyone?” Jason seemed bewildered.

  “There’s no one left. It’s all over. You did well.”

  “Thank the gods.” Jason slumped against Kale. “I thought they would never stop.”

  “I know. I’m so proud of you. If the urge to throw everyone out was even half as strong in you as it was in me, I’m impressed by your restraint. The only thing holding me back was knowing you’d never forgive me.”

  “Thanks for being here for me.”

  “Of course. Where else would I be?”

  Martin entered. “Shall I allow the slaves in now to pay their respects?”

  “Yes.” Jason stood.

  “You can keep your seat. No one expects anything of you. It’s been a long day.” Jason had done so well, Kale didn’t want him to push himself too hard.

  “No, Kale, let me show them respect. At least these people knew him.”

  The slaves filed past Robert’s coffin. Kale noted that there was hardly a dry eye among them. Each offered heartfelt condolences to Jason, honoring him as the son of their esteemed master. It was the only sensible thing that had happened all day. Kale felt for these men and women. Their grief was real, and they had no comfort, only uncertainty for the future.

  After the last of the slaves left, only Kale, Jason, Demetri, John, and Martin remained. “It’s time to seal the casket. Everyone should pay their last respects.”

  Kale approached first, since he was the least close to Robert. “Thank you for giving him the best parts of yourself.” Kale struggled against the unexpected lump in his throat as he prepared to say the words he had wanted to say to Robert in life. “Thank you for giving me to him.” It washed over Kale in that moment how much he owed the man in the casket. He turned his mind away from the dark trail his life could have taken had Robert not intervened. There was only one way to thank him. “I’ll take care of him for you.” Promise made, he stood back, giving the others a bit of privacy. John went next and then Demetri. Jason was last. He spent a few minutes whispering to his father then stepped backward.

  “Demetri? Do you have his pocket watch?”

  “Yes, sir. I brought it in case you wanted it.” Demetri stepped forward and handed it to Jason.

  Jason opened it and looked at the picture of his mother. Kale stepped to him, placing a hand on his back as a tear fell down Jason’s cheek. Jason kissed the picture and closed the watch. Tenderly, he placed it on Robert’s chest and wrapped both of his hands around it. “You finally have your Lena back.” Jason stepped away and nodded to Martin.

  Kale wrapped his arm firmly around Jason’s shoulders as Martin closed the casket. He wished they could have the funeral now and let it all be over with, but this was the way it was done. The casket would sit sealed in the house for the night and be buried in the morning.

  Sophie joined them as they all ate together in the dining room. Kale took great comfort in her presence. She had helped him and Jason through many a tough time. While Martin provided practical support, Sophie provided the emotional. Talking to her in the kitchen the previous day had been such a welcome respite. Somehow, she made everything seem so simple. Her encouragement made Kale believe they would get through this.

  Jason insisted Demetri eat with them. Kale knew it had to be uncomfortable for him. Demetri would never disobey an order, but it was plain to see that this went against everything he knew. Eventually, he relaxed when it was apparent that no one expected him to join in the conversation.

  There wasn’t much conversation anyway. A drowsy air hung in the room. Each other’s presence was enough. It communicated all that needed to be said. They sat in a silent bond of love and support. Kale caught Jason stealing occasional looks at his father’s vacant chair, his eyes more wistful than pained. Thomas sat to Kale’s right. Kale had barely seen him all day. It must be uncomfortable for him, not really having a place in the household. Kale patted his brother on the back, getting him to look up from his plate. Once he had Thomas’s eye, he smiled and was glad to see him readily return it. Knowing he had a brother’s support was an unfamiliar source of comfort.

  It was a motley crew that sat around the table. John and Martin had readily earned each other’s respect. They seemed so different, but they both possessed a strong work ethic and keen sense of loyalty. Martin and Sophie had both fit right in as soon as they arrived. Darlene had been invited to join them, but she had huffed about it not being right and needing to supervise the kitchen. Even so, it had been easy to see the gesture meant something to her.

  After it was clear no one would be eating anything else, Jason stood. “Thank you all. Somehow the grief is made lighter by knowing I do not carry it alone. I wish you all a good night and invite you to breakfast with me tomorrow morning before the service.” Jason’s gaze rested on Demetri before he stepped around the table to leave. Kale followed.

  “You were exceptional today. I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud.” Kale helped Jason undress in their room.

  “I’m just glad it’s over.”

  “I know. Do you think you’ll be able to sleep tonight?”

  “Yes. I’m more tired than I’ve ever been. I don’t know how my father managed it when my mother died, and he had me running around. The thought of caring for a child during something like this makes my head spin.”

  Kale kissed Jason’s neck and took him to bed. “Then it’s a good thing we don’t have kids.”

  “That wasn’t my point.”

  “I know. People rise to what’s expected of them. In this case, you rose to your own expectations. If it was up to me, you would have spent the day wrapped in my arms, the rest of the world be damned.”

  “Hmm. I didn’t know that was an option.” Jason yawned. His eyes were already closed, and he snuggled in close to Kale.

  “It always is.” Kale’s words were drowned out by Jason’s snore. Kale smiled into Jason’s hair and relaxed. They were going to be just fine.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  The funeral was small. Intimate. Even with the casket and chairs, they all fit nicely into the parlor. Mr. Garrity, Robert’s attorney, was there both as a mourner and to ensure Robert’s wishes were honored. Robert’s requests for the funeral had been simple. Mr. Garrity read a letter Robert had written for the occasion. John said a few words; a prayer was uttered. Robert could never be accused of being a religious man. However, it was tradition and certainly coul
dn’t do any harm.

  Jason knew he should listen, but he only lent half an ear to the proceedings. He was focused on the feel of Kale’s hand in his, the presence of the people in the room, all of whom depended on him in some form or another. His eyes never strayed far from the casket. The man who had built all this, who had brought these people together, lay at peace within it. Now, Robert had passed the mantle to Jason. It was a heavy weight, but one Jason wanted to take pride in carrying. He was a Wadsworth. Never had that name meant more to him than it did this day. He wondered how it must have felt for Kale the day Jason had given the name to him. Kale always seemed proud of it. Jason had taken it for granted his entire life. It was only a name, but it was a piece of his father that had been passed down to him. It was a standard of principles, of ethics, of character that was Jason’s to live up to.

  Kale stood. Looking around, Jason saw that John, Demetri, Mr. Garrity, and Martin were all approaching the casket. It was time then.

  Jason hefted the weight onto his shoulder. The double doors leading to the backyard were opened, and together they carried his father out into the sunlight. The morning dew lent a fresh scent to the air. Jason squinted against the pale blue light until his eyes adjusted. Around him was everything his father loved. Thick green grass cushioned their steps. The men his father had trusted walked beside him, shouldering the same burden as Jason. They walked in step together, solemn and reflective. At that moment, carrying his father to his final resting place, Jason’s heart swelled. Robert had been a great man, who left Jason an amazing legacy. The grief of the last few days receded. His father was being laid to rest with his wife and baby girl. If he hadn’t fallen ill, then Jason would have never been able to reconcile with him. It could have been so much worse. Jason had made peace with Robert. He could ask for nothing more.

  Slowly, they lowered the casket into the ground. Again a prayer was said, and the ground was blessed. It had been consecrated by his father’s sweat, tamed by his hand to provide for a family. This was his father’s land, and it would welcome him in death. Jason shoveled dirt onto the casket and watched as the others followed him. After they had each taken a turn, a slave continued to fill in the grave. Jason watched each shovelful of dirt land. He let his desperation, his fear, and his worries be buried with his father. He wanted to bury his grief as well, but it wouldn’t do any good. The goal wasn’t to hide his grief away; it was to work through it and diminish it by continuing what his father had started.