Wellchester Triplets Series: A Historical Regency Romance Box Set

by Laura Locke

  “Might there be an opportunity for me to bathe? You see, I’ve recently had a mishap with the fire and have only just now come from Dr. Burroughs’ office. He has ordered me to maintain a scrupulous cleanliness so that my wounds heal without delay.”

  “Of course. I will have a bathing tub and hot water sent to you immediately. Your room includes two meals a day and tea at four o’clock, if you would care to join us.”

  Richard nodded. He was unaccustomed to a routine which included tea, but he was a full grown young man who needed sustenance as often as he could find it. He also knew it was imperative that he become familiar with the townspeople, so as to elicit their business. “I would be most happy to join you. I was also wondering if you might happen to know of the location where I might set up my business? I am a farrier and would like to include the ability to board and groom horses, as well as to sell feed for animals and seeds for farming.”

  Sarah’s eyebrows rose. She was clearly impressed by his ambition. “As a matter-of-fact, Miss Eliza’s father, the Squire, might be just the individual who may be able to help you. He owns a considerable number of establishments here in the village, as well as most of the property that adjoins it. I believe he is out of town at the moment, but we expect his return imminently. I will ask him to join us at tea upon his return and will make the necessary introductions.” He could tell that tea was the highlight of Sarah Newman’s days.

  Richard had the curious impression that Sarah was extremely familiar with Squire Barrington. Her tone of voice suggested an intimacy that exceeded that of employer and employee. It mattered not to him, for at the moment his primary goal was to establish himself with regular income. He had to admit, however, that he also felt an interest in Eliza, but in his current state, he couldn’t hope to approach her. He nodded and Sarah smiled and left the room, closing the door behind herself.

  It was a short time thereafter when there was a knock at the door and Richard opened it to find a boy; buckets of water in either hand. “Please, sir, I brought your bath.”

  Richard nodded and pointed to an empty wall in the room. “You may set it up there.”

  The boy nodded and entered the room, followed by another boy who carried a hammered tub, which he set as Richard indicated. The first boy emptied his pockets into the vessel. “I will return shortly, sir, with more water.” Sure enough, he returned promptly with two more buckets and then once more with the last two. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slice of lye soap and handed it to Richard, along with a length of thick fabric with which to dry himself. “If you will just let one of us know when you have finished, sir, I will be happy to return and remove the tub.”

  Richard nodded, and pressed a small coin into the palm of the boy’s hand. “Thank you. Might I know your name?”

  “Yes, sir. Those who know me call me Robbie. I am much obliged.” Robbie turned toward the door, looking back with a brief smile of friendliness and then left Richard to his bath.

  Richard was about to begin disrobing when there came another tap at the door. He opened it to find Sarah, a package in her hands. “Miss Eliza set these for you, sir.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Newman.”

  “You may call me Sarah, Mr. Wellchester. That’s how I’m known. And it’s not missus, for I’ve never married.”

  “Very well, Sarah. And you may call me Richard.”

  She held out the package and nodded, leaving him without another word. Richard opened the packages to find a full set of practical clothing. Eliza had read him well, as well as his circumstances, without embarrassing him. He appreciated that and it endeared her to him all the more.

  He sank into the shallow hot water of the tub, careful not to lean back so that he might dampen the bandages covering his back wounds. Although the soap was effective, it stung greatly as he rubbed it over his arm wounds. He chose instead to rub between the palms of his hand and lightly smooth it over his skin, which effectively removed the dirt and cinders without being abrasive to the skin that had already begun to heal. He leaned forward and shampooed his hair, realizing it was the first time it had been properly shampooed since he’d left Tymington, some weeks earlier. The water felt luxurious and when he stepped out of the tub and dried, he felt greatly restored. He was embarrassed that he had met Eliza before having remedied his appearance, but there had been no way around it.

  Richard looked forward to becoming better acquainted with Eliza, but in the meantime, he left his room and went in search of a meal. Sarah told him that he had missed breakfast, but she made him a quick sandwich of thick bread and slices of beef and handed these to him, along with a glass of milk. You may take these with you to your room and I will retrieve them when I come to make up your bed tomorrow morning. Tea is at four o’clock in the parlor and a tray for supper will be brought to your room this evening. If you don’t mind my saying so, Richard, you look as though you could use a rest.”

  “Most observant, Sarah. Indeed, I plan to consume this delicious sandwich you’ve given me, and if you will send Master Robbie to retrieve the tub, I believe I will, indeed, rest for the afternoon. I thank you.”

  Sarah nodded, her face soft and motherly as she patted him gently on the arm. “You go along now. I’ll have Robbie there directly.”

  Richard slept away a good part of the afternoon, not waking until Robbie brought his dinner tray to the room. Sarah was a very good cook and the roast chicken, new potatoes and tender carrots tasted as good as Christmas dinner to Richard. He was happy to spy two books lying on the mantle over his fireplace. Upon further inspection, they were both of interest to him, so he lit the candle at his bedside, fashioned the pillows into a soft support for his aching back and settled down to read until it was time to sleep again.

  The next day he presented himself at Dr. Burroughs’ office early in the morning. He asked about the availability of appropriate accommodations for his business. Dr. Burroughs agreed to make inquiries on his behalf and as Richard left, he spotted Eliza, stacking bolts of cloth in her father’s mercantile. She turned and smiled at him shyly. “I trust Sarah has made you comfortable?”

  “Indeed, she most definitely has. I thank you very much for the referral. If I may, I understand that your father owns considerable property in the area. Sarah indicated that he is currently a way but upon his return, I was hoping he might join us for tea so that I may discuss finding accommodation for my business.”

  “Yes, Father is away, at the moment, but we expect him back in the next day or two. I wonder what sort of accommodation you require?”

  “Ideally, a barn with stalls, a space where I may set up my farrier operation and a loft where I may store bags of seed and livestock feed that I intend to sell.”

  Her face took on a puzzled look. “How curious that no one has mentioned to you the availability of Mr. Duncan’s small farm, just north of the village. Mr. Duncan was in the employ of my father, looking after my father’s tenant farms and he worked here in the mercantile. Sadly, he passed, and I believe his farm is still available. In fact, I believe that he leased it from my father. Perhaps this is something you might discuss with him when you meet?”

  “That sounds ideal. I look forward to it. Oh, and how much do I owe you for the clothing you sent over?”

  “I’ve opened an account for you, Mr. Wellchester. I’m quite certain after your unfortunate incident, you would prefer to settle after you’ve had some time to become established. Indeed, should you and my father work out an arrangement with regard to the farm, you may rest assured that your credit is welcomed here.”

  “Thank you, Miss Barrington.”

  She shook her head. “I would be most pleased if you would address me as Eliza, Richard,” she advanced shyly.

  “It would be my pleasure.” Richard walked toward the door but stopped and turned, saying, “Might I add, Eliza, that you have certainly turned my luck for the better?” Although it was a question, he did not expect a reply, but nodded as he opened the door and
left.

  Chapter 9

  While Eliza was as charming as a songbird on a spring’s day, her father was clearly her contrast. Richard sat on a red velvet chair in the parlor as Sarah reigned over afternoon tea. Sarah had given him a short biography on the squire. He was a widower, having lost his wife and only son in childbirth. He had considerable wealth, was highly respected and a bit brusque, in her opinion.

  Squire Barrington, as he was known, glowered from the matching chair opposite him. Richard had just mentioned the availability of the farm and wondered whether the squire had found a new tenant.

  “No, at the moment, it remains vacant. However, I have had inquiries. As you may have learned, I own considerable property in the area and prefer to take adequate time to find the appropriate tenant. A bad influence can be catastrophic in a young and vibrant community, I’m sure you will agree.” Eliza must have also inherited her looks from her mother as Squire Barrington was a stout man, balding and a rather flushed look to his complexion that suggested that he imbibed regularly. Richard tried not to be judgmental, given his lack of advantage in the ongoing negotiations.

  “I understand completely, Squire. I would only be too happy to post my parents and request that they forward on personal recommendations from the villagers in Tymington that you may have appropriate references. You see, sir, and I find it embarrassing to admit thus, but as you can see, I am a young man, although very well-trained in my profession. I apprenticed with my father since I was a young boy. My family is highly respected in the community as I’m sure the references will confirm. I am, however, at the moment, short on funds due to a fire which destroyed not only my wagon, but a good deal of my personal possessions. I was lucky enough to come across a group of travelers who aided me in rebuilding a new wagon, but that endeavor utilized the funds I had reserved as investment to begin my business. I suppose I should be quite blunt and say that it’s necessary that I set up very soon so that I may restore my income. I’m sure you will understand.”

  The squire sat back in the chair, placing his feet on a tapestry footstool nearby. It was apparent from his body language that he had been one of Sarah’s guests many times before. He seemed quite comfortable in his surroundings. He thought for a few moments and then nodded. “Mr. Wellchester…”

  “Please, Squire, feel free to call me Richard. I prefer that our relationship be professional when it comes to business, but comfortably personal otherwise.”

  “Very well, Richard. You may continue, however, to address me as Squire.” Richard suppressed a small grin at the pompous man before him but since his fate lay in that man’s hands, the utmost respect was required. The Squire went on, “I am hard-pressed to find fault with you. Your manners are superb, and I assume credit should be given your parents, telling me that they are obviously fine folk. At this point, the property in question lies vacant and as we both know, that can have an adverse effect as it is not being maintained properly. While I have had other inquiries, I will be quite candid in saying that of the applicants, I am most impressed with you. I should also add that my daughter was equally impressed, as was young Dr. Burroughs and even Sarah here. I take those recommendations seriously.”

  He paused to take a drink of his tea and to shove an entire tea sandwich into his mouth in one gulp. He motioned to Sarah, who rose and took a small flask from a side table and poured an ample amount into the Squire’s tea. He nodded his approval.

  “While this may surprise you, I am more concerned that the property have a tenant than in the income I may initially receive. Therefore, I have decided to make an offer to you.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Hear me out, young man. I will allow you to become the tenant of my farm. My daughter may have explained to you that the previous tenant also served as manager for some of my tenant farms. That work requires a monthly visit to each to ensure that they are being kept up properly, to collect the rent and in the fall, my share of their crop. Therefore, I make you this offer. I will allow you to take possession of the farm in question without rent, and in return, you shall manage my tenant farms as described, with the addition that you will see to maintaining their horses. As you can imagine, most of those are working animals, used two public plow or wagon. It is critical that they remain healthy and well shod. Have we an understanding, young Richard?”

  Richard stood and extended his hand, which the squire grasped immediately. “Indeed, Squire, we have a deal. It is a most generous offer and I gladly accept. You have my word as a gentleman that you will be quite pleased with the result.”

  The Squire nodded, picking up another sandwich. His overly full lips had a small drool in one corner and crumbs from the previous bites lay upon his black velvet vest. “I have no doubt of that. Should you not meet your responsibilities, you will not only be without your business and the roof over your head, but I will see to it personally that you are run out of the village and your reputation ruined throughout the countryside. I mean that not as a threat, but as a promise and guarantee of penalty, should you default from our agreement.”

  Richard released the Squire’s hand and stood tall. “I accept your offer and your conditions, sir.” He nodded in Sarah’s direction, suspecting that she wished some time alone with the Squire. “Sarah, this has been a delicious tea but now if you will excuse me, I have much work to do. Might I also add that tonight will be my last beneath your roof. If you will total my accounts, I will settle up with you in the morning before I leave.” Richard turned back to the Squire. “I assume, sir, that I can readily find someone to give me direction. I plan to visit your mercantile and procure the necessary provisions for establishing myself at the farm. However, sir, I would like to add one more thing. Out of appreciation, I would be most pleased to extend continual care of your personal horses, as well as any other iron work you may require with my compliments.”

  “I accept your offer and consider it most generous, if not also exceptionally astute. I believe, Richard, that you have a bright future ahead of you. Yes, you should stop by the mercantile. I believe my daughter can provide whatever you need. I have hired a new man to look after that establishment and I expect him to arrive this afternoon. I wish you well and promise to stop by from time to time to check on your progress. By the by, the rents from the tenants are due at the end of this month, as they are currently harvesting. You should be prepared to collect accordingly, and I will send by my business manager to give you a list of the rents and the names of those tenants. His name is Weatherly and you should expect to deal directly with him from this point forward.”

  “Very well and thank you sir.” Richard nodded with a short bow to Sarah and returned to his room, rejoicing in his advantageous luck.

  Chapter 10

  Richard found his new home without any problem. Climbing down, he stood with his hands on his hips and surveyed it. Striding toward the barn, a dog came out from beneath a hen house, barking. He bent to pet the dog who instantly calmed and licked his hand. Richard had always had an affinity for animals—one of the reasons he was so well-suited for his profession.

  “I don’t know your name, but shall ask the squire. In the meantime, I’ll call you Boy,” Richard told the animal amicably. The two of them entered the barn and Richard was delighted to see it held four full stalls, a ladder to the loft overhead and a large, open area that most likely had been used for grooming. It would serve quite well as his shop.

  The house was a small tenant’s cottage. Its thatched roof looked in good repair and the interior was white-washed. Richard realized he had no furniture of his own, so the bed, table with two chairs and rocker by the fireplace were a welcomed sight. A pump handle indicated the well was placed just behind the cottage and Richard could see the remnants of a small garden. It was too late in the year to plant, but he would be prepared for the next.

  Sylvia, his mother, had a green thumb and had taught all three of her children to work in the garden. It was widely admired by others and produced
enough food to last through the cold months. She had stored its surplus in a subterranean cave beside a stream that ran at the back of their property. Richard had inherited her talent and that was part of the consideration for why he intended to sell gardening seeds. He planned to enlarge the gardening space and build a waiting table with benches next to it. Farrier customers could rest there and admire it – or even snatch a fresh carrot to munch on. He knew that would lead to more seed business.

  He made a mental note that he would plan to acquire a cow and perhaps a pair of hogs when he could afford it. Things were looking up, although if he hoped to ever be considered by someone as fine as Eliza Barrington, he had yet some ground to cover.

  He backed his wagon up to the barn and began unloading his workshop. It was growing dark when he left the barn and went into the cottage. He’d stopped by the mercantile on his way out and purchased some basic stores from which he made a simple dinner. He added the quilts given him to the bed and went outside to wash beneath the pump. There were so many things he needed to acquire, like a bucket to haul the water. They would come in time. For the moment, however, it felt exceedingly fine to sleep beneath a roof he could call his own.

  Richard travelled into the village, heading directly for the mercantile. To his disappointment, Eliza’s dark head was nowhere to be seen. There was, in her place, a Mr. Billings, who informed Richard that Miss Barrington would no longer be working. Richard ordered some supplies and put a few on his account, including a bucket, a few tools for working the garden, some additional foodstuffs for the winter and, a pillow. He also purchased some cloth to sew himself some shirts. His mother was an excellent seamstress and although she had focused on training her daughters, the lessons had not escaped Richard. His work may not be acceptable as a tailor, but it could certainly keep him clothed inexpensively.