Maggie's Child (15 page)

Maggie placed the basket on a chair and remembered the pup inside. Grateful for the distraction she lifted him out and held him in both hands. She put his face to hers, nose to nose. It was cold, a good sign.

‘Well, he’s better than a basket of eggs. What a dandy looking little fellow. Is he a weakling?’Stephen ran his finger over the head of the pup. His finger lingered dangerously close to her breast and Maggie reacted as swiftly as she could to prevent the further caresses she knew would follow.

‘Here, hold him for me. He’s blind in one eye, I think. I will get him some egg and milk. He is sweet. Two others have survived. Meg had them in the barn two weeks back, Jacob noticed the runt, but never mentioned it until today. He chose to leave this little one to struggle.’  

‘He has a habit of doing that, your husband. Leaving little ones to struggle.’ Maggie chose to ignore the double entendre in his words. She was not going to rise to the bait and slander her husband. ‘He is blind in both eyes I fear. Look if I move my fingers in front of his eyes he does not follow. He is useless I am afraid.’ Stephen said.

‘Nothing is useless. He deserves a chance.’ Maggie replied. ‘Here little one. A feast for you.’

Hungrily the pup lapped and sucked drop after drop of mashed bread and milk. He wagged his tail and disgraced himself on her pinafore. Stephen found it hilarious and the pair laughed together.

‘Just what I need, more washing.’ She removed her apron and settled the pup in a box by the fire.

‘With you in control of his life, I think he stands a chance. A lucky dog.’ Stephen’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

‘Stop that talk. We should not meet like this. My husband is in town on business, and I think you have been inside with me long enough. The night of the murder was different, but now you have no reason to dally here. I am going to attend to my fowl; you can stay and watch should you wish. Even better you could lend a hand.’ Maggie laughed at her idea.

‘You tempt me, madam. I am here on business should you wish to know. I have come to inform you that the bottom field has two damaged fences, so do not graze your sheep until your men have repaired them. You would not want to lose a flock. I noticed it while exercising Raven.’

‘Gracious, no we do not, thank you. Now, I become Mrs Sawbury outside this door, you understand?’

She leant against the door frame and with one movement Stephen brushed his lips against her cheek. Maggie gasped at his audacity.

‘I understand, Mrs Sawbury.’ Stephen winked in a suggestive manner and Maggie opened the door. The chemistry was too strong for them to stay in the room together any longer.

They walked to his horse and Maggie had the pleasure of watching him remount. How she wished she could ride off with him, just leave the farm and Jacob. To sit behind him and wrap her arms around his slender waist. To lay her head on his broad shoulder while the wind whipped through her hair. To fly through fields and towns on an endless journey.

 While she collected eggs, Maggie tried to imagine life away from the farm. It was easy enough to imagine it without Jacob, but not without her. Windtop was dull and grey to look at, but it was her home. She had made it a comfortable residence and her heart was in every brick.

The sound of hooves brought her out of her daydream. She peeped through the gap in the henhouse door. Stephen had come back to the farm. She straightened her pinafore, and composed herself. He always made her feel flustered. One look or one movement could set her off; he had a way about him.

‘Mr Avenell, you return. What have we done to deserve two visits in one day?’Maggie felt the first spots of rain upon her face. ‘You have brought rain with you sir, perhaps you should get home before it sets in for the day.’

If you stay, I will not resist you. You are a danger to me. Please go.

‘I came to tell you I have set two of my men to repair your fence. They were found in need of work. Lazing in a barn is not my idea of work,’ he added as an afterthought ‘It is more of a pleasure.’

‘Thank you. It was very kind. I will mention it to my husband upon his return. Now please excuse me, I have a pup to attend to before he creates more laundry.’ Maggie smiled and started towards the house.

‘It will need an inspection in one hour. I think you should carry it out before the sheep are led in to graze.’ He looked at her with such intensity she realised there was a second meaning to his words.

‘In one hour, it will be either my husband or I who comes to inspect the work. Thank you again for your troubles.’ Maggie was shocked at her boldness. If she went to the field to inspect the fence, she would be paving the way for their friendship to advance further. A dangerous game to play. One half of her hoped Jacob would return and have to carry out the inspection, the other half hoped she had another chance to spend time with Stephen, away from prying eyes.

She left him to turn his horse and leave. She daren’t look back in case one of the workers had been watching them. She had to behave in a normal manner.

The pup took his second feed, and she carried him out to the barn where the dogs were penned in while Jacob was not around. His siblings were playing and his mother sat watching. He ran towards her and tried to nuzzle under her belly, but she lifted her top lip and showed a row of white teeth. A low growl warned Maggie that the pup was not welcome. Meg was normally such a placid dog, nature had its own methods and Maggie decided to keep him back at the house. It was going to be tiring getting him to feed and sleep during regular hours. Plus he had to be kept away from Jacob, blind in one eye was one thing, to be totally blind would be considered a burden. Maggie wanted him; she needed something to love and nurture. She would try her hardest to fight his corner.

On her return to the house, she made a carry pouch to hang around her neck. The makeshift sling rested on her chest, and the pup settled to sleep in his new cocoon. The staff laughed when they saw what she had done.

Lizzie was impressed by Maggie’s idea.

‘You have a great mind for inventions, Maggie. Maybe you could invent a machine to produce the perfect man.’ She grinned. It was good to see her smile; they were rare events since Peter’s death.

‘I am sure there is one out there, Lizzie. He has just got to hear about you first,’ Maggie teased.

‘He would look at you over me, which is a fact I am sure of, Maggie. You have a glow about you today. Will we see a swelling in a few months?’Lizzie stroked the pup and her question hung in the air, until Maggie interpreted its meaning.

‘No, Lizzie. No baby due. The last one was exactly that, I fear. Sadly I am only destined to be the mother of a runt, blind dog. No children will run this farm, and if he doesn’t keep out of Jacob’s way, nor will he.’ A sad atmosphere settled over the two women.

‘What have you called him? And he is going to make it, Maggie, because he has the best mother in the world. You will protect him from harm. He seems healthy enough, and if you train him well, he will find his way around. Come on, give him a name, that way he will have a place on earth.’

‘Oh, I am at a loss. I will think of one later in the day. I have to be away to the house, then to the bottom fields for a fence inspection. Squire has sent his men to repair them, but apparently we have to check them before the flock can enter.’ She made it sound a chore, when secretly she hoped Jacob was delayed. To see Stephen again would make it the perfect day. Whenever she found loneliness overwhelmed her, she thought back to the day at the brook and the evening walk home.

Just when she was leaving the barn, she was struck with inspiration for a name.

‘Brook. I am going to call him Brook. It suits him don’t you think?’

‘I most certainly do. An unusual name though. What made you think on that one?’ Said Lizzie. ‘Hello Brook, welcome to Windtop farm.

‘A pleasant moment in the past-- no other reason.’ Maggie replied with a flippant air. ‘Brook just seems appropriate.’

***

Maggie spent the hour cleaning chamber pots, plus the tools Jacob had instructed her to wash down. She looked at the sharp blade of the castration knife, and wondered how many women would be tempted to use it on their husbands. She giggled at her private thoughts. Something had changed inside of her since she met Stephen. He brought out a person who had been suppressed. Would she have been more bold and daring if she had stayed with her parents, or married off to different farmer? She checked the hour, and decided that Jacob was not going to return in time to go to the fields.

She placed Brook back into his sling and took a slow walk through the lane. Inside the first field she could see their flock grazing with an easy manner. They moved as if one animal, through the lush grasses. Their heads lifted to watch her pass by, she watched as they chewed lazily. Red paint on the hind was a statement. They had bellies full of new life. Lambing in springtime would be a busy one. Maggie envied them, shook off the feeling and gave Brook a tickle around his ear. He stirred and gave a little whimper.

She lifted him down onto the floor, not wanting him to christen the front of her gown. He waddled a few paces and squatted to do his business. The sheep watched him with curiosity. His pink tongue hung from the side of his mouth as he bumped and staggered his way around a large stone. Maggie was enchanted by his stumpy legs and fat belly wobbling from side to side. She scooped him up, and within seconds he was asleep again. Seeing him take his first steps and avoiding obstacles with his constant sniffing made her smile. He was a determined dog.

There were no signs of the men when she reached the bottom of the field. Fresh sliced wood planks and woven willow threads showed there had been considerable damage. She was surprised it had not been noticed by Jacob on previous occasions. Although she suspected he knew, and was waiting until the farmer on the adjoining farm fixed them. It would keep his coins in his pocket. His penny pinching habits were an embarrassment. Fortunately, Stephen dealt with the issue on time.

Brook squirmed, and Maggie took him out and placed him on the floor. He waddled away and she watched again as he manoeuvre his way around. His nose rummaged amongst the grass and his fluffy tail wagged continuously. Maggie sat on a large boulder, pretending she was not really sure why she lingered.

Maggie Sawbury, you know why you are killing time here
.

Not disappointed, she saw her reason ambling along the opposite field. Tall and relaxed, Stephen waved to her.

He is so handsome. Look at his body; those thighs.

Maggie stood up and nodded a greeting.

‘Mrs Sawbury, what luck. I was just coming to inspect the fencing, but I see you have beaten me to it.’ Stephen strode toward the fence and made a play of inspection.

‘There is no one else here, Stephen. Your men have finished their work. A fine job they did too, thank you.’ From the corner of her eye she could see the pup settle into a mound of grass.

‘Brook, you have worn yourself out. Come along, time for another sleep.’ She went over to where he lay.

‘He has a name. An unusual one, I must say. Does it have reference to anything in particular?’ Stephen asked.

‘It may but then again, it may not,’ Maggie giggled.

 Stephen clambered over the fence and lost his footing, he fell onto his back. Maggie laughed and placed Brook on his stomach. Stephen pulled her to the ground, and before she could protest his lips engaged hers. The passion raged through her body, and only fear of being caught brought her to her senses. She pushed him away and stood up. Stephen remained on the floor and rolled onto his back. The pup took the opportunity to investigate. He crawled along, sniffing and licking. Stephen played with him for several minutes. It was a heart warming scene. A black and white bundle of fur and a grown man, rolling around in play. Maggie fought back the urge to join them, the kiss had lit a flame of desire, but she knew to do so would be foolish. Brook found his voice, gave a yap and chased his tail.

Stephen stood up and grinned. ‘I forgot what fun a puppy can be. Ours are reared for hunting, not play. He will bring you joy, his blindness will not hold him back. He is the possessor of a strong character; like his mistress.’

‘Your teasing and flattery will get you nowhere. I should not be here alone with you. If Jacob came now, how would we explain ourselves? A married woman and a single man.’

Stephen brushed his clothing free of grass. What she said was true, but she could see he resented her words. He startled her when his voice cracked with emotion.

‘Listen to me. You are trapped in a marriage; goodness knows how he snagged you. He does not deserve to rise in the morning and see your face, your beautiful face.’ He cupped her cheek with his hand. She nestled her face into his palm for a few seconds before reality struck home, and she pulled her head up abruptly.

‘This is wrong, Stephen. I am going to leave now. Please accept our thanks for repairing the fencing. From now on, if my husband is not home, leave a message with Lizzie. To see you is a painful reminder of what I cannot have in life. You are not available, and out of my social class. You have a flirtatious manner, and if I fall for it any further I will be left with a broken heart. I bid you good afternoon, and goodbye. I was foolish to come alone.’

She turned and walked towards the farm. Inside her chest she held a pain so fierce she could not fathom out what would take it away. Without Stephen, her life would return to the mundane. There would be no daydreams. Yet she knew if she turned back now, it would be the start of a dangerous courtship.

Stephen called out after her. ‘You cannot deny the chemistry between a man and a woman. If they are the right mix, there is nothing can be done. That kiss should have proved it to you. Walk away, but you cannot hide from your feelings - or me mine. Chemistry.’

Maggie continued to walk, and the pup bounced against her chest.

Do not look back, Maggie, his kiss is not worth the pain of discovery.

There was no delight on the walk home. The rain that had threatened earlier fell heavier and heavier. She met with the men bringing home the cattle, and sheep. Questions were answered, and instructions given. Reminders of where her duties lay, with Windtop and her friends. With her husband and the memories of stillborn children. This was the map God gave her to follow; he gave her no side roads, something she knew she should never forget.