by Daye, Elissa
“Because I know that Lord Timberlin has been away for the better part of the past few years. I could see the guilt in his eyes when he looked at how much Sophia had grown in his absence. I am very good at reading people, Desiree. What I don’t know is why he would choose to be away from her, and what exactly happened to Maria Timberlin.”
“That is a something I cannot answer, my lady. I am not at liberty to discuss the former Lady Timberlin. Lord Timberlin forbids it.”
“I see. No worries, my dear. I will find out soon enough from Lord Timberlin himself. I won’t rest until I do.” And it was true. She would do whatever she could to get the truth from her dear husband. It was a secret that burned dark holes into any kind of happiness that struggled to lighten the space between the walls of Wickford Manor. She had felt the impending doom lash out at her before she had even stepped forth onto Wickford grounds. She had known that she was walking into a veritable nightmare that night, but she had never run from a challenge and she would not start now.
Both of the women turned to the sound of high-pitched shrieks, not because Sophia’s cries were that of a frightened child, but because they had formed into something that both of them could make out as a word. “Mule!” The toddler was squirming underneath the large beast as he gave her face a tongue bath. Giggles erupted in the silence around them and every once in a while the dog’s name would leap past her lips.
“Did you hear that?” Desiree looked at Malinda in wonder. “She has never said a peep up until now. I just can’t believe it.”
“Believe it, my dear. The world works in mysterious ways.” Malinda stood swiftly and ran over to where the girl was trapped under Mule’s overly affectionate display. “Mule, up!” The dog rose obediently and came to her side. Malinda held out her arms, an open invitation for Sophia to run into them. Malinda wrapped her arms around her and hoisted her up in the air. She put her nose to the little girl’s hair and breathed in her innocence. She planted kisses on Sophia’s face and hugged her again. “I love you, Sophia! Such a smart girl.”
“Mama.” Sophia’s arms clung around Malinda’s neck and she melted into a puddle in the little girl’s arms. Malinda turned to Desiree and was not surprised to find tears in the maid’s eyes. Soon both of the women felt silly for the tears running down their faces.
“It’s a miracle, my lady.”
“Yes, it surely is.” They all walked back to the manor with Sophia hanging onto each of their hands. Malinda and Desiree took turns pointing out plants, trees, and birds and were amazed at how much the child chattered after them. It was a ray of light in the darkness that had surrounded Wickford, and Malinda would do whatever she could to make sure it chased all the clouds away.
Chapter 19
The days passed quickly. Many moments were saturated with images that charred the back of her mind. Passionate nights, mornings, and sometimes afternoons with her husband mingled into separateness from her sweetly innocent days with Sophia, as she helped the little girl learn more about the world around them. New memories contrasted deeply against the ones she had previously held close to her heart.
Today Grant was taking Malinda and Sophia for a ride in the tiny buggy. Sophia snuggled close to Malinda as they traveled the length of Wickford, and Malinda was very surprised to learn that the long stretch of land surrounding Wickford went much further than she and Sophia had been able to explore. She was amazed at the rows of dirt that had been tilled in the massive fields to the east. Long wooden fences separated the fields from the small dirt path that the small cart traveled upon.
Much farther from the manor was an entire community of people, much like Tinley Faire, but Tinley paled in comparison. Wickford was much more than a manor. It was a veritable town, and its people were thriving. Malinda found that the people worked the land rent-free, something Malinda felt was unheard of, something that reflected her husband’s true depth of character. Grant cared deeply about his people and their mutual respect and admiration was clear. He knew every person by name, knew the age of every child. It seemed strange that he could know so much of his people, yet so little of his own child. Malinda would continue to promote change in this area, for surely someone so caring could spend the same effort on his own daughter.
As Grant introduced his wife to the people that gathered around the wagon Malinda blushed under the scrutiny of each and every gaze. She suddenly felt like a hundred ants were climbing up her back as their eyes pierced through her. She had smiled politely to the crowd and thanked them for their warm welcome. All the while they attempted to pretend that they were not so ill at ease in her presence. It was almost as if they had sized her up and found her lacking for a moment.
“It is my pleasure to be able to serve you all. I am truly honored to meet you all. This is my daughter, Sophia.” When she offered an introduction to the young mistress, introducing her as her daughter, quite a few eyes had suddenly changed before her. It was like the calm after a storm. Her heart was full, for she saw that the little girl next to her smiled timidly, but kept her chin up just as Malinda had taught her. Malinda could not have been more proud at the courage the little girl displayed during a situation that was completely foreign to her.
Malinda took the hand that Grant offered her, and the smile on his face took her breath away. Clearly this outing was much more of a test than she had first thought it to be. After she stepped down she kissed him softly on the cheek and blushed at the loud cheer that rang around them.
Malinda ushered Sophia off to play with some of the children as she did her rounds among the people, learning names and faces. If Grant treasured his people then she was sure he would expect her to find a common bond with them as well. Grant disappeared from her side, as she expected him to do. She assumed there were pressing matters that he needed to deal with while she visited with the women of Wickford. She spent the better part of her day learning about the daily running of Wickford. Their main commerce was the wheat and barley that grew in the fields, for Wickford was well known for its fertile soil. The town had several cellars where they stored goods from the heat of the summer suns and the wild winter winds. All of the people shared the load and it was easy to see they were a close-knit community.
When Grant returned Malinda’s head was starting to hurt, and it felt like her brain was on overload. She had not slept very well in the past few days and it was starting to show. It was time to return to the manor and Malinda waved a fond farewell to the women that had shared their day with her. As the buggy took off Sophia’s little eyes fluttered as she drifted off to sleep next to Malinda. They rode in an easy silence and arrived at the manor just as dinner was being served.
When they returned to Wickford Grant had informed her that they would be traveling to Tir Marquette in the morning. He kept their lovemaking simple that night as he wanted them both to have enough energy for the next day. Truth be told, Grant had gathered her in his arms to hold her as she drifted off to sleep, but she could not stand being near him without feeling every inch of his body. He succumbed easily to her touch and they were both quickly lost in the moment.
When the morning sun first splintered the darkness Malinda was not surprised to find that Grant had already risen. She quickly attended to her own morning rituals and put on her best traveling dress, the same lilac dress she had worn when she arrived at the steps of Wickford Manor. She carefully twisted her black hair into a neat bun at the nape of her neck and pursed her lips in deep contemplation. Today they were heading to Tir Marquette, the grand illustrious city where commerce reigned supreme. She had never dreamed of entering the beautiful city before she had become Grant’s wife, so it was still very much like a fairytale that had come true.
Malinda was seated next to Grant in a carriage with Desiree and Sophia seated on the opposite side. Malinda smiled sadly as she remembered the whimpering mastiff that they had left back home. Mule would miss them dreadfully, but he would be more comfortable at home then he would being stuck inside a room
at the inn.
It took the better part of the morning to reach Tir Marquette and they had filled their day taking in the scenery and answering curious questions from Sophia. Malinda’s breath caught in her chest when she first saw the large buildings looming on the horizon. There were so many, and all of them were different shapes and sizes. They traveled over the bridge that led into the city in moments. Malinda saw the wonder in Sophia’s face as she experienced the town for the first time too. Suddenly she felt a kindred spirit with the child, for this was a grand adventure for both of them.
The buildings on the outskirts of the town were domiciles. There were children playing in the streets, women walking petite dogs, and men striking up conversations with their neighbors. When they reached the middle of the town Malinda saw a magnificent church erected with a tower so tall she thought she would get a crick in her neck from staring at it. Malinda had never entered the doors of a church before, afraid that her idea of religion would not mesh well with the people who worshipped within its walls. The church was surrounded with a large park with the greenest grass and a beautiful, meticulously sculptured flower garden. Malinda would certainly be more at home within that fenced-in park than any other place of worship, for that was where her soul felt the most comfort.
The roads were set with many colored cobblestones and the clatter of horse hooves clicked like the fast moving hands of a clock. They followed the roads around the church and Malinda smirked when she saw two taverns facing the church. She wondered how many gentlemen entered the buildings before and after a church service to create their own sanctified libations. A laugh escaped her mouth too quickly to cover. She refused to meet the probing eyes of her husband and continued to look out the window. They were stopping in front of a large building with a sign that indicated it was the Regency Inn. The women remained seated in the carriage as Grant went in to request some rooms. When Grant came back out he assisted them out of the carriage and led them up to their rooms.
When she reached her room at the top of the stairs Malinda was glad to have a place to freshen up. Grant and Malinda would share a room, while Desiree and Sophia had the room at the end of the hall. Malinda hated for Sophia to be so far away from them in a strange town, but understood that they had to take whatever rooms were available. She poured water in the basin sitting on top of the water stand and dipped her hands into the cool liquid. She splashed water on her face and took a deep relaxing breath. She murmured softly as Grant’s lips touched the back of her neck.
“Ready to explore?”
“I’m as ready as I am going to be today.” Malinda turned and faced Grant. She ran her hand over his beard before pulling him down for a kiss. It felt good to be able to offer part of her up to him at any time, even if it was a warm sensual kiss.
“Desiree is tending to Sophia. They are going to stay at the inn while we find some furnishings for the manor.” Grant pulled away from Malinda and held out his hand to her. They had a lot to do today and they could not afford to give in to the fires that ignited so easily between them.
“Lead the way, my lord.” She saw the small smirk that ate up the corners of his mouth, and a chuckle caught in his throat as he shook his head at her.
Grant and Malinda went to three different shops that afternoon. Each one held enough furniture to easily fill up Wickford Manor, but their needs were simple. They were searching for items that would be suitable for a nursery. They picked out three small desks with tiny chairs that Sophia would fit easily upon. Malinda had explained to Grant that they only needed one desk and chair, but he could not be swayed. They found child sized bookcases, a large chalkboard that could hang easily on the wall, paintings of lullabies and fairytales, and a brand new rocking chair with a unicorn’s head carved into the back.
After the furniture stores they went to a bookstore. When they asked for books for a nursery the shopkeeper led them to the back wall. Malinda had never seen so many children’s books and had never dreamed that they existed. She picked up several and handed them over to the shopkeeper, and all the while Grant was smiling mysteriously at her. Grammar books, history books, maps, calendars, she required them all for Sophia. Malinda wanted the little girl to feel confident in the whole world around her, and the only way to do that was to provide her with enough information so that she was well armed for whatever circumstance came her way. Grant offered no argument against her choices, even when the shopkeeper looked at her strangely when she mentioned Sophia’s name.
When they left the bookstore, Malinda spied a toy store. She looked up at Grant as if to ask his permission, and a smile lit up his face. “Can we?”
“Of course. I do believe amidst all the learning you are expecting the poor girl to do that she should be allowed some play time.”
Malinda squeezed his hand and gave him what she hoped was her brightest smile. “Why Lord Timberlin, I do believe you are buttering me up.”
“Is it working?”
“Always.” They strolled across the street and made their way over to the toy store. It was a small building and had there not been a carved rocking horse in the window Malinda might have missed it completely. When they entered the building they saw toys lining the walls and floors. There were dolls with breakable faces and sparkling dresses, and wooden toys with wheels and pull strings lined the shelves. At the back Malinda saw a large dollhouse with intricate furniture carved from delicate wood. She had always dreamed of such a house when she was a younger child. She knew that Sophia would love it.
While she knew that Wickford was prosperous, she did not know how much she should spend, especially on such frivolities. She looked up at Grant in askance. “So what should we get her?”
“Whatever you like, Malinda. Make sure she has enough to keep her happily occupied.”
When they were finished at the toy store Malinda had picked out the dollhouse, three small dolls with beautiful silk dresses, a wooden duck with a beak that moved when the wheels slid along the floor, colorful building blocks, a child-sized paint set, and a wagon with wooden horses. She hoped that when they put them in the nursery, it would lighten up the space. She also bought her own paints, for she had some ideas about altering the seriousness of the nursery by adding a wall with one large mural. It would take a week or more to get the items to Wickford, for some of them were being personalized. Malinda managed to leave the store with a small stuffed rag doll with a light pink dress.
When they had finished eating dinner, Malinda snuck into Sophia’s room holding the rag doll behind her back. She waited until Desiree had finished brushing the brown curls before she stepped closer to her. “My little love, I have a gift for you.” Malinda brought the tiny rag doll forward and was happy to see the delirious glow that lit up her face. She handed the doll to Sophia and patted her gently on the head. “Now listen up, Sophia. This tiny ragamuffin is afraid of the dark. She likes to be hugged tightly through the night as it gives her courage. She wants to go wherever you go, for she gets lonely. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mama.”
Every time Sophia called her Mama her heart melted into a puddle at her feet. Sophia’s eyes were so solemn as she reached for the doll that Malinda had trouble keeping a straight face. “Come here, my pet. One last hug before Desiree tucks you in for the evening.” She held Sophia lightly in her arms and patted her back gently with her hands. “Good night, then.”
When Malinda returned to her room she was not surprised to find that Grant had already fallen asleep. They had accomplished a lot in a small amount of time. She climbed into bed beside him and watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest. She could not help but admire the masterpiece that was her husband. No sculptor could ever have created the sharp planes of his face hidden beneath the golden hair of his beard. The depth of his eyes was so light that their color was reminiscent of the finest gold. She already knew every inch of him better than her own body, and every muscle was forever captured in her mind. She closed her eyes and knew instinc
tively that she would dream about her golden lover again tonight and she counted herself lucky to be able to wake up in his arms. Her desire for him was real, yet tainted with the reminder that while she could feed into the physical nature of their relationship, she must continue to push against any emotional bonds between them. Her life, the magic of Lena that created her, demanded it.
Chapter 20
Malinda slept well that night, snuggled deep within Grant’s arms. Even though she was in unfamiliar surroundings his energy was a peaceful balm that rocked her gently to sleep with the sweet rhythm of his lovemaking—a surprise, for she had thought he would remain asleep. She awoke to an empty room with the light of day barely sending its glow through the window. She rubbed the remainder of sleep from her eyes and prepared for the day.
When Malinda opened the door she heard giggles erupt from the end of the hallway. She smiled when the door opened up to show Sophia squirming with squeals of laughter as Grant tickled her relentlessly. Both of them were so entertained by their antics that they did not see Malinda. Malinda coughed loudly into her hand.
“Mama!” Sophia pushed so hard against Grant that he almost lost his grip on the child.
“Traitor.” His teasing voice trailed down the hallway as Sophia launched herself at Malinda.
“Mama, look!” Sophia held up her little ragdoll in triumph.
“I see you’re keeping her safe. We’ll have to think of a proper name for her soon.” Malinda scooped the little girl up in her arms and planted tiny kisses across her forehead before setting her back down. Desiree came around and held out a hand to Sophia.
They all descended the stairs to eat the delicious breakfast that the Regency Inn was well known for. The table was covered in fresh fruits, jams, toasts, muffins and freshly brewed tea and coffee. Malinda felt her stomach rumble as a plate of freshly cooked food was placed before each of them. The tantalizing smells from the toast covered in poached eggs, ham that was still sizzling hot, pancakes smothered in maple syrup, and light fluffy biscuits were all teasing her nostrils. It did not take much prompting for them to dig deep into their food, and it disappeared quickly from their plates. By the time Malinda was finished her stomach was so stuffed she thought she would have trouble moving.