Marblestone Mansion, Book 2

by Marti Talbott

  In the evening, Dugan and Jessie were full of stories about Scotland. They told him about the head-on train wreck that killed McKenna’s parents, the castle in Scotland, and even the wedding not long ago at Marblestone Mansion. The more he heard, the more he began to envy their strong family ties, and the loyalty the servants felt for Hannish and his sister. What they didn’t mention was MacGreagor’s first wife, and he didn’t ask.

  During the next two days, Glenn came twice each day bringing papers for him to sign from the courthouse. Of course, Glenn ended up signing for him. The Sheriff dropped by, the Goodwins came, and even the pastor of the church showed up to see how he was doing. Each credited him with saving McKenna’s life, which he found flattering but completely untrue, and said so.

  Hannish called to check on him and Dugan reported that all was going along “splendidly,” the Scotsman’s term, not one the judge normally used. Jessie was an excellent cook, although holding a fork in his cut hand was no less painful than navigating buttons. Still, he hid his distress as best he could and refused to let Jessie hand feed him.

  He thought about McKenna constantly and because he couldn’t hold the ear piece and she didn’t call, he worried about her even more. Hannish assured Dugan she was better, but the judge would rather have seen for himself.

  *

  On the third day, Dugan and Jessie went to Carl’s funeral and when they returned, McKenna was with them. “You have not been as well as your brother claims, I see,” he said, after she forbade him to stand up.

  McKenna sighed and made herself comfortable in one of his parlor chairs. “I confess I have been greatly disturbed. I should not have asked Carl to take me to see the McCormick Reaper and I cannae forgive myself for it.”

  “You could not have known what would happen.”

  “That is what everyone keeps telling me. Did they find your horse?”

  “They did. He is injured, but not seriously. I hear your carriage did not fair well.”

  “They found small parts of it scattered for miles. Our other horse came home on his own, and his injuries are not serious either. We were very pleased to see him.”

  “And you? How are your injuries?” he asked.

  “I suffer but a few small bruises and one very large broken heart, which everyone says will heal soon enough.”

  “It has only been three days.”

  “Is that all? It seems a lifetime to me.” She got up and walked to the window. On the busy street outside, people were going about their business as if nothing in the world was wrong, and perhaps for them, nothing was. “Judge Mitchel, why were you following us?”

  “I wanted to apologize.”

  “For what?”

  “For what I said…the day you kept me from capturing the horse. I do hope you will forgive me.”

  “Do you mean about beggin’ for an American husband? That, I assure you, seems like three lifetimes ago.”

  “Have you seen the stallion lately?”

  “Nay, I watch for him, but he has not come back. Do you suppose he hates me for shootin’ a horse?”

  “Miss MacGreagor, come sit down.”

  She took a deep breath and then turned to look at him. “I do apologize for my behavior. I am not normally so downtrodden.”

  “You just buried a friend; I do not expect you to be all smiles just now. Would you care to talk about Carl?”

  “I hardly knew him, I am embarrassed to say. Carl was hired to drive the carriage but a few weeks ago. We found no letters in his belongings and he never mentioned a family, so my brother is placing notices in several newspapers. I cannae think how awful ‘twill be for a family never to hear from him again.”

  “Perhaps he has no family. We lost many whole families to the Russian flu a few years ago.”

  McKenna finally sat down, spotted an open book lying face down on the end table and picked it up. “Do you like to read?”

  “Very much. Unfortunately, holding a book is difficult just now.”

  “I have read this one and you are near the end. Would you like me to read to you?”

  “I would like that very much.” It took her nearly an hour to finish the book, pausing only a couple of times to sip the tea Dugan brought her. Judge Mitchel spent more time looking at her, than he did listening to the story, and soon he was lost in a world that included having her forever by his side. Exactly when he fell in love with her, he wasn’t sure, but living without her seemed unthinkable now.

  Still, how was he to convince her to trust him with her heart, after the cruelty she had suffered in Scotland? He always believed a lawyer could convince anyone of anything, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  *

  The days of mourning at the mansion were many before the mood began to brighten. No one felt like playing croquet with Carl no longer there to entertain them. Leesil and Cathleen lost interest in spying on the spy, and instead distracted themselves by taking long walks together. No letters arrived asking about Carl, even after the inquiries were posted in newspapers from coast to coast. Leesil cried more than the rest of them, as women in her condition were prone to do, and Hannish did his best to console her.

  Cook Halen asked for and received help in the kitchen while cook Jessie was away. But she missed Jessie greatly and unintentionally started a new ritual. She went to town to see Jessie, and after that, the judge had daily visitors from Marblestone Mansion. McKenna went back to reading, sewing and watching for the black stallion, while Hannish encouraged everyone to look forward to the weddings and the new little MacGreagor.

  Exactly when one particular tradition started in the MacGreagor Clan, no one was quite certain, but Alistair began a betting pool and so far, the bets for a boy outnumbered those for a girl. Next, they bet on the precise time of night the birth would take place – all except Lillian who felt betting among the servants would never be tolerated in Denver society.

  Everyone agreed -- one way or the other, Lillian had to go and there came a plot to speed her exit.

  Soon it would be too chilly to eat outside, but while the warmth lasted, the servants carried their table and chairs outside to more fully enjoy their dinner. Alistair sat between Margaret Ann and Sarah, who agreed to help him carry out his wicked, yet delightful plot…delightful, that is, if it worked.

  He listened to the idle chatter for a while, ate half his dinner and then said, “I saw Lord and Lady Blanchester get off the train this morning. What pleasing people they are.”

  “You know them?” Lillian asked.

  Alistair was happy to have her attention. “London would have no society without that family. Indeed, they came often to see the duke when we lived in Scotland.”

  “I know them too. They come to Colorado Springs every year about this time,” said Margaret Ann, “and they are very generous. Each time I delivered laundry to their lady’s maid; there was a dollar in it for me.”

  “A whole dollar?” Lillian asked.

  “A badly needed dollar,” Margaret answered. “Most all the Lords and Ladies of London see to tipping the help, if not at the time of the service, then just before they leave.”

  Stockton added, “I remember them. Lord Blanchester once said if a lad cannae tip, he cannae afford to travel.”

  “Hear, hear,” said Prescot.

  Margaret Ann ignored Lillian and continued talking to Alistair. “The Lords and Ladies come for the sunshine, which they see little of in London, they claim. The heat never seems to bother them. In fact, they enjoy it.”

  “How many Lords and Ladies come each year, do you think?” Sarah asked.

  Margaret Ann broke off a piece of bread and handed it to her little boy. “Some come in spring and stay the whole summer. The Antlers Hotel is a favorite, although some prefer to stay in Manitou Springs near the bath house.”

  “Do they bring their lady’s maids?” Harriet wanted to know.

  Margaret Ann nodded. “Most do, but others rely on the hotel to provide them. Last year, a wife found one l
ady’s maid so favorable, she offered a permanent position and took her back to London.”

  Alistair kept an eye on Lillian, who appeared to be very interested in the conversation…just as he hoped. “Margaret Ann, did you not say the Antlers Hotel often needs more help.”

  Margaret Ann finished chewing her bite of meat and then answered, “There are men aplenty at the hotel, and this housekeeper or that gets married and quits the place. Therefore, they are always in need of more help. The wages are fair and evenings are often free, at least for housekeepers. If a housekeeper stays long enough, she could become head housekeeper in no time at all.”

  They talked of other things and were nearly done eating when Prescot asked, “Tomorrow is my day to go to town. Does anyone care to go with me?” Three put up their hands, and he noted them.

  Lillian looked at the small cut on her hand from pealing peaches. She wanted to stay to learn more about the secrets everyone seemed to be keeping, but it occurred to her she would hear about it from the town gossip if something did happen. Besides, she still didn’t have a room of her own, the child grew more annoying each day and meeting royals sounded very exciting. “I want to go to town tomorrow too,” she muttered at last. Still looking at her cut, she didn’t notice the smiles Alistair, Sarah and Margaret Ann shared.

  *

  The mood at the mansion improved considerably once Lillian accepted a position at the Antlers Hotel. Doreen got a room of her own, little William’s antics delighted everyone and no one looked upon Cathleen with disgust. The weather began to cool and the building of the new cottages progressed rapidly, as did the sewing of two bridal gowns, the purchase of all the wedding accessories and goods for the new homes.

  The day of the weddings was drawing near, and even with all there was to do, Prescot and Millie found time in the evening to sit alone in the grass and talk. “Are you certain you do not mind sharing a wedding day with Alistair and Sarah?” he asked.

  “Not at all, do you?”

  “I would share the day with hundreds to make you my wife.”

  “Oh, how good you are.” She poked his arm. “Dinna forget, I be the one with red hair.”

  Prescot grinned. “And I’ll be the handsome one.”

  Millie quickly glanced around, “Speak softly, Sarah thinks Alistair is the handsome one.” She giggled, quickly kissed him and then plucked a dandelion gone to seed out of the grass.

  “How is the Judge this fine day?” he asked.

  “Better, I think.” Millie blew on the dandelion and made the seeds fly in the breeze. “Dugan claims there is no way to keep the judge out of his courtroom, even if he cannot write.”

  “And his hands; how does the judge say they are?”

  “He has worked the soreness out of is cut hand, and claims his broken fingers dinna hurt now, unless he bumps the splints on somethin’. He asked about McKenna, just as he always does. You are right, he does fancy her.”

  “Don’t you find it odd she does not go see him?”

  “Not odd for McKenna. She was raised in a proper home by proper parents who would frown on a lass pursuing a lad.”

  “Pursuing him? Is that how she sees it?”

  “‘Tis how all Scots see it. ‘Tis the lad who must let the lass know he is interested.”

  “Then she has him at a disadvantage. It will be a while before he can come see her…unless.”

  “Unless what?”

  “Well, we want Jessie and Dugan to come to the weddings. Why not invite the judge as well. We can say we don’t want him to be alone while his help is away.”

  Millie leaned over and kissed him again. “You are right dead brilliant, my love. I shall talk to Sarah, but I know she and Alistair will approve.”

  “Wait, there is a problem.”

  “What?”

  “Well, if all I can see is you on our wedding day, and all Alistair can see is Sarah, who’s going watch to see if Miss McKenna likes the judge?”

  *

  There was a new Marblestone plot afoot, one known only to the servants. Halen insisted the special guests come early, giving McKenna and the Judge more time together, and so cook Jessie could help put the finishing touches on the wedding cake. Dugan, Jessie and the judge arrived in the used, four-seat buggy Hannish managed to buy to replace the red carriage, and the entire household went outside to greet them – all but the brides, naturally.

  Once the judge was helped out of the buggy, both butlers kept a close eye on McKenna…pretending just to be there to open doors. Soon, they would have to leave the “watching McKenna” duty to Shepard and go get dressed, but for now, they had nothing better to do.

  McKenna seemed pleased enough to see him, but there was no obvious glow in her cheeks and no particular sparkle in her eyes. Instead, it was Leesil who took the judge’s arm after they entered the foyer.

  “We are so excited to have you here, Judge Mitchel. How are you feeling?” Leesil asked.

  “Better each day, Mrs. MacGreagor.”

  “I dinna have a chance to thank you for making my sister and I Americans the day of my wedding.”

  He smiled. “You had more important things on your minds.”

  “Indeed I did.” She leaned a little closer. “Would you like to see the place or would you like to rest?”

  “I have rested far too much as it is.”

  “Then you are forced to suffer seein’ the place.” She paused so he could get a good look at the foyer.

  McKenna said, “I beg you would excuse me, Judge Mitchel. I’ve two brides upstairs that are very close to losing their wits.” Her remark made both butlers raise an eyebrow, and once they were no longer needed, they hurried off to the kitchen to report to the others -- if McKenna liked the judge, she did not let on, nor did she plan to spend much time with him. Something needed to be done, but what?

  Cathleen hurried into the parlor behind McKenna, “And I want to watch.”

  Judge Mitchel smiled, nodded and watched McKenna and Cathleen start up the stairs. “Miss MacGreagor looks well.”

  “I believe she is much improved,” said Leesil, “though she prays daily to hear from Carl’s family.”

  “She still blames herself?”

  “Aye, and there seems to be no way to help her.”

  “My love,” said Hannish. “I leave you to your tour; I have already seen the place.” She giggled and he went off to his study. Leesil showed the judge how to find the library, pointed out her husband’s study, led him through the parlor and down a hallway. Next, she explained how to find the kitchen and then took him into the ballroom.

  “We hope to have a piano someday. McKenna plays very well, my husband says, but she is the only one who knows how.”

  “There is a music teacher in town?”

  “Is there? How splendid.”

  He looked around the undecorated ballroom. “The wedding is not to be in here?”

  “Nay, the weddings shall be outside near the rose gardens, where my husband’s first wife is buried.” She was surprised by the look of horror on his face. “‘Tis a joke, Judge Mitchel. We are quite the scandal in town, you see, for no one knows what became of her. My sister began the joke some weeks ago, when a certain friend pestered her for an answer. I am surprised you have not heard.”

  “I believe I did hear something.”

  “We are enjoying the rumors immensely. Come, I shall show you the rest of the house. There are sixty-seven rooms, and…”

  *

  The weather was perfect for a late afternoon wedding; warm, yet not too hot and with little wind to disturb anything. The carpenters fashioned a wide, flower filled trellis for the brides and grooms to stand under, and just enough chairs were set in a semicircle in front of the trellis. McKenna sat next to her brother, and just as the servants planned, the seat next to her remained empty until Dugan escorted the judge to it.

  McKenna looked neither pleased, nor disturbed to be sitting next to him, much to the servant’s chagrin. Yet, she did
smile and exchange a few words with him, just before the grooms took their places. The beautiful and beaming brides finally appeared, and the long awaited weddings began.

  “Dearly Beloved…”

  Only once did anyone snicker. That was when the minister addressed one of the grooms as Mr. Winston Prescot, for no one had ever heard his Christian name before, not even his bride. He would not likely live that down anytime soon, at least not by anyone brave enough to tease him.

  The grooms kissed their brides, the crowd cheered and soon half the cake was devoured. Hannish presented both couples with hotel reservations for a week’s stay in Denver, plus train tickets for the next day. Sandwiches were served, drinks flowed and Shepard played his flute. Everyone laughed and most everyone danced.

  It was then that McKenna gave an inkling as to her feelings for the Judge. He asked her to dance first, which she accepted, holding his wrist instead of his broken hand. Yet after that, he danced with seemingly everyone except her, and she paid particular attention. It was just a glimmer, but it was hopeful. At last, the sun set, dusk fell and the couples decided to go to their new cottages. They all watched the grooms carry their brides over the thresholds and then close the doors.

  That was just what Hannish had been waiting for.

  The shivaree was Shepard’s idea and as soon as the lights went out in the cottages, the men slipped out the back door of the mansion with their pots and spoons. When Shepard gave the signal, they snuck quietly toward the cottage windows and began banging the pans, shouting for the couples to come out, singing and passing the bottle around to toast the couple’s good health.

  At last, a perturbed Alistair came to the door. “Go away, I am busy!”

  “How much will you pay?” Shepard shouted.

  “Pay? To sleep in me own bed without all this noise?”

  “How much?” Egan yelled.

  “Egan, me boy, I’ll see you are paid handsomely if you dinna go away. Be gone with you!’ He slammed the door, making all the men roar with laughter. At length, most of them drifted away and when it was quiet, Shepard, Brookton and Egan began to sing a beautiful ballad.