Maggie's Child (24 page)

‘Maggie will tell you, money is not always the key to it all. A combination of money, machine and man,
that
is a workable solution. One I think she is striving for.’ Dukes joined in, and Mason found the courage to have his say. For the first time, he was listened to, and his valuable ideas were noted.

‘Them steam trains are taking surplus produce to London more and more. Our milkers are some of the best in the area. You cannot grumble at a slice of Windtop cheese. I was a wonderin’, if there is money in the pot, why not increase the herd. I remember in the forties, it was a bad harvest. We had one of the wettest summers. Personally I would have finished with grain crops. The bottom field did nowt but grow poppies last year. Why not plant it up for good grazing, and send the milk on a regular basis to the city? My missus will have a good part of her day to spare, and I know she would help with the milking.’

‘Mason, I think you have hit the nail on the head. More milkers, could you run to it, Maggie?’ Dukes was fascinated by the opportunities presented to her, he joined Nathaniel’s enthusiastic approach.

‘It is a good idea. I was going to use the bottom field for hen arks, but extra cattle will be far more beneficial. We can make new pens around the edge of the yard for my project, or use the smaller barn. Herd improving. Yes Mason. A grand idea. Nathaniel would you look at the ledgers so I can consider my options?’ Nathaniel nodded and Maggie continued. ‘First, we will expand the herd with a new bull. Jacob sold our old one several years ago. Twenty odd years ago to be precise, but never replaced him. I would like to purchase a good one before we bring in more heifers. Our own milkers were served by Larks farm bull, he charged a large sum, did old Lark. One reason Jacob allowed the herd to recede. I tried to persuade him to replace ours but he dismissed the idea. Dairy is the way forward. Windtop is going to be a strong dairy farm I feel it in my bones. Now I declare it is time for Ted to fetch his fiddle, no more business today.’

The evening moved into a perfect night. Jacob was never spoken of during the rest of what became a lively party.

Nathaniel promised to visit the next day, he was keen to get her back onto her feet.

Maggie and Lizzie sat watching the shadows move in the moonlight. Both had enjoyed more than their usual one or two glasses of ale, and were in a relaxed mood.

‘Do you think you would ever marry, Lizzie?’ Maggie asked.

‘After Peter was killed, I vowed I never would, but Samuel has grown on me over the years. Dukes is crafty in his ways. He arranges Samuel to be around whenever I am. It has been nigh on seventeen years since we first spoke. We talk about everything around us, but never marriage. We are content enough. I like you am not a breeder of children; I would have produced one by now if that was the case. What with Jacob and a couple of local lads-oh, do not look at me like that. You must have known I was no innocent when you first met me.’ Lizzie poured herself another drink from a jug. Maggie watched her, had the girl been so devoted she had not married a man she loved?

‘If he asked you, would you marry him?’ she asked.

‘Not now, no Maggie. I am too set in my ways. Men annoy me. Believe it or not, I love my life here. With old misery out of the way and you in charge gal it will be so much better. I am content as I say. Never worry over me, I truly mean it. My life could be worse.’

‘What about Dukes? I often wondered if you two would ever match.’ Maggie looked for giveaway signs in Lizzie’s face. She saw only a wrinkling of her brow.

‘Dukes? Are you blind gal? Maggie, open your eyes, he is fond of you. Have you never noticed? He joined the same rank as Brook, and followed as a loyal friend. He would lie down and die for you. ‘Tis a wonder you’ve missed the glances he gives, the way he watches your every move. I thought you knew.’ She sat bolt upright. ‘Me and my big mouth. Poor you, poor Dukes, you will never look at him in the same way again. Forget I spoke.’

Maggie also sat upright. She had never noticed the things Lizzie mentioned. Dukes was Dukes, her friend.

‘How can I forget? How will I look him in the eye thinking he has wasted his life on watching me? I am without words to describe the shock of what you have told me.’

‘I told you in confidence, Maggie. We all said-’

‘All? Who is all? The staff in both houses, know of this man’s feelings for me? Of my ignorance of it? Is that who?’Maggie’s voice has risen several octaves. She was disturbed by Lizzie’s words more than by Jacob’s purchase of the farm.

‘Dukes means a great deal to me. We have become close companions along the way, but I never dreamed he harboured any feelings of love for me. What do I do with this knowledge? How do I react when I see him next? Oh, Lizzie what a worry you have given me.’ Maggie paced the yard. Her movement sent a breeze past lanterns and they threw dancing shadows against the walls. Lizzie started to laugh. ‘Calm down, Maggie. He is still your friend. You do nothing- unless.’

‘Unless what? Unless I avoid him for the rest of my life?’

Lizzie jumped to her feet.

‘Maggie, sit down. Come on; do as I say for a change. The ale has addled your brain. Treat him no differently to any other day gone before this one. Do not let my words spoil your friendship. I will never forgive myself.’

Maggie smiled at her. ‘Sorry, Lizzie. You are right, nothing should change. If he feels for me the same as I feel for him, I am lucky. He is a good man, and I am very fond of him. If I am honest I love him, but do not intend to do a thing about it. We are close friends. Nothing should ruin that. Come on now, we must be to our beds. Another day to get through tomorrow.’

‘Dukes is a good man and deserves your love. I hope you find a way to get a life together.’ Lizzie walked away touching Maggie’s shoulder as she went. ‘We gave Jacob a good send off, that’s for sure. He would have enjoyed himself he never deserved you as a wife. Night, Maggie.’

Maggie felt the hairs stand up on her arms. She had forgotten the reason they had gathered together. Just the mention of her dead husband’s name was enough to send a chill through her bones.

She looked to the sky.

‘If you are looking down on me now, Jacob Sawbury, you must be feeling very sad. Windtop is mine, and one day it will transfer to my son. Not our son, my son. My
secret
son. That is my new dream.’

A noised behind her made her turn around and to her horror saw Lizzie standing in the doorway. Realisation passed over both faces. A secret had been released. One woman had to trust and one to understand.

‘I will explain tomorrow. There has been too much talking tonight. I need sleep. Trust me as I have to trust you. I will tell you everything in the morning.’ Maggie spoke softly and touched Lizzie’s shoulder. She leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. She made her way upstairs, when they reached the top she said.

‘I promise you the truth. But you must promise me your silence. It is the only way.’

***

Both women worked together clearing away the debris from the night before. Lizzie said how she found it strange now she did not have to rush through one job after another. When both were satisfied their work was complete, Maggie sat and told Lizzie about her past.

‘Nathaniel is due to come here this morning, you must promise me no hints must go his way. I am Maggie, nothing else. Felicity Arlington has the title mother.’

Lizzie nodded and said. ‘Your secret is safe with me gal. I do have one opinion to offer though, for what it’s worth. Stephen Avenell should be made aware. The pending wedding hopes could be a problem for them. Not that anyone would ever know, but for the sake of future children. I hear there can be deformities if same blood mixes.’

‘That is a hurdle I have to jump. My conscience is pricking me daily over this, since the moment I saw the pair together. I am going to speak with his wife in confidence. I cannot speak to Stephen. Besides, men are no good over matters such as this. It needs the head of a sensible mother to do what is best for her daughter. She will not want a scandal, and will probably remove the girl from the situation.’

Maggie heard Nathaniel calling out to Brook and panicked.

‘He is here. Now remember your promise, Lizzie.’

Lizzie pulled her into her arms. She squeezed her tight, confirmation of a promised sealed. She let Nathaniel in and went about her business in the dairy.

‘Hello there, Nathaniel. How’s your head this fine morning? Excuse me for one moment and I will be with you.’ Maggie had her back to him; she needed a moment to compose herself.

‘I am well, Maggie and yourself? It was a good time spent amongst friends. Dukes enjoyed himself, and sends word that he will visit in a few days. Now let us look through these ledgers you mentioned. You know me well enough, if there are figures to be played with, I am at my happiest.’

Maggie went to a large cabinet in the corner of the room, where Jacob had kept his farm records. It was awash with loose papers and leather bound books.

‘I think we need a few hours to work through these today. Did you keep up with your reading lessons, Maggie? You were doing extremely well before I went away.’ Nathaniel looked at the pile of papers before him and shook his head. ‘I think I might need some help here.’

‘I can read slowly and understand numbers. Unlike you, I am not highly educated, but know my basics. I can help if required. I understand most things about business.’

They worked side by side for over three hours. Only the tick of the clock and the bubble of the kettle could be heard. The occasional word passed between them, or a tut-tut from Nathaniel, were the only other sounds. They shared a plate of bacon slice sandwiches and cups of tea. Maggie could not imagine a finer time in her life.

The last ledger snapped shut and Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, placed his hands behind his head and stretched out his back.

‘There were some interesting findings there, Maggie. I can tell you this; your husband was not the poor farmer he led you to believe. You are a wealthy woman. Sadly some of his money did not come from honest trade. The large black book over there is proof he was a money lender. Not a fair one.’

Maggie looked to the book. She lifted it over and browsed its contents. Disgust etched across her face.

‘How could he? These are honest people, down on their luck. Lend them the money, but to take double in return is very wrong. I understand he wanted to make a profit from the loan, but his demands would have crippled some folk. How many?’

Nathaniel counted the names in one book, and reached over to another. ‘Twenty one in total. Two have paid back the loan, but still have the- how does he word it? Out of pocket interest, to pay.’

‘Out of pocket? He tried to make out he was doing them a favour, and putting himself out of pocket. Sly man. We must visit these people. I want all loans wiped out. Those who have paid them in full, cross them through. They have fulfilled their obligation. The others can help me in the summer for the cost of supper in return. I will not be continuing this side of my husband’s business. No cash will change hands. We have ample, certainly more than some of the names I see listed here.’

Maggie was upset by what she read. Her own finances were more than she could ever dream. She did not need to take food from another’s table.

‘Will you help me, please Nathaniel? With you beside me, it will be so much easier.’

‘It will be my pleasure. Any time you need assistance I will be there for you. Without you I would not have had life, as I am often reminded.’

Maggie thought how true his words were, he was referring to the nourishment she gave him, but she thought about the day he was born.

‘I have an errand to run. Take the ledgers or work here, wherever it pleases you. All I ask is you doing not mention the loan system my husband had set up, to anyone. I find it rather distasteful.’

‘Rest assured I find it the same. My lips are sealed. If it is fine by you, I find it easier to work here. I will make a list of names for us to visit tomorrow. There are some who are worse off than others. It might be better to visit them first. I will work out an order to work from, and return with Dukes tomorrow. We will ease a few burdens together. You have a good heart; the world is blessed with you in it, Maggie.’

Maggie turned away so he could not see her tears. He might not feel the same when she ruins his future marriage plans.

Chapter 18

Maggie knew her visit to the squire’s wife should be discreet. She had asked Lizzie to take a message and wait for an answer. She had mentioned it was of a delicate nature and their meeting needed to be kept a secret, even from the squire himself. Lizzie had returned during her time with Nathaniel, with a note stating that although unusual, Mrs Avenell would receive her at two in the afternoon. She would ensure they would not be disturbed.

Wearing her mourning outfit- despite her resolution not to wear one, she felt it fitting she should wear black in the company of the squire’s wife- she asked Mason to drive her to the mansion. He would not find anything unusual in their journey given she was now a business woman.

‘Begging your pardon, Maggie, but I have heard about a few people in the village willing to give up their milking cows. I took a walk this morning to some I know who own one or two. I also took the liberty to tell them we would give them fresh milk in exchange. No money changes hands; they get the milk they need without feeding livestock. We could place them in the lower field. I know of a scrawny Friesian belonging to a family that would be glad of the exchange. Fed up, she will fill a pail for years to come.’

Maggie was impressed. She knew he was a thinker, but had never heard him talk about farming so much as he had in the past few days. She admired his ability to look ahead.

‘Mason, you impress me. I think we should take up the opportunity. Give them dairy products in exchange, not just milk. I also think you should be granted a sum of money and purchase my new herd and employ two new hands to help. You will manage and be in sole charge of their care, herd and help alike. What say you? It comes with a raise in pay. On top of the one you should have been given years ago. Plus I will see about converting a barn into private accommodation for you. Herd Manager will be your title. I want all stock to be branded with the same blue in your scarf. It is going to be our symbol colour.’