She rounded a corner and thankfully there was a village, making her quicken her stride as it came in to view. It was late in the afternoon and the main street was quiet. A job and somewhere to sleep tonight was urgent and she must find someone who could help her if possible. Thankfully she had a little money, but she must be careful with it because it wouldn’t last long. Her thought went to the lovely cosy room they had made for her in the barn loft, and she pushed the thought away immediately. It was no good dwelling on the past, lovely while it had lasted, but that was now gone and must be put behind her.
The butcher’s shop was still open and she went in.
‘Ah, you’re just in time; we were about to close.’ The man smiled at her. ‘What can I get you?’
‘I haven’t come to buy anything. I’m looking for work and a place to stay tonight. Do you know of anyone who needs workers? I don’t mind what I do.’
He pursed his lips. ‘The only place you might get work is at the Edmonds’ farm about two miles further along this road. He’s got a strawberry harvest ready for picking.’
‘Oh, thank you. I’ll go there straight away.’
‘Why don’t you leave it until the morning? If you don’t mind me saying, you look worn out, and the inn a few doors down will probably have a room for the night.’
‘Thank you, but I can’t miss the chance of work so I’ll go now, and come back to the inn if I can’t find anywhere else to stay.’ She headed for the door, anxious to be on her way. If there was a chance of a job and somewhere to sleep then she mustn’t waste any time.
‘Wait! Bobby,’ he called and a young boy appeared from the back of the shop. ‘Hitch up the cart and take Edmonds’ order tonight instead of in the morning. This young girl will go with you, and bring her back if she needs to return here.’
She sagged with relief at the offer of a ride to the farm; it felt as if she had been walking all day. ‘That is very kind of you, sir.’
He waved away her thanks. ‘We’ve got to go there, and it will save you another long walk, because I imagine you’ve already covered a fair few miles today. Bring the cart to the front, Bobby, and here’s a nice pie for each of you to eat on the way.’
It was only then she realised how hungry she was, and dived into her pocket to pay the butcher.
When she held out the money he smiled and shook his head, refusing to take the money. ‘You keep that towards your bed for the night. Now, off you go, the pair of you, and enjoy the pie. You won’t get finer.’
Chrissie was grateful for the lift when she saw just how far away the farm was. The butcher’s idea of about two miles was way out. If she’d had to walk it would have been dark by the time she got there, and she’d have probably been faced with the prospect of sleeping in a field somewhere. The young boy was obviously glad of some company because he never stopped talking, and that suited her just fine, because she was still hurting from leaving the estate and her two beautiful horses. Midnight had quickly recovered from his ordeal and had been a real handful, taking great pleasure in teasing her by dodging out of her range when she was trying to do something for him. She smiled at the memories. It was as if he had been smiling with her, and Red joined in the fun, spurred on by her laughter. She hoped the major would find a way to keep them together. They had been so happy to be reunited.
‘Here we are, miss.’
She was jolted out of her reverie, not realising they had entered the farm gates.
‘They usually give me a glass of home-made cider, so you go and see if they need any more workers. I’ll wait and take you back if there’s nothing here for you.’
‘That’s kind of you.’ She jumped down, wondering, not for the first time, if she had done the right thing by coming to the country. There were lots of big houses in London needing staff, but here you had to travel miles to find one. She gave a mental shrug. Well, she had made her decision, and right or wrong she was here now, so there was little point worrying about it. And really, after seeing the beautiful countryside and the vast expanses of open space, she knew she would not be happy returning to the crowded streets of London.
‘Got company, Bobby?’ A man of around fifty walked up to them. He was of average height but stocky and strong-looking.
‘Yes, Mister Edmonds. This is Chrissie and she’s looking for work and a place to stay. Dad told me to bring her and see if you needed anyone.’
‘You go to the kitchen and get your drink, then, while I talk to Chrissie.’
The boy winked at her and dashed off.
‘I can’t help you,’ he said at once. ‘We don’t need anyone in the house.’
‘I’ll do anything’, she told him, trying to keep the tone of desperation out of her voice. ‘I’m strong and can work on the land. I was a stable hand in my last job.’
‘Were you really? Where were you and why did you leave?’
She explained what had happened and he was clearly surprised.
‘Major Frenshaw is alive? We felt sure he had been killed in the Crimea.’
She nodded. ‘He’s suffered, though, and is having problems. He didn’t like to see a girl working in the stables, so I had to leave. I need work and somewhere to sleep. Bobby’s dad mentioned you had a strawberry harvest to get in.’
‘Well, I suppose another hand would get the harvest in faster. That job will only last for a week, but if you work hard I might be able to find you something else for a while.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ The relief that swept through her was enormous. When she looked around there was nothing here but field after field with not another house in sight.
‘The only accommodation I can offer is in the barn, and not really suitable for a girl, but it’s warm and dry. If you can make do for tonight we’ll see if we can sort out something better tomorrow.’
‘That’s all right, sir, I’ll be quite happy with that. I slept in a barn at the Frenshaw estate.’ She didn’t mention that they had fixed it up as a cosy room with a proper bed in it.
‘Right, then, if you’re happy sleeping there you can stay right away. Dinner will be in an hour and you will eat with the rest of the workers. My wife will sort you out some bedding to make it more comfortable for you.’ He gave her a speculating look. ‘I think there’s more to your story than you told me, and I look forward to hearing the rest of it.’
He walked away just as Bobby appeared. ‘Did you get the job?’
‘Yes, thank goodness, and a place to sleep. Thank your dad for me when you get back, and tell him he was right, that was the best pie I have ever tasted.’
‘I will,’ he smirked. ‘Dad’s proud of his pies. I’ll get your things from the cart. Where are you going to sleep?’
‘In that barn over there.’
‘Ah, that will be nice and cosy, and better than sleeping in a field.’
‘Much better.’
‘I must get back now. ’Spect I’ll see you around.’
‘Thanks for bringing me out here.’
‘Glad of the company.’ With a wave he climbed back on the cart and trotted away.
Picking up her belongings she went to inspect the barn, and while she was sorting out the best place to sleep, the farmer’s wife arrived with an armful of blankets.
‘You’re a girl!’ she exclaimed. ‘Stan never told me that. You can’t sleep out here. Didn’t he tell you that a couple of miles down the road there’s a woman who takes in lodgers? Her rates are reasonable.’
‘He didn’t mention it, but I wouldn’t have gone there, anyway. This will be just fine.’
‘It will be more comfortable there,’ she insisted.
‘I can’t afford to spend what little money I have on lodgings,’ she admitted. ‘I must have something in my pocket when I leave here.’
‘Things are that bad for you, then?’
‘I’m afraid so.’
Her expression softened. ‘Well, then, let’s make you as comfortable as possible. Gather all that straw together so we can make a b
ed on top of that.’
While they worked, the farmer’s wife chatted away. ‘Stan told me you’d worked at the stables on the Frenshaw estate, and that’s why I thought you were a lad. He also said the major is back.’
Chrissie nodded.
‘Such a nice boy, but a bit of a handful when he was younger, just like those great horses they breed there. Always kind and considerate, though, and I can’t imagine him dismissing you when you had nowhere to go.’
‘I’m afraid he has returned a troubled man, and he disapproved of me working as a stable lad, although everyone else was pleased with my work.’
‘That doesn’t sound like him, and all I can say is that he must have changed while he’s been away.’
‘I think he has a lot on his mind, but he’s a strong man and will work through his problems.’
‘Let’s hope so.’ She studied Chrissie carefully. ‘You don’t sound bitter about the way you’ve been treated.’
‘What would be the point of feeling like that? He did what he thought was right. I do admit to being sad and upset, though, because it was a place I had hoped to stay for a long time.’
The farmer’s wife patted her arm in sympathy, and changed the subject. ‘You can use the outhouse, and when you are ready you can join the others for supper. I expect you’re hungry.’
‘I am. Thank you.’
‘The other workers all live locally and go to their homes after we’ve fed them, so you will be the only one here at night. However, you can slip the bar across the door and that will make it secure for you. Wish we could offer you better, but this is all we have as you need to stay.’
Later that evening, after having a substantial meal, Chrissie settled down to sleep, and as her thoughts turned to Midnight and Red Sunset, and the happy times she had spent on the estate, she allowed a few tears to fall. Just a few, though, not allowing herself to wallow in self-pity.
Chapter Thirteen
Two weeks had dragged by and Harry was still suffering. His nights were troubled with nightmares and the days filled with doubts. He felt as if he was being buffeted by a strong wind, unable to gain his balance. He had acted completely out of character since his return by making hasty decisions, and he now knew that clearing the estate of destriers had been a mistake. With the estate manager, Carstairs, he had looked at dozens of thoroughbreds without purchasing even one. It was hard to imagine riding one. He loved the size, strength and power of the warhorses and he missed them, especially Midnight and Red Sunset. Thank heavens they were safely with his father. He desperately wanted to go and see them, but after behaving so abominably to his father, frankly he was ashamed to show his face. He ran a hand over his eyes. What a mess he had made of everything by allowing grief and anger to consume him. He had to start pulling himself together – and fast!
‘Have you decided on any of these horses, Major?’ Carstairs asked, breaking through Harry’s troubled thoughts.
He shook his head as his gaze swept over the animals being paraded for him at yet another sale.
‘They are fine animals, and that grey is outstanding. These are some of the best we have seen yet.’
‘I agree, but they are not for me.’ He politely complimented the breeder on his excellent horses, and as they rode away he looked at his estate manager. ‘You’ve been very patient with me, George, but we both know I have made a mistake.’
‘Not irreversible, though, Major. Lord Frenshaw still has two of the finest destriers. Their bloodline is impeccable and I am sure he will allow you to use them to start again.’
‘No doubt, but I am through with making hasty decisions. I’ll sleep on it.’
‘Good idea, Major.’
When they arrived back Edward was pacing around and looking at the empty stalls. The moment Harry arrived he strode up with a smile on his face. ‘Good to see you home safe and sound, Harry.’
‘Don’t pretend pleasure at seeing me, for I’ve heard what you have been up to, so know you are not happy I have survived.’
‘Ah, I was told you were not in the best of moods, and that is why I have stayed away.’ The smile was still on his face but didn’t reach his eyes. ‘Where are all the horses?’
‘Sold.’ Harry marched towards the house, needing a strong drink.
‘All of them?’ Edward had difficulty keeping up with his cousin’s long stride. ‘What are you going to do, then?’
‘Start again.’ He swept in to the library and headed straight for the decanters. ‘Why are you here, Edward?’
‘I came to see how you are. Is that a crime?’
‘As you can see, I am strong enough to survive for many years yet.’
‘I’m pleased to hear that.’
Liar, he thought, as he handed Edward a drink out of politeness. Edward had never been his favourite cousin. As a child he had been sullen and envious of Harry, knowing he was going to inherit this estate, and as an adult he had mixed with the wrong crowd of young men who spent their time gambling. The one who should have been in line to inherit was James, who had unfortunately been killed while Harry had been away. He could only imagine how devastated his father had been at losing this favourite nephew, and having his son missing at the same time.
‘Thanks.’ Edward took the drink. ‘When I saw the empty stalls I thought you might have decided to turn the estate over to cattle and crops. People have to eat, and such things are always in demand.’
‘I’ll probably make some changes in that way. There is plenty of land not being put to good use, but horses are my first love.’
‘Of course.’ Edward downed the drink in one go.
‘What have you been up to, apart from pestering my father to hand the estate over to you?’
‘No one thought you were coming back, and after the death of our cousin I am the rightful heir, so I had every right to claim the estate. Your father stubbornly refused to declare you dead.’
‘He had no proof that I had been killed, and he was right to wait for definite news. You were premature with your claim to the estate.’
‘That has turned out to be true,’ he admitted rather reluctantly.
‘It has, and that won’t happen again. I am out of the army now, and intend to put my affairs in order.’
‘What do you mean by that? You do not have other heirs.’
‘Then I had better see about marrying and having a clutch of children.’ That remark clearly rattled his cousin, much to his satisfaction. ‘Want another drink?’
‘No, thanks. I just popped in to see if you were all right.’ His cousin then strode out of the room.
Almost immediately the estate manager arrived and remarked, ‘Mr Edward didn’t look too happy.’
‘He’s just found out I am fit and well.’
Both men grinned.
‘He did make one suggestion that has merit, though. We have a lot of land not being put to good use, so what do you think about turning some of it over to crops and cattle?’
‘Some is only suitable for grazing land, but there are a lot of acres to the south which could be used for crops.’
‘Let’s go and have a look at it. I like this idea.’
As they walked to the stables, George asked, ‘Are you dismissing the idea of raising horses?’
‘I have decided against those thoroughbreds, but we’ll go back to what we know best and breed warhorses. I need to see if my father will let us have the two he took with him.’
‘I’m sure he will, and be pleased with the news. Those two stallions will be a perfect foundation for a new herd.’
Harry mounted his horse, feeling as if the life was creeping back in to him. There was a lot of work to be done and this was just what he needed. There was a farm to set up and two suitable mares to be purchased. It was good to be home.
They mapped out the proposed farm, and then took their time returning as they talked over what had to be done. They could get local workers to erect fences where needed, and then engage an experienced man to
run the farm.
‘I expect he will have a family, so we could build a house by that stream,’ George suggested, ‘and he could employ his own workers.’
‘My thoughts exactly. First thing tomorrow we’ll start engaging men and get the land cleared and fences erected.’
‘And you’ll see his lordship about the horses?’
Harry nodded, and reined in when he heard noise coming from the stables. The two men looked at each other and spurred their mounts forward. It was chaos as they approached the house. There was a great deal of shouting and men running around waving their arms about.
‘What the hell!’ Harry leapt from the saddle the moment he reached the yard. ‘What’s going on here?’ he bellowed.
‘Oh, Major, thank goodness you’re here.’ The head groom was sweating from running around. ‘Midnight and Red Sunset are here and we can’t control them.’
‘Has my father returned them?’
‘No, Major, they came on their own.’
‘What! Where are they?’
‘They’re in the barn at the moment, but they’ve been running around and we haven’t been able to catch them.’
Alarmed by this, he ran to the barn and found the two warhorses had pinned one of the stable lads in the corner of the barn. Every time the boy tried to get past them he was pushed back against the wall again. ‘Keep still, lad,’ he told him softly. ‘They won’t hurt you.’
‘I know that, sir, or they’d have finished me off by now, but they sure are mad about something.’
‘Midnight, Red!’ he said in a commanding voice. ‘Come here!’
Both animals turned their heads at the sound of his familiar voice, came straight to him, and nuzzled their master.
When Midnight Comes Page 9