Chapter 11! I'll be honest, I didn't think CWBWA would make it this far. It started off as a vague concept in my head and has took root in my brain ever since. Reader responses keep us going. We're halfway and the only way to go is up!
Chapter 11
Hannah Thornton felt an overwhelming pity for the unknown woman John would eventually take as a wife. Watching him pace the room, pour brandies he then forgot to drink, pick up books and toss them back down, glance at letters he'd already read before discarding those too, made Hannah pinch the bridge of her nose with her fingers, pray to every deity she knew of for patience, and huff a great sigh which finally gained her scattered son's attention.
"That carpet is new; you're going to pace a hole in it at this rate"
"Good afternoon to you too mother"
"What is all this mithering about? Surely there's something sensible to be attending to, rather than all this hopeless flitting about?"
John frowned.
"I don't know mother. It is Sunday, so the mill is not open. Williams assures me all the necessary paperwork is done to be ready for tomorrow, and it is only noon. I have… nothing to do," he looked rather dazed as he said this, realising he had the most free time he'd had since he was nine years old. Here he was, twenty years later, completely lost as to what to do with himself when he did not have a set task or extensive list of things to do.
"Well, I also find myself with some leisure time, and was thinking to go for a walk, as the weather is finer than it has been of late. Why don't you accompany me? It will do you good to shed this excess energy"
John could never argue with his mother's sound logic, and went to fetch the necessary garments. He did feel slightly calmer as he felt the afternoon breeze wash over him. He and Hannah made their way up the hill to where Mr and Mrs Hale were buried, pausing at the graves as was their custom. Talk inevitably turned to their children.
"Have you heard from Frederick lately?"
"He and Miss Hale are now settled into their new home in Helstone. Mr Bell is back in Oxford settling his final affairs, and then back to Helston for a proper farewell before he departs for Argentina. Fred's wife has also finally sailed from Spain, and is expected any day now"
"And how is Miss Hale?"
"Well, by all accounts. Fred says she grows stronger by the day and that the worst of her behaviour is behind her. She even volunteers in a local pauper's school, teaching the girls sewing and embroidery for a couple of days a week"
"Any talk of one of these visits?"
"None at present. Fred wants to see his wife safely arrived and settled before he leaves Helstone again. She has left her home and all her family behind in another country, he will want to be there for her"
"It is a big change for any woman to leave home for her husband. I only moved some 5 miles when I married your father and still sorely missed home. Heaven only knows how she is feeling"
John pondered this. Was he really so selfish as to beg Margaret to leave what seemed like an idyllic, peaceful life to come back to this place, where she had only known desolation and despair? Any sensible woman would laugh in his face.
"John" the quiet call of his name made John turn to face his mother, who was watching him with an expression he had never seen on her face before.
"I know that you must still feel… something for Miss Hale. It has been months, and you have never so much as glanced at another woman. While I can only counsel you that she may not be the wisest choice for a wife, God knows you'll need a sturdy sort of woman to bear children in an environment such as this, I know that I have blessed and also cursed you with my obstinance. There is no talking you down when you set your sights to something and I would not see you condemned to a loveless marriage for such earthly considerations. If she is the only one you will consider, we can find a way to make it work"
Hannah knew her son wasn't an overly expressive man, and that the tight squeeze he gave her hand conveyed all he needed to say. He offered his arm to her, and they continued on their walk.
A few days later, the scene at the Hale household was controlled chaos. Dolores' ship was due to dock in Portsmouth that morning, and Fred had left the night before to go and meet her. Margaret was left to oversee final preparations for her new sister in law's arrival, ensuring her clothes closet and drawers were clean and ready to receive her belongings. She plumped the cushions on an armchair Fred had purchased for Dolores, and brushed off some invisible speck of dust on the arm. Dolores now also had a very pretty wash bowl and jug set up for her, and Margaret had made her a welcome gift of some embroidered handkerchiefs, bearing her initials and some yellow Helstone roses. Dixon had gone to fetch everything that was needed for a dinner to welcome Fred and his wife home, and Margaret decided that the path to the house needed another sweep. She retrieved the broom and went outside, ensuring to leave the door open as to not lock herself outside.
She was absentmindedly brushing some leaves off the path when she paused, certain she had heard something. The sound was gone as quickly as it had come, so Margaret shrugged and carried on working. Perhaps she would prune the rose bushes as well, they were growing quite unruly.
There was the sound again. Margaret strained her ears; sure she was not imagining anything. It was a low sort of squeaking sound, and it seemed to be coming from a bush nearby. She crouched, and pushed some of the leaves apart, until –
"Oh my goodness!"
A tiny grey kitten, so tiny it was a miracle the poor creature was still alive, was laying under the bush, stretching as though it was reaching for food. The poor thing must have been starving. Margaret quickly pulled off her apron, and wrapped the creature up, beginning to rub some desperately needed warmth into its bones. A quick peek at its belly told Margaret it was a boy, and she held him to her chest.
"Oh my darling, how long have you been here? Where is your Mama?" Margaret had not seen any mothering cats in the area lately, so where he had come from was a mystery. She poked around the bush some more to check there were no more kittens. This mysterious little boy was quite alone.
"Come, let's get you into the house my dear. There is enough hot water left in the teapot, you sorely need a bath, and I shall warm some milk for you"
Quite what Dixon must have made of coming home to find the broom abandoned on the path and the door still ajar must have been alarming – Margaret had forgotten to close the door in her haste. She cautiously made her way into the house, and found Margaret seated by the fire, holding a towelled little bundle in her arms. There was also a saucer of… milk?, next to her with a teaspoon.
"What do you have there Miss Margaret?"
Margaret started slightly; she had been so engrossed in her task. She beckoned Dixon closer, pushing the towel back so that a tiny grey head popped out.
"I found this poor little fellow under a bush. I haven't the faintest idea how or when he got there, but I could not just leave him"
Dixon tutted as she looked him over.
"A runt, judging by his size. Don't get too attached is all, Miss. He is probably still very weak"
"I think he is a stubborn little fellow. He had just enough energy to call me to him, and became more lively when I washed him, and he is taking well to the milk. I think he could make Dolores and I a fine companion"
"If you insist Miss. I shall find you a box to make a bed for him"
"Do you want help with making dinner?"
"You just worry about your little charge there Miss"
Margaret pushed back the towel to study her new patient. He must be a few weeks old, as his eyes were fully open and were a startling deep black which stared at her intensely. Margaret was utterly flummoxed as to how he had survived quite so long out there on his own, but she was glad of the company.
"You study me so intensely, young man. It quite reminds me of an old acquaintance, who used to glower at me so!"
Her only response was a chirping squeak. She offered him another few teaspoons of milk, which he gobbled heartily. Now that he was warm and fed, he nestled against her chest, purring contentedly.
Dixon returned with a small box, for which she had also procured some old sewing rags to use as bedding. She set it a small distance from the fire, and Margaret pried her new friend off her chest.
"I would happily sit here with you all day my dear, but we have new friends to welcome!"
She placed him in his box, and after placating him with one of her old handkerchiefs dipped with a few drops of her perfume to carry her scent, he curled up and went to sleep. Margaret gathered up her gardening supplies, and went back outside to bring those rose bushes into order. She decided to pick a few of the best ones to place on a vase by Dolores' bedside. She also saw some marigolds and petunias that would make a very pretty arrangement, and carefully put her bundle together. She fetched a vase and water from the kitchen and went to place it in their bedroom. Her gardening completed, she resumed her helpless flitting about the house, only regaining a degree of sense when her new companion awoke and began to mew for her. He guzzled further teaspoons of milk so quickly that she placed him and the saucer on the floor to see if he were able to lap it up himself.
"Have you thought of a name for him Miss? You were right, he does seem the stubborn sort"
She looked up, Dixon watching them from where she was making the final preparations for dinner.
"I have a few I am considering, but I simply cannot decide!"
Dixon chuckled, and then glanced at the clock.
"Master Frederick is due back soon Miss. I suppose you'll want to change and wash. You've trekked in a fair bit of dirt from the garden"
Margaret glanced down and found Dixon's assessment accurate. There were streaks of soil on her skirt and a fair bit under her fingernails.
"You watch him Miss Margaret, I'll go prepare a washbowl and lay out a fresh dress. I suppose you'll want the lavender gown, with the lace collar?"
"That would be marvellous Dixon"
Once Dixon had left the room, Margaret leaned back and watched her new friend. Having finished his milk, he was tottering about on legs that still seemed slightly shaky. He began chasing a little dot of light, a glimmer of retreating sunshine that was glinting off Margaret's bracelet. She sussed his game and began twisting her wrist, dancing the light ever so slightly of his reach. He squawked indignantly and made a great leaping attempt to catch it, only to slip and land splayed on his belly. Margaret chuckled and scooped him back up, where he nestled happily back into her chest.
"You shall need a name my dear boy. I cannot keep simply calling you 'boy' or 'cat'. But what to name you?"
The cat chirped as he looked up at her, and Margaret studied him intently, trying to find a fitting name.
"You are the most curious shade of grey I've ever seen, almost like smoke. Smoky?"
Margaret swore she saw the cat almost shake his head.
"You do not agree? Very well, what else is there about you?"
She looked at him again.
"You are grey like the smoke, and stubborn, determined as you were to cling to life all this time. You also have no problem making yourself heard, shouting out to me as loud as you could. You like your independence, wanting to eat from the saucer yourself, but you are affectionate in your own way. You have the most brilliant dark eyes I've ever seen, although they do remind me of… oh!" Margaret trailed off with a gasp as she thought of the perfect name, and she smiled and brought the cat up to her face to look him full in the eye.
"Hello, Milton"
She was rewarded with him sticking his pale pink tongue out to lick her cheek.
"Is that a kiss? You approve of the name?" she asked with a giggle.
Dixon came back to announce that her things were ready for a wash and a change, and she placed Milton back on the floor to explore his new surroundings.
While Dixon fixed the ties on her dress, Margaret bent over the wash bowl and used a small scrubbing brush to attack the dirt on her hands and nails. She also washed her face, and Dixon brushed and re-fixed her hair, as it was looking a bit unkempt from a day of rushing about the house.
They were both making sure the table was set for dinner when the unmistakeable clatter of horses and a carriage pulled up outside. Dixon and Margaret looked up at each other, and Margaret was filled at once with great excitement and terrible nerves. She smoothed down her skirts and hurried to the door.
Outside, Fred was hopping down from the carriage. He looked up and gave Margaret a cheery wave before turning back to the door and holding out his hand to help his wife down.
Dolores Hale was as tall as her husband, with dark hair currently tucked under a hat. Her dark eyes were drinking in what she could make of her surroundings in the diminishing light. Margaret clasped her hands in front of her, as Dixon came hurrying to stand next to her. The couple made their way up the path as the coachmen began unloading the cases Dolores had brought, Fred's light overnight bag tucked under his arm. They moved into the light spilling from the door, and Margaret was relieved to see that Dolores was smiling broadly. Fred released his wife's arm to embrace his sister.
"Ah it's good to be home. You've kept well sister?"
"Very well brother, we have managed to keep well occupied. Now come, you have introductions to perform"
"Very well, very well. Margaret, may I present you to my wife, Dolores. My darling, this is my sister, Margaret"
Margaret bobbed a small curtsy.
"I am so pleased to welcome you to your new home. I hope the journey was pleasant for you?"
Dolores reached out and embraced Margaret, kissing her cheeks.
"I am so pleased to finally meet my sister and see my new home. It is all so different and wonderful. I am sure I shall be very happy here and we shall be great friends," her voice was soft and her accent was strong. Dixon shuffled on the spot a little, waiting to be introduced.
"Oh, I am so sorry! Dolores, this is Dixon, our ladies' maid," Margaret added, watching as Dixon also bobbed a curtsy.
"Welcome to your new home, Mistress," Dixon greeted her politely. Since Dolores was the new Mrs Hale, it was natural that she would now be the official mistress of the house. However, she let out a gentle little laugh.
"Please, I do not wish to be anyone's mistress. I am not used to giving commands and I am sure you don't need me to tell you what to do. I simply wish to be Dolores," she responded gently, before shivering in a sudden breeze.
"My goodness, why are we all still standing around? Everyone come in!" Margaret began ushering her new little family into the house, "You may sit a while by the fire if you wish Dolores, or do you wish to wash and change? Fred, you, and the coachman bring Dolores' things inside. Dixon, see that there is water boiled for a pot of tea and Dolores' wash bowl"
"You see, sister? This house already has a most efficient mistress," Dolores murmured kindly to her. Margaret looped her arm through hers and took her through to the room she would share with Fred, showing her where she could place her things and the flowers and handkerchiefs she had prepared as a gift. Dolores gushed her thanks and declared them all "bonito!"
Fred and Dixon arrived with Dolores' things and a bowl of wash water. Margaret then left her new sister to Dixon's care to see her changed and refreshed and followed her brother downstairs.
"What do you make of her then Migs?"
"She is so lovely and kind, dear brother. I am excited to get to know her further"
"Come, sit with me by the fire. I need to stretch my legs after that cramped carriage, and I'm eager to know how you have passed the last couple of days"
The answer to that question crawled out from under Fred's seat and attempted to climb up his leg not two minutes after he had sat down. Fred yelped at the sudden sensation and stared curiously at this other new house guest.
"Where did this little fellow come from?"
"I was gardening earlier today and I found him under a bush. I have no idea how long he's been out there or even how he's pulled through so quickly, he's recovered remarkably in just a few hours"
"May have been abandoned then," Fred mused, frowning "Have you given your new friend a name?"
"Milton," Margaret replied sheepishly, "For the smoky grey of his fur"
Fred paused, and then chuckled heartily.
"You hold that place tighter in your heart than you know Migsy. He is a curious little fellow isn't he? He'll make you a good companion"
"Of course. It is natural that you will want to spend more time with your wife. You must be so happy that she is finally here"
"I keep having to pinch myself to know that I am not dreaming. I am sad that she has left the only life she has known to be with me. I will just have to spend my life proving that her sacrifice was worth it"
"I am sure she already thinks it is"
"I meant what I said my dear sister. You will always have a place here, no matter what happens"
Margaret merely reached out and squeezed her brother's wrist, just as Dolores came back into the room. She had changed out of her travelling clothes, into a light cotton dress in a soft shade of yellow that complimented her long dark hair, which had been released from its pins and now tumbled down her back in a neat braid. She also had a cream shawl wrapped around her shoulders. Dixon left to ensure dinner was ready to serve, and Dolores seated herself in a chair next to Fred. Milton leapt into Margaret's lap and gazed at Dolores curiously.
"Oh, your cat is beautiful! What is his name?"
"Milton. Did you have any pets?"
"No, but there were always stray dogs running about that my brothers and I would sneak food to when madre wasn't looking"
"How many brothers do you have?"
"4. I was the second eldest. There was Miguel, Fabian, Ruben, and Alejandro. I think my parents are just glad to have some of us out of the house at last. Miguel also married and left not long before I did, so the house must feel so much quieter!"
"5 children! Gracious, there must have been so much noise!"
"Si! Poor madre, I think she was about to go mad with despair of us! I would have so liked to have a sister to share my dolls and look at pretty dresses with. The boys only wanted to look at my dresses when they were trying to get mud on them!"
"Fred did once get my dress spectacularly muddy, but Mother gave him such a clip round the ear for giving the maids extra cleaning work that he never touched them again!"
"¡Vergonzosa! Was he so terrible a brother all the time?" Dolores asked with a gasp, shooting a stern look at her husband.
"Oh no, he is a wonderful brother, he could not be more attentive to me"
"He is not such a bad husband either," Dolores replied with a wry tone, now giving her husband an affectionate smile.
"I am pleased to be of satisfaction to you both," Fred replied with a jovial smile. It warmed his heart to see the two most important women in his life getting along. This pleasing little tableau was interrupted by Dixon announcing that dinner was ready. Together the three of them filed through to the dining room, and shared more fond childhood memories. Not long after dinner was cleared away and Margaret had served final cups of tea, Fred and Dolores stood and stretched, announcing the desire for an early night after such a taxing journey. Margaret dutifully bade them a goodnight, offering each a sisterly kiss on the cheek.
Margaret herself gathered her discarded shawl, drawing it around herself as she went to sit back by the kitchen fire. Milton perked up at the sight of her and she obligingly scooped him up, setting him upon her lap as she sat by the dying embers of the fire. For the first time in months, she felt a peace she had not known since the day she had left Helstone with her parents. She still mourned their loss, but she knew they would be comforted to know she was with Fred again, and would wish her to look to her future.
She was still not quite sure what her future held, but she knew that with her new family's help, they would all be able to feel whole again.
A:N – Wasn't that lovely! A nice cheerful chapter after a lot of doom and gloom, I promised it would get better!
Feedback always appreciated.
Sid xx