A Poor Girl's Peril (#4, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel)

by Dorothy Green

  But while Adeline sat upon Nelly who knew the way home instinctively, she had a flash come to her mind. It was the gentleman William dressed in fine clothing, sitting across from her at a grand dinner table. The table was set with fine silver, and a large candelabra that's between them on the table top with many cream colored candles burning. She herself felt like she was in a very elegant green dress. it felt as though it was Christmastime for some reason or other. The Flash quickly left her mind and Adeline felt light-headed.

  Was that a dream? Why would my mind give me such an image? It definitely could not be from my past, for I was never an elegant lady. What did it mean? Had my dreams of seeing this man in such a way start to inflict my reality?

  A few minutes later Adeline put Nelly in the stable, taking off her saddle and mounting it on the wall. She led the horse to the trough of water and food.

  “You did very well today, my dear.” She patted the horse on the back and then brushed the brush through her fine reddish brown hair.

  “You are home. Oh I am glad Adeline, for I was just to set the table for dinner. I am glad that you will be joining us for I thought that you would be much later at the tavern this evening,” Hilda appeared in the stable. Adeline gave her a bright smile.

  “Your speech has grown quite elegant, dear Hilda. I am very proud of you girl.”

  “I have had a very good and kind teacher. Now come, let us dine.” Hilda smiled.

  Adeline laughed, quite enjoying the way the young girl was blossoming into a fine-speaking young woman even if her reddish curls were still unruly and all around her face no matter how many times she taught her how to tie it back with a ribbon. She would grow out of it eventually once she was older.

  Adeline and Hilda walked into the main room of the cottage where Benson was already set about making tea.

  “So it smells absolutely lovely. I will be with you shortly after I set my things and wash up.” Adeline said as she made her way across the room and down the hall to the bedroom that she now called her own, which belonged to Benson's son named Euron.

  But it wasn't just washing up that she wanted to do, so she did take the time to remove her cloak wash her hands and face. Though the main reason for her to disappear into her room was to pull out the letter, one that she knew was in her own hand but she could not make sense of. She unfolded the piece of parchment and read it again. Address to Katrina Proctor Byers of Brentwood Manor.

  It was seeing William Dawson that reminded her of this letter once more. Somehow they were all connected but she did not know how. What did it all mean?

  She put the letter away and tidied up her hair tying it tighter in the ribbon after being on horseback where it had escaped.

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  “Thank you kindly for making dinner. I have been assigned another shift at the tavern but it will not be for three days time from now, so I will be here and we'll put myself to use. Tomorrow I shall make all the meals, you two have been ever so kind to me.”

  “If that be the case lass, then we could use some help pulling the turnips from the field, they should be quite ready. As well as cutting the herbs and setting them to dry. Winter vegetables and roots need to be taken care of just as well as the summer ones.” Benson said.

  “Of course, anything that you two need, I am willing to work. As always.”

  “And this evening I would very much like to read aloud after dinner. If we may be able to sit in front of the fireplace?” Hilda said as she set the plates on the table and arrange the fork and knife in the manner that Adeline had taught her.

  “That would be delightful.” Adeline said excited to be able to rest after dinner sit in front of the fire being warm and toasty while Hilda read aloud.

  “Quite proud I am of you girl for being able to read in such a way. You make a father very proud,” Benson squeezed his daughter's hand.

  Adeline looked at the father and daughter and was filled with joy. She was very happy that she could take part in helping a man want a better life for his own daughter, and an education did help in that respect. Who knew what Hilda would be capable of now, being educated along with her bravery and reckless spirit? Adeline knew she was destined for great things, and was very glad to be a part of helping her to be a better person.

  “Now, let us eat. I have prepared a very hearty stew that has been cooking over thehHearth nearly all day, of root vegetables and dried herbs.” Hilda said.

  “And I will cut the bread,” Benson set a wooden board on the table with a large loaf of bread and begin to carve off pieces while Hilda served the stew into the bowls.

  “It smells absolutely delicious.” Adeline took a drink of the hot tea in front of her. She had never been so content as in this moment. She felt a sense of pride for helping a family and knowing her writing and reading helped to educate Hilda and make her father proud, made her exceedingly happy indeed. It was such a cozy atmosphere that one would dare never want to leave. She almost wished that winter would never be over, for that was the extent of her stay, because she could not bear to ask that they be her family and take care of her indefinitely. Plus there were many questions she had about her past, and the link between Katrina and Mr William Dawson.

  “Pray Mr Carson, have you heard of a place titled Brentwood Manor?” Adeline asked over dinner conversation.

  Benson took on a look of processing the information before answering. “ No lass, I do not believe so. Of course I do not mix with folk that title their home at such, but the ones that I do know of are the ones that come to me to make shoes for their horses or other metal work. I have not work for such a home.”

  “What about a place known as Hertfordshire County?”

  “Oh yes, I do know of that place. That be but 15 miles Northeast of here, possibly 20. I have never ventured that far north, but that is what I hear. If you really want to be knowing of such a place you should ask my brother Angus. With the regulator and post stopping through, he has a map of all the stops and paths that travellers be taking.”

  Of course, why did she not think of that before? She had been working at the tavern for some months now and had heard many travellers talking, but had not paid much mind to their destinations. She was so caught up in being the best worker possible, that she did not take time for small talk, not even with Angus.

  “Yes, of course. Thank you very much, sir; I will inquire the next time I am at the tavern.”

  “And I would like to know what results your inquiry to my uncle has,” Hilda said with her chin in the air then burst into laughter. The entire table laughed, and Hilda and Adeline continued to make jokes as the elegant speech of the high society. It was quite a festive night, ending with Adeline and Benson taking a bit of scotch while sitting in front of the fire listening to Hilda read out loud. It was quite the cozy night, and many more nights of this were to come.

  Adeline spent an entire year complete with the family and could not believe her good fortune to have found such a family and a good position at the tavern. She was quite content for the first time in years.

  Christmas 1867

  Adeline felt exceedingly excited to have a second true Christmas in a true home and to be decorating, with a real family living in it, that had welcomed her.

  She and Hilda gathered holly from the nearby forest, to hang inside the cottage. Indeed it looked very festive, with ribbons here and there and meat pies and sweet biscuits baking in the hearth.

  Adeline seemed quite delighted with a smile upon her face as she rode horseback on Nelly after working half a day at the Green Tavern. It was Christmas Eve after all, and she had been able to split a shift working the early morning shift while Laura worked the evening. She was very glad indeed that she would be able to spend Christmas Eve holiday with the Carson family; they had grown very dear to her.

  The snow had not yet fallen, but the grey sky threatened to drop snow at any moment. The cold air that hit her face
was quite invigorating, but also very chilly. She would be arriving back at the cottage just as the sun was about to set as it grew closer and closer to the horizon every moment. They moved at a very slow pace as she did not want to over tire the horse. Nelly deserved a good Christmas as well. But as they moved along she heard the sound of thundering horses hooves. She knew that it was not coming from the horse underneath her. She scanned the horizon, and finally laid eyes upon the source, which frightened her greatly.

  A man on horseback was galloping across the field directly toward her. He wore a black hat, and a black coat, which underneath she could see that he wore soldiers regimentals. He maneuvered the horse underneath him with such ferocity that all she could do was gaze at him in shock. Perhaps he is just passing through and does not quite see me yet. He does not know that our paths will cross, perhaps at that speed he has his eyes looking down at the grass for any hidden holes that might stop the horse.

  But his past did not waver, and Adeline begin to grow quite weary and frightened. She urged Nellie into a trot, and could not yet see the cottage on the horizon. She would be too far for anyone to hear her shout for help. A chill ran up her spine. He was getting closer and closer.

  Then a whistle pierced the cold air and Nelly came to a stop.

  “What is it girl? Come we must go.” She nudged the horse forward pressing her heel into its side.But Nellie would not move. Adeline looked up to see that the man was much closer, and she could now see his face. He had start green eyes, and a large grin on his face. He did not seem vicious, but she trusted no one. Wolves often showed up in sheep's clothing.

  “Good girl, Nelly,” He said.

  Adeline's eyes opened wide as she looked upon him. How did he know the name of the horse? He must be acquainted with the family.

  “Good day miss, I can see that you are on the course of the Carson family. Are you acquainted?”

  “Yes sir, I am acquainted.” She said, not wanting to give away more information to this stranger than she should.

  “I am just on my way there as well. But I saw the horse, and recognized her immediately. I had to make sure that my eyes did not deceive me. Now I can see that they did not. How are you old girl?” He said to the horse.

  Adeline was silent, assuming that he was going to introduce himself at any moment. Perhaps he was a customer of Mr Carson, he did have visitors coming day in and day out for his metal work. That must be it. So she had never seen this man's face, but people did not need metal work on the daily, at most a customer would come every few months before they needed anything such as nails or horseshoes ever again.

  “Well, the cottage is not too far. Race you,” He said to Adeline.

  “What? I do not think that that would be...”

  “Heyah”” he shouted and his black stallion horse short forward before she could finish her sentence.

  “Well I never,” She said. She was definitely not going to race him on Nelly of all horses, but she did want to know who this man was. She put Nelly into a trot and they followed the man who was quickly lost on the horizon.

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  He was quite an agreeable man, perhaps just a few years older than herself. He had a very fine stature and a good seat on his mount. Obviously he was a soldier in the army, for he wore the red coats that signified him as such.

  Minutes later, she arrived at the cottage and was confused by what she saw. Hilda and Benson were both speaking with the man in the soldier's uniform. The horse was already grazing in the grass, and there was a delightful cheer to the scene ahead of her.

  “There she is!” Hilda shouted and then darted for Adeline. Hilda had such a big smile on her face, that she knew this was festive tidings. Adeline dismounted Nelly and let her buy the bit toward Hilda.

  “Oh Adeline! you will never guess. Such a surprise, father and I had no idea. My brother Euron has returned from Scotland. He has surprised us for Christmas; is that not so agreeable and festive?”

  “Your brother? Is that so?” Adeline turned her gaze toward the soldier who now had a large smile on his face as he looked at her. He knew all along who she was, she was sure of it, and he did not introduce himself – what a rogue. What games he was playing with her.

  “Oh yes, he has quite the leave. He has been allowed to stay with us for the winter until early spring when the car army is called back. Is that not divine?” Hilda said and then sprinted back toward her brother.

  “Till spring?” Adeline whispered to herself. Though she was very glad that the family was happy that they were united, she was now on edge. She had made Euron’s room her own, and there was not another spare room to be had. How long would it be before they turned her out? Perhaps she could see if Angus had room for her at the Green Tavern. She would take a broom closet if need be. She just needed shelter through the winter before she could make more wages and continue on her journey to find Brentwood Manor.

  “There be the lass. Son, may I introduce you to our board, Miss Adeline Blakefield.”

  The soldier gave an elegant bow. “ I am very pleased to meet your acquaintance ma'am. The name is Sergeant Euron Carson.”

  “I am pleased to meet you as well, sir. Happy Christmas.”

  “And happy Christmas to you as well.”

  “A sergeant? You have made sergeant? That is most excellent news, such a Christmas gift indeed.”

  “Yes it is,” Euron looked at Hilda confused. “ Do my ears deceive me sister? Your speech...”

  “Oh yes, I am quite the lady now. Adeline has taught me how to speak, as well as reading and writing. Oh, I can read for us tonight after dinner,”

  “Is that so?” Euron looked at Adeline. Adeline nodded in agreement. “ Then I am very obliged to you ma'am. You sound absolutely exceptional Hilda.”

  “And I am the proudest Papa in this county. A son that is made sergeant and himself speaks with such eloquence that the army has taught him and a daughter that is learned to read and write and be a proper Lady. This is the best Christmas of all,” Benson said.

  Adeline smiled very happy that the family was indeed happy and grateful, but as they joined in a three-person hug, she felt like the outsider. There was a bit of grief in her heart that she wished that she could remember her own family. Were they still alive? Where did she come from? She did not know even know her last name, her true last name. Looking upon them, now that Euron had returned, there would be no need for her to be there. She had already taught Hilda most of what she knew and Hilda had been a very quick learner. She would have to inquire to the Green Tavern, to perhaps take a percentage of her wages for room & board.

  “Now let's all get inside or the biscuits will burn on the hearth. I must see to them,” Hilda jumped with joy and ran inside.

  Benson put an arm around his son and let him inside.

  “I guess it is just you and I, Nelly. But Nelly jerked her head, pulling the bit out of her hand and went to graze next to the black stallion in the yard. Adeline sighed, she would need to get Nellie into the stable so that she could take the saddle off of her. But she would let her eat the fresh grass and roam with the friend.

  “It smells wonderful in here. It is good to be home it has been too long,” Euron said walking into the main room of the cottage.

  “Adeline and I have been preparing for this for two days, there is ham and vegetables and all sorts of good things.”

  “Then I am much obliged to you both. I have not had a good hearty meal in a long time, eating a soldier's lot, not fine meals such as this. I will just set my things down in my room.”

  Adeline's eyes grew wide.

  “Actually son, we have given your room in lending to Adeline here. Forgive me, we did not know to expect you.” Benson said.

  “It is quite all right. Please just give me a few moments to take my things from your room. Perhaps tonight I can sleep here in the main room of the cottage and tomorrow I will be off to the Green Ta
vern to see if Angus will give me accommodation in exchange for some of my wage.” Adeline said heading toward the hallway.

  “No. No, please do not trouble yourself. I will sleep out in the main room. I am quite used to it. Please do not trouble yourself with gathering your things. My bed is your bed.” Euron said with a grin. Hearing the word bed made Adeline flush pink.

  “Are you sure? I can just as easily...”

  “No. No, I will hear no more of it,” Euron slung his bag into the corner of the main room and took off his cloak and hat. He walked to the table and poured water from a picture into a basin and began to wash his hands. Hilda and Benson buzzed about, Adeline helped setting the table and getting ham from the fire.

  A few moments later, they were seated for an early Christmas Eve dinner. They ate ham, boiled potatoes, cooked berries, and baked turnips. Throughout the entire dinner Adeline felt uneasy as she kept catching Euron glancing at her. There was something in that look that made her feel uneasy. She had seen it before in the eyes of a man, the factory manager that had assaulted her. He always had that hungry look, an appetite, and that did not end well. Euron had that look in his eyes now, even though there was a smile on his lips. Now that his hat was removed she could see that he had the same red hair as his sister, a messy head of red curls down to his jawline. There was a bit of beard stubble on his face and she knew that he must have been travelling on Horseback for quite some time to get to the cottage from Scotland. It gave him a rough and dangerous appearance, though he was indeed handsome in his own way.

  After they ate, they moved to the fire place where they sat and Hilda read out loud, telling stories of Christmas. They partook in scotch and even Hilda had a bit. Then they ate biscuits of all kinds and tea. The festivities went on late into the night, and Adeline was quite apprehensive. For though Euron had given her leave of his room for this holiday, it was not mentioned that he would give it to her indefinitely. She still had a mind to ask Angus at the Green Tavern for accommodations.