A couple of hours later, Alvin screeched so loudly Jake thought he’d been bitten by a snake.
“Our clothes! Where be our bloody clothes?”
Jake came running up beside Alvin to look at the bare space. Their items were nowhere in sight. And they both knew who had taken them.
“I am gonna kill her.”
“What do you think we should do?”
Jake started laughing. Mara had certainly had the last laugh in this case. He didn’t think she had it in her to do something like this. He just wondered how long she had watched the two of them swim and swing from the rope. “Hope she received an eyeful,” he chuckled.
Alvin paused, and also started laughing when he realized what Mara must have seen. “Hope she saw me good side!” he joked as he sashayed around showing off his manly wares, which made them both laugh even harder.
The boys could do nothing except start the long trek back to the paddock. They boldly walked down the middle of the horse trail, as there was no one around to see their dripping wet, naked bodies.
They had gone only a hundred yards or so when Jake grabbed Alvin’s arm. “I hear voices. Quick, over here!” He dragged Alvin into some bushes and crouched down, pulling Alvin down with him.
“Wha …?”
Jake put his hand over Alvin’s mouth. “Shhhhh.”
Soon, several riders came into view. The Markham adults, plus Edwin and Bertram, were out for an afternoon ride—an unusual occurrence, and poorly timed. Since Calvin had given Jake the afternoon off, he and Ike had to saddle the six horses by themselves.
Just as the riders were passing by, Alvin moved his foot to better position himself, snapping a twig in half. The sound reverberated like a shot in the woods.
The viscount stopped his horse, and looked toward the noise. He could just make out a human form in the shadows.
“You there. Show yourself!” he commanded.
Alvin dropped his jaw, mortified. Jake stared at him with venom in his eyes.
“I can see you, come out now!” the lord of the manor repeated.
“Sir,” called out Jake, his voice cracking, “please don’t ask me to do that.”
Lord Markham recognized the voice of his footman. “Abbot!” he yelled angrily. “Come out before I have to reprimand you again!”
“Please, sir, I beg of you. That would be a very, very bad idea.”
“Abbot! Don’t make me dismount this horse and come in after you!” Jake recognized the cruelty in that voice, and decided he and Alvin had better do as they were told.
The riders heard some rustling and snapping, and were then shocked to see two naked, wet boys with branches covering their private parts emerge from the bushes. Both boys were red with embarrassment.
The viscountess and Lady Maureen turned their heads and began tittering. Edwin and Bertram snorted out loud, and the viscount threw back his head in uproarious laughter.
Jake took a big breath, stood proudly at his full height, and looked his boss straight in the eye, trying to act unperturbed by the whole awkward situation. “We were swimming in the pond, sir, and someone stole our clothes.”
Both ladies turned their heads back to look at the spectacle, and began to laugh without restraint. Jake and Alvin turned even deeper shades of red.
Even Markham’s mouth began to twitch at the corners at the very amusing and entertaining situation. He sat on Zeus, contemplating how long he should allow his two young servants to sweat and be laughed at.
Alvin finally broke through the mirth in a small and timid voice. “Sir, may we go now?”
The laughter pealed once more, this time Markham joining it with a chuckle.
“Carry on, boys, no need to keep hanging around.” Another round of laughter followed his joke.
Jake and Alvin retreated backwards into the bushes as fast as they could. They crouched down again, waiting until the laughter melted into the distance.
Alvin was livid. He had never been so embarrassed in his life. He stood up and looked in the direction of the retreating riders. “I am gonna kill her when I see her.”
“No you’re not, ‘cause there won’t be anything left of her when I’m done with her.”
“Hey, man, you can’t have all of her! You gotta leave a bit of her for me to kill.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Yea, you do.”
“Nope.”
“Yup.”
And thus they argued all the way back to the paddock, as they timidly stepped through the gardens, hiding in the landscape to avoid any more embarrassing encounters.
They finally snuck back into the stables and up into their room without being detected. There, they found their clothes and towels, perfectly folded, lying on their cots, their shoes neatly placed underneath.
As the boys dressed, they plotted their revenge. Once clothed, they went in search of their tormentor. They found her sitting prettily on a bench in the front garden, reading a book.
Mara looked up and smiled sweetly, until she saw the looks on her friends’ faces. They were not amused, and had murder in their eyes. Mara quickly arose from the bench, dropped her book, and started to run. Alvin and Jake easily caught up with her, and grabbed her under her arms, dragging her backwards toward the stables.
Mara began to struggle and call out for help, not knowing what mischief they had in store for her. She soon found out. With a great heave, the boys picked her up and threw her into the horses’ trough.
She came back up from the depths of the cold water, sputtered, and tried to rise up, but Jake held her down in the water, allowing only her now soaking-wet head to remain above. “Jake, let—”
He cut her off. “That, my lovely lady, was not amusing.”
Alvin leaned way over to look her straight in the eye. “Having to face your father buck naked was definitely not amusing, my dear.”
Mara’s eyes grew wide with fear. “My father!” she whispered. Having her father encounter the boys had not been part of her plan. What if Jake received a beating again due to her careless actions?
“How’d you see my father?”
Jake, too, leaned over so that his face, along with Alvin’s, was right on top of hers. “Could it be that your father, mother, brothers, aunt, and uncle decided to take a ride around the grounds? Could it be that they ran into us as we were walking back home? Could it be that we had to stand there dripping wet with only branches covering our tenders while they enjoyed a good laugh at our expense? Could it be that we are now so mortified that we may not be able to show our faces to your family for the rest of the summer? Could it be—”
Mara cut him off. “Tell me this didn’t happen!” She looked back and forth from face to face, and realized that every word they said was true. Now she was mortified.
Jake pushed her head back under the water, and then walked away to let her contemplate her actions and their consequences. Alvin watched to make sure Mara re-emerged from the trough before following Jake into the stables. Mara stood up and watched her two best friends walk away, a look of bitter regret on her face.
It took several days of Mara apologizing, begging, cajoling, and bringing them goodies from the French chef before they talked to her again. It took the rest of the summer at Rochcliffe House before the Markhams stopped laughing every time they saw one the boys. And even then, from time to time over the next few years, either Edwin or Bertram would mock Jake or Alvin, pretending to stand there with branches over their crotches.
This was one prank never to be repeated. Or forgotten.
Chapter 13
As they arrived at Rochcliffe House one late spring, the Markham family and staff found an unexpected guest at the estate. Lady Sarah Hastings, Lady Bernice’s youngest sister, had come to visit. And since the cousins weren’t there, none of the youngsters complained.
At the age of twenty, Lady Sarah had been forced into an arranged marriage with a much older man, and by twenty-five she found herself rich and widowed. Now tw
enty-eight, she spent her time on the hunt, her need for male attention insatiable. Lady Bernice didn’t approve of her sister’s behavior and hated the gossip it caused, but she couldn’t very well turn her away, either.
Usually Lady Sarah spent the late summer in the country when the London heat became most unbearable. This year, however, she had dallied with a married man, and decided it would be wise to leave for the countryside immediately rather than face the wrath of his jealous wife.
Rochcliffe House was just the ticket. She usually only spent two weeks with her sister’s family, as she found country living rather dull, with no suitable men to keep her company. But here she was, hiding out, bored to tears after only three days, when the rest of the Markham clan showed up.
Jake had turned seventeen that year, and took on more and more responsibility caring for the horses. He had learned a great deal from Calvin during the past three years, and was a natural with horseflesh. As soon as they arrived at Rochcliffe House, Jake and Calvin began the arduous task of cooling and brushing the horses, cleaning the harnesses and other tack, and putting away the carriage and wagon. Ike, as usual, was there to help.
“Whoa!” said Jake as he put Zeus in his stall. “Who is this beauty?”
“That be Lady Sarah’s horse, Lighting Bolt. Good ol’ Bolt is quite a handful. Only Lady Sarah rides him.”
Jake gave a low appreciative whistle as he walked into Bolt’s stall, talking and cooing as he stroked the huge pure-black horse. He was sleek and muscular, built for racing. Jake fell in love. He’d worked with horses now for over three years and had never seen a more magnificent animal. Bolt made Zeus look like a child’s pony by comparison. Jake’s hands and legs itched to put Bolt through his paces.
*****
Lady Sarah arose early the day after Evelyn and Maureen had arrived at the estate. She loved an early morning ride on Lightning Bolt. Today was no different.
When she arrived at the stables, she found Bolt’s stall empty. Her horse and Ike were nowhere to be found.
Lady Sarah headed out the open back door of the building, curious about the status of her horse. She arrived at the corral, and was quite surprised at the scene before her.
A handsome young man rode her steed. She watched in amazement as the boy in work clothes put her horse through his paces, his dark blond hair streaming behind him. Bolt had never before allowed a strange saddle on him, and had never allowed anyone but her on his back. She had seen him throw many an accomplished rider over the years. But here was this tall, thin, boy/man riding Bolt around the corral as if they had always been together. She stared in awe.
Jake had awakened earlier than usual, determined to satisfy his itch to ride Lightning Bolt. It took some coaxing, but his tender touch and experienced manner soon had the horse calm enough to take his saddle. He had led Bolt into the corral and spent about ten minutes stroking and talking to the huge beast until he could gently lower himself onto the saddle from a standing position on the fence. Bolt was initially very skittish, trying to unseat the unfamiliar weight and saddle, but soon responded positively to Jake’s calm, soothing voice, and gentle but firm touch.
Jake was exhilarated. This horse was beyond magnificent! He was trained to perfection, rode like a dream, and took to the lead immediately, never hesitating before following Jake’s commands on the reigns. Jake was so focused on riding this majestic animal that he failed to notice Ike coming to watch, followed shortly thereafter by the horse’s mistress.
Lady Sarah walked to the corral fence and leaned on it next to Ike.
He took note of her presence. “Beats me, m’lady. I dinna know how the boy got him to take him, but there you be! Perfection in motion.”
“I agree, Ike. Perfection in motion. Saddle another horse for me. I think that young man and I are going for a ride.”
Ike smiled. “I’ll put you on Python, that be the horse young Jake usually rides.”
“Jake. Is he a cousin to Lady Maureen? I’ve never seen him before.”
Ike laughed. “Good lord, no! Jake be the stable hand for Lady Maureen and Lord Markham. He be just like me, m’lady,” chuckled Ike as he walked off to saddle Python.
Lady Sarah was shocked to learn that Jake was a servant! How could such an accomplished rider and good-looking young man be a servant? She noted his supple young muscles that matched the rippling muscles of Bolt as they rode as one unit. One thing was certain: despite what Ike said, he and this young man were not just alike!
Ike returned a few minutes later with Lady Sarah’s side saddle on Python. He helped her up.
“Yo, Jake!” Ike yelled. “Bring that horse over here!”
Jake looked over at Ike and then at the lovely woman sitting on Python, resplendent in a bronze riding outfit with matching hat and scarf. Ah, he thought, she must be the owner of this wonderful horse!
He rode over and dismounted, giving Lady Sarah a deep bow, just like he’d been taught before his audience with the queen.
“Jacob Abbot, at your service, m’lady. Most people just call me Jake. I apologize for riding Lighting Bolt without your permission, but he is such a beautiful mount, I couldn’t resist.”
She looked at Jake appraisingly, impressed by his command of the Queen ’s English and lack of common accent. “Since Bolt allowed you to ride him, I forgive you. Mount back up. I want to see you handle him on the open road.”
Jake smiled broadly. Yes! Full gallop on this horse would be like riding the wind. He couldn’t wait, and eagerly mounted again.
Lady Sarah took note of that striking smile over those perfect white teeth, and smiled back. Without a backward glance, she led them down the drive and out of sight.
Once on the main road, she looked at the boy/man on her steed, and egged him on. “I’ll race you!”
Jake needed no more encouragement. He clicked his tongue, dug in his heels, and rode at full gallop, laughing at the sheer joy of the speed and feel of the powerful animal under him.
Lady Sarah did her best to keep up with Jake. But poor Python was built more for hauling a coach than racing against Bolt. Nevertheless, she was more than happy to watch the young man on her horse, as his pure joy was a pleasure to see. She rarely saw such raw delight, and enjoyed it even more in the handsome stable hand.
Jake arrived at the end of the drive as it made a T-intersection with the main highway, and pulled Bolt to a stop.
He turned around and trotted back to meet Lady Sarah, his face flushed and completely consumed by an open-mouthed smile and gleeful laughter.
“Oh, m’lady! I so envy you with this horse. He is glorious! I could ride him all day long.”
“Come, young Jake. Let’s ride through the trees to cool off.”
Jake was so overjoyed; he would have followed her anywhere.
They talked easily as they cooled off the horses. Lady Sarah was astonished at Jake’s intelligence and insights on politics, philosophy, and current events. He was certainly not an average stable hand!
She asked him where he was from.
Jake told her much the same story he had related to the queen, again leaving out Mara’s role in his rescue, and any mention of Luke and Pete. By now, he and Alvin had settled on a story. They had heard that the Markham family needed a stable hand, and had boldly walked onto the grounds and asked Calvin and Rory for jobs. The lie came easily now.
Sarah asked Jake all kinds of questions, and they debated many issues. She found him open, honest, and filled with ideas that usually didn’t spring from the minds of the peerage. He was a refreshing change from her usual crowd of boorish fops and half-brained women. And he was easy to look at as well!
They came to a small opening in the trees—a little meadow filled with soft, flowing grass and little white flowers. Jake dismounted, and helped Lady Sarah down off Python.
“I can switch the saddles if you would like to ride your horse back.”
“No, leave them be.”
Jake tied the horses to a nearby tr
ee as Lady Sarah smoothed out her skirt, and took off her hat and scarf. She sat on a log and patted the space next to her. Jake sat down, a little nervous.
“How did you come into employment with Evelyn?” she asked.
Jake told her much the same story as he told the Queen leaving out, once again, Mara’s role and Luke and Pete. By now, he and Alvin had settled on a story of hearing about the Markham family needing a stable hand and just boldly walking into the grounds and asking for the jobs from Calvin and Rory. The lie came easily now.
Sarah asked Jake all kinds of questions and they debated many issues. She found him open, honest, and with ideas that usually didn’t spring from the minds of the peerage. She found him a refreshing change from her usual crowd of boorish fops and half-brained women. Plus, she found him easy to look at!
*****
Jake could hardly eat that day or sleep that night, the morning’s events running through his mind. That horse was amazing and he truly enjoyed Lady Sarah’s attention. He told Mara all about his little adventure when they went riding that afternoon.
Mara became very quiet. Jealousy raged in her breast as she listened to him go on and on about his time with the intruder. She couldn’t stand the fact that Jake blathered on about another woman. Especially such a pretty, slim, and older woman. It was all she could do not to shout out for him to shut up about her and his little adventure. This wasn’t going to be an easy visit. She wasn’t used to or ready to share Jake with anyone else except the other boys. Her heart was heavy but she was too proud to show her hurt on the outside.
Mara: A Georgian Romance Page 8
