The Nomad Harp

by Elizabeth Rotter Matthews

  Phoebe shared an amused look with her friend; Mrs. Morgan obviously took her own advice, for she was the roundest, most comfortable-looking woman Phoebe had seen in some time. The room relegated to Phoebe was similar to, if not quite so large as, Glenna's. Although well-proportioned, the wall coverings were faded and the furniture scuffed. When Glenna peeped in to urge Phoebe down to supper, she commented, “Lord Pontley did not exaggerate the necessity for some renovation, did he?"

  “I think he underestimated, if anything, from what you have told me. Didn't you say he had actively sought for a tenant?"

  “Yes, absurd, isn't it? I cannot imagine who would consider such a scruffy place. The fact that it is clean is its only saving grace,” Glenna remarked dryly.

  They supped on rabbits smothered with onions and pike served with a sauce compounded of anchovy sauce, walnut pickle and melted butter. The currant pudding in addition won their approval, and they pronounced Betsey a welcome inmate in the household. “Every bit as fine as Captain Andrews's table,” Phoebe remarked.

  “We shall have to search out the kitchen in the morning, but frankly, I am exhausted and very nearly asleep on my feet.” Glenna rose and, unable to suppress a yawn, shook her head remorsefully. “No doubt it is all that sea air. I am grateful you convinced me to come by water, Phoebe, as I enjoyed it tremendously."

  “No more than I, I promise you. We were fortunate to have such an amiable gentleman as Captain Andrews to escort us.” Phoebe joined her friend at the door but did not meet her eyes.

  Glenna pressed her hand gently. “I think we will see more of Captain Andrews, my dear."

  Chapter 7

  Glenna's visit to the kitchen was an eye-opener. She found it difficult to believe that the delectable meal they had partaken of the previous evening had been produced in this dark, smoky hole. The turnspit looked medieval, the open fire on a hearth too small to cook for above a dozen people, with the kettle for the hot water supply absorbing the majority of its space. There was no stove. The Forbeses had had a Bodley range for the two years since it had been introduced, and prided themselves on the modernness of their kitchen. Glenna was appalled by the lack of equipment at Manner: only one boiler and two stew-pans, with no covers. The frying pan was untinned and there was only one copper ladle and one saucepan. She began to make notes of the necessities, consulting with the astonished Betsey, who was all eagerness to assure her that she would be delighted with a modernization of her sphere. It was through no hesitation on her part that the kitchens were so ill-equipped.

  “You manage amazingly well on so little,” Glenna confided to her, “but if Lord Pontley expects to find a suitable tenant, he must realize that this kitchen cannot by any means serve up an elegant dinner party. It confounds me that you can serve more than the staff from that miserable hearth. Surely previous generations could have managed no better."

  Betsey gave a despairing gesture. “The previous viscount had the bake house torn down. Not that I blame him, for it was falling apart and blackened beyond recall, I fear. But he made no effort to restore the ovens and hearth lost."

  “Well, we will just have to make it right, won't we? Where do you bake your bread?"

  “In the cottage, ma'am. John carries about for me sometimes, there not being much activity in the stables."

  “A most haphazard arrangement at best. Certainly there will have to be ovens here. You cannot be expected to improvise to such a degree. I won't hold you further, Betsey, except to tell you how much we enjoyed our supper, and to assure you that Miss Thomas and I expect nothing elaborate. I hope to provide you with better facilities shortly."

  But her interview with Mr. Glover was not encouraging so far as the kitchen was concerned. He had brought with him the letter he had received from Pontley and offered it to her almost despairingly. Glenna perused the brief contents: “Glover—Miss Forbes will be arriving to stay at the Hall. I have asked that she oversee the necessary renovations. What is needed: repair of slate roof, upkeep of grounds, painting of interior rooms, and for God's sake have a water closet put in. You may use one-third of the net estate revenues for these projects. And get her a horse. Pontley."

  Glennna stared at the sketchy instructions for a moment before meeting the amused glint in Glover's eyes. “But what of the kitchen? Or the draperies? Does he not see that the floors are scuffed and the furniture disgraceful?"

  “All beside the point, I fear, ma'am. One-third of the net revenues at this point might possibly cover the repair of the roof and the water closet. The harvest will be adequate, but nothing to write home about. I've just begun to plan the four course rotation, but there is still drainage to be done, and the proper equipment to be purchased for adequate cultivation. I fear Lord Pontley has only a minimal idea of the expenses involved."

  “Well, you needn't buy the horse, at any rate."

  “I already have, Miss Forbes. He was very specific about that."

  “You must return it, then. I won't be a drain on the estate for a luxury.”

  “Quite a bargain I made on the little mare, ma'am. You'll find you need her to get about the estate and keep an eye on matters."

  “But I barely know how to ride,” Glenna protested, “and without a mount for Miss Thomas, there is absolutely no purpose in having one for me."

  “Now, that can be easily managed. No trouble to stable one of mine here for her use. I can't ride more than one at a time,” he remarked with a grin. “No need to fret over the horse, ma'am. It's the other expenses I cannot see how to cover."

  “Is there no way other than the crops to increase the revenues?"

  “Not without additional staff—a gardener, a game-keeper, a dairy maid."

  “I fear I am no more familiar with the workings of an estate than Lord Pontley,” Glenna confessed. “How would they increase the revenues?"

  “A gardener to produce our own kitchen vegetables, herbs and such, with any excess sold in Minehead. I understand there has been no outdoor staff here for some time and we purchase necessities in town. Mrs. Morgan has kept the closest parterre tidy, but she won't have time for that now."

  “Would a gardener pay for himself?"

  Glover considered the question carefully and then shook his head. “No, ma'am, but having him would provide the resource for keeping up the grounds. Then there would be no additional expense."

  “Very well, of what use is a gamekeeper?"

  “The estate is overrun with rabbits—destructive to the crops, and one of the few game items the estate could sell. The hedgerows are cover for woodcock and quails, too. Now a gamekeeper, he'd more than pay for himself, ma'am, and any excess could be spent on the renovations."

  Glenna noted this on her growing list. “A dairy maid?"

  “John has looked after the dairy as well as the stables, but just enough to keep it swilled down for a minimum of production. Now, with our herd we could be getting cheese and cream enough to sell in town as well. A dairy maid would more than pay her own way."

  “Have we the churns and pans?"

  “They're there, ma'am. Hardly used these last years but more than adequate."

  “I shall write to Lord Pontley today with your suggestions. Should you think of any further possibilities, please inform me.” She sighed exasperatedly. “I know so little about country estates and their possibilities."

  “You might find some books here in the library, ma'am. Though it is far from a complete collection, the main portion is on animal husbandry and estate management."

  Glenna looked about the walls, carelessly strewn with ancient volumes. “Yes, I can see hours of pleasure before me."

  Mr. Glover chuckled appreciatively. “Lord Pontley said much the same, ma'am."

  “No doubt."

  Manner Hall

  15 August 1804

  My dear Lord Pontley: Miss Thomas and I have arrived safely at Manner Hall after a most enjoyable voyage by water. I am appreciative of your kindness in arranging for our passage, and yo
ur thoughtfulness in the expense and time we saved. Captain Andrews proved an entertaining and informative escort; we hope to see him once we are settled in here.

  As to matters on the estate, I am not so sanguine. Mr. Glover informs me that the amount you suggested would possibly cover the roof repair and water closet. I gather the latter is a rather expensive operation. The upkeep of the grounds and the painting of the interior rooms could not be covered. I am sensible of the usefulness, in fact the necessity, for the roof repair and water closet but must feel that the other items are almost equally important. Perhaps you did not visit the kitchen during your stay. I assure you no self-respecting gentleman would let a house with such a miserable hole—so dark and ill-equipped. I would give it priority over the grounds, even over the interior painting. Your predecessor had the bake house torn down but not replaced. That alone is vital to the functioning of a gentleman's house, to say nothing of the need for a range.

  In an effort to find some resources not currently available from your estate, Mr. Glover has suggested the services of a gardener, gamekeeper and dairy maid. The latter two would more than compensate for their wages, and the former would partially do so, as well as making a start on the upkeep of the grounds.

  I would appreciate your approval of these plans, as I am anxious to fulfill my commission here.

  Your obedient servant, Glenna Forbes

  P.S. Thank you for the horse.

  Huntley.

  20 August 1804

  My dear Miss Forbes: I am pleased that you have arrived safely at Manner and enjoyed your trip. It is with some reluctance that I give my permission for you to hire a gardener, gamekeeper and dairy maid, for I cannot see that a town-bred young lady will know how to supervise their activities and I have no intention of sparing Glover from his duties to assist you. Do not think that I do not appreciate the effort you are making, but I would rather that you did not get beyond your depth. You may use any profits from these activities for those improvements I outlined to Glover. I cannot understand the importance you attach to the kitchen; perhaps it is a bugbear with you, but I would appreciate your restraint in my house. I wish you luck in learning to ride.

  Yours, etc., Pontley

  “A bugbear!” Glenna exclaimed on receipt of this missive. “Can you believe him, Phoebe? Where does he think his meals come from—the stables?"

  “You must remember that it is his house, Glenna. If he doesn't wish to improve the kitchen, there is nothing you can do about it."

  Glenna's face was set stubbornly. “Pontley commissioned me to supervise the work so that he might obtain a tenant. I cannot believe he will get one with the kitchen in its present condition."

  “Let him find that out later, love."

  “But, Phoebe, he has provided me with a house and a horse and I would feel remiss if I didn't succeed in his purpose."

  “You are too conscientious by half, Glenna. Let it be."

  But Glenna could not feel at ease over the situation. Interspersed with the new duties she assumed, and the riding lessons Phoebe gladly offered, she sat down with the books in the library, searching for a solution. Her head was soon spinning with animal husbandry, crop rotation, butter churning and game statutes. Phoebe insisted on excursions to Minehead and Selworthy, proclaiming her friend a very dull companion indeed with her nose forever in a book. The excursions proved more useful than Glenna expected.

  Manner Hall

  30 August 1804

  Lord Pontley: I have studied the various possibilities and ask your permission to institute several new activities here, with an end toward providing funds for the kitchen renovation. There is a flourishing basket-making industry in Minehead and we find that we would be able to provide rushes for this work to the village women with some profit to the estate. I should like also to increase the poultry so that the eggs and chickens may provide additional revenue. Since there can be no importation of partridge eggs from France during the current state of affairs, I should like your permission to institute a small enterprise in that line as well. Your answer will be eagerly awaited.

  Yours, etc., Glenna Forbes

  Huntley

  4 September 1804

  Miss Forbes: You are defeating my purpose in sending you to Manner Hall. There is no need for you to exhaust yourself in such activities as you enumerate for my edification. For God's sake, woman, all I had in mind was for you to keep an eye on the work going forward—surely a simple task. I do not refuse my permission for your activities, but I hope you will think better of them. The kitchen seemed perfectly adequate to me; my meals there were far better than I receive here.

  Yours, etc., Pontley

  “There, I told you he had no idea of what a kitchen should be,” Glenna proclaimed triumphantly as she waved the letter in her friend's face. “He thought the kitchen perfectly adequate! Imagine! If Betsey were not a wonder, we would have no meals at all."

  “Captain Andrews will be here any moment,” Phoebe reminded her. “Had you best not change now?"

  “Of course. Forgive me for ranting so.” She turned to go but stopped. “He did not refuse his permission, though, so I suppose I may do as I wish."

  Phoebe sighed. “Glenna, I will be very upset if you are not dressed by the time Captain Andrews arrives.

  “Yes, yes. I am going."

  Captain Andrews had arranged for them to visit Dunster Castle, since the Luttrells were not presently in residence. He had had shipping commissions from John Luttrell over the years and the housekeeper, an amiable woman, showed them about the main apartments. Phoebe was delighted with the captain's knowledge of the house and its contents, for he had been there before. The inner hall formed the nucleus of the house, with its spider's web ceiling and over-mantel decorated with the arms of Thomas Luttrell and his wife Margaret Hadley, one of the few commoners to have heraldic supporters.

  The Great Parlor was paneled as well, with an elaborate plaster ceiling; its recessed square center with a quatrefoil panel framed by a rib decorated with leaves, flowers and fruit caused Phoebe to murmur, “Just what we need at Manner Hall, Glenna. Perhaps you should write Lord Pontley. The acanthus leaf scrolls would surely attract a tenant."

  “She mocks me, Captain Andrews. I vow I have not the least intention of going beyond what is necessary at Manner, my dear Phoebe ... and the kitchen is necessary.

  But it was after they had studied the allegorical portrait of Sir John Luttrell and the almost equally fascinating “Portrait of a Young Cavalier,” that an idea occurred to Glenna and she mused, “Now that is what we need."

  Phoebe had been studying the extravagant costume and asked, “What is that, my dear? A fancy dress ball?"

  “See his boots? What do they remind you of?"

  “They look as though two enormous butterflies had set down on them,” Phoebe laughed.

  “Precisely. And that reminded me of bees. I think I shall keep some bees."

  “Good Lord, you cannot be serious,” Captain Andrews exclaimed. “Why ever would you do such a thing?"

  “We could sell the honey."

  And so when they returned to the Hall and Phoebe strolled through the gardens with Captain Andrews, Glenna took pen in hand.

  Manner Hall

  15 September 1804

  Most Honored Landlord: The renovations proceed very well and though the work for the drain pipes causes an enormous amount of dust which quite oversets Mrs. Morgan, the progress is excellent. The roof is already mended and the grounds are looking better. It will take some time to make them entirely presentable, of course, but I consider the improvement little short of miraculous. I should like your permission to keep bees.

  Yours, etc., Glenna Forbes

  Huntley

  22 September 1804

  Ambitious tenant: You have it, God help me.

  Yours, etc. Pontley

  It was some time before Glenna was able to undertake her latest project, as friends had come to visit. There were excursions made to the
picturesque villages of Luccombe and Allerford, as well as walks on the moor and rides through the Home Woods. From Dunkery Hill they could see the distant hills of Wales across the channel and watch the skylarks drift over the golden brown trees.

  Peter Westlake arrived a week after the other guests and Glenna found her time much occupied with him. There was no time to think of bees when she had his company on top of her other duties about the estate.

  When they rode out one day Peter was impressed with her recently acquired skill of riding. “You have a good seat for a beginner. Is the mare your own?"

  “Oh, no, Pontley got her for me, and I must say I'm very fond of her. Most days I find it necessary to ride out to speak with the gamekeeper or see the progress of the further gardens, so learning to ride became essential."

  “This viscount ... Well, I suppose I have no right to ask."

  Glenna reined in her mount under a stand of trees, where he joined her. “You may ask me anything you wish about him, Peter."

  “Mother told me you were engaged to him last winter, but he was a naval captain then, of course. Did he expect to come into the viscountcy?"

  “No, far from it. His cousin William died in the spring, and shortly afterwards they received word that the younger brother, Keith, had been killed in India last autumn."

  “So it did not matter to you that he wouldn't have a title."

  Glenna regarded him perplexedly. “No, why should it?"

  “I have much less chance than he of ever having a title,” he replied stiffly. “Both of my older brothers already have sons."

  “I'm sure I'm happy for them.” She grinned and pushed the curls away from her eyes. “You must know I don't give a fig about such things as titles, Peter."

  “Then why were you going to marry him? That is ... all these years you have not become engaged..."

  “Do you want to know if I was attached to him?” she asked gently.

  Peter refused to meet her gaze but stared stolidly at the channel some distance away. When he did not speak, Glenna continued, “I hardly knew Pontley, really, but he seemed a good man. Father fretted that I would not be well provided for when he died, and his fondest wish was that I would have the security of marriage."