He had, of late, become Edgar to her, and she Sarah.
After courtesies were observed, they went to the sitting room. Sarah offered to fetch tea and bread – they had a little they could spare, and she expected Edgar would be characteristically hungry after his walk – when she was struck by the fact Jon was finished and awaiting a last opportunity to thank her. She quickly accepted his thanks and let him out.
“You can’t imagine what a pain Heidi was today to milk,” Jane explained on Louisa’s behalf. “She’s normally very easy to manage, isn’t she Louisa?”
“Oh dear, I suppose so. I hope this isn’t frightfully boring, Mr. Jackson,” Louisa timidly suggested.
“Not at all!” By his tone, Sarah had come to recognize he was just being nice. She served his tea and sat nearby.
“Edgar… I wonder, how are the town folk managing with these difficulties? I’ve not been to town, as you know, for some time. Do they struggle as the people in the country do?”
He fidgeted uncomfortably. “I wouldn’t care to dispirit young Miss Jane with such talk, if you’ll pardon me.”
“There’s no need for that.” Jane corrected him. “You’d know that if you’d seen Jon.”
“Jon?”
“Yes.” She pursed her lips and thought about how to reply. “He was a fine boy by all accounts. Now he could be mistaken for a scarecrow.”
“I see.” He set his tea aside and folded his hands before him. “I fear this winter – this proper winter – will be a difficult one for Wyecombe. I’m given to understand that our position by the sea and sometime relationship with the admiralty when we were helping beat back Boney has allowed for better access to supplies. But not all are recipients of such goods and, consequently, there has been hardship. It is very much the same in many other places.”
“Places such as London?” Jane asked. “I do hope not. I hope to see London again soon. It’s been many years and it is such a grand city.”
“London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, and most certainly the continent. I’ve heard our American cousins have struggled with an unending winter as well in their northeastern states.”
“Hmm.” Jane put her finger to her lips, apparently thinking. “States. I confess I always think of them as colonies still. Isn’t that silly? I should think they’d rather prefer to be colonies. Our empire is quite great. I have often thought that…”
“Be a dear, Jane, and fetch Beth for her supper,” Sarah interrupted. Her sister gave her a slight scowl, but went to do as bid. When she’d left, Sarah added, “My apologies, Edgar. If we didn’t intervene, Jane would prattle on in such a way as to make it quite impossible to untangle her musings from any real thought.”
“Think nothing of it.” He smirked, but let the smile quickly vanish from his face. “Louisa, as you are somewhat older than she, I feel more comfortable in saying that I fear the situation in Britain is dire. I think it is no exaggeration to say we shall see a great loss of life before the next harvest, presuming… presuming that the winter does come to an end.” He spoke what they were thinking and though there was an element of fear in admitting their greatest worry, it felt strangely relieving to admit it.
“I have long taken comfort in scripture to make sense of the world around me, Mr. Jackson,” Louisa confided. “It has been my rock. After what I’ve seen today, with this world seemingly encased in ice, I find I struggle to find what God intends for us to do. Surely it is a test and this too shall pass.”
“I pray you are right,” Edgar agreed with grim determination.
“Has there been no provision made for the children of the town?” Sarah asked.
He said nothing, simply shaking his head. When she got no response, she tried again. “Perhaps if you said something to the merchants of the town…”
He laughed at this. “You think they would listen to me? To give away that which is so dear is unlikely. There would be many, my brother included, who should think that an unwise course. No. It’s brutal, to be certain, but there’s nothing to be done for it, they’d say.”
Sarah wasn’t certain what she was hearing. Did he mean they were opposed to it, or that he was? “Of course. That is to be expected, in some regards. I didn’t suppose that everyone would be willing to rally to such a cause as greed blinds money in the pursuit of coin. But certainly, you are so persuasive, Edgar, I should imagine that a few uncertain of the benefit of to humanity if not their own soul would come to see the light.”
“I don’t know about that.” He began sounding definite about doing nothing, so she egged him on.
“Can you not imagine how the merchant class would look to the public? Sheltering, clothing, and feeding the most vulnerable in these strange times would go far in breeding goodwill. Consider the benefits to you mill, as well.”
“In what way?” he asked, sounding dubious.
“Parents who have to stay with their children as they weaken and die must not be very good employees, I would imagine. Have you never thought that they themselves may be wasting away and distracted by their hardships rather than putting their back into their work? Now, if Jackson Mill were to provide its employees and families with the surety of food…”
He chuckled at this. “What do you suppose, dear girl, their wages are meant to furnish?”
She bristled at this. “Prices, as well you know, have become quite steep for food. I would think that unless you are paying them in gold bars they must be unable to fully provide for themselves. They haven’t the luxury of milk cows and eggs to help sustain themselves as we four do, either given the long hours they must work. Look at it practically, Edgar,” she continued to argue. “If you win the day by arguing on behalf of such provisions, how could you not but rise in respect both in the community and in Jackson Mill?”
That notion turned in his mind and he finally seemed to see the sense in it. “I don’t think you know a great deal about business, my dear, and I mean no discourtesy to say so. Your sex has a mind that doesn’t turn to such matters. But I see now that you have played conscience for me. I will consider what you’ve suggested. It’s idea that may yet bear fruit.”
Sarah felt pleased to have found a way to possibly both worked her will and potentially advance Edgar’s position. After he’d left, she told herself she’d been wise to handle it as she had. Yet, a feeling of something being off about the encounter kept her on edge through much of the day. When she and Louisa were alone in their shared room late that evening, her agonizing was picked up by her sister.
“I know what troubles you,” she quietly noted.
“Oh, I don’t wish to speak of it,” Sarah announced and just as quickly changed her mind. “That’s not true.”
“I know your mind sooner than you, I think,” Louisa quipped. She was brushing her long blonde hair, counting each brush stroke until she reached one hundred times on each side. “You’re thinking that he should have made the suggestion himself. That he shouldn’t have been so hard to convince.”
“It has bothered me. Do you think him cruel? I would not have thought so. He has such a gentle and warm-hearted demeanor towards Beth.”
“I don’t know. Does he often seem distracted? I have noted that men can grow tired of the feminine voice and cease paying attention.”
Sarah fell backwards into her bed, a habit she’d been following since before she’d been Beth’s age. “I suppose it could have been that. It’s more though. You know, I thought I had many good ideas. He barely noticed, though. I expected… I don’t know what I expected.”
Louisa kept brushing her hair. “He seems nice in many ways and I see why you are fond of him. But I’d have a care of him if I were you. You gave him all of your ideas and he seemed to say very little.”
“That’s exactly it.” She furrowed her brow, growing more upset as she thought about it. “I realize he’ll never let me be part of the mill, not truly. But this one little part of it may make a great difference for his future and for so many others and
yet… and yet, there wasn’t a word of thanks given. I just wanted this one way to be part of something he cared about. Does he not appreciate me?”
“Perhaps you have?” Louisa suggested. “He seemed willing to hear your idea by the end. You persuaded him; now he merely need persuade the merchants. Perhaps he can do it!”
“I pray that is so. For the moment, my confidence is not what it was. There are things about Edgar that worry me.”
Louisa stopped brushing her hair and firmly put the brush down. “I wish I could offer wise counsel, sister. I have so little experience in these matters. I want to say to listen to your heart, and yet I wonder if you are not magnifying every little concern? As you grow closer and get to know him, you may be finding fault. Oh, I just don’t know.” She ended, throwing up her hands. “I suppose that’s not very much help.”
“No, it’s fine.” Sarah rolled over on the bed and pet her sister’s hand. “You’re quite sweet to put so much tender thought and concern into my affairs. I will listen to the warning in my heart and be cautious. And I think I will also try not to be too critical of the flaws I think I see. We each need time to discover one another. That seems most reasonable to me, don’t you agree?”
“Makes sense to me.” Louisa blew out the lamp by the vanity and returned to her bed. “I really must sleep now. Goodnight and sweet dreams.”
“You as well.” But there was to be little sleep for Sarah, as she continued to turn thoughts over in her mind about Edgar. As she drifted off, her mind turned to a distant boat floating out on the horizon, bound for tropical islands and blue lagoons.
Chapter 4: The Two Captains
Jackson Mill
October 27, 1816
Edgar Jackson stood before all of the men, women, and children of his mill – his brother’s mill, as he far too often described it, despite his partial ownership – cleared his throat, and started to speak. His words were carefully chosen as a result of a long and unpleasant discussion with Robert. He looked briefly over at Sarah, who he had invited to witness his announcement.
“Employees of Jackson Mill, thank you for gathering for this meeting. We have not been insensible of the difficulties that you and your families have suffered due to the wicked nature of the weather. Like you, we have no notion as to why it is behaving so strangely. It is an act of God.
“But if this is an act of God, then we shall not shirk in the face of this test of our courage. We are aware that many of you now find it hard to manage the purchase of food. Though we can’t supply all of your meals, Jackson Mill can guarantee every worker and their household family two meals per day. A hearty oatmeal will be provided for breakfast. Soup and bread will be served for supper.
“Furthermore, we shall be employing a physician from London on sight. His office will be open to any employee or family members who has need of basic medical attention. I am aware there has been an increase in the number of illnesses beyond what is normal. By providing this service and these two meals, it is my hope that we can stave off the worst of the conditions caused by this most unnatural and trying environment.”
He looked up meaningfully from his prepared remarks to make eye contact with several employees. “I want you to know that my brother Robert and I are in complete agreement on the terms of these benefits we provide you with now. In return, we shall anticipate production will not lag. Indeed, it would be well if we saw a boost in productivity. I pray you will repay us with hard work. Can I count on you?”
A man in the back shouted out, “Three cheers for the Jacksons!”
Sarah was stunned. Prior to the meeting, those who had gathered seemed sluggish, unhappy, and unimpressed. By the end of his speech, they were giving him a rousing cheer.
Edgar looked over to her and she beamed back. She felt a growing warmth in her heart for him.
After he’d finished speaking, the employees were led to a part of the mill that had been set aside for a large soup pot. Food was being dished out in bowls already and people queued into lines to receive the fare.
Sarah approached Edgar as workers pumped his hand and slapped his back in gratitude. When he was able to extricate himself from them, he took her by both hands.
“That was certainly a response, was it not?” she asked. She could see from his expression that he was feeling strong emotions, though she could not entirely place them. “You’re pleased?”
“I am. I am. I’m not certain Robert shall be ultimately as he has agreed with this scheme most reluctantly, but we must stay optimistic.”
“Precisely,” she quickly agreed.
She took his arm as he led her out of the mill. The speech over, she was to return home with her sister Louisa who was waiting just outside.
They lingered by the door and when they had some measure of privacy, she reached up and touched his face. “You’re a good man, Edgar. What you’re doing is both Christian and moral. I’m so very proud of you.”
He kissed her hand and opened the door for her. “I’ll see you later, shall I? After my work.”
“Of course. I can hardly stand to wait.” She would stay in town that night, as arranged, with her aunt and he would come to call briefly under the Aunt Mary’s supervision. It was now becoming more of a habit and all involved expected a proposal to be imminent.
Louisa greeted her outside were it was a considerably warmer day than usual. “How was his speech welcomed by the workers?”
“He is the hero of the day, it seems,” Sarah said with some excitement.
“And he acknowledged your role in the idea? That is, he said it was your idea?”
They stopped walking as Sarah pondered what her sister had asked.
“Well- no, but that is- we’re not engaged. It would have been unusual for him to say anything of my part in it. Improper, too. I’m sure everything is as it was supposed to be in that regard.”
But as they continued on, she began to feel more and more doubt about the fact she’d received no credit. She was certain that it was not unheard of for a wife or a fiancée to advise her husband on business or even political matters in private, never to be recognized for her efforts in public. She had little doubt of it. Yet it left her uncomfortable all the same. The same sort of discomfort she sensed in Edgar when he’d put forward the bold plan to the workers. He had championed her idea, and yet he seemed unexcited by it.
Something still troubled her and she couldn’t put her finger on what. She bit her lip trying to think of what it was.
---
Indian Ocean
October 27, 1816
Commander Hargrove found Lieutenant Woods keeping an alert, though late, vigil over the ship late into the night. As captain of the ship, Hargrove knew he should be sleeping. It was his duty to be equally alert on his own shift. Woods was an excellent first mate and a close friend. However, he had been struggling to rest.
“Good evening, Captain.” Woods snapped to attention and saluted when he saw his friend approaching, as was protocol. Hargrove nodded and rested his elbows on the side of the boat.
“Warm evening, this one.”
“Aye, sir.”
He said nothing for a time, which Woods took as a cue. “If you don’t mind my asking Captain, something troubling you?”
“Shouldn’t be, Woods. It definitely should not be on my mind, yet I confess it is so.”
“I have suspected it, if you’ll excuse my saying so. You haven’t seemed yourself this voyage.”
Hargrove raised an eyebrow at this. “Oh? How so, man?”
“You’ve been in far too bright of a mood.”
Hargrove chuckled at this. He’d been very much the opposite, being more prone to angry outbursts and flashes of temper. While nothing like a tyrant to his men who, for the most part, respected and obeyed the young sea captain, he’d been far more likely to give a tongue-lashing to idlers and duty-shirkers. The other day he’d broken up a fight- started by McCracken, of course- and had seen to it that the man was tied to the mas
t for a morning. It was a serious, though necessary punishment and unlike other captains, he had been extremely reluctant to use the whip even before meeting Sarah.
“I wish there were more of a spring in my step, Woods. Do the men grumble about it?”
“There’s been no talk as of yet, sir, at least, none as the officers have heard. You have been stormier than the Cape of Good Hope, though.”
Hargrove tapped the wood beneath his fingers thoughtfully, a habit he’d fallen into when his mind was distracted at sea. “I’ll be blunt with you. My mind has not been on the Indies as it should be. Rather, I keep thinking of a life at home. So rarely have my thoughts turned to such matters in the past, yet I can’t look away from it either.”
Woods continued his vigil while addressing his captain. “Sir, since we were boys we spoke of nothing but life before the mast. I have suspected that you might find such a single purpose too limiting for you one day.”
“Yes, you have your Cecily back home,” Hargrove commented. “A fine woman. Any man would be lucky to be so well-wed.”
“And she is with a generous father as well, I might add,” Woods remarked with a laugh. “My meager commission isn’t enough to sustain a wife well. But as you know, I’ll be leaving this life soon enough.”
“Your father-in-law owns a… what was it again?”
“Mines, sir. Mines in Wales and the border counties. He anticipates more coal will be needed in coming years. It’s the future, if you will, and he sees a spot for his son-in-law in management.”
“A good arrangement to be sure, Woods,” Hargrove readily agreed, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “You are fortunate.”
“Sir,” Woods tried to frame his words carefully. He knew he had far more leave to address the man than any of the others, yet it was still good policy to be cautious when addressing your superior officer. “No disrespect intended, but did a certain lovely creature in the town of Wyecombe inspire this turn of mind? You were not in such black moods before our arrival.”
ROMANCE: His Reluctant Heart (Historical Western Victorian Romance) (Historical Mail Order Bride Romance Fantasy Short Stories) Page 126
