by Diane Allen
He ran his hand down the mock-Roman pillars on either side of the porch as he stepped down the pristine white, donkey-stoned steps. He would miss living in Settle, and would have to get accustomed to the quiet evenings at Windfell. He looked around him at the grand house they were putting into storage. Life would never be the same, now that Isabelle was the new mistress of Windfell. He was just thankful that he worked in Skipton and was his own master in his photography studio at Atkinson’s. That was a part of his world that Isabelle knew better than to interfere in. He should be grateful for small mercies.
Archie sat next to Jethro as they made their way gently, with the horse and cart filled with the possessions that Archie had decided he wanted for his new life up at Crummock. The horse ambled amicably along the rutted track out of Austwick, and Archie looked across at the scars of white limestone called Norber, feeling content with his lot.
‘We’ll miss you at Windfell, sir,’ said Jethro quietly, as he gently encouraged the horse while they climbed the hill towards the turn-off to Sowermire Farm and then on towards Crummock itself.
‘Aye, well, I’ll still be about, and you’ll be alright with Isabelle and her family. She’s her mother’s daughter – she’ll take care of you all.’ Archie leaned back and looked at the rolling hills and fields that stretched out in front of him.
‘Nay, sir, I hope I’m not talking out of term, but Mistress Isabelle is not totally like her mother; she’s causing a bit of a stir at our house at the moment.’ Jethro had thought about biting his tongue to Archie, but then he had reconsidered, knowing that Archie would not be happy that Ethan had been told to look for work elsewhere.
‘What do you mean, lad? What’s she been up to?’ Archie leaned forward and looked at the worry that lined the tanned face of Jethro, a man he respected for his horsemanship and his country ways.
‘Perhaps I shouldn’t tell you, but she’s told our Ethan he’s to look for new employment. That he’s not needed.’ Jethro paused and waited as a silence came between them. He watched as Archie shook his head and licked his lips as he took in the news.
‘Nay, she’d no need to do that, there’s plenty of work for both of you. Especially as that lad of hers is worth nowt. But you didn’t hear me say that.’ Archie shook his head again and looked at Jethro. ‘She’s obviously not thinking straight. But I’ll not see your lad out of work. If she won’t see sense, I could perhaps have an answer to your problem.’ He thought for a moment, before asking Jethro, ‘What would you say if Ethan came and worked for me up at Crummock? I can’t make our lass keep him on at Windfell, but he could still work for me.’
‘I’d appreciate that, sir. Crummock would be the right spot for Ethan. I’d not deny that he’s as wild as a mountain hare, but he’s a good lad really.’ Jethro breathed out in relief. If Archie Atkinson employed Ethan, he’d have a good master and he was better away from that Miss Jane, whom Ethan had shown more than a passing interest in.
‘Right, well, leave it with me, I’ll speak to both of mine and make it right with them, and you tell your Mazy, and then it will be sorted.’ Archie gazed in front of him, trying to understand why Isabelle had given Ethan his marching orders. After all she was more be-holden to him than to anyone else in her service, after he had saved Luke from drowning.
Spirits were low in the kitchen at Windfell, after the realization that they were to lose both Lily and Ethan.
‘You know, I thought better of Miss Isabelle.’ Ruby sat back and hugged her cup of tea while she looked around at the crestfallen staff.
‘That’s the trouble – we all still think of her as “Miss Isabelle”, but she isn’t the young woman we all knew; she’s a grown woman with children of her own. And now Mr Atkinson’s gone to live at Crummock, and with Mrs Atkinson at rest, she’s our mistress.’ Lily’s eyes filled with tears. ‘She can do what she likes with any of us. Besides, she’s laid off all the staff at Ingfield except for Dorothy Baines, so you should think yourselves lucky.’
‘But what will you do, Lily? Where are you going to go? Windfell’s been your life.’ Nancy stopped for a minute from peeling potatoes and looked at the sniffling lady’s maid.
‘Well, I’m not going into one of the Lock Cottages or into one of Lorenzo Christie’s cottages. I’ve got my pride, I’ve got savings – I’ll find my own little cottage. So she needn’t worry her head about where she’s going to put me, just to ease her conscience. I’ll have a look down in Settle this afternoon; find myself something small, just right for one. And then, when I’m settled in, I’ll take in a bit of mending, to earn a little money. I’ll not go without, don’t you worry.’ Lily breathed in and looked around at the long faces that surrounded her. ‘Aye, I’m not dead yet – just moving out.’ She tried to muster a smile.
‘What with you and our Ethan, I don’t know what she’s thinking about. It isn’t as if she’s skint.’ Mazy leaned against the kitchen sink and looked around her. ‘She’s even talking about putting that new fancy electric all through the house – imagine the mess! We’ve only just got over the new boiler and the bathroom being put in.’
‘It was good news that Mister Atkinson is going to take Ethan up to Crummock, but you’ll miss him, Mazy.’ Ruby rose from her chair and put her teacup and saucer next to her, before patting Mazy’s shoulder lovingly.
‘Aye, both Jethro and I are grateful to the master. He’s a good soul. We can grin and bear what life throws at us, but you always wish for something better for your children. Ethan says he’ll come back down home on a Sunday and he’s not that far away, so we will just have to grin and bear it.’ Mazy glanced up at the stairs leading to the main hall, hearing the sound of feet approaching, and placed her finger to her lips to stop everyone from gossiping as Dorothy Baines entered the kitchen.
‘Is Mistress Isabelle alright this morning?’ Ruby looked at the newest pretty maid to arrive at Windfell, trying to divert the conversation and stop the silence that fell when Dorothy was present.
‘Yes, thank you, Mrs Pratt.’ Dorothy looked around at the group, which she knew was hostile to her new position at Windfell and which she’d never be part of. ‘Look, I’m sorry the mistress has decided to replace Lily with me, and I realize that I will always be the odd one out because you have all been here so long. But what would you all have done, if you were in my shoes? I could hardly have said no to keeping my position. I’m just like the rest of you – I need the money to survive.’ She slumped down onto the pine chair at the head of the table and put her head in her hands.
Ruby walked over and ran her hand over the young girl’s shoulders as she talked to her. ‘We know, lass, but we have all been together so long; and if you kick one of us, we all limp. We know it isn’t your fault. We’ll just have to adjust to the changes that are coming and make the best of things. God bless Mistress Charlotte – she was one of the best. We can only hope Mistress Isabelle is going to follow in her footsteps. And don’t worry, lass, you’ll get used to us and our ways and will soon forget these first few weeks.’
Dorothy raised her head and smiled across at Lily. ‘Sorry, Lily, I’m so sorry that she has sacked you.’
‘Don’t be sorry. I was Mistress Charlotte’s maid, and not really Isabelle’s. My work is done here and it’s time to move on. All things come to an end. I wish you all the best, Dorothy, and hope you will be as happy here as I have been.’ Lily put her arms around the young girl and smiled at her companions. She was going to miss the kitchen of Windfell and its occupants.
7
‘So, I’ve not only acquired your father, but I’ve also got his stable lad to feed.’ Harriet looked at her husband’s reflection in the dressing-table mirror as she brushed her hair with fervour, while she took in the news of Ethan coming to work at Crummock. ‘I just knew this would happen – you can never say no to your father.’ She swivelled round on her stool and watched as Danny pulled his shirt over his head. He sat on the side of the bed, bare-chested and as handsome as the day she met h
im.
‘Oh, Harriet, Ethan will not be any bother. In fact if he takes after his father, he’ll be a blessing. And as for feeding him, he will like enough feed himself. He’s a dab hand at catching rabbits and tickling trout, and as long as he supplies the house occasionally, I don’t mind turning a blind eye. Unlike our Isabelle, who, as far as I can see, has cut off her nose to spite her face by not keeping Ethan in her employment. The rest of the staff will not be happy with her actions.’ Danny looked at his wife, whom he still loved. He just wished that for once she’d see the good side in things instead of being so negative.
‘Well, it’s typical of your Isabelle: someone helps her and then she does them an injustice. Is Luke making a good recovery? It could have been so much worse, if Ethan had not rescued him. Isabelle should be grateful to that lad. Thinking about it, perhaps he is better off with us. At least he will be appreciated.’ Harriet yawned and walked over to the edge of the bed.
‘You can ask yourself how Luke is. Isabelle sent word with Father that she would like us to join her for Sunday dinner next weekend. She probably wants to show off her new home to us.’ Danny laughed and leaned over and played with the ends of Harriet’s long brown hair, hoping that for once she’d be in the mood to please him.
‘Oh, do we have to go? I really can’t abide the way she talks down to me nowadays. She changed completely when your mother put her in charge of all the stores. As for poor James, I don’t know how he puts up with her bossing him about; he’s just like her toy poodle.’ Harriet sighed. She really didn’t want to go to Windfell and feel like the poor relation.
‘We will all go. We didn’t when it was Mama’s funeral; and besides, you now hold shares in the stores, so it would do you good to keep your hand in and make sure all’s well with the businesses. You’ve no excuses; all the children are well now, and it’s time you and Isabelle made up. As for James, he enjoys being her poodle. He makes his own way in life, lost in his photography and being given orders to obey.’ Danny lay back and pulled gently on Harriet’s arm, urging her to join him.
‘I’m tired, Danny, leave me be. I’ve been up since five. Unlike Isabelle, I haven’t lots of people looking after my needs.’ Harriet pulled the sheets back and climbed into bed, turning away from her husband and the passion he was requesting.
‘You are always tired. I sometimes think it’s just an excuse and that you don’t love me any more.’ Danny lay down next to her and kissed Harriet’s neck gently, trying to get some of the attention and love that he craved.
‘I love you more than life itself, Danny Atkinson, so don’t you dare say that. I am genuinely tired; there’s always something to do, and the youngest two take so much watching. Rosie does as much as she can, but daydreams looking out of the window all day, wanting to be off over fell and dale, or to be with you. Now her grandfather is here, she’s even worse, because he’s forever telling her tales of when he was a lad. He fills her head with rubbish.’ Harriet turned over and kissed Danny on the lips.
‘Aye, they are alike them two, thick as thieves.’ Danny ran his fingers through Harriet’s hair and held her tightly. ‘Our children will soon be grown and away, and then we will have time for ourselves and we will look back and wonder where all the years have gone. Just like my father and Charlotte.’ Cradling Harriet tightly, he looked up at the ceiling and thought about the lad that he knew to be his at Ragged Hall. How could he ever admit to having a child with anyone other than Harriet? It would break her heart. The lad would just have to stay where he was for now. And he would have to bide his time and hope that over the next few years, as their own children grew, he would get the opportunity to make good his mistake. His heart was owned by the woman at his side, and always would be. He bent down and kissed Harriet’s brow, before both of them pulled the covers up to their chins. ‘I love you, Harriet Atkinson,’ Danny said quietly.
‘And I you, Danny Atkinson,’ Harriet whispered, half-asleep.
‘Goodnight, my love. All will be well in the end.’ Danny turned and blew out the bedside candle and gazed into the darkness of the night, hoping that his words rang true and that all would be well in their world. Time would tell, no doubt.
Bill Brown sat across from his young grandson and decided to say what had been on his mind for some time.
‘I’m buggered, lad. This old ticker of mine can’t go on for much longer.’ He looked at his well-built grandson, the lad he knew was the love-child of his daughter Amy and the farmer Danny Atkinson. ‘Now, after my day Ragged Hall is yours, do you hear? Don’t let that bastard over at Slaidburn take it off you. It should have been your mother’s, but I’m leaving it to you.’ Bill caught his breath and dropped his head as he thought of the loveless marriage that his daughter was in.
‘Nay, Grandfather, it should be my mother’s, not mine. Besides, you are not going anywhere yet, so don’t talk of suchlike.’ Daniel’s eyes filled with tears, for his grandfather had been his saviour, rescuing him from a life no better than a servant with his so-called family.
‘You know why I’m leaving it to you, lad. Your mother’s told you that you were conceived out of wedlock and to a different father from the rest of her brood. You are Danny Atkinson’s son – his bloody father was only in our farmyard a week or two back. I thought then that I should have said something to him, to set you up right, after my day. Like a fool, I didn’t, but there’s nowt stopping you from making yourself known to them at Windfell Manor after my day. They are a good family. Archie and I went to school together – if you could call the few days we did attend, between helping our fathers out on the farm, schooling. Archie looked at you when I was talking to him, and I know he recognized you as one of his own. With that mop on your head, you stick out like a sore thumb – a right Atkinson. No wonder your stepfather at Slaidburn hated you.’
Daniel hung his head. ‘Why didn’t Mr Atkinson come and say something to me? Am I something to be ashamed of – a dirty secret, best left alone?’
‘Nay, lad, Archie is not like that, nor is his lad, Danny. It’s the first time he had seen you. As far as they were aware, you were a Bland. After all, your mother wed and disappeared from Danny’s life. Danny went on to wed and have a family of his own, and both your mother and he had to make the best of it.’
‘My mother has always told me that the Atkinsons are well-to-do. That they are wealthy, and that part of that wealth should one day be mine. But I’m not bothered about the money. I just want to be acknowledged as Danny Atkinson’s son.’ Daniel lowered his head, remembering his childhood at Slaidburn with the Bland family. A childhood filled with misery, when he was treated like a dog – not a human being with feelings – by his stepfather and stepbrothers. His mother was the only one who showed him affection. She talked about better days before she was married, with a twinkle in her eye and a lightness in her voice.
‘Aye, well, like I say, get yourself known to them, after my day. They’ll do right by you, once they ken who you are.’ Bill breathed in deeply and closed his eyes.
‘I will, Grandfather. With your blessing, I will.’ Daniel sat back in his chair and looked around the kitchen of Ragged Hall. A farm of his own and a family to call his own – that was all he had ever wished for. And now it lay within his grasp.
Rosie lay on her back next to Ethan. It was a dazzling warm day. The air was alive with the buzz of insects and the hot sun shone down on them both, making them feel lazy. It was a day to relax and enjoy.
‘Your father will wonder where I’ve got to. I don’t want to upset the apple cart in my first week of working at Crummock.’ Ethan rolled over onto his side and looked at the innocent young woman alongside him. The sun shone on her fine blonde hair, making it look like angel’s breath. He watched as she closed her eyes to shelter them from the sun’s rays. Her long, fine lashes threw shadows on her blushing red cheeks as she lay enjoying the summer heat.
‘Don’t worry, Ethan, he and my grandfather have gone to the market in Settle. They won’t be
back until before supper, and they’ll not even know you’ve gone,’ she whispered, as she stretched out over the bed of wild thyme that omitted its heady herbal perfume around them.
‘But your ma! Won’t she be missing you?’ Ethan lay back down and looked into the sun.
‘She’ll not miss me, nor you. I often wander, once I’ve done my chores. As long as I turn up for my supper, she’ll not think anything of it.’ Rosie opened her eyes and turned onto her side to look at the young dark-skinned, curly-haired lad. Feeling full of mischief, she picked a sprig of purple-flowering thyme and tickled him under the nose with it, teasing him as he lay back with his arms under his head.
‘Stop it, you tease.’ Ethan wiped under his nose and laughed. ‘Where do you wander to? You shouldn’t really, not on your own.’ He looked concerned.
‘Depends how I feel. Sometimes I just walk down into Wharfe.’ She pointed down at the hamlet that lay tucked under the limestone outcrops below them. ‘Sometimes I walk over to Clapham and wander through the grand garden that the Farrer family owns. And sometimes I walk over the fells, nearly into Horton. Wherever I go, I prefer to be out on my own. You can smell the breeze and feel the sun on your face while listening to the skylarks singing, without having to be bothered to talk to anybody.’ Rosie tucked her skirts under her knees and sat clasping her hands around her legs. ‘I need to be outside, not helping my mother wash or bake in the kitchen. Sometimes I wish I had been born a boy. I’d have been able to help my father more then, and be outside all the time.’
‘Well, I’m glad you weren’t born a lad.’ Ethan looked at the lass with her long blonde hair, which was whipping over her face in the slight breeze of the fellside, and felt a flutter within him that he’d not experienced before. ‘Could I come with you on your walks?’ Unlike Jane, Rosie had the same love of the natural world around her as he felt. She respected nature and the people in her life, and he in turn respected her for that.