Maggie's Child (23 page)

‘What is your real name? You have never said. I do not understand why I need to know today, but I do. Maybe it is strange emotions that trigger the unusual.’

Dukes grinned. ‘Maybe that’s a fact. William. It’s William, Maggie.’

She smiled. ‘No. You will always be Dukes to me. I cannot imagine you as a William. Tomorrow as you know I am holding a private wake for Jacob up at the farm. Please attend. I owe you so much and would like you there with us at the final farewell. Nathaniel is coming and Mr Arlington has agreed you can join us should you wish.’

‘Thank you, Maggie. I will escort Master Nathaniel. I will be there.’

***

Maggie scrubbed the pine table. She had baked pies and sweet pastries for the afternoon, and they sat cooling on another table she and Mason dragged in from the dairy. Lizzie and the others were about their business as if the previous day had never happened. All had kept to their word and not drank heavily. They were saving it for the private function with the widow as instructed; such is the respect they had for her.

 Although their gathering later in the day was an unofficial wake, Maggie thought of it more as a birthing party, the start of new life on Windtop. She and Mason had rearranged furniture in the parlour. He also filled her window box with bright flowers as a surprise. When she saw them she was touched and cried at what he considered a simple gesture. He would never understand the significance of the window box -of what it meant to her. She was blessed with good friends and she could not wait to announce her news.

‘My word, it smells delicious in here. Jam pastries, so tempting.’ Maggie turned to see Dukes standing in the doorway. He held a large wooden box.

‘Cook was instructed to make and send these for Jacob’s wake. She sends her condolences. Now where shall I put them?’

‘What a gift, how lovely. Thank her for me. Take them into the parlour would you please?’

They unloaded fruit jellies, tripe dishes, sliced hams and tongue, plus many more plates of delicacies.

‘The table is groaning with all this delicious food. What a shame the one man who would have appreciated it all is not here. Jacob did enjoy his food.’ Maggie rearranged a plate or two while she spoke.

‘We must ensure we do not waste a crumb in his honour then. Today will be a day to make merry, I for one cannot mourn his passing, he was a cruel man, however it is a shame he died to provide you with a party, Maggie. I bet you have never celebrated your birthday in style being married to him.’

Maggie lifted her head. ‘As a matter of fact, Dukes, today is my birthday. How is that for coincidence? It is why I wanted a private event here. Please do not tell the staff, though, it is their day to get over Jacob. Promise me?’

‘Many happy returns, O Secretive One. I promise my lips are sealed. Enjoy your day to its fullest.’ Teased Dukes with a bow.

‘Get away with you. Now I could do with a short break. What say you?’

Dukes placed two chairs out into the yard and they sat out to enjoy the warmth of the sun. They sipped at cool elderflower cordial, and Maggie thought back to a fayre and the day she paddled in a brook.

‘Do you think Nathaniel will marry Ruth?’ she asked Dukes.

He leaned back lazily in his chair.

‘Mm, I am fairly certain it will go ahead. They both seem to love each other, and the parents are all for the union. He would become squire should Stephen Avenell die, and I think Mr Arlington is keen, it would be a good marriage.’

Maggie thought of Nathaniel as the squire; his rightful title. Should she ruin his chances or does she ignore what would be incest. Today was not the day to think about it, she would tackle it later.

Laughter rang around the yard, and they both watched the farm hands working together.

‘That never happened when my husband was alive. Life was never cheerful when he was around that is most definite.’ She looked to the hillside; it was still hard to imagine she owned it all. It was time to move forward. ‘One thing I am certain of is sitting here enjoying your company is not getting my chores done, Mr William Dukes. That sweet pastry you sneaked away needs replacing.’

Dukes looked so funny when he realised he had been found out and Maggie laughed at his sheepish grin.

‘There is no need to pull that face, it is not so innocent. All naughty boys get found out in the end.’

‘Oh, dear I had better take my leave or I will find myself ploughing fields to make amends. I will come back to taste more this afternoon. With the appetite master Nathaniel has on him, I would bake a batch or two more, they are a tasty treat.’

***

Maggie stood by the sink and looked out to her beloved meadow. The afternoon had bloomed into a perfect English summer’s day. She could hear a collared dove coo its gentle song and a Skylark fluttered in circles and shared its trill with anyone who cared to listen. The honey perfume from the sweet Alyssum wafted in through the open door. Unsettled and no longer wanting to be indoors, Maggie gathered her staff and instructed all chairs and tables were to be moved into the yard. She sent Mason and Lizzie to town for bright fabric to cover the tables. Small jars were filled with wild flowers and decorated dull corners. Old shepherd crooks were cleaned, driven into the ground and lanterns hung from them. A keg of ale had been brought up from the local inn and placed upon an old upturned one.

Satisfied with the cheery look of her surroundings she spoke with her friends.

‘Finish all basic chores and return home to rest awhile. Mason please continue with your tasks as I know you have a few jobs to finish. Tomorrow you will have the morning off. A well deserved break.’

‘That is most generous of you, Maggie. I am much obliged, I’m sure. Thank you.’

‘You are welcome. Now go, all of you. We will talk plenty later in the day.’

Maggie went back inside and upstairs. Her room still had the smell of Jacob despite a large pot of lavender in one corner and the windows wide open. Another job was added to her mental list. The room would be scrubbed top to bottom until he lingered no more.

She looked at her clothing laid out in preparation on the bed and something snapped inside. For years she had to mend and make do, made to feel poor. All that time Jacob knew they were land owners, and the money she had found secreted in various places during the course of the day made her realise she could have had finer gowns than those she wore. Granted as a farmer’s wife she did not need satin and lace. However, sturdy boots for winter and a thicker cape would have been welcomed.

She raced downstairs and grabbed her bonnet.  Lizzie was shelling peas and Mason tacking the trellis frame around the porch.

‘Mason, please hitch up the cart. I need to go into town. We will be gone no longer than an hour.’

‘Lizzie, you were instructed to rest. Go and do so and please inform all staff they are to wear their best clothes. The brighter the better no mourning items for this afternoon please.’ She raised her hand to silence her friend. ‘No, Lizzie, I will explain everything later on.’

***

Still the weather held in their favour and Maggie glanced out of the window. She could see her staff milling about in the yard. They had done as she instructed and worn their Sunday best. The six men were still in black, but their neck scarves were reds and blues, adding a dash of colour. The ladies, three in all, were wearing simple gowns. Lizzie wore a deep green with a full pinafore, Mason’s wife wore a brown one with a half apron in cream, and new dairy girl wore a simple navy dress, two sizes too big, with a white apron on the verge of grey.

Maggie thought back to the Arlington and Avenell households. Their staff had smart uniforms, each indicating their status in the workforce.

She looked at herself in the long mirror she had purchased on her trip into town. Her gown gave her courage, and she smiled at the reflection.

Time to start a new life, Maggie Sawbury.

***

She showed no expression on her face as the staff stared when she walked into the yard. Dukes and Nathaniel had just arrived and were helping themselves to ale. Both stood with their mouths agape.

Maggie stood before them in a gown of deep crimson. It was edged with ivory lace around the collar and cuffs. She had a soft cream lace cap keeping her hair in place but had pulled forward soft tendrils by either ear and across her brow.

‘You can all close your mouths now,’ she said with a smile. ‘It came to me today that I have worn widow weeds-or rather rags- since the day I married. This gown is the dress I would have chosen for my wedding day, had I been given a choice. Are we all here and do you each have a glass in hand?’

Nathaniel handed her one and she raised it high above her head. She spoke loud and clear.

‘Here is the final toast to my dead husband. Please do not be shocked by my behaviour today. I respect the dead, and I respect Jacob for the legacy he has left me. Although, I feel he may have hoped I left this earth before he did. Goodness know he tried hard enough many times to ensure I did, but I am stubborn. A fact I am sure you are all well aware of...and goodness please sit down and close your mouths unless it is to sup his ale.’ She laughed. ‘To Jacob Sawbury. The end. To Maggie Sawbury the beginning.’

Maggie took a long gulp of her drink. The time had come. She looked at their loyal faces and loved every one of them. She knew they would never damn her for the clothes she wore or the words she had spoken.

Mutterings of ‘to Jacob’ went around the tables and all eyes went to Maggie as she chinked a spoon against her glass. The elderberry wine had made her bold and it was time for her to share her news.

‘Ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to make.’ She smiled. ‘Today you are looking at the owner, yes, owner not tenant, of Windtop Farm. It appears my husband bought the place the year Nathaniel was foisted upon me.’ She waited while a trickle of laughter rippled amongst them. ‘I understand he invested the money I earned caring for this young man, and forgot to inform me, his wife. The squire told me the news yesterday, when I tried to pay him rent. Maggie Sawbury is your new boss. For those of you who will find it hard to work for a woman, I suggest you take your leave now. For those of you who enjoy hard work without a beating, please feel free to stay.’

Breathless she sat down and grinned at Dukes who had remained standing, he too had a large grin across his face.

No one spoke as they absorbed every word she said. Mason started clapping and rose to his feet. The others joined in.

‘It is the best news I have heard, Maggie Sawbury. I for one will never leave your side while you’ll have me. I think I speak on behalf of us all when I say, it is about time you had some good in your life. To Maggie Sawbury.’ He raised his glass and Maggie was touched when her name rang out around the yard.

‘Thank you all. Your loyalty is appreciated. You are dear friends and I want to tell you of my plans. Windtop will be reborn. It will have repairs carried out, and new machinery brought in. This will be a gradual process and the squire has arranged for you all to be taught on his own machines until we purchase our own. Ted and Lillian, should you wish, there is a permanent position for both of you here, and you can move into the cottage. Lizzie is going to live with me until I organise living accommodation for her. The rest of you will continue as we have always done. Your quarters will be improved over time.’

The group around her came alive, they clapped and cheered. Mason threw his cap into the air. All thoughts of Jacob and his wake had gone.

She shared their joy. ‘Nathaniel, I wonder if you would consider assisting me work through my finances. It appears I have some now.’ She threw back her head and laughed. Dukes refilled her glass. She raised it to him in a silent toast.

‘Katie, there is a basket by the back door, please fetch it for me.’ The new dairy maid stood up.

‘Yes ma’am,’ she said, and curtsied.

Maggie put out her hand and gently restrained the young girl.

‘Katie, I am Maggie and always will be. We are equal; a family on this farm. No more curtsies please.’

Katie nodded and fetched the basket. Packages in cobalt blue were lifted out.

‘Wrapped inside each of these neckties and pinafores, is a list of items waiting for you in the appropriate shops in the village. You will also find a sum of money. This money is yours to do with as you wish. You will receive a rise in wages to match those in the farms around us. My husband never respected your worth, I do.’ She looked around as they opened their packages.

‘There is twenty pounds for each of you. The blue items are the colour of Windtop. I want us to stand out, and gain the respect of the village. The items waiting for you are working clothes and footwear, appropriate for your jobs. Today we start afresh, now come, enjoy the food. Some of which are gifts from our neighbours and friends.’

She walked over to Dukes. He still sported his grin.

‘Well, well. Old Jacob was a sly one. I am pleased for you Maggie. Very pleased indeed.’

‘Thank you. I am still coming to terms with it all, but so wanted to give back to them.’ She swept her hand around indicating the people who had stood by her through the dark days.

‘One step at a time, Maggie. We all have to take one step at a time. Come sit and tell me your plans for this place. I see you have your window box and trellis porch. That’s a grand start.’ He led her to a table where Nathaniel was in deep discussion with Mason. They were talking about the new plough design, steam engines and the benefits of machinery over man. The favourite topic of many farmers and workers around Britain at that present time.

Nathaniel had the enthusiasm of youth. His face was animated with the desire to be heard and agreed with. Maggie felt a surge of motherly love. It took over.

‘Nat, come now. Man also needs man. Think, if we had nothing but machinery on this farm, would all these wonderful people be here enjoying my food?’

‘But Maggie, the profit from using these labour saving devices is admirable.’

Nathaniel bounced in his seat. He enjoyed nothing more than a good debate on farming issues.