Biltmore Christmas

by Diane T. Ashley

  “She’s nice enough.” He studied his son’s face.

  Joshua laughed. “I like her a lot.” He stood. “You know, I wouldn’t mind if you liked her enough to marry her.”

  Now where had that come from? Were his feelings that apparent?

  “I mean, she’s nice, she can cook, and I think she likes you, too.” Joshua pressed on as they walked back to the wagon for another bale of hay.

  Mark pulled the bale from the wagon. “When looking for a wife, Joshua, you need to look at the whole picture, notjust if she’s nice and can cook.” He grunted and dropped the hay close to a couple of cows.

  “Like what?” Joshua cut the string and spread the hay.

  “Like is she a God-fearing woman?”

  Joshua pulled the twine and rolled it into a ball. “She goes to church every Sunday, and I know she reads her Bible.”

  That was true. Mark had seen no evidence that Peggy didn’t love the Lord. During the few times they’d shared a meal, she waited for prayer before eating. Many times, when she was doing lessons with Joshua, she’d been reading her Bible when they’d arrived in the servants’ sitting room.

  “And she needs to be someone you can trust.”

  Joshua studied his father’s face. “You trust Peggy. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have let her teach me.”

  Mark nodded.

  “What else?”

  “She’d have to be someone you’d want to spend time with because you enjoy her company, not because you have to.” Mark continued with his work. He knew he enjoyed being with Peggy and the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to be with her.

  “Is that why you take Peggy to town? Take her extra honey? And started goin’ to her church on Sundays?”

  Mark saw the knowing grin on his son’s face as he pulled himself into the wagon. “Okay, you’ve made your point.”

  “So are you going to ask her to marry you?”

  He climbed back into the wagon. “It’s a little more complicated than that. First, I have to find out how she feelsabout me, and then we’ll talk marriage.”

  Joshua twisted around on the seat beside him. “So you are going to ask her to marry you?”

  Was he? He looked into his son’s questioning eyes. “If she’ll have me, I’ll ask.”

  Joshua slapped his gloves against his thighs and gave a whoop. The cows bellowed in response and Mark groaned. “A new mother for Christmas, that will be great!”

  “Now son, don’t go telling anybody about our conversation. I’d like to talk to Peggy before news gets out how I feel.” Mark slapped the reins over the horses’ backs and headed to the barn.

  “Aw, Papa, I won’t say a word.”

  “Good.” Mark knew from the grin on Joshua’s face that the boy was going to have a hard time not sharing this secret. He really needed to visit Peggy and see how she felt about him.

  The smell of gingerbread spices filled her senses to the point of overpowering her. She loved the fragrance, but today it smelled too strong for her liking. Thanks to a mishap in the kitchen this morning, gingerbread dough coated both Peggy and the kitchen aide Sylvia from head to toe. Poor Sylvia still had another hour to work before she could wash it off.

  Peggy took a quick bath. It amazed her how fast one could bathe at Biltmore. Hot running water still thrilled her. She’d miss it when she returned to Reynolds House.

  She dressed and picked up the basket of gingerbread that Mrs. Vanderbilt had requested be delivered to the Wilsons. Peggy loved the way the lady of the house sent treats to several of the larger families on the estate. Chef McConnell learned early that Peggy enjoyed making the deliveries, so until Christmas she’d be the delivery girl.

  When she stepped outside, a young man met her at the back door. “Chef McConnell asked me to bring the wagon to get you, Miss Bradford.”

  “That was thoughtful of him. Thank you …?” She waited for him to give his name.

  “Malcolm James, ma’am.”

  “Thank you, Mr. James.” She watched a smile glitter in his eyes. Peggy wondered how old Malcolm James was; he obviously wasn’t used to being called Mr. James.

  He nodded and then moved forward to help her into the wagon. Peggy thought him a nice young man and knew he worked hard to keep his position at Biltmore. His workday was full, and she knew he didn’t have time to drive her across the estate.

  Once she was seated, he moved to climb aboard the wagon.

  “Would it be all right with you if I go alone today?” She picked up the reins and smiled at him.

  Malcolm looked over his shoulder as if looking for assistance from someone. “Um, I don’t know.” His brows drew together.

  “I’ve gone alone many times before and will be perfectly safe.”

  Another wagon weighed down with produce pulled up to the service entrance. He studied it, knowing the otherswould need him to help unload it. His gaze moved back to her. “If you’re sure.”

  The approach of Christmas was creating more work for all of them. She knew Malcolm didn’t want to get into trouble, but that he also didn’t want to leave her alone. Peggy grinned at him. “I’m sure.”

  He nodded and handed the gingerbread up to her. She watched as he sprinted to the wagon and pitched in. In a few years that could be Joshua, she thought, taking up the reins and setting the horses into motion.

  Cold air whipped around the wagon as she traveled. Every day it grew colder, and she longed for the warmth of the kitchens. The sound of horse’s hooves behind the wagon alerted her she was no longer alone on the road. Peggy pulled to the side to allow the other traveler to pass.

  “Good afternoon, Peggy. This is a nice surprise.” Mark walked the horse beside her wagon.

  That familiar flickering of her heart created a sweet sensation in her chest. She smiled up at him. “Good afternoon, Mark.” For two days she’d thought of him, and now she didn’t know what to say.

  “And where are you off to?”

  She lifted the basket of gingerbread. “I’m making a delivery for Mrs. Vanderbilt. What about you?”

  “I’m headed out to the orchard.” He leaned on the saddle horn and smiled down on her. “If you have time, would you like to join me at the river where you fished with Joshua, when you are done with your delivery?

  Peggy thought of the peaceful spot and spending timewith Mark. Both appealed to her senses. “I’d love to, but I may be awhile. I’m headed to the Wilsons’. Mrs. Wilson likes to visit for an hour at least.”

  “That’s perfect. When I get done with my work, I’ll wait for you there.”

  She nodded. Peggy wished she had time to return to the kitchens for a snack for them but knew she didn’t.

  “I’ll see you then.” Mark waved good-bye and turned his horse off the road.

  Peggy watched him disappear into the woods. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized she and Mark would have a few minutes alone. Totally alone.

  GINGERBREAD

  Ingredients:

  ⅓ cup butter

  ⅔ cup boiling water

  1 cup molasses

  1 egg

  3 cups flour

  1½ teaspoons soda

  ½ teaspoon salt

  1 teaspoon cinnamon

  1 teaspoon ginger

  ¼ teaspoon cloves

  Instructions:

  Melt butter in water. Add molasses; egg, well beaten; and dry ingredients, mixed and sifted. Bake in buttered shallow pan.

  Chapter 8

  SWEET SANDWICHES

  Peggy’s heart beat rapidly as she made her way to the river. Since Mark’s declaration of falling in love with her, all she’d done was dwell on her own emotions. She’d known for several weeks she was falling for him as well. Now they could discuss their feelings and decide where to go from here.

  She pressed through the woods on foot. The closer she came to the sound of the running water, the more her breath caught in her throat. Never in her life had she felt this way about a man.
To take her mind off her raging emotions, she focused on what she might say if he asked her to marry him. She wouldn’t want to move away from her family. Melissa was still home with Mama Elsie, and she wanted to be able to help Mama Elsie with her younger sister, if need be. A new thought came to her. What if Mark decided to move away from Asheville? Hadn’t he said they’d recently moved here? What were his plans for the future?

  Peggy laughed aloud at her silly thoughts. No mention of marriage had been made, and the truth be told, she and Mark needed to get to know one another better.

  Splashing filled her ears as she came into the clearing. Mark knelt beside the river’s edge running his arm through the water as if washing it. His sleeves were rolled up, and his arm had red welts on it.

  “What happened?” She knelt beside him.

  “Bee stings.”

  Her heart leaped with fear. “Bees?”

  “It’s my own fault. In my rush to hurry, I forgot to smoke the hive.”

  Peggy sat back on her heels. “Smoke the hives?” Even she heard the confusion in her voice.

  Mark nodded. “Yes, we smoke the hive to calm the bees.”

  “I didn’t realize that gardener’s assistants worked with bees.” Her heart did a sharp twist as she realized that Mark worked with bees. Why else would he want to calm them?

  “They don’t.”

  She frowned at him. “But when we met you said you were a gardener’s assistant.”

  Mark picked up a towel and gently patted his arm dry. “I guess I should explain. I am the beekeeper, and I also help out the gardeners and gardeners’ assistants. But my primary job is beekeeping.”

  Peggy stood. “I see.” Lord, how can this be possible? How can I love a man whose occupation can take my life? Why have You allowed this to happen? Even as she silently cried out to the Lord, Peggy felt her heart breaking. It wasn’t fair!

  Mark stood, too. “I don’t understand why you are so upset.” His words were soft as he moved to her side. He reached out to touch her shoulder.

  Peggy flinched and moved away. What if he had a bee clinging to his clothes? Fear welled up and almost suffocated her. He frowned and then dropped his hand.

  “I’m sorry, Mark. But we can’t see each other anymore.”

  Shock, then hurt flashed across his rugged features. “Why? I thought you cared about me.”

  “I do, but …” She couldn’t finish. Her words would seem foolish to him. He wouldn’t understand. “I have to go.” Her voice sounded strained in her ears.

  Confusion laced his voice. “But why?”

  Peggy wanted to scream that she was allergic to bees and just being near him could be fatal for her. She wanted to explain that all her life she’d avoided the small insects and being near him she could come into contact with them, but she didn’t. Instead, she picked up her skirts and ran to the edge of the woods. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ludman. I just do.”

  She felt his eyes upon her but didn’t turn back. Peggy ran to the wagon and climbed aboard. Tears flowed down her face as she realized the only man she’d ever loved would never be hers.

  The trip back to the Biltmore house didn’t seem to take long. She handed the reins to the young man who’d first given them to her.

  “Miss Bradford? Are you all right?” Malcolm asked.

  Peggy tried to offer a smile and felt it wobble out of control. “I’m fine. Thank you.” Then she hurried inside.

  Her room offered quiet but no comfort. She fell across the bed and cried until no tears were left. Still her chest ached from the pain she knew wouldn’t go away for a very long time.

  Hours later she awoke to the sound of a bell ringing in her room. She looked to the box and watched the arrow point to the pastry kitchen. Her gaze moved to the clock and realized she was late for work. Jerking upright, Peggy hurried into her uniform, combed her hair, and walked as fast as she could to the kitchen.

  Chef McConnell waited for her beside the door. “Are you all right, Miss Bradford?”

  She tucked her hands into the fold of her apron and answered. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I fell asleep.”

  He studied her face. “Are you well?”

  Peggy nodded. She knew her eyes were swollen and her cheeks flushed. Lord, please don’t let him ask for an explanation. Please. Her silent prayer was quickly answered.

  “I see.” He rocked on his feet and continued to study her. Then after several long moments, he said, “Please go make your sweet sandwiches and afterward, I’d like to speak further with you on this matter. If you get to feeling worse, let me know.”

  He didn’t believe her. Peggy nodded and hurried to her station. She must look horrible for him to think her sick.

  Sylvia carried a large cake pan to her station. “Are you all right?” Her green eyes reflected concern.

  Peggy really wished people would stop asking her that. “I’m fine. Thank you.” She took the pan and turned her back to the room. Could this day get any worse?

  Mark thought about chasing after her but knew that until she was ready to talk, all he’d do was frighten her more. He’dseen the fear in her eyes and heard it in her voice. What had he done to cause such fear?

  While he fixed a dinner of beef stew and corn bread, Joshua set the table, and his father-in-law sat in the far corner reading a paper. It would have been nice having Peggy prepare the meal. He’d help, of course, but having her in his kitchen would brighten the whole household. The chances of that happening now seemed little to none. He might as well wish for the moon.

  “That stew sure smells good, Papa.” Joshua joined him at the stove.

  The thought that he’d have to tell Joshua that Peggy wasn’t going to be a part of their lives any longer tore at his heart. “I hope it tastes good, too, son.” He stirred the contents of the big old pot. It had belonged to Molly. Mark tried to picture her standing at the stove cooking. He could see her smile when she looked over her shoulder at him. He’d loved her very much but knew he needed to move on. He wasn’t going to give up on Peggy. Not yet.

  Mark carried the stew to the table, and Joshua grabbed the pan of corn bread. They placed them on the table. “Dinner’s ready, Frank.”

  Molly’s father pushed himself from his chair. “Good, I’m as hungry as a bear.” He dropped into his place at the table.

  Mark waited until Joshua was ready and then said the blessing. After he said, “Amen,” he silently added his own prayer request: Lord, please help me find out what I did that scared Peggy today.

  SWEET SANDWICHES

  Ingredients:

  Their weight in pounded sugar, butter and flour

  4 eggs, whisked

  ¼ teaspoon salt

  Jam or marmalade

  2 square cake pans

  Instructions:

  Beat butter to a cream; dredge in flour and sugar; stir these ingredients together well and add eggs, which should be thoroughly whisked. When the mixture has been well beaten for about 10 minutes, butter the cake pans, pour half the batter in each pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Test cake to see if done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.

  Let cool, then spread one cake with layer of jam or marmalade. Place other cake over it, press pieces slightly together, and then cut into long finger pieces; pile in crossbars on a glass dish and serve. Sufficient for 5 or 6 servings.

  (Peggy used one large cake pan and spread the jam on one side of the cooked cake and then folded the second half over the first.)

  Chapter 9

  APPLE BLACK CAPS

  Peggy felt horrible. She’d prayed about what happened between her and Mark the day before. Tossing and turning all night, she came to the conclusion she should have been honest with him and told Mark about her allergy to bees.

  Thankfully her lessons with Joshua were over. Otherwise, she would have to face both of them, and right now she didn’t think she could do that. What had Mark told Josh? Her heart broke again at the thought.

  A glance at the clock confi
rmed that it was ten, time for her first shift to be over. She cleaned her station and then walked over to Chef McConnell. They’d talked the night before. She’d confided that her heart had been broken when she’d learned Mark Ludman was the beekeeper and not a true gardener’s assistant. He’d advised her to pray for the Lord’s will, and now she wanted to tell him her decision and ask a favor.

  He glanced up from the three-layer cake he was decorating and smiled. “What can I do for you, Miss Bradford?” His gaze moved back to the cake.

  “I don’t know if you noticed, sir, but I baked an extra dish of apple black caps?”

  A quick nod verified that he had noticed. She pressed on. “I was hoping I could have the dish to take to the beekeeper and his family for dinner.”

  He wiped his hands on the big white apron he wore. “You’ll have to pay for the ingredients and bring the dish back.” His eyes bore into hers.

  Peggy nodded. “I will.”

  “Good. I’ll ask the housekeeper the price and will give you the bill this afternoon.” He returned to his cake and waved his hand in dismissal.

  Sylvia handed her the dish with a grin and whispered, “I’m glad he’s letting you do this.”

  “Me, too.” Peggy took the dish and hurried back to her room, where she changed into a blue dress and matching bonnet. Her heart hammered in her chest as she stepped outside.

  The young man who had helped her before hurried up to her. “Can I help you with something, Miss Bradford?”

  “I need a wagon for this afternoon, Mr. James.”

  “I’m sorry, Miss Bradford. No one told me you needed a wagon. I’ll go see if we have one available.” He rushed off.

  Cold air swept around the building, tugging at Peggy’s bonnet. She looked in the direction the young man had gone. It would take him a few moments to return. She decided to go back inside and get her coat.

  A few minutes later she returned, just as he brought the wagon to the door. “Here you are, Miss Bradford.” Malcolm jumped down and took the baking dish from her hands.