Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “No, Ma’am, I do not, but I will ask Gileson. I’m sure he knows.”

  Emily nodded. “Please do. I wish to visit some of them today.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, I do. I would like to get to know the people who live here.”

  “I see.”

  “Please ask Cook to make up some treats for me to bring to the children.”

  “Of course, I’ll see to it immediately.” Rigal padded out of the room and closed the door behind her.

  It didn’t take long for Rigal to come back and help her get dressed. “Ma’am there are twenty-four families farming on the Richardson land.”

  “Oh, really? That’s far too many to visit all in one day, but I shall try to see as many as I can.”

  “Shall I pull your gray wool?”

  “Yes, that dress will be fine. I’d like to leave shortly.”

  Emily was finishing breakfast when Hannah came waltzing into the dining room. “What a sleepy head you are today?”

  “I know. I couldn’t believe I slept so late.”

  “Well, sit and enjoy your breakfast. I have some errands to run today so can you entertain yourself while I’m gone. Will you promise to practice your lessons?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  “Good. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  Hannah took her seat. “See you later.”

  Within an hour Emily was in the coach on her way to visit the farmers. Their farms were quite spread out and she wasn’t sure how many she would get to see today, but it didn’t matter. She would make plans to visit more another day.

  The coach stopped at the sixth farm of the day and the driver hopped down. He pulled open the door. “Mr. Warren Tunstale’s farm, Ma’am”

  Emily reached beside her and picked up a bundle of sweets before climbing out of the carriage. Her feet had barely touched the ground when she heard a scream.

  The driver ran to the farmhouse door and pushed it open. “What is the meaning of this,” he shouted.

  Jessie Tunstale looked up as the stranger burst into her home. “Who are you to come busting in my home?”

  “Owen Graham, Ma’am. Driver for Mrs. Richardson.”

  “Get out, you fool. I need no man around while I try to birth this child.”

  Owen’s face turned red. He backed out of the house and closed the door. He walked back to Emily. “Mrs. Richardson, the farmer’s wife is in labor.”

  “Is she alone?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “I must go to her at once,” Emily said, pushing past the driver. She knocked on the door before opening it. The woman standing before her was drenched in sweat and leaned heavily on a chair. “Mrs. Tunstale, I’m Emily Richardson. Do you require assistance?”

  Before she answered, another scream tore from the young woman’s mouth. “I’m sorry, Ma’am. The child is not due yet and the midwife is up at the Bodham farm.”

  “I’ll send the driver to fetch her. One moment, I’ll be right back.”

  Emily ran outside. “Do you know where the Bodham farm is?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Well, make haste and bring back the midwife. Mrs. Tunstale is in need of her services.”

  Owen hopped up in the driver’s seat and cracked the reins. The horses leapt forward.

  Emily made her way back to the farmhouse and let herself in. “Mrs. Tunstale, the driver has gone for the midwife.”

  Jessie screamed again as she clutched her swollen belly. “No time,” she panted. “This little one is coming.”

  Emily didn’t know what to do. She had never attended a birth before, but she would do what she could. She pulled off her bonnet and gloves and left them on the chair along with her woolen shawl.

  She poured some water into a bowl and grabbed a cloth. “Mrs. Tunstale, may I wipe your face?”

  “Thank you and please call me Jessie.”

  Emily helped her sit and wiped the sweat from her face. “I don’t know what to do. I’ve never attended a birth before.”

  “This one doesn’t feel right,” Jessie said. “The child is too high yet.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Help me to the bed. I’m afraid you will have to push the child down.”

  Emily was scared. She had no idea what Jessie meant, but she would do everything she could to help deliver the child. She pulled Jessie to her feet. “Come, then. Let’s see what we can do.”

  Another hour rolled by. Owen had not returned with the midwife yet and Emily could see that Jessie was tiring. The child needed to be born soon before both their lives were in danger. She continued to press on Jessie’s belly pushing the child toward the birth canal.

  Another scream. “The child is coming.”

  “Good, that’s good. Let’s get you to the birthing chair.” Emily pulled Jessie to her feet and half-dragged her to the chair. “Come now, you’re doing well. A little longer, that’s all.” She looked around for a cloth and found one hanging by the fire.

  Jessie was near the end of her strength.

  “Almost there, push harder,” Emily coaxed.

  “I cannot.”

  “Yes, you can. Now push.”

  Emily knelt in front of Jessie and pushed her dress up exposing her thighs. The child was almost out. “There now, almost done. One more hard push and you’ll meet your baby.”

  Jessie grabbed the arms of the chair. She screamed again as she pushed the child out into the world.

  Emily caught the child and started to wipe him clean, but he did not cry.

  “My child, what is it?” Jessie panted.

  “A boy, but he doesn’t cry.”

  “Rub him vigorously with the cloth.”

  Emily did as she was told and then turned the child over while she continued to rub him. “Come on, little one. Cry. Please cry.”

  The child let out a lusty cry. Emily was crying and laughing at the same time. “He lives.”

  Jessie slumped back against the chair, exhausted from her efforts. “You must tie off the cord.”

  “The cord?”

  “Yes, and bring the bucket over here and place it beneath me. There is more birth matter to come.”

  Emily handed the infant to his mother, got the bucket by the hearth and placed it under the birthing chair. She searched for something to tie the cord with, but there was nothing she could find. She grabbed her bonnet and pulled one of the ribbons off.

  “Tie it here,” Jessie said.

  Emily did as she was told. “You did well and you have a fine son.”

  “Thanks to you. How can I ever thank you?”

  “There is no need. I’m glad I was here in your hour of need.”

  Emily grabbed her shawl off the chair and wrapped the child in it. “Here, this will keep him warm,” she said as she handed Jessie her son.

  The door burst open and a stout woman came bustling in. “I’m here, Jessie.”

  “There is no need,” Jessie said. “My son did not want to wait.”

  The midwife laughed. “Babies are like that. They come into this world when they are ready.”

  “Marge, this is Mrs. Richardson. She helped me with the birth.”

  “Then I owe you my thanks, Mrs. Richardson,” Marge said.

  “No thanks needed,” Emily said. “I was happy to help.”

  “I will take over now.”

  “Of course. Jessie, I will visit you again soon,” Emily said as she retrieved her bonnet and gloves. “Good day, ladies.”

  Emily was spent as she left the farmhouse. “Owen, I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day. Please take me home.”

  “Of course, Ma’am” he said as he helped her inside the coach. It was late afternoon by the time Owen stopped the coach back at the manor house. He opened the door and helped Emily climb down the two steps.

  “Thank you, Owen.”

  “My pleasure, Ma’am”

  Emily was exhausted. She went straight up the stairs and me
t her lady’s maid in the hallway.

  Rigal rushed toward her. “Ma’am, are you hurt?”

  Emily shook her head. “No, I am quite fine.”

  “Why is there blood on your dress?”

  “I helped deliver a baby today.”

  “You did what?”

  “Yes, at the Tunstale farm. Please help me out of these clothes and I’ll tell you all about it. It was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

  Chapter 21

  Ethan pulled on the reins and his stallion stopped in front of the last tenant cottage. He’d been on the road for the past eight days, checking all the farms and he was anxious to be done with the inspection and head home. Not a day had gone by that he hadn’t thought of Emily. He should never have left the way he did, but it was done now. He thought about sending her a letter, but he wanted to face her when he asked for her forgiveness. His own pride was keeping him from the woman he loved. He couldn’t wait to go home.

  “Hail, Thomas,” he said.

  A man in a straw hat turned and waved. He dropped his spade and wiped his hands on his pants before walking over to Ethan. “Mr. Richardson, I’m surprised to see you here.”

  Thomas Galen was one of three Galen brothers who rented land from Lord Tisbury. He was a tall sturdy young man of thirty-two years and his skin was bronzed from working out in the fields.

  “I know. It’s been a few years since I made the rounds. How have you been?”

  A smile split Thomas’ face. “The missus has given me another healthy son.”

  “Congratulations, that makes three now?”

  “No, Henry is our fourth son. Beth wants a daughter or two, but so far it’s been nothing but sons.”

  Ethan leaned down and extended his hand. “Nothing like a healthy son to put a smile on a man’s face.”

  Thomas grabbed Ethan’s hand in a firm handshake. “Indeed. Are you here about the harvest?”

  “Yes. I know it’s a bit early, but how do the fields look?”

  “Ripe. Should be a good harvest this year.”

  “Good. Lord Tisbury will be glad to hear it.”

  Thomas nodded.

  Ethan knew that Lord Tisbury paid a fair price for their crops and Thomas was able to provide a good life for his family. It was a good life and with sons to help in the fields, he should continue to bring in good harvests.

  “Care to come in for a spot of tea. Beth will be glad to see you.”

  Ethan shook his head. “Thank you, no. I’m heading back now. Yours was the last farm that I need to check.”

  “Well, maybe next time, then.”

  “You can count on it. Good day to you, Thomas. My best to Beth.”

  “Good day, Mr. Richardson.”

  Ethan tugged on the reins and turned his horse around for the trek back to the Tisbury mansion. One more stop to report in to his uncle about the coming harvest and then he could be on his way home.

  Home.

  It had a nice ring to it. He just hoped that he hadn’t ruined everything by being away for so long.

  ***

  “That’s it, Emily. Now you’re doing it,” Hannah called out.

  Emily nodded and guided Bright Star over to Hannah and Belle. “I’m finally able to maintain my balance. Poor Bright Star. She’s probably never had such a bad rider as I, but I’ll make it up to her with lots of carrots.”

  Hannah giggled. “Indeed. She will forgive you anything for enough carrots.”

  “Shall we go for a short canter?”

  “Yes, I think I can handle that.”

  Emily gave Bright Star a light tap on her hindquarters with her crop and the mare responded. The horse was a delight to ride and Emily was finally beginning to enjoy riding her. She was nowhere near as skillful as Hannah, but she was slowly becoming better at riding. Just like she told Hannah about playing the piano, the key to success was practice, practice, and more practice.

  “Wait until Ethan sees how well you’re doing. Won’t it be fun to plan a ride together?” Hannah asked after the day’s ride was over.

  A hint of sadness clouded Emily’s eyes. It had been almost three weeks since Ethan had left and not a word from him on when he was planning to return. With each passing day, Emily’s spirits flagged a bit more.

  When Ethan comes home.

  Not if Ethan came home seems more like it.

  “Yes, it will be.”

  The two women walked back to the manor and headed upstairs. Rigal was waiting for them.

  “Rigal, please help Hannah change first. I’ll be in my sitting room,” Emily said.

  “Of course, Ma’am.”

  Hannah grabbed the maid’s hand and dragged her down the hall. “Oh, Rigal, you should have seen us today. We even went for a short canter.”

  “That’s nice. Come now, let me help you out of that habit.”

  Emily walked into her sitting room and sat on the chaise to wait for Rigal. The fire was lit and threw off warmth, but Emily didn’t notice. She got up and went to the window praying that she’d hear Ethan’s stallion galloping up the drive.

  There was no stallion and no Ethan.

  ***

  It took Ethan the better part of the day to make it back to the Tisbury manor. He jumped off his horse when the groomsman appeared.

  “Don’t unsaddle him. I won’t be staying,” Ethan said.

  “Yes, Mr. Richardson.”

  He made straight away toward Lord Tisbury’s study. His uncle was a creature of habit and on any given afternoon, he could be found in his study.

  He knocked on the door.

  “Enter.”

  Ethan turned the doorknob and walked in. He was more than a little surprised to see Colby sitting with his father going over the accounts. It was a good sign and been a long time since he’d seen both father and son working together.

  His uncle looked up and rose from his chair. “Ethan, good to see you,” he said extending his hand. “Have you come from the farms?”

  Ethan gave his uncle’s hand a firm shake. “Yes, sir. I’m happy to report that it looks to be a banner year for the crops.”

  “Excellent. This calls for a celebration. Care for a brandy?”

  “Yes, I’m parched.”

  Colby rose from his chair and slapped Ethan on the back. “How are you, Ethan?”

  “Good, but I’ve been on the road far too long and I’m anxious to go home.”

  Colby chuckled. “As would I, if I had such a beautiful bride waiting for me at home. She was quite the delight at the last dinner party.”

  “Emily was here?”

  “Yes, Mother invited her. Thought she could use some company since you were away.”

  “I must go and thank Aunt Mary for her thoughtfulness before I leave,” Ethan said.

  Lord Tisbury poured three glasses of brandy. “Here we are,” he said, handing a glass to Ethan and Colby. “To our ever fruitful farms.”

  All three men raised their glasses before downing the contents.

  “Sir, if you’d excuse me for a moment. I need to talk to Ethan,” Colby said addressing his father.

  “Of course.” Lord Tisbury sat back down in his chair. “Thank you, Ethan for making the rounds this year,” he said before picking up the next document.

  Ethan nodded. “My pleasure, sir. Now if you would excuse me.”

  He followed Colby out into the hallway. His cousin looked much better than the last time he had seen him, but there was still a paleness about him. He had not fully recovered his health. “You look better.”

  That got a chuckle out of Colby. “You mean better than death?”

  “Well…yes, there’s that. You didn’t look so well the last time I saw you.”

  “I know and if it hadn’t been for you coming to my rescue, I would not have survived that bullet. I owe you my life, Ethan, and I will never forget what you did for me. Thank you.”

  “You can thank me by not putting yourself in that predicament again,” Ethan sai
d.

  “Trust me. My gambling days are over.”

  “I am glad of it. How are you faring these days?”

  “Better although not yet fully recovered. The doctor said it would take weeks before I return to full health.”

  “You must let your body heal, Colby. I know how impatient you are, but this is one thing that cannot be rushed.”

  “I know. I have heard those very words from Mother as well.”

  “It pleases me to see you in your father’s study. There was a time when that didn’t happen.”

  Colby ran his hand through his hair. “I know. One step at a time, right? I’m working hard to gain back his trust. I am determined not to disappoint him again.”

  “Good. Now I must pay my respects to Aunt Mary before I leave for home.”

  Colby grasped Ethan’s hand and gave him a firm handshake. “Of course. Good day, Ethan.”

  It didn’t take long to find his aunt. She was in the sunroom reading. “Good day, Aunt Mary.”

  Mary looked up from her books. “Ethan, what a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect you today.”

  Ethan walked over to her and kissed her cheek. “I just came from the farms and gave Lord Tisbury the report for the harvest, but I wanted to see you before I left. Thank you for the kindness you extended Emily recently.”

  Mary patted the couch cushion next to her. “Sit with me for a moment.”

  Ethan sat down. “Of course.”

  “It is none of my business why you have chosen to be away from home so soon after your marriage, but may I give you a piece of advice?”

  “Of course, Aunt Mary.”

  “Emily is like a sweet rose. She is in full bloom, but if she doesn’t get the proper care, she will wilt. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Ethan nodded. “Yes, I do. I’m on my home now and don’t plan on leaving her side again. I’ve been away too long.”

  “Yes, it’s not good for a young bride to left alone so early in her marriage. She put on a brave face at the dinner, but I detected sadness in her.”

  “That’s the last thing I want for my wife.”

  “Good, then off you go on now. No need to sit with an old woman when your lovely bride is waiting for you.”

  Ethan chuckled and kissed his aunt’s cheek again. “Aunt Mary, no one would ever call you an old woman. We shall visit again soon, I promise.”