“Ye’ve taught her well.” He gave Phoebe a look. “And I would be thankful to ye for it.”
“Oh bother, ‘tis my duty. She is a Scot after all.” She smiled and waved them off, after retrieving the proper bunting for the child. “See that you don’t keep her out too long.” She called.
Annabel, returning a stack of books to the library, watched the Laird as he carried the child on his arm. She looked small next to his big body. Her heart lurched again, but she smiled. All was well with her little one.
When she saw Annabel, she cried out, “Mummy.” And the Laird handed her over. “Ah, she sees you.” He smiled.
‘We are about a walk…would you join us?” he asked.
Annabel hesitated, then handed the child up to the Laird and said, “Yes.” and ran for her coat.
They walked out the front door together, leaving behind all the noise. “Tis a good day to be outdoors for the child. It’s unusual to be so warm this time of year…” he spoke quietly.
Annabel nodded, smiling up to Eleanor who was pointing up at the trees and the sky.
“She learns quickly.”
“She does at that.” Annabel agreed, looking out at the great expanse of Scotland…for they were outside the walls now.
They walked on for a while, then Annabel took a deep breath. “I had wanted an appointment with you. It is time.”
“Time?” he gave her a sideways glance.
Annabel remained quiet trying to think of a way to talk so that Eleanor would not understand nor be upset, by her tone.
“We will talk later…” his commanding voice was back.
* * *
At dusk, Annabel tapped at the Laird’s door. Ross opened for her at his call to enter.
“Sit down and tell me what troubles you.” He said, not looking up.
She sat and waited for him to acknowledge her.
“It is time I leave. Eleanor is doing well. She knows you as her papa. Phoebe and Fergus will probably get married, so that means she won’t be totally without someone she knows….” She found herself blubbering it out all at once.
“And what will ye do?”
“Return to London.” She stated, not wishing to give him any details.
He nodded, but didn’t utter a word for a long moment. “When?”
“A week hence. It is already late in the season to be traveling about the countryside in this weather…but I would be back in London before the new year arrives.”
“As you wish. How can I help?”
For a moment his anxiousness to help irritated her and then she realized he did not intend to sound gruff. He was usually fluff and blunder, but soft-hearted. She’d seen it many times.
“I need only a conveyance and a driver for the journey. I will pack my trunk and be ready.”
“Who will accompany you? English lasses require it, I know.” He smiled slightly.
“I will find someone.”
“Aye. Have you talked with Cork?”
“No.” she admitted.
“You must speak with him, for he considers ye his mother.”
“I know.” Her head dropped. “I know.”
“Would ye allow Cork to accompany you?” he asked as though the thought had just entered his mind.
“I would…it’s not totally proper, but I would be happy to keep him in London with me for a few days…if you would allow it. He would enjoy seeing the sights.”
“Aye…for you have taught the boy to read.” He paused. “And he especially likes to dream.”
She nodded, her cheeks warming. “Tis thanks I give for allowing him to accompany me.”
“Tis good for all.” He conceded.
Is that all, then?”
He seemed preoccupied once again.
“Yes. Thank you.”
“If I can assist you, come to me.” He ordered again and Annabel knew she was dismissed.
She stood to her feet and walked, her head held high, out the library door. Ross’ look told her he’d heard all. Annabel climbed slowly up the stairs to her room.
Within the week, her small trunk had been hauled below-stairs and she sat waiting. The weather had worsened but it was Cork who had been driving her to distraction the last several days.
“Think ye we should leave yet today?” he asked every morning.
“Come Sunday we shall be about our journey.” She said quietly. “It is going to be long and quite tiresome for a boy…” she warned, clasping his thin shoulder.
“Not for me. I shall like to see everything.” He hurried to Mrs. Calvert who was even now shouting for him. “Aye…she shouts like me own mother did.”
Annabel spent the last days with Eleanor as much as possible but on the final two she did not see her at all, hoping to wean them apart.
Sunday arrived, clear and cold. Roads were frozen enough to make the travel easier as the wheels did not have to dip in and out of the muddy ditches.
“I would have a word with ye.” The Laird appeared out of nowhere. “Your trunks are ready. My driver will take you where you need to go. He will stay a few days so that you might show Cork around and then he will drive the lad home.”
“Thank you.” She watched as he rounded his desk, pulled out a book and wrote furiously, then handed her a cheque.
Annabel looked at the amount and her eyes shot back to his. “Whatever is this for?”
“For caring for my child for two years. It is the least I can do to thank you for seeing to her care.” He brooked no argument and said so with his eyes.
Anger seethed inside of her. She tossed the paper on the desk, “I do not wish to be paid a sum for caring for my…your child.” She murmured.
“Nevertheless you have no father and no husband and in England you will find yourself in a difficult position.”
“And in Scotland I wouldn’t?”
“Aye. Our women marry their men for life, raise their children and always have a place to lay their heads. We Scots do not find our women unworthy, as your English gentlemen do.”
“You may think what you will. But I will be all right.” She turned, hating it that their last words would be angry ones.
“Aye. We shall see. I have made the offer and Scots do not make offers they don’t intend to keep.” He lifted the cheque to her again.
She looked in the eyes of the man she now knew she loved, hesitated for a moment, imprinted his handsome face into memory, and turned. “Thank you just the same.” And walked out of the room.
“Females!” she heard him utter as his hand came down on the desk with a crash.
Blithers waited at the door, smiled and bowed, offering his hand. “I shall escort you to your carriage, Miss Wedgewick. I look forward to the day you return to Dunbeernton.”
She gazed at Blithers and wondered too, if what the Laird whispered when he thought she hadn’t heard…that poor Blithers was going daft. He must know she would never be invited to return to the Laird’s Castle.
Cork was already inside waiting, impatient to be going.
She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed Blithers’ cheek, thanked him and let him help her inside.
She waved and taking one last look, listened as the clip clop of hooves on the bricked bridge signaled their leaving. Cork took her hand, but to his credit, said nothing. For indeed she could not utter a word. Tears plopped into her lap.
Chapter 32
As soon as they cleared sight of the huge castle, Annabel spoke. “Cork would you mind stopping the driver. I must speak with him.”
Cork opened the window and leaned out and shouted very much like Laird Carmichael. The driver stepped down and came to the window. “May I be of assistance, m’lady.”
“Yes, would you please tell me how far to the small strip of Mulhannon lands, the one between Laird Carmichael’s and the Campbells?”
“Aye, it would be half a day’s ride, Miss.”
She thought for a minute. “Cork would you like to go on a little adventure?”
“Oh yes Miss Wedgewick, could we?”
“Driver, please take us to the Mulhannons.” she smiled
After a time the conveyance made a sharp turn and they were on their way.
The hour was late and the driver knew several people with whom they might spend the evening…for he had been born in those very hills.
“How fortunate.” She sighed as he led them to a small cottar’s cottage, “That you know these good people.”
Grateful for a fire, a couple whose only daughter had recently married and gone off to live with her husband’s family, greeted the small group.
“Glad we are to see ye.” The older white-haired lady said quietly but offered no smile, after introductions were made. “We have carrot soup.” She said quietly. “And bread enough for all.”
After the small but hearty repast, Cork went off to the small bed in the next room where the daughter had slept as a young girl while Annabel, the driver and the elderly couple talked at the simple table.
“I would like to know about your leader.” She asked, then realized she sounded as though she was an English busybody. “I ask only because my father deeded this part of the Mulhannon’s land to me and I wish to see how it fares.”
The couple looked at each other. They had heard the name of Wedgewick before. Several years past, the large portion of the Mulhannon lands had changed hands at the marriage of the rich English lass called Helen Wedgewick, who was a spoiled wife to Laird Carmichael, a true Scot. And even now there was trouble brewing in the Campbell Clan which was just a few miles north of the Mulhannons.
“’Tis not we would dislike you, the older man said firmly, “’tis that the young Scots in the Campbell Clan so close to us are talking of an uprising. There is likely to be trouble if I know my people.” He finished shaking his head.
She nodded, but knew very little about the Scot temperament except Laird Carmichael’s and he seemed to be a mostly fair man…a very fair man…she amended.
“Aye, t’would not be good for a young English lass such as yourself to be seen around here.” His white bushy eyebrows frowned at her.
“Thank you, for the warning.” She nodded slightly “Now I am tired. Might we get a night’s rest before we continue?”
“Aye. We have a cot here by the fire. Now you take this one and your driver can sleep in the byre with us.”
“In the byre? Must you? Have you no other room?” she twisted her hands.
“Aye, the byre is on the other side of that room, there through the open door and the hearth heats both rooms well enough. And…” the older woman laughed, we are quite fortunate to have the entire cottage to ourselves for most times two families live in a space as fine as this.”
Annabel had wondered at the smell when she walked in; but had never visited a crofter’s cottage. They slept with their animals housed inside their cottage, she realized.
“Our bed rests on the other side of that wall. Do not concern yourself. We will put an extra cot in there for your driver. Her driver rose and joined them and she was left to herself with a small cot between the small marred wood table and the hearth. Instantly she fell asleep.
The morning was dark and overcast. “Coming up a bit of wind over the hills.” The crofter’s wife predicted as she stirred oats over the fire in a large black pot. There’d be toasted bread and we have a bit of butter.”
“It sounds very good. Cork are you coming?” Annabel called to him through the doorway.
“Aye…I have been about feeding the animals.” He said pleased with himself.
“You have done your duty well.” She smiled and bowed slightly, remembering not to tousle his hair in the presence of others for she understood that he wanted to be seen as a man.
After the morning meal, Annabel, Cork and the driver all had a spot of tea before they began their journey once again.
“It has been very kind of you to take us in.” she took the old woman’s hand. “And I shall not forget it.” They turned to leave.
Annabel had noticed the driver seemed to hang back and Cork with him and she found herself in the carriage alone waiting. In a few moments they joined her.
“Why so solemn?” she leaned over to talk to Cork.
“Oh ‘tis nothing.” He put a smile on his face and looked out the windows. “It’s a dark day.” He said quietly.
“That it is…but the wind and cold have held back.”
“Aye.” He said and the driver turned the carriage toward London.
Chapter 33
By the time the carriage reached London, Cork and Annabel had tired of the continual rocking motion not to mention the cold, rainy weather. Most times they stayed at an Inn or some wayside country house but Annabel was most anxious to be home.
When they finally pulled up in front of the London house, she looked right away for signs of her mother or Meredith. If they were about she and Cork would leave for the cottage immediately.
Banging the heavy door knocker, for she left her key with the butler, she waited patiently in the early morning dawn for the door to open. Cork, sleepy eyed whispered “This is London….”
“London. It is home to both of us for a time. I shall show you all I know.” She promised and the door opened.
“Miss Wedgewick, how good to see you.” McAllister’s coat tail was stuck in his back pocket. He would be horrified if he knew it. Annabel smiled.
“Cork, McAllister, our butler.” The young boy threw out his hand and the butler took it rather gently and Cork gave it a good shake.
“Very good to meet you, Sir.” His young Scot brogue clear. Annabel knew he wanted to make certain McAllister knew he was a Scot.
“And good it is to meet you young sir.” McAllister returned promptly.
“Shall I get you tea, Miss, or will you retire to your rooms?”
“Tea sounds delightful, McAllister, but I insist on making it myself. Cork and I will see to it. You must return to your bed.”
McAllister’s face nearly fell to the floor. `He was unused to being ordered away. It was his duty to serve his master.
“Please do not be upset. I am not unhappy with you, McAllister. It’s just that…..well…I must learn to think of others and not just myself.” She finished.
“She’s quite independent.” Cork used the big word.
“Is that so?” The butler looked down at the boy. “As you wish Miss Wedgewick…but if you need anything…”
“Thank you kindly, McAllister. I will call you immediately.” She tapped his shoulder and he looked surprised. An employer rarely touched the help in a friendly way.
Annabel saw a slight smile on the proper man’s face and enjoyed it.
After tea and some of Ivy’s excellent scones, Annabel no longer felt sleepy nor tired. “I am renewed just having my feet on the ground in my own home.” She said lightly. “Shall we start early? For we have only a few days and I must return you to the Laird.” She thought a minute. “Cork will be quite lost without your services…” she let her voice trail off and saw Cork’s shoulders straighten just a little.
“Aye…let’s be about it than. I’m game. Can’t work me too hard.” He grabbed his hat and plopped it on his dark head.
Annabel took him out the door. It was already daylight and the bustle of the city shocked Cork’s eyes.
“I’ve never seen so many carriages, nor people in one place.” He whispered, his brown eyes darting this way and that taking in everything.
For three days Cork walked with her until blisters had formed on her English feet, so intense was his desire to learn.
“You should be a teacher.” He told her on the last day. “For you have taught me much. I have decided that I want to come to University. Not here in London but at Edinburgh.” He stated proudly.
“Truly you have grown up these last days, Cork.” She said tears beginning to form. “And you shall make an excellent student.”
She saw the boy look away, but not before she saw shininess in h
is eyes.
When the hour came for the Laird’s driver to leave with Cork. Annabel thought her heart would break. For her loss and for his. They had bonded in a special way. He had sometimes allowed her to hold his hand as they walked along and talked.
“I think me mother is happy I have you.” Cork called down to Annabel from the high seat.” And glanced a sideways look at the driver, who stared straight ahead.
“Truly I am honored Cork.” She felt her voice weaken. “And ‘tis soon I shall come to look out for the Mulhannon’s where you will come to visit me?”
“Aye.” He tipped his hat and they were off, Annabel waving furiously until they’d turned the corner and disappeared.
* * *
Missing Cork and Phoebe and Eleanor…the cold months passed slowly. To spend time wisely, Annabel sat down and made a plan for the Mulhannon lands that she now owned. She would live among them and help. Treat them like the Laird did. Perhaps even see Eleanor and Cork and Phoebe every now and again. She had no reason to stay in London and live alone, the world seemed to close in around her even with all the rush about the busy streets of London.
She made her visit to Dr. Kane’s office to give him word of Eleanor’s progress and to apologize for her lack of manners at refusing his offer of employment. He forgave her immediately and Annabel met his very capable attendant. Once or twice he collected her during luncheon and they talked.
When the days seemed to pass too slowly she would think about Eleanor. Was she walking? Had Phoebe married Fergus? And then knew she must have for they could hardly be apart a minute, which made her smile and if the Laird was married. And if Eleanor had a mother.
Many nights were spent wondering about her real father. Who he was, if he was still alive. Did he have other family.
Most of all she wondered why she hadn’t been smart enough to notice the difference between her and her two beautiful sisters.
Those were lonely days and nights.
Chapter 34
1811
At the first signs of spring in London, Annabel made plans to return to Scotland. Her mother heard that she returned to the townhouse and sent two short letters, mostly instructing her regarding household matters. Twice she sent much needed funds and with her frugal juggling Annabel managed to save some for her own needs.
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