Maggie's Child (16 page)

Chapter 14

Monday 15
^th
December 1865

‘My dear, you cannot possibly return to that dreadful man. It is not five weeks since he broke nigh on every bone in your body. And only the dear Lord knows what he did to your insides. You must see reason. Nanny, speak to her and I will return later in the day. My son also depends upon you, please never forget that fact. You have an obligation.’

Felicity Arlington had a face as scarlet as the dress she wore. For over half an hour she had sat sharing plans for Maggie’s future within her household. In her considered opinion, Maggie would be a good candidate to step into Alice Summer’s shoes upon her retirement.

After she left, Alice pleaded with her friend. ‘Maggie, she is right. You should be wary about returning to the farm. Your husband could undo all the good the doctor has done; the man is unstable. I am nigh on fifty years. Nathaniel is tiring as a babe. I will find him even harder work when he walks. You settle him better than anyone else, you have a gift. This is a wonderful opportunity, take it, and enjoy life here as I have done.’

Maggie looked out across the town, her mind in turmoil. There was so much to think about. She was walking with the aid of a stick and her bruises were subsiding. Her jaw healed completely, but the mental scars had not. Jacob once visited the Arlington house to demand her return home. Mr Arlington, always the gentleman, had intervened and told him it was against doctor’s orders. If he wanted his wife home, he had to show more consideration for her plight. He was, after all, the cause of it, and for however long it would take for her to be back to full health, she would stay with them. Her husband slunk off with his tail between his legs, so she was informed by Dukes.

‘Alice. If I stay it will bring trouble to all involved. Jacob is fully aware he needs to be more careful around me now. Lizzie mentioned that fact on her last visit. Oh, how I would dearly love to watch Nathaniel grow, and share his life adventure with you. Life here is such a pleasure, something I agree is lacking in my life.’ Maggie stood and paced the floor; her legs were stiff through sitting for too long. ‘This stick reminds me my physical health is not at its best. My face I can bear to look at now. I accept a child will not be born from this body. What I cannot cope with is leaving Windtop farm. My friends are there, I cleaned that place on my wedding day. I made it my home, regardless of who I have to share it with.’

She stopped to smell flowers in a vase that sat on a dresser close by her bed. She stroked the counterpane and sat on the edge of the bed. There was so much to lose if she left, but Jacob would not let her rest there for much longer. His visit was just the beginning; he would make a nuisance of himself until she gave into his demands.

‘I will speak with Jacob. If Dukes can take me to the farm, I will try to persuade my husband to grant me until the New Year. Nathaniel will be weaned from me around that time, and life will move along for all of us.

***

Dukes assisted her through the house and Maggie was grateful for his support and once again was reminded of his strength.

‘I never realised how weak I have become. Having a strong arm to lean on is more than welcome.’

‘You will soon be back on your own two feet, but until then I am more than happy to be your leaning post.’ Dukes smiled down at her as they walked slowly across the courtyard.

‘The support of good friends brings joy to my heart, Dukes. Thank you.’ Maggie looked up into his face. His smiling eyes always gave her comfort.

Dukes assisted her into the enclosed carriage Mr Arlington had instructed that she was to use. Mrs Arlington was anxious Maggie should be kept warm and free from chills. They could not afford for their son to contract a winter cold. Maggie was touched by their concern, and felt every bit the lady as they jogged along the lanes.

Word had been sent to Windtop that she was paying a visit, and the farmhouse was to be warmed through. Maggie and Alice giggled at the thought of Jacob being given instructions to treat her like royalty. Dukes was instructed to stay by her side at all times. At no point was Jacob allowed to raise his voice or fists. Mrs Arlington was all for Mr Arlington attending, but her driver reassured her he was more than capable. Should he need assistance, the staff at the farm were far more loyal to its mistress than master.

Brook came bounding over to the carriage, yapping as she called his name. He sniffed frantically and took great leaps to get to her.

‘My, how you have grown. Oh, Brook, I have missed you so much. You are the reason I need to return. Has he cleaned your eyes?’

‘What do you think? Brook has found a new mistress, not one who lingers in silk sheets on a daily basis.’ Lizzie’s voice rang out. Maggie swung around and faced her friend.

‘Lizzie. Oh, Lizzie, how lovely to see you. Thank you, he looks so well.’

The two women hugged, neither one wanting to release the other. Eventually Dukes gave a subtle cough, before reminding Maggie she needed to get in the warm.

‘I cannot afford to lose my job, Maggie. Go inside and I will find your husband.’

‘He is out with the plough. It’s stone picking day for the others. I am so thrilled you came to visit, Maggie I got out of that chore. I was instructed to tend to the farm and dairy. He would have me out there breaking my back if he had his way. You, out of all of us knows what he is like - mean. He will not spare a penny for extra help. Come on gal, you look tired, Let us get sat in the warm.’

While Dukes went in search of her husband, Maggie took the opportunity to gather a few personal effects from the bedroom. She was determined to persuade him to honour the extra months. She would use money as the enticement, it was his weakness and the very mention of a few more months extra pay, might change his mind.

One of the items she put in her bundle was a small coin with a hole in it, she had found it while she walked into town one morning. It sparkled when the sunlight flashed over it and Maggie picked it up, she intended to use it as a lucky charm. She had forgotten about it, but today she decided she needed all the luck she could lay her hands upon. Plus, if ever she got the chance, she would pass it onto Nathaniel, a keepsake from his mother. Not that he would ever know that, but Maggie like the idea he would have something of hers.

She heard the door slam shut and Lizzie talking to Dukes. Maggie lingered a short while. She wanted her two friends to have some time alone. It was still her aim to bring them together. Dukes was a special man, his kind nature and rugged looks were a good combination. Maggie had become fond of him and wanted him to have a good woman in his life. If she could persuade her two best friends to become a couple it would be a job well done.

Another slam of the door made her jump. Inhaling three times for courage, she brushed down the front of her gown and prepared herself for the meeting with her husband. Her foot faltered on the top step.

Come on, Maggie. Dukes is here to protect you. Jacob won’t touch you while he is there. Courage girl, courage.

The two men were sat at the table and both glanced her way when she entered the room. Dukes stood and pulled out a chair.

‘You look done in, sit.’ Maggie did as she was instructed. It smarted that her husband had not shown her this courtesy. She could feel the tension between the two men and wondered if they had argued outside.

‘So you’re back then? Lizzie changed the bedding, not that she made any of it dirty,’ Jacob scowled. He reminded Maggie of a sulking boy.

‘It was kind of her, on both counts,’ Maggie retorted with a touch of sarcasm. She looked around, but her friend had slipped away.

She fidgeted on the chair. It was now or never.

‘I am not completely back to full health, but I am much improved. However, the child still needs nursing and will do for a few more months. I am fully aware you are keen to have me back at your side, husband.’ Maggie held up her hand when Jacob tried to speak. ‘Allow me to finish please. I mean no disrespect, but I tire quite quickly.’

Jacob gave a low growl of consent. He appeared to be struggling with his temper, and Maggie knew she must act fast.

‘The money will come in useful, and while I can still feed him, we can earn.’

‘Your place is here with your husband. I have rights. Those namby-pamby folk down there can try and tell me what to do, but I have the right to my wife beside me in bed.’

Maggie was embarrassed he should bring up such a delicate matter in front of Dukes, who to him was a virtual stranger. He had already embarrassed her by mentioning Lizzie’s refusal to share his bed. She needed to convince him to allow her to stay, one way or another. She was in no position to allow him to bed her.

‘Dukes, would you give us some privacy, please? I have something to discuss with my husband, and it should be said just between the pair of us.’ Maggie watched Dukes as he went to the door. He turned and spoke to Jacob.

‘You stay in that seat. No matter what she says or does, you do not move. Do you hear me?’

‘Threaten me in my own home, would you?’Jacob’s face turned to the man and they locked eyes. Maggie had to diffuse the situation quickly.

‘Dukes, I think he will behave. And Jacob, to be fair, you nearly killed me. He is only concerned your temper will injure me again. Now a spell in prison over someone as low ranking as me is not worth it, I am sure you will agree.’ She let out a sigh when Jacob looked back at her. He nodded.

‘You are right there, to do a spell in prison over you is not worth the time. What is it you have to say? I am a busy man, even more so now you are not pulling your weight so get it said.’

Dukes slipped outside. Lizzie must have been lingering close by because their muffled voices drifted into the cottage. Maggie was touched that neither of her friends had moved too far should she need them. Life on the farm with them in her life would be a happier one than she was used to.

If only things were different. I am tired of Jacob and his tantrums.

Jacob slapped his hand on the table and made her jump. Maggie knew she must tell him her idea swiftly.

‘The doctor said I will most likely not be able to carry any more children, and if I do they will be weaklings. The kick you gave me caused some kind of internal trauma. It is my regret I have never given you a child, but I am sure you would not want to risk me giving birth to a live, deformed one. So this is what I suggest. We take the time to earn money and get me to full strength. You find a clean woman outside of town to satisfy your needs and leave Lizzie alone. In four months time, I will return and keep house again. Lizzie will return to the dairy, and we will employ a girl to tend to the house. You will also leave her alone. You have one paid companion for your needs. Do you understand?’ Maggie had no idea where her inner strength came from, she could hear her voice it was stronger and more commanding than usual. She drew strength in the fact she had the support of the Arlington’s.

Jacob sat still he stared at her, his eyes showing no signs of emotion.  Maggie waited for him to explode and was ready to call for assistance. Instead he looked at her as if he was meeting her for the first time.

‘Well, well, well, my wife has a bite to her. Surprisingly, I think what you have said makes sense. The money will be useful to pay the cleaning girl. Help will be most welcome.’ He waved his arm around in a circle, and Maggie flinched. ‘This place costs a fortune to run. You have no idea.’

‘So it’s settled. We will both benefit in the long run. It is sad we never had a child, I am sorry, Jacob. Things may have been different between us. I was so young when my parents sold me to you.’ Maggie had a moment of nostalgia and memories of carrying her children overwhelmed her but she held back the tears. She could not weaken. Jacob agreeing with minimal fuss was a relief. In true Jacob style, he ruined the moment.

‘Sold you? Forced me to take you away. You are no good to man or beast. Talking of beast, you can take yours with you, if not I will be rid of him.’ He stood up. The scraping and clattering of his chair brought forth a tap at the door.

‘Stay there, I am fine,’ Maggie called out to Dukes.

‘Yes, she is fine. It is me who has no son and heir, no wife in his bed. Oh, yes she is fine and dandy.’ Jacob went to the door and yanked it open with such force it creaked on the hinges.

‘Take her away. A man in a black gown saying words from a book made her my wife by law. If that law could be changed, I wish it for the morrow.’ He stormed out of the house. Lizzie went white.

‘Maggie, he be furious. Please do not leave me here with him. I have avoided him as best I can, but he will take it out on me soon, I feel it as sure as day.’ Lizzie held Maggie’s arm the girl was frantic and looked so frightened.

‘Don’t fret yourself, Lizzie. I have warned him away, and given him the opportunity to look elsewhere. Another will suffer his brutal ways, I am sad and pleased to say. Should he turn nasty - call for Mason. Plus our friend Dukes here will assist you.’

‘Lizzie, I will come by each day to check on you. And if you will excuse my frankness, from what I gather by Maggie’s words, Jacob will be in the tavern tonight looking for a new lady friend. Shocking for Maggie to have to live with, I know, but a brave, bold move on her part. It protects both of you. Calm yourself and I will speak with Mason on your behalf.’ Dukes reassured Lizzie and Maggie’s heart went out to him. He obviously cared for her friend.

She hugged Lizzie goodbye and went to the carriage. She looked around her home and felt sad. She did so love the farm but knew she was not in a fit state to return for a few months. In the yard Dukes stood talking to Mason and Brook sat by his feet with his tail thumping up dust.

Maggie turned to Lizzie who had followed her outside. ‘It’s funny how dogs know who to trust. I’ve never seen him do that to Jacob.’

They both watched the dog sniff the air then move whenever his new friend did. Maggie felt a twinge of jealousy mixed with a touch of self pity. Everything she ever loved always found somebody else. She was destined to be alone forever.