The Rufford Rose

by Margaret Lambert

  ‘How do you know that?’ asked Alfred.

  ‘Something Ezekial said.’

  ‘Ezekial? Well they have known each other a long time. It could be true.’

  ‘Whatever the truth is,’ said Harry, ‘I am not being told what to do by him.’

  There was a rumble of agreement from them all.

  ‘I reckon it should be Alfred,’ called one.

  ‘I agree,’ said another.

  ‘Wait a minute,’ said Alfred. ‘Abel hasn’t gone yet. He may recover, he just needs some rest. Meanwhile, we have all got work aplenty to be doing so let’s get on with it.’

  With nods of agreement the group dispersed to continue the work they had been assigned.

  Three days later, to everyone’s surprise, Abel appeared mid-morning looking pale and tired. He didn’t speak to anyone until he had walked round the entire building and examined what everyone was doing. Nobody knew what to say or do for fear he would descend into the depths he had reached before but it was noticeable that he paid particular attention to all the carvings that had been completed, even climbing a ladder to examine some in the Great Hall.

  ‘What’s he up to?’ hissed Harry, as Abel made his way into the west wing.

  ‘No idea,’ answered Alfric.’ ‘It’s as though he’s looking for something but I can’t imagine what it may be.’

  Abel reached the top floor where Alfred and Cuthbert were fitting window shutters on a small room that would be a bedroom eventually.

  ‘Leave us,’ he ordered Alfred, who looked puzzled at the command. ‘Did you hear me? I said leave us. I want to talk to Cuthbert. Alone.’ Glancing at Cuthbert Alfred left but paused outside the door. ‘Don’t linger out there, go downstairs and stand outside where I can see you,’ called Abel and Alfred had little choice but to obey. Once outside he went to stand on the frozen ground below the window and looked up. Abel was watching for him and nodded when he saw him. ‘Stay there,’ shouted Abel from above. Out of Abel’s sight Harry and Alfric were standing round the corner of the building.

  ‘What are you doing?’ asked Alfric. Out of the corner of his mouth Arthur whispered,

  ‘He’s got Cuthbert alone up there. He’s told me to stay here where he can see me. One of you creep up and make sure he’s not beating Cuthbert again, but don’t let him know you’re there. Go quietly, be careful.’ He glanced up and he could see Abel standing with his back to the window and as he watched he turned and looked down again, checking that he had not moved. Harry ascended to the top floor as quietly as he could and entered the room adjacent to the one where Abel and Cuthbert were. He could hear their voices but not what they were saying but he dare not go any nearer. At least he wasn’t beating Cuthbert. He decided to stay there in case of trouble.

  Abel leaned back against the wall, occasionally looking down to where Alfred was standing shivering in the cold air.

  ‘Well, it appears you have your guardians,’ he began. ‘Very diligent they have been these last few weeks. Are they expecting me to harm you in some way?’

  ‘We all look out for each other,’ said Cuthbert, not sure where this was leading. He was uncomfortable being alone with Abel but would not be caught unawares as long as he kept his distance.

  Abel stared at him for a long minute, as though deciding what to say. It made Cuthbert feel uncomfortable. Where was the belligerent Abel, the argumentative man who used his fists to get answers, and would stand for no lies? When Abel did speak it was not what he had expected to hear.

  ‘I want to explain what has happened, to say sorry for the way I have treated you since you came here. I have not … been well. I have not treated you in the way you deserve. I have not accepted you as one of my men.’ He glanced out of the window at Alfred who was beating his arms to try and keep warm. ‘You came here expecting to be given special work, on the recommendation of Lord Derby and Abbot Paslew from Whalley. Am I correct?’

  Cuthbert nodded.

  Abel bowed his head and said,

  ‘The other day everything got on top of me. I lashed out at you in an unforgiveable way. There are circumstances in my life about which you know nothing. I thought I was managing to suppress certain feelings, jealousy, anger, frustration … a deep longing and sadness, but I couldn’t.’ He glanced up at Cuthbert who was surprised to see that there were tears in the older man’s eyes. He continued. ‘I had a wonderful life working in a job I loved with a wife I adored and a team of men around me who trusted me to provide work for them and their families. I knew exactly what I was doing, where I was going but then my wife died and it all fell apart.’ He wiped his sleeve across his eyes. ‘We shared everything, she was always there to smooth things over when I had a bad day and when she … died, it was as though part of me died too. Suddenly I was alone with only my work to occupy me and for a while I have carried on but things changed. Will, who we had adopted and brought up as our own, has become lazy, spouting ideas above his station and I didn’t do anything to stop him. I knew he wasn’t working as he should but I ignored it. Then you came along, a stranger with a glowing reputation and I was told, no, ordered, to give you special work on a building I had designed down to the last detail. I had no one to talk to, to set things straight and, well, you know what has happened.’

  He turned to look out of the window at Alfred, stamping his feet.

  ‘Liliath gave me something to make me sleep the other day, the first proper sleep I have had for weeks, and afterwards Ezekial came and talked to me for a long while. He has known me for years and knew my Dora too. He saw what was happening to me and realised that until I recognised what was going on I was not going to get any better. He told me how unreasonable I was being with you and that I must tell Will the truth about his background before he lets his dreams get out of hand. I will do that soon and I am not looking forward to it one bit. He won’t like it and I don’t know what he will do.’ He looked up at Cuthbert again. ‘You are a fine worker, I can see that. Despite what I have done to you, you have continued to work as hard as anyone. That shows character. I also understand, that despite my telling you that you were to do no work in the Great Hall, you have managed to carve a number of pieces and persuade others to install them. I have seen them and they are of the highest quality, what I would expect from your glowing recommendation.’ He looked Cuthbert full in the face. ‘Can you ever forgive me for what I have done?’

  Cuthbert was stunned at these revelations and was lost for words for a moment. He realised how difficult it must have been for Abel to reveal all this. He was a very private man, not given to showing his emotions. It must have cost him a great deal to say this.

  ‘Of course,’ he said eventually.

  ‘You are a very lucky man. You have faithful friends around you, like Alfred out there. Perhaps you had better go and release him before he freezes to death. But Cuthbert, I would prefer it if you say nothing of what I have told you to anyone, except Ezekial perhaps, who knows it all anyway.’

  ‘You can trust me.’

  ‘I know that now and I would be interested to see more of your work when you are ready.’

  Cuthbert was surprised at this sudden change in opinion but before he could speak Abel walked out and down the stairs. Remembering Alfred out in the cold he hurried after him and found Alfred shivering with cold.

  ‘Come to the woodshed,’ said Cuthbert. ‘At least it is warm in there.’

  ‘Are you all right? What happened up there?’

  ‘We talked, that’s all. He explained a few things but I don’t want to talk about it now. Come on, let’s get warm.’

  Cuthbert never did tell the others what had passed between him and Abel in that room. He knew how hard it must have been for him to speak so openly and he respected his desire for it not to be spread abroad. Their work carried on though Cuthbert wondered what Will’s reaction would be to the truth about his family.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Despite Abel’s revelations and promise to speak to W
ill as soon as possible it soon became apparent that he had not done so. Abel returned to work, even helping the men with hanging doors, carrying pieces and holding ladders, something he had not done for a long while. He was very quiet, not speaking unless absolutely necessary and certainly not to Will. But when Cuthbert showed him some drawings of a screen he had seen constructed in Chester, the two men had a long discussion about it. Both had certain suggestions for the design which would make it unique to Rufford and Abel liked the idea of using locally found bog oak to make it. They drew detailed plans together, a task Cuthbert found particularly pleasing as it reminded him of the days when he and Jethro had pored over plans a few years ago. This was how he had imagined his work would be when he was sent to Rufford.

  ‘We could all help to make this together,’ suggested Abel. ‘There are many skills among my men. I know who would produce the best for each part and together we will make it as the final piece for the Hall. What do you think?’

  What a change from the broken man of a few weeks ago, thought Cuthbert. This could be the saving of them all.

  ‘What about Will?’ he asked, and a shadow came over Abel’s face.

  ‘No,’ he said, emphatically. ‘No, I do not want him working on this, he will only spoil it somehow.’

  ‘Have you spoken to him yet, about his family?’

  Abel looked up sharply.

  ‘No. I told you, I need to choose the time.’ He rolled the plans up. ‘I might leave it until after the Christmas festivities.’ He walked away, leaving Cuthbert unsure whether he was angry with him for mentioning Will at all. There may be an understanding between them but he still needed to be wary where Will was concerned. He turned his thoughts instead to ideas for the great screen, the final masterpiece of the construction.

  In the week before Christmas Alfred’s grandfather’s weather prediction proved to be true as the temperatures plummeted. The ground froze rock hard, the bare trees stood stark against an icy blue clear sky as though fixed in position without a breath of wind to move them. Even the edges of the Mere were coated with a thin layer of ice, and every branch and twig was coated with it. Cuthbert gasped at the beauty of it even as he hurried between buildings and longed to sketch what he saw, but it was far too cold to sit outside. As the men emerged from their various billets and made their way to the house their breath plumed in the air and they huddled closer into their warmest clothes, noses red and fingers frozen. At least vigorous work would warm them and there was still plenty of that to do.

  In the largest woodshed where furniture was created a small group of men were studying the drawings for a large bed which was to go in the main bedroom. The canopy, headboard and pillars were very ornate and Cuthbert was one of those selected to carve the intricate decorative panels. Abel had approved his preliminary drawings and Cuthbert was eager to start the work, having selected the wood he would need the day before. Laying out his tools on the bench where he would work he lifted the panel of wood into place and started to mark out the design on the surface.

  He had not got very far when there was the sound of an argument outside and, laying down his tools, he went outside to see what was happening. Abel was remonstrating with a tall young man on a horse.

  ‘Today? They are coming today?’ he was saying, forcefully. ‘Why? How many are coming?’

  ‘My Lord Hesketh wishes to see the progress before the winter feast,’ replied the young man. ‘He has guests staying with him and is bringing them to show them his new house. They will be arriving shortly after noon. As to the number in their party, there will be about a dozen. Lady Hesketh is coming too, and bringing their eldest son. I am not too sure how many of the other guests will join them.’

  ‘But we are very busy,’ cried Abel. ‘If Lord Hesketh wishes the house to be completed in the spring we need to work as many hours as we can on these short winter days. We could lose vital time if we have to have visitors.’

  ‘May I remind you that Lord Hesketh is paying you to build this house and if he wishes to view progress he has every right to do so,’ said the young man, tartly.

  ‘Of course, of course,’ replied Abel. ‘I meant no disrespect. Of course he may come to see the building.’

  ‘Very well. Expect him after noon.’

  With a sharp look at Abel he turned his horse and galloped away.

  ‘He’ll be coming with his wonderful plans for the decorations again,’ grumbled Abel.

  ‘Don’t let him annoy you,’ counselled Alfred. ‘He is young, he will have his own ideas. As long as he doesn’t want any major alterations to the structure we will have to accommodate his ideas, if they are workable. He may want something that can’t be done. He’s not a builder and what he wants may not be possible.’

  Abel looked gratefully at one of his senior workmen.

  ‘You are right. I must not let him rouse my anger.’ He gave a weak smile and took a deep breath. ‘I will bite my tongue if I have to this time but don’t be surprised if I refuse some of his ideas if they are as wild as his last suggestions.’ He gave a deep sigh. ‘I am beginning to think that this may be my last big work.’

  ‘Never!’ cried Alfred. ‘There are other masters and other houses for you to build yet. Don’t let a few mishaps on this house deny you further work.’

  Abel looked sideways at him.

  ‘Would you still be willing to work for this old man then?’ he asked.

  ‘Of course, and you’re not that old.’

  It was about an hour after noon when they heard horses riding towards them and looked out to see the party approaching. About a dozen was an underestimation as there were nearer twenty in the party. Lord Hesketh led the group, drawing his horse to a standstill while still a little way off. The riders were clearly taking advantage of their position to survey the house as a whole and when they approached there was a lot of chatter among them. As well as Lord Hesketh they recognised his wife, Lady Hesketh, a groom with the young heir, Thomas, riding pillion, another groom with Martha, Lady Hesketh’s maid, riding behind him, several young men and three ladies riding side-saddle and, bringing up the rear, Lord Derby with two young men who looked so like him that they must be his sons, and a lady they correctly presumed was Lady Derby. As they drew close they stopped to dismount, handing reins to the grooms and walked slowly towards the house, clearly discussing it as they pointed to features and exclaiming favourably on what they saw.

  Lord Hesketh came forward and Abel went to meet him, doffing his cap and bowing respectfully.

  ‘Greetings, my Lord,’ he said, bowing slightly.

  ‘Master builder, I see you are making fine progress. The house looks splendid, though I have been receiving reports from various people who have passed this way.’

  ‘Indeed, my Lord. I trust they were favourable.’

  ‘Oh yes, most favourable. We are eager to see how far you have progressed within. Shall we …?’

  ‘Cuthbert!’ cried a young voice and a small boy hurtled towards them and stopped in front of Cuthbert, then remembered his status and said, eagerly, ‘Do you remember me? I am Thomas. You showed me how to lay a floor last time I was here and we …’

  ‘Thomas!’ cried a firm voice. ‘Remember who you are.’ Lord Hesketh looked around. ‘Where is your nursemaid?’

  ‘I am here, my Lord. I am sorry, my Lord, I will take charge of him now. Master Thomas, come and stand by me. Remember what we said? You must behave if you are with your father.’

  ‘But I was only saying hello to my friend, Cuthbert.’

  ‘Thomas. Do as Betsy says.’ Lady Hesketh stepped forward and took the child’s hand. ‘You promised to be good if we let you come.’

  ‘Yes, mamma,’ replied Thomas, meekly, and took his nursemaid’s hand, but not before turning and giving Cuthbert a gap-toothed smile.

  ‘Let us go inside,’ said Lord Hesketh, and swept past Abel to enter the west wing. Dressed in a rich blue velvet cloak lined with fur and wearing thick gauntlets, stout boots a
nd a fur trimmed hat he looked every inch the wealthy landowner. Lady Hesketh was similarly dressed with a deep red velvet cloak also lined with fur and with the fur-edged hood pulled over her head. The skirts of her dress were thick and richly embroidered and revealed a pair of elegant but serviceable boots beneath. She wore thick gloves with fur linings visible at the cuff. No expense was spared to keep out the cold and most of the rest of the party were similarly warmly dressed, even young Master Thomas who was a smaller version of his father with a shorter woollen cloak and a fur trimmed hat. On his feet he wore little leather boots which he shuffled through the frosty grass leading to the door, taking a childlike pleasure in the rustling noise it created. The nursemaid, warmly but more simply dressed, chided him and took his hand as they began a tour of the house. Abel showed them into every room and they exclaimed at the panelling, the carved wooden shutters, the over mantels and the few items of furniture already completed.

  ‘This will be my bedchamber,’ declared Lady Hesketh, entering a large chamber on the first floor, ‘with the solar next door where it will catch the sun.’ She hurried to the window and looked down. ‘I will create a garden there so that I can look out upon it from here. It will be full of flowers and over there we shall have a herb garden. See, Martha, we can grow all the herbs we needed for the cooking and for our medicines.’

  ‘My dear, are you already preparing for illness to befall the household?’ cried Lord Hesketh.

  ‘Not at all, but we should be prepared. I understand it can be cold and damp hereabouts so we must be ready for the aches and pains of winter.’

  ‘My Lady,’ laughed Lord Derby, who had been attending to this conversation, ‘would that my Lady prepared in such a manner. I am afraid she relies on the servants to do such things and they do not always attend as carefully as they should to such matters.’

  ‘I was raised to pay attention to such things by my mother and I take great pleasure in so doing. I will show your dear lady, if you wish.’