Wretched Beginnings 1816 – Chapter 9

A/N: My deepest, sincerest apologies. A PM reminded me…I forgot George's third birthday. So here is a piece for his birthday. The remainder of the chapter has very few changes.

Friday, November 30

"Basket from Rosings Place," Mrs. Walker handed Mary a slate with the inventory.

"Beef bones for broth, and use some herbs from the conservatory. Make Virginia biscuits for everyone. We have goat cheese and spiced honey for the breakfast biscuits. Use the few turnips and parsnips for pease stew with ham, and more Virginia biscuits, for midday and dinner."

"I can make a sponge cake for Master George's birthday…without eggs. You have dried ginger and dried lemon zest to flavor the cake." Mrs. Walker suggested.

"Please," Mary felt grateful. "Biscuits, stew and two cakes to feed everyone…including staff."

"We are thankful to be part of your household, Mrs. Collins. You take very good care of everyone." Her voice trailed off…

"Perhaps you think we shouldn't use a week of flour for one day. However, we have rationed well. I try to keep half of what we receive, but we are due for a respite." Mary smiled.

"There were things in the basket from Lady Haverleigh…things she brought with her." Mrs. Walker gave Mary a small pile and four letters.

December 1

"Happy Birthday, George," Mary kissed her son. "I'll stay with him during his meals today." She sent Nancy to take a rest in the kitchen with the other staff.

"Prewents?" George asked at the small group next to his plate.

"Presents from Papa Bennet, Aunt and Uncle Hamilton, who are your godparents, and from me. You may open your birthday presents before breakfast." Mary hugged her son. 'Happy Birthday, George…you are the best gift God ever gave me.'

George was thrilled with the new book from his godparents, and an additional set of blocks from Papa Bennet…but his mama's gift of a spinning top caused him to smile almost all day.

Mary and Beth ate breakfast with the boys…spreading goat cheese and spiced honey on hot biscuits before the boys drank their chocolate and the ladies drank their coffee.

~X~

"A pence for your thoughts," Mary quipped to Gwen.

"I have never been so angry and low in my life," Gwen huffed. "I genuinely believe Mr. Morrow is a hard and cruel man. Who could speak so meanly to widows of men who gave their life for King and Country?"

"I believe his actions are my fault," Mary explained about not moving until Mr. and Mrs. Morrow were expected. "Mr. and Mrs. Morrow thought my furnishings came with the parsonage. They were quite dismayed when I took my furnishings, my carriage and gig, my livestock and bees, and my supplies. They sold their carriage and furniture before arriving in Hunsford, believing the living at Hunsford Parsonage was finer than they had experienced before."

"I think they are determined to turn the parish against us." Gwen retorted. "I had a letter yesterday from Mr. Edmund Wheaton, my husband's oldest brother. Mr. Wheaton is departing Pontesbury in Shropshire on the Monday after Twelfth Night. He will travel to Hunsford to escort Daniel and me to our new situation. Daniel and I will take the cottage and legacy bequeathed to my husband by the passing of his great-aunt and godmother, Mrs. Horace Grimes. I would appreciate corresponding with both of you after I relocate. My family was from Tonbridge Wells, so I will not know anyone in Pontesbury. However, Mr. Wheaton's elderly parents are anxious to know their newest grandson."

"I am leaving you also," Beth added. "For I have had a letter from my father-by-marriage who lives in Glynde in East Sussex. They are tenant dairy farmers at the Trevor Estate. They assure me there will be a living for us when they are gone. Mr. Henry Hemming, my husband's older brother, lost his wife and sons in a house fire in October. Mr. Henry offered to help raise my boys. I will travel there with the boys after Twelfth Night."

"Well, we shall go our separate ways then," Mary replied sadly. "For Mrs. Fitzwilliam and my sisters, Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley, are determined to take me to Bath when they travel there in late January."

"Let us be a united front at church every Sunday before we depart," Gwen suggested. "For I have nothing to shame me, except my easy temper."

"You are both much kinder than I am," Beth announced. "For if Mr. Morrow offends me again, I will announce his opinions offend my sensibilities as a widow. I will tell him if I was a man, I would call him out for dishonoring my deceased husband, Captain Bryce Hemming, lately of His Majesty's Army. Vicar Morrow has no good opinion of military widows."

"Enough of Vicar Morrow's limited opinions and low vision. For the remainder of your time here, let us attend Sunday services at the Recovery House instead of Hunsford Rectory. After midday with the boys, let us have a lie down. After tea, we will play the pianoforte for the boys until their bedtime. We are at Rosings House for dinner." Mary suggested. "I also feel a bit bruised from Vicar Morrow's sermon. I know they believe everything I have is too fine for the widow of a vicar. I believe they expect me to survive in genteel poverty. However, I share this fine house with you lovely ladies and your sons. You have provided me with excellent and pleasant company."

~X~

Mary shared a headdress from Lady Catherine with Gwen and Beth. They made a black lace mob cap for the three of them for dinners at Rosings House. Mary wore the black satin which Aunt Gardiner provided. Gwen wore a black sarsonet and Beth wore a black bombazine. They would present themselves well at Rosings House.

Mary, Beth and Gwen arrived shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Morrow, missing any frowns regarding Mary's carriage. Mrs. Morrow disapproved of the fine clothes they wore. She nagged at Vicar Morrow to find a way to lecture the widows of the parish, although it was Advent.

The Fitzwilliams invited the widows, the Morrows, Curate Stevenson, Dr. Long and Curate Crowdion. The Viscount Haverleighs were in attendance also, with Mrs. Annesley. They were in London, not for the season, but seeking supplies to take to Haverleigh Hall.

"Sister," Georgiana greeted Mary by squeezing her hands and exchanging cheek kisses with her.

"Thank you for bringing George's birthday presents forward with you. I thank you also for the letters from my sisters." Mary squeezed Georgiana's hands.

Georgiana charmingly explained her brother Darcy married Mary's sister Elizabeth. The Morrows paled at the revelation. Widow Collins was connected to the Viscount and Viscountess Haverleigh. They strengthened Widow Collins' connection to the peerage. Georgiana shared news with Mary about the Darcys, and Hamiltons. Georgiana reported Catherine felt this November was the coldest she had experienced. Haverleigh Hall was approximately twenty miles from Oxford, which allowed Henry and her to see the Hamiltons regularly.

The Fitzwilliams led the way to the dining room, followed by the Haverleighs, who sat near Anne. The Morrows sat next to Fitzwilliam…preventing them from conversing down the table with the Haverleighs. After a one course meal, with conversation led by Anne, the sexes separated. The ladies discussed which classical songs they would perform on the pianoforte. Mrs. Morrow could not forward herself to the Viscountess who avoided her and spoke kindly with Mary and her guests.

The men discussed how wet November was, and how the severe frosts and snow contributed to the cold. "Madeira had three clear days in July, ten in August, and seven in September. We are congratulated for buying wine when we did." Henry related the contents of his Madeira letters to the men. Haverleigh reported the hail, frost and two feet deep snow in London, where the darkness of daytime required coachmen to use grooms with lights leading way for the horses. Haverleigh reported the wheat prices were so high, English ports were open to foreign grain. Although importing grain was not successful because so many countries had few or no grains to export.

While Vicar Morrow wanted to discuss Little Season, he received short and curt answers to his questions. Fitzwilliam changed the topic. He and Haverleigh discussed clearing land for building next year if the weather improved. The conservatory for the parsonage was discussed, along with the necessary outbuilding for a new horse program at both Haverleigh Hall and Rosings Park.

December 2

"Knowles," Fitzwilliam greeted his steward. "You seem concerned this morning."

"Curate Crowdion will join us…" Knowles paused. "Would you prefer to have this conversation in your study? We did not mean to interrupt your visit with your guests."

Crowdion was announced. "Good morning," he greeted everyone.

"My study is cold. Henry and Georgiana, do you mind if we discuss business?" Fitzwilliam watched as they shook their heads. "Come sit by the fire and warm yourselves. I insist…tis cold out this morning. Coffee?" Fitzwilliam motioned them to the fire in the drawing room, which warmed the room, but he added an additional log to chase away the chill emanating from the two men.

"You gentlemen have concerns?" Mrs. Fitzwilliam worried something was amiss with the Recovery House. She poured coffee for everyone.

"I took a basket of goods to the parsonage this morning." Knowles opened the conversation. "Mr. Manning stopped me as I was leaving. The Mannings and Barlow have been given their notice. They will be paid through this quarter, but are expected to stay until the New Year. The Morrows are bringing a couple they know from their previous posting, the Andersons."

"The situation is unacceptable!" Haverleigh interjected. "Everyone knows you cannot dismiss staff at this time, unless they are completely unfit for the position!"

Curate Crowdion spoke. "A man from Vicar Morrow's previous post, Curate Dyson, is replacing Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker. Again, they are to be paid through the quarter, but not allowed to leave until the New Year."

"Does anyone know why?" Mrs. Fitzwilliam asked.

"Vicar Morrow stated they do not trust the previous parsonage and rectory staff. Since no one will gossip about Mrs. Collins or any of the parishioners…the Morrows question their loyalty to the new vicar. Curate Stevenson will live with his sister, and act as curate for Epping Abbey. The Tuckers, with their three sons who work at Rosings Park, are going to Plymouth to live with her family there. One of Mrs. Tucker's brothers will teach the sons to be fishermen. A second brother has a pub in Plymouth, and can use help. A third brother has a farm near Plymouth."

"What of the Mannings and Barlow?" Mrs. Fitzwilliam queried.

"Unknown, Mrs. Fitzwilliam." Knowles explained. "They are considering going to London, although no one believes they may find a position there before the Season."

Mrs. Fitzwilliam gasped, setting her coffee cup down. Her hands shook so…she thought she would spill her coffee.

"We will take them," Lady Haverleigh offered. "We can find positions for them at Stanhope House in London, or with Henry's parents, Henry's brother Hugh, or ourselves at Stanhope Estate. Rather than set Mrs. Annesley and her maid out at Michaelmas, we asked them to stay at Haverleigh Hall. We planned to hire more staff once we began expanding Haverleigh Hall's holdings. However, we have not hired staff nor expanded. If the Mannings and Barlow are willing to throw their lot in with us, we will be glad to take them."

"Are you sure?" Fitzwilliam questioned Haverleigh.

"Mrs. Collins had no problems with them?" Haverleigh asked.

"None; when Mr. Collins died, and Mrs. Collins moved, she paid their wages to the end of the quarter and gave them characters. I am sure Mrs. Collins would have taken them to Rosings Place, but she did not want to displace the Walkers and their daughters. She felt the loss of her parsonage servants quite keenly."

"There is more," Knowles took a deep breath. "We know a curate cannot replace a curate and a sexton. Mr. Manning revealed the Morrows believe the widows who are supported by Rosings Park should tithe of their time to act as daily chars to clean the parsonage and the rectory. They believe men from the Recovery House should tithe of their time to dig graves and ensure the upkeep of the rectory."

"The temerity of those people!" Lady Haverleigh cried. "Free help without having to pay the coin!"

"Quite," Curate Crowdion agreed. "Parishioners will be asked to tithe of their time, since many are struggling to tithe of goods or funds this year."

"Curate Crowdion, Curate Stevenson and I have been asked to bury a family of six at the small country church in Worthy Crossing this week."

"Are the six parishioners from Hunsford Rectory? Why are we not burying them here?" Fitzwilliam asked.

"Because Vicar Morrow will not forgive the burial fee, despite the excessive want and need of so many. He feels he is owed his due just like God. He believes the family should host Mrs. Morrow and himself at tea or dinner in addition to the fees. My sons and I, Curate Stevenson and Curate Crowdion intend to ease the suffering and sorrow of the grieving relatives. We do not need payment, nor entertainment to do what is right." Knowles sipped his coffee.

"Did they die from illness? Typhus? Cholera?" Mrs. Fitzwilliam's voice shook as much as her hands.

"Deprivation. The family had taken to boiling and eating seeds which should have been kept for future gardens. First the father and three youngest children succumbed. Then the mother went into labor early, and with no one to help, she and the new child passed. The sister came to help to the family while the sister-by-marriage had her lying in. However, she found the bodies of her brother and family. A neighbor contacted Vicar Morrow. He visited, and was appalled there were no funds to bury the family after the sister paid for five coffins. Everything of value had been sold or bartered for food for the family. The sister was furious because Vicar Morrow was displeased at the lack of funds. He was offended there would be no remembrance tea or repast to thank the men who would attend the funerals."

"The men at the recovery house helped build coffins, and the dressers helped the sister prepare the bodies. I condoled with her, and agreed to come to Worthy Crossing to bury her brother and family near her where she can visit the family's graves. Tomorrow morning, Curate Stevenson and I are taking a wagon with the sister and five coffins to Worthy Crossing." Crowdion explained.

"Tomorrow my six sons and I are following in a wagon. We will dig the five graves." Knowles admitted. "The sister's husband is the curate at Worthy Crossing. He will need our help."

"I will go with you," Fitzwilliam offered.

"You will be needed here." Knowles opined. "Please do not concern yourselves…none of the Rosings Park staff or tenants are reduced to eating seeds. However…Mrs. Morrow plans to visit the greenhouse tomorrow and speak with the gardeners. She is unsure of what to plant in the spring, and noted there are no seeds at the parsonage because Mrs. Collins took her things. Mr. Manning believes she wants to see the materials set aside for the parsonage conservatory. He also believes Mrs. Morrow desires to see what is preserved in storage which she can acquire for the parsonage."

"I see Haverleigh and I need to view various buildings tomorrow…for weather damage, increased vermin, etc." Fitzwilliam sighed.

"I believe Sister Mary should come with us tomorrow to the garden storage." Lady Haverleigh suggested to her cousins. "As the new mistress of Haverleigh Hall, perhaps Sister Mary can suggest plants I should grow in cool weather. Additionally, I need more lessons in how to preserve for an estate."

"We have a plan then…I will send a note to Mary. We need to ensure there are enough seeds for everyone for spring." Mrs. Fitzwilliam offered.

"I have a basket to deliver there. I can carry your note." Knowles suggested. "I do not feel I am speaking out of turn, but perhaps things in storage at the garden outbuilding should be moved to the building where the seeds are stored for planting fields next year. That building is already guarded by men from the recovery house. Proper inventory and consolidating supplies is a wise move on your part."

December 3

Anne coordinated the St. Thomas Tea for the widows of Rosings, Hunsford Rectory and Westerham. She discussed the St. Thomas Tea with Richard; they believed the tea was a worthwhile event for the widows. The tea kept widows from begging for food before the holidays. However, Vicar Morrow's current abhorrence of widows concerned them. Anne visited Mary and discussed items needed for the baskets. The Fitzwilliams would donate one pound of wheat, a pound of dried peas or beans and a small ham to forty widows. They could donate two tallow candles, and twenty shillings for each widow.

"We will be a merry crowd; despite being mostly widows," Anne opined.

"Will Mrs. Morrow be there?" Mary inquired.

"No, I explained this is a Rosings House charity project to Mrs. Morrow and the Benefice Society. My staff will take calling cards for any unexpected visitors. We are preparing extra, of course, if anyone's widowed relative visits for Christmas or if there is a loss between now and the tea."

"The widows and I thank you," Mary felt grateful.

Anne cleared her throat. "There will be changes after the first of the year. The Mannings and Barlow will be replaced by a couple, the Andersons. Curate Dyson is replacing Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker. The Morrows feel a need for change with the new year. When staff, Stevenson and the Tuckers depart on Boxing Day; they will not return. We found new positions for the Mannings and Barlow. The Morrows will be without staff for a week. Before you ask, you should know your servants, the curate and sexton are being replaced because no one would gossip about you or the guests at Rosings Place."

Mary's face paled. "This will be my fault. Should I go to Longbourn for Christmas?"

"No, I would like you to stay at Rosings Place after Mrs. Hemming and Mrs. Wheaton relocate after Twelfth Night." Anne offered. "I understand you provided characters for your previous staff?"

"I did," Mary appreciated their kindness to George and herself.

"Curate Stevenson is going to his widowed sister's home in Epping. He will become the curate for the church there. Sexton Tucker and his wife, and their three sons are moving to Plymouth where she has family. Mr. and Mrs. Manning and Barlow are going to the Stanhope Estate with Georgiana. Barlow told me Mrs. Morrow insists they cannot leave until she goes through their trunks."

"I am sorry they are being punished because of their association with me," Mary said. "I made muslin bags for the St. Thomas Tea alms and for the food baskets like I normally do. I also finished alms bags for Boxing Day. I always gave Mr. Collins a small bag filled with various coins to help even out the alms as they are distributed. However, this year I shall keep my widow's mite to myself."

"Is there anything to tell Curate Stevenson or Sexton Tucker?" Anne questioned.

Mary accessed Mr. Collins' trunk. She selected the black saddlebag and riding gloves which Mr. Collins used. "Please give these to Curate Stevenson with my gratitude for all he has done. I gather there is not a problem with him taking his one-horse gig to Epping with him."

"Curate Stevenson moved his gig to the livery shortly after the Morrows took possession of the parsonage. He did not want anyone mistaking his gig for a rectory gig." Anne laughed. "Mr. Knowles will replace Curate Stevenson on the deacons board. Mr. Seaton will replace Curate Stevenson on the rectory council. Fitzwilliam felt the need to fill the positions before the Morrows' new curate joined us."

"I am sorry for Curate Stevenson to be treated thus; but I am glad for Mr. Knowles." Mary acknowledged.

"Fitzwilliam and I are unhappy about the decisions made by the rectory council. Mr. Morrow will receive this quarter's wages. However, Fitzwilliam and I will provide this quarter's wages and characters for Curate Stevenson and the servants at the Hunsford Parsonage since they will depart before receiving wages and characters from the Morrows on New Year's Day. Fitzwilliam is penalizing Vicar Morrow's wages for paying the store accounts, and servants wages. Sexton Tucker will be paid from the Rectory, and provided a character. Fitzwilliam feels we should pay Mr. Collins' wages until Lady Day, as he had a signed contract with us."

"You are kind; however please do not worry about George and I. George's legacy and my jointure funds are intact. I moved Mr. Collins' miscellaneous funds to my household account. George and I will be fine." Mary tried to refuse.

"The Morrows advocated no additional wages for Mr. Collins since you received full third quarter wages despite his death in early September. They questioned if you tithed for his wages, and for any inheritances from his death. Their questions were offensive." Anne was angry. "Fitzwilliam reminded the council you are housing two widows with children. He opined the church would be a better place if they had more members like you."

'From the rector's mouth to the godless ears,' Mary thought, and then felt ashamed. "Well, shall we go to the garden outbuilding?"

~X~

The storage room of the garden outbuilding had been cleared of all but bags of foraged leaves and three empty crates in the corner of the room. Anne, Georgiana and Mary with half a dozen men from the Recovery House worked most of the day.

"Goodness," Anne and Georgiana laughed at their dirty clothes and faces. "We are a sight, but this task is completed."

"I could be wrong," Mary consulted the everyday book which the gardeners kept of seeds. "We should have three years of seeds for garden stuff. We should have two years of herb seeds. Herb seeds are best kept for a year, because they start to become too old after that. Hopefully, we will have seeds to harvest next year. We will need to plant every piece of land possible to ensure a good harvest of seeds."

"You are sure about the allium seeds and parsnip seeds?" Georgiana asked. Mary noted the size and number of herb seed sacks sent to the Recovery House. She noted the sacks of herbs which were sent to the Recovery House to make herbal tea for the men.

"I know from experience the seeds for alliums, which are plants in the onion family, including shallots, leeks, scallions and chives, and for parsnips should be kept for a year. Some seeds will not produce the second year. The parsnips seeds are why you strive to do crop rotation. The parsnip seeds collected yearly will provide for a parsnip field in a different location next year. The allium and parsnip seeds we sent to the Recovery House are three to five years old. The Recovery House can use the seeds to stretch soups and broths." Mary had a market basket of allium and parsnip seeds which were too old to plant. Mary considered the bag of dandelion seeds which Anne insisted she take. "I never considered harvesting dandelion seeds. However, if these seeds grow, they should produce greens for soups and salads. I will add their seeds to my forage list."

Mary found dozens of bags of dried sorrel leaves, dried wild garlic leaves, and dried wild angelica leaves. None of the gardeners could give a year when the leaves were harvested. Anne did not want to feed the dried foraged leaves to the men at the Recovery House. Mary opined they could put the bags in the empty corner crates. She recommended sending the forage to the piggery.

"Well, I have learned so much today." Georgiana took careful notes in an everyday book. "Poor Mrs. Morrow was a bit vexed to learn she could not view anything today. I explained Mr. Fitzwilliam and you were inspecting and closing buildings to conserve firewood. She asked if I could come to tea in the next few days, and was disheartened to hear the Viscount and I are in London until after Christmas, visiting family."

Anne and Mary both avoided looking at one another…for fear they would laugh.

"What is that door?" Anne asked when the empty crates had been moved. The men filled the crates with bags of dried forage. None of the gardeners knew. Eventually a key was found in a desk drawer. The men offered to examine the room…perhaps insects and vermin overran the room. They opened the door, and lit lanterns. "Beets," one of the men announced. "Although someone does not know how to spell beets. They spelled the word b…e…a…t…s."

"Dried beets?" Anne pulled a face.

"We can always feed dried beets to the livestock," one of the men suggested. He pried the top off the crate and stepped back. "This crate has beans." He knelt and examined the writing on the crate. "I think this crate held wheat once. Someone wrote beans over the wheat name, but with time, the writing faded." He reached into the crate, smelling and feeling the beans. "No bugs, no wet, no mildew."

Mary examined the beans at Anne's urging. "The bean color faded a little, but I believe the beans are still good. The beans will need to soak overnight before cooking."

The man pried off the top of the other crates. "Beans, beans and wheat."

"The wheat is not useable," Mary shook her head. "I was taught wheat only lasts a year. Is there a date on the wheat crate?"

"1810 is the latest date on it," the man said. "I think this crate should go to the pigs also. The food for the pigs at the main barn will help feed the other animals."

Anne nodded briskly. "Seal the crates. Beans to the Recovery House, wheat to the barn. We will finish filling the three empty crates with foraged leaves. They can go to the barn also."

"The allium seeds with ham bits will season those beans," Mary suggested while Georgina took excellent notes.

"Am I awful if I say how much I miss chicken and mushroom pie?" Georgiana sighed.

December 10, 13 and 15

The scarcity of bread in Nottinghamshire, combined with rising prices, lack of employment and great suffering were addressed. A town hall meeting raised funds. A London association donated twenty tons of red herrings. Lord Middleton donated three hundred tons of coal. The parish of St. Nicholas spent funds to establish a soup kitchen. The need was greater than the generosity of citizens.

~X~

The steward at Darcy Scotland wrote to Darcy, telling him of the meteor which hit Scotland. He did not want reports from Glasgow or Perth regarding the kite-shaped meteor to reach Darcy and worry him. The meteor appeared as a small star at first. The meteor resembled the moon as it continued to fall. People believed the skies were beginning to clear so they would see more stars and night skies. However the meteor exploded before impact, creating a sound louder than thunder. The light of the explosion allowed people to see small objects on the countryside.

~X~

The small earthquake of December fifteenth seemed to herald a cold snap which lasted a sennight. People believed December might be milder than November, but again, the weather surprised everyone.

St. Thomas Tea

Mary, Beth and Gwen walked to Rosings House. They did not want to use the carriage. Despite the cold, travel was faster on foot. Mary, Anne and Beth entertained by playing the pianoforte. Several of the older widows were solicitous of Mary and her situation. Mary explained she was not entertaining but shared a home with Mr. Fitzwilliam's friends until after Twelfth Night. Anne explained how Mr. Fitzwilliam helped the widows obtain pensions from the War Office. Three more widows applied to Mr. Fitzwilliam for War Office help in the next year.

The table was set with a small assortment of dried apple pies, ginger scones with Mary's spiced honey, and walnut sponge cakes along with sliced ham. Tea or wine punch was offered to the widows. Christmas Eve services were discussed. Anne offered rides to any widow who wanted to attend Christmas Eve services. Gwen, Beth and Mary decided not to attend. Attendance was not mandatory and because of the boys, they wanted an early night.

The widows, who shared households, combined their wood piles and other supplies. They shared tips on how they survived 1816. They agreed heating one house was easier, and food supplies lasted longer. Mary explained about the use of mirrors with candles and fires to increase light. She explained about using herbs with fourth use tea leaves for pots of tea.

"I am determined to borrow books from the Rosings House instead of continuing my circulating library subscription," Widow Larson commented. "I will attend the church services at the Recovery Home on Sunday morning. I do not believe I can bear another sermon on the widow's mite, or frugality and economy, or how God helps those who help themselves. I apologize in advance, Mrs. Fitzwilliam…however, Vicar Morrow's sermons are more wearing than Mr. Collins' distinction of rank sermons."

"Ladies, I discussed the shopkeepers' situation with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Mr. Hastings, the finance officer at the Recovery Home, will add the lists of your needs to his orders from London warehouses. He can only purchase supplies if they are available. He will keep your accounts; you can pay your debt to the Recovery Home each quarter day. Your costs for supplies would be lessened by ordering through Mr. Hastings." Mary informed the widows.

"Is that fair to the shopkeepers?" Widow Carew asked.

"Ordering through the Recovery House is no more unfair than Butcher Seaton refusing to give change and charging a farthing to carry your balance on his books. Mr. Hastings will not charge to carry your debts from quarter day to quarter day." Mary asserted.

"Very few of us harvested from orchards and gardens this year. I appreciate the offer to order supplies for us, with an open account I can pay on quarter days." Widow Johnstone commented. "I appreciate the basket of goods." She and the remainder of the widows thanked Mrs. Fitzwilliam.

~X~

"Curate Crowdion asked for more firewood for Sundays. He invited every widow in the area to attend services at the Recovery Home. I learned the Morrows believe only one basket should have been given to a home with widows, instead of every widow receiving a basket. Vicar Morrow feels the widows should tithe from the baskets. Vicar Morrow believes people should tithe in goods or services if they cannot tithe a coin." Richard shared the gossip with Anne.

"How was Vicar Morrow included on the Bishop's list of qualified candidates?"

"Morrow was a stern leader of his parish. No one used the services of the church without paying the piper. Morrow's parish was in good standing with the Church of England because they always paid their due." Richard heaved a disgusted sigh at the world.

~X~

Mr. Jones received an express from Timothy Locke and Dr. Acton in London late Saturday evening. Samuel died from typhus, which he caught while treating the ill in London hospitals. Locke would transport Jones' body to Meryton on Monday. He recommended no one view the body. Dr. Acton recommended leaving the casket in an empty barn on Monday evening with burial on Tuesday morning. Locke packed Jones' things…remembering the good times they had while growing up. He kept a prayer card from Jones' Bible, vowing to praise God for the good friend he had from his youth. He brought a basket of items which Jones had been given by families grateful for his help. Locke opined scientists would seek information about weather in 1816, in addition to statistics of deaths from starvation, illness and disease. He reported the invention by Karl Drais of a bicycle to circumvent the lack of oats and hay for horses. He and Dr. Acton walked from Acton's house to the hospital, but he believed the bicycle might be a way to have transportation without a horse.

Locke stated London was not immune to disease, civil unrest and rioting which occurred across Europe. Locke anticipated his family would not want him to return to London, but he felt he needed to help with the growing epidemic. He believed every possible disease which tried to infect him died during his frigid walks to and from the Acton house. Dr. and Mrs. Acton were good people, sharing what they had with Jones and Locke. He knew they would miss Jones as much as he did.

Charlotte related the death of Samuel Jones to Mary when she wrote. Maria was saddened by his passing, but only shared her feelings with Charlotte. Grace did not approve of Jones or Locke paying particular attention to Maria. Of course, Charlotte kept her thoughts to herself. Grace was never pursued by either Jones or Locke as she never considered them worthy of her. Now, Grace did not consider Locke worthy of Maria.

~X~

Rector Fitzwilliam reviewed Vicar Morrow's plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas services. He refused to allow the vicar to consider the song While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks By Night. He explained no one had flocks and no one could see the night sky. He felt the song would add to the misery of the parishioners. Since Michaelmas, they lost fifty members to starvation or illness. He approved of Greensleeves during communion. He felt the parishioners standing to sing Adeste Fideles would convey the joy of the season.

If Vicar Morrow chafed under the admonition not to mention the widow's mite during next quarter's sermons, or Rector Fitzwilliam selecting the hymns…Vicar Morrow did not show his ire. He believed once Mrs. Collins' guests went to their families after Christmas…he and Mrs. Morrow could work on Mrs. Collins' sensibilities. She should leave Hunsford and return to her father's home in Hertfordshire. Perhaps, she would not be able to take all her fine furnishings, or both of her equipage.

Christmas

After Christmas services at the Recovery Home; Mary walked to the Hunsford Rectory cemetery to place a posy of dried lavender on Mr. Collins' grave. Curate Stevenson escorted her from the cemetery back to the Fitzwilliams' carriage to prevent her from being inopportuned by the Morrows. "Thank you for Mr. Collins' clerical garb, along with the saddle bags and gloves. I appreciate all the times you shared the bounty of the parsonage gardens and orchards with me. I appreciate the spiced honey you shared this year."

"I doubt you will receive a Christmas basket from the parsonage since you are departing Hunsford. I asked Mrs. Fitzwilliam make sure you received the honey." Mary insisted.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam provided a picnic hamper for my travels. I am departing early tomorrow." Stevenson sighed. "You were a wonderful vicar's wife. We may never see one another again, but I will send my directions. Should you need anything for George, please write me. I wish you well. I delivered a medium-sized crate of acorns to Rosings Place. I filled the under seat of the gig with sacks of acorns, and sacks of feed for my horse. I am packing everything except necessities in my travel trunks. I will fill the saddlebags with necessities. My gig will be loaded, but I only need to travel to the Matlock House in London tomorrow, and then Epping the day after."

Curate Stevenson explained he gleaned acorns from oak trees in Hunsford. He included instructions to leech the nuts before using. Soaking the acorns in cold water, changed daily for ten days, and then drying the acorns by heat for three days would allow her to grind the acorns into flour. Acorn flour would not make yeast bread, but would make inn bread or flat bread. He gave her receipts for acorn griddle cakes and acorn porridge. His receipt for acorn cake required a bit of wheat flour. His receipt for ground acorns and rice intrigued Mary. However, she greatly appreciated his receipt for acorn flour cookies. She would be able to provide a treat for Beth and Gwen when they departed.

"Thank you, and I wish you well. Travel safe," Mary curtsied to Stevenson's bow. He helped her into the carriage.

"Mr. Knowles took a basket for you, Beth and Gwen to Rosings Place this morning. This is Mr. Collins' wages for this quarter. He signed a contract with us. Despite his passing, you should receive his wages until Lady Day." Fitzwilliam extended a bank draft, which Mary put away in her reticule. "I will take you to London to deposit your funds in the bank after Beth and Gwen depart."

Mary passed folded ledger pages with a bank note to Fitzwilliam. She tithed from Mr. Collins' wages, from George's percents, from her percents, and from manufacturing funds earned this quarter. She tithed on the wages received for her stillroom work at the Recovery House and the excess goods which she sold to the Recovery House. Mary requested Fitzwilliam announce he collected her tithe, but requested he not list the amount of the banknote. He assured her he would give the tithe to Curate Crowdion at the Recovery Home. Vicar Morrow did not handle the finances for the Recovery House. He would never know how large her widow's mite was.

"Tomorrow morning George and I can walk over to Rosings House early so the two of you can deliver alms baskets and tenant baskets. The ladies are staying at Rosings Place. I do not expect anyone will visit; but the ladies will be home if someone calls."

"Tomorrow, while the Morrows deliver alms and baskets with Fitzwilliam and me, one of our carriages and a wagon will move the Mannings and Barlow to the Stanhope House in London. They will be gone before the Morrows return. Curate Stevenson will follow them to London, and stay at the Matlock House for a night. While Freddie would love to see George, you should stay at Rosings Place. Do let me know if the Morrows come to Rosings Place looking for their staff."

"I hope my attending services at the Recovery House is not troublesome for you," Mary apologized to Anne and Richard. "I feel since I am working in the Recovery House stillroom when I can, I should give the Recovery House my support, my funds and my time."

~X~

Mary was greeted with a warm home and the sounds of Christmas carols coming from the drawing room. She removed her bonnet and redingote.

"Mama," George rushed to greet her.

"George," She knelt to hug her son.

A roaring fire in the drawing room warmed the room, although George's hugs and kisses warmed Mary's heart. The Walkers decorated the mantle with evergreen branches, red ribbon and white candles. There was no mistletoe or holly this year as very little had grown for lack of sunshine. A few gold painted walnuts were nestled in the evergreen boughs.

"Come and play, George…" the twins urged George. Mary noticed three new sets of toy soldiers kept the boys busy this morning.

"Mr. Fitzwilliam gave the boys toy soldiers." Beth smiled, observing three dark haired boys enraptured with their troops. "Mr. Walker set a table in here for us for midday meal. We added the wood for the dining room to the firewood for the drawing room."

Beth played the pianoforte after Gwen, followed by Mary. Before long, the Walkers served dinner for the ladies and boys. "The Fitzwilliams sent food for the day," Gwen nodded at the table.

Mary noticed her modest midday meal of broth, cold ham, goat cheese and inn bread had been improved by the Fitzwilliams. A small roasted green goose with stuffing enticed the boys. Savory rice, made with pot herbs and spices, a salad of conservatory greens, and hot rolls with goat butter were enjoyed by all. The Fitzwilliams sent dried apple tarts and mincemeat tarts for the sweets. Hot mulled cider warmed all of them. Sated by the excellent repast…the boys retired to their beds for a good nap. The ladies made new, heavy flannel nightshirts for their sons, with heavy flannel nightcaps to keep heads and ears warm during the night.

The ladies planned to nap also, but exchanged their gifts for one another. Gwen gifted a new quill and a pen wiper. Beth gifted black fawn handkerchiefs. Mary gifted coin rolls to the ladies, explaining how to button the coin rolls beneath their gowns while they traveled. The Fitzwilliams gifted each lady with a pair of woolen stockings. Mary gifted the Fitzwilliams a bottle of orange wine, which she had kept from last Christmas. Her bottles of mead and orange wine were hoarded, as she did not know when she would have oranges or honey to make a new supply.

Mary insisted her staff share the food donated by the Fitzwilliams. She paid her staff wages for the quarter, and reminded them to take their leisure while everyone in the house napped. She gave her staff lengths of heavy flannel, decks of cards, and a small bag of peppermint comfits she procured with help of Mr. Hastings. Everyone expressed best wishes, with hope for a better 1817.

~X~

Darcy purchased three Rumford stoves for Elizabeth, Ben and Barry for Christmas. He had them installed in the nursery, the master bedroom and the drawing room where they gathered for meals. The stoves increased the heat available in the rooms. Elizabeth purchased as many mirrors possible through the Lambton stores as they were delivered. Everyone in Lambton knew she was not a vain woman, as she shared the tip about mirrors by candlesticks, fireplaces, and windows to increase light on these dark days. Darcy and Houghton would distribute Boxing Day packages to his tenants and staff. Everyone received warmer clothes this year. Elizabeth shared as many of her warm older clothes as possible with Solange and Mrs. Reynolds. Darcy attended as many livestock sales as possible, purchasing older animals to slaughter to feed his tenants and staff. He tithed to the Kympton church, sharing meat and firewood with them also.

Bingley acquired six dairy goats for his family. His family adjusted to the taste of goats' milk, butter and cheese. Thankfully two of his tenants knew how to care for goats. The important issue was keeping the firepit in the main barn burning to provide warmth for all the animals. Jane sewed warm clothes for the tenants. Bingley smoked meats to distribute to his tenants and staff to keep everyone fed. Mary's letter about clearing out the garden storage room at Rosings Park sent both Bingley and Jane to scour all their outbuildings for items useable for the staff and tenants and guiding the unusable to the livestock.

Hamilton and Catherine were sad to bid goodbye to both of his servitors. They would not return. Their families could no longer support their education. Both of them thanked the Hamiltons for their support this term at Oxford. Catherine purchased warm mufflers and gloves for going away gifts for the servitors from one of the tenants who knitted. Hamilton gave each of his servitors a book and a warm rug to ease their journey back to their families. He and Catherine discussed Oxford. Hamilton would not return to Oxford next term. He purchased four abandoned farms. He paid the bank for the past taxes due and a small fee for the properties. The farms were next to the farms he owned. Tenants helped him check, clear and close all the outbuildings of each farm. Houses were inspected for needed repairs.

Mr. Phillips closed his law offices except for four hours during the middle of the day. His clerk gave notice and relocated in Margate near his family. The Phillips had three staff members – a man-of-all-things, the cook/housekeeper, and a maid-of-all-things. Deborah swore silently to herself when necessity forced her to share a bedroom with Patrick, and when forced to help the servants. She thought marrying Patrick Phillips would keep her from the drudgery of cooking, cleaning, sewing and washing laundry as she had in her younger days. They had no callers, and the stores had few goods to sell, and even fewer tidbits of gossip. Everyone concentrated on surviving.

Bennet ordered four Rumford stoves from London for Longbourn. Mr. Gardiner brought them to Longbourn, along with four Rumford stoves for the house where Madeleine and the children lived. Bennet put one stove in the nursery, one in the master bedroom, one in his study, and one in Charlotte's sitting room. Mary's letters always contained good tips. The Bennets moved as many dressing mirrors to the conservatory as possible. They also inspected every building on Longbourn land, sharing found items, closing unused buildings, and helping tenants with house repairs during this unforgiving weather. Mrs. Hill and Charlotte kept a careful inventory of the foodstuffs and libations at Longbourn. Baby Thomas thrived with the love and devotion of his parents. Bennet shared smoked meat with tenants and his brothers-by-marriage.

~X~

Mr. Gardiner closed the Gardiner's Emporium, leaving two men to protect his building. He moved the remainder of the goods from the Gardiner's Emporium to barred and locked storerooms on the top floor of his building. He took the furnishings from his office to his house. He brought supplies for his family and the Bennets, purchasing as much as possible when he found it. He explained to Madeleine about the fabrics. With the disturbance in silk production…he believed the prices for silk for gowns for ladies and waistcoats for men would increase along with prices for necessities in 1817. His partners gleaned products from every storeroom or every possible warehouse; yet half-empty ships delivered goods to the London docks. Mr. Gardiner believed United Kingdom mills might become dependent upon American cotton as the world tried to recover from 1816.

He related the demand for tobacco increased since America's tobacco crops failed. He purchased as much tobacco as possible…gifting one third to Bennet, Phillips and himself. He wrote the Earl of Matlock, and warned him of tobacco issues. As with food, firewood, coals and candles…the men rationed their tobacco, in addition to port and brandy.

Mr. Gardiner brought winter wheat and rye seeds with him. He was determined to support Bennet while he provided succor to Gardiner's family. Gardiner purchased a drove of ten dairy goats which he brought to Longbourn. The cold weather kept any highwaymen from raiding Gardiner and his precious supplies. Bennet convinced Gardiner to trade two of the dairy goats to his neighbor, Mr. Benson, for a pony cart which could be adapted for use with the goats. Gardiner sold two of the goats to Sir William for a half case of French brandy.

Mr. Gardiner related trade ships spread cholera around the world…ravaging unprepared local populations where they put to port. The cholera pandemic spread from the continent across the Mediterranean to Italy, Greece, North Africa, India and Asia. Cholera would continue killing for another half decade.

Gentlemen who became rich from supplying the Napoleonic Wars were reduced to lower levels of living like their tenants and staff. Possession of great fortune meant nothing when one could not buy the necessities of life. In Ireland, tenants abandoned their farms owned by absent landlords. By the end of summer, the number of emigrants increased. By the end of the year, almost two thousand emigrants would call the United States their new home. After eight weeks of rain, those who did not emigrate died from famine or typhus. The clergy said prayers over the deaths of people of all ages.

~X~

"Papers report American farmers refer to 1816 aseighteen hundred and starve to death." Richard shook his paper.

"We suspended rent for the farms for the year?" Anne asked, nursing Mary Elizabeth. Richard understood she could barely abide the taste of goat's milk, and mixed hot, sweetened milk in half rations with her breakfast chocolate. With a bit of sweet, she could choke down the milk.

"I suspended all rents, which includes the cottages and farms, until Lady Day with a guarantee everyone will sign leases for 1817 and 1818. We endeavor to keep tenants alive and healthy. Vicar Morrow objected to my order to not collect coin for baptisms, burials and weddings. As I record the baptisms, burials and weddings for the rectory, and ensure those funds go forward to the Church of England, I paid the fees and Vicar Morrow. I believe he feels he deserves more. He is distressed because they receive no invitations to dinners from the parishioners. He complained if they make calls…no one offers tea and a sweet. No one entertains. Yet, I charge him for the use of a carriage and horses. I explained when Vicar Morrow signs a contract on Lady Day for two quarters, we may revisit the tithes paid to the rectory. I explained his guaranteed living is beyond what people can bear right now. I believe tomorrow will provide a lesson for the Morrows. We only have smoked meat, bags of beans, warm clothes and warm blankets to share, along with the alms."

"From your beautiful mouth to God's willing ear," Anne kissed her husband before taking Mary Elizabeth to the nursery.

December 27

"Are they seriously injured?" Fitzwilliam questioned Knowles.

"No…not from war wounds nor from your men." Knowles observed the three restrained prisoners. "They applied for room and board at the Recovery House, but Dr. Long refused. He could not allow them to bring illnesses from London with them. Curate Crowdion insisted the men stay for a meal before returning to London. He did not know the men heard about a filled smokehouse which would be opened today. When they left the Recovery Home yesterday, they hid until late in the night. They were prepared to raid the smokehouse when four of your farmers defended the smokehouse. The raiding party had three large bags with them. They planned to steal full sacks of meat. They could trade meat for passage to London on a mail coach. They could trade meat for coin in London."

Fitzwilliam considered the men. "I cannot bear the thought of sending you to the new Millbank Prison for theft. You would starve to death, and I cannot justify your deaths because you turned to thievery because of wont. Did you consider the children and widows who would starve if you stole the meat destined for them? I will not cause your deaths, but I will not succor thieves either."

"I believe you should send them to Van Dieman's Land, but they would probably die on the ship. There are no jobs in London, nor in manufacturing plants around the country. I would take them to the London docks and purchase passage to anywhere but here."

"I give you leave to purchase passage somewhere." Fitzwilliam turned on his heel and departed. He ordered six of his guards to help Knowles transport the thieves. However, he ordered them to keep their fists to themselves unless the prisoners required his men defend themselves.

~X~

Anne visited and thanked Mary for the jar of spiced honey. She shared the gossip from the parsonage. The Morrows were quite shocked, and terribly upset because the Mannings and Barlow departed while they delivered alms and baskets with the Fitzwilliams. Vicar Morrow hastened to the Tuckers and to Curate Stevenson to find they departed Hunsford also. Vicar Morrow could not entice any widow to cook for the parsonage until their new servants arrived. Nor could they find any man at the Recovery House who would draw water or keep their fires lit. Instead of offering a decent wage, Vicar Morrow opined people should tithe their time to support the parsonage or the rectory. However, people were tight with their time…knowing how shabbily Curate Stevenson, the Tuckers, the Mannings and Barlow had been treated.

"I had a horrid encounter with Mrs. Seaton. She refused to help me. I waited for almost an hour and finally Mr. Seaton helped me, after helping everyone else, including people who came into the store after me." Gwen's eyes flashed. "When I asked him why he delayed in taking my order…he claimed he did not want me to be embarrassed by asking for credit when community members patronized the shop."

"What did you do?" Beth shook her head.

"Mr. Knowles appeared and offered transportation back to Rosings. By then, the butcher had almost nothing left to sell. I thanked Mr. Knowles for his thoughtfulness, as I had no line of credit with Mr. Seaton and was not interested in establishing one." Gwen sniffed. "I cut Mr. Seaton when he apologized…and swept out of the shop on Mr. Knowles' arm." Her saucy grin made the ladies laugh. "Mr. Knowles explained he opened a smokehouse early this morning. He offered to deliver beef bones, smoked meat and dried meat to Rosings Place today. We shall boil the beef bones for broth. We can soak and chop the dried meat for soups."

Mr. Knowles delivered the smallest Hawthorne bush Mary had ever seen when he delivered the basket. "I am determined to burn a Hawthorne bush at every farm and on every field of Rosings Park. Your bush is not large, but I believe it will provide sufficient ashes to sprinkle on your garden and orchard. We will all pray for sunshine in 1817."

December 31

Mary knelt to say her prayers. While the entire world was affected, excessive rain and cold temperatures seemed to be constant company this year. She prayed for everyone in the United Kingdom. She prayed for the Irish whose potato crop rotted and prayed for deliverance from their widespread starvation and increasing illness. She prayed for the starving and ill in Scotland and Wales. She included prayers for the migration of people seeking a better life…trying to flee from bread shortages, food riots and looting. The newspapers reported 3,500 deaths from starvation and typhus. She prayed for farmers who slaughtered livestock because there was little hay and feed. Those caught in floods from heavy rains were not overlooked in her prayers. She asked God to guard and shelter those who abandoned farms. She thanked the Lord for her life, and for her son. She praised him for the protection offered her, Beth and Gwen by the Fitzwilliams. She prayed Beth and Gwen would find happiness at their new homes with family near. She prayed for Rose and Ivy who had the Fitzwilliams to guide them. Blessings and guidance for her family and everyone she knew were included in Mary's prayers, Last, but not least…she prayed for the Mannings, Barlow, Curate Stevenson, and the Tuckers. She prayed for greater understanding between herself and the Morrows.

A/N
I am working on 1817, which will be the last year. I will do my best to post every Saturday, but 1817 is very rough. Just to tease…Bath provides a diversion…Someone tries to compromise Mary…the skies brighten…

As soon as 1817 draws to a close, I have fixes for the other chapters…I did take notes!