Chapter 185

'Ha, Hugo! Just the man I was looking for, I thought I'd find you here.'

It was Mr Darcy, and he had Mr Bingley with him. The latter was the nicest gentleman Hugo had ever met, no exceptions, and indeed this time he proved it again by interrupting anything his friend might have wanted to say by addressing Caitlin.

'Ah, you must be Miss Brennan, the miracle worker! I'm Charles Bingley, I'm very pleased to meet you!'

Caitlin was getting used to this familiarity and being treated with the utmost respect by the men she used to fear so much, and replied as charmingly, 'Thank you, Mr Bingley, you are very kind. I think I saw your beautiful horse yesterday, I hope he will soon feel better.'

'Well, Miss Brennan, I've heard this man who is coming is to horses what you are to men, so I have good hopes. That is what we wanted to see your man about, will you be there as well, Mr Hugo? I dare say I've as much confidence in your opinion as in anyone else's.'

'Thank you, Mr Bingley, I am afraid I have been a bit distracted yesterday and missed how your horse had worsened. But I assure you there is plenty we can do, mostly get him to move about more. Regular exercise, free range of a paddock. But it will be very interesting to hear Mr Staples' view, I have met him and was favourably impressed.'

'Darcy says he'd given you the week off, my man, how could you have known? Anyway, your aide spotted it soon enough and sent me fair warning. Thank you for your time, you're the incarnation of commitment.'

'And when we're done there, Hugo, can you spare me half an hour as well? Since we need to send word to Mr Garrick? I think Mrs Reynolds would love to entertain your lady during that time, she always has a few chicks and some rare seeds she needs to find a new home for. Maybe a kitten or two?'

The last was a joke, wasn't it? They had plenty of cats in the Pemberley stables, but as far as Hugo knew Mrs Reynolds never involved herself with any animal that didn't lay eggs or had beautiful plumage.

'I'd love to meet Mrs Reynolds, Mr Darcy, Jean has talked of her with real fondness, she is a real treasure and she may be very disappointed to see him move out.'

Why did that surprise Mr Darcy? One would say Hugo had made his fondness of Mrs Reynolds clear to him last winter, when he'd urged his employer to take her illness seriously. Some lower servants might object to her strictness, but as manager of a large stables he knew it was important to keep up discipline, or those same lower servants in particular would suffer under the excesses of the higher ranked staff. As the situation in Mr Darcy's London house before Mrs Darcy exposed the butler and first maid had proven all too well. And Fowler's situation at his former master's home, they had talked a lot during riding excursions and Hugo had been shocked to hear Fowler had nearly been killed by the butler there. He quickly suppressed the realisation that then and there was where it had happened, with Fowler and Miss de Bourgh. None of his business, none at all.

'Yes, of course, Hugo, I'm certain she will miss you. We will see you in about half an hour then.'

And both gentlemen turned on their heels, Hugo suddenly reminded of a few years ago, when those two had been as close or maybe closer, but the ladies of their acquaintance had never shown themselves in his territory. Probably for the best, since Mr Bingley's sisters had not been popular among the household staff.

'They give you so much respect, Jean,' Caitlin said under her breath, 'and me. I can imagine why you said there was nothing for me to fear in this household. Do you think I should have counted the money Mr Manners gave me? Even if it's all coppers it's more than I have ever received for a simple setting.'

'However much it is, my love, you've earned it, and you may be certain he can afford it. He knows competence when he sees it, these men are neither of them impressed with bluster, like they say our king is, hiring the most expensive so-called surgeons and yet getting sicker and sicker every year.'

By now they had reached the back of the house, and Hugo decided to stop by the common room first to see whether Mrs Reynolds was there. They had not removed her comfortable chair though she was back to health altogether, and she often used it when sewing for the household, by herself or with Mrs Eliot, and often in the company of the personal maids, Fanny and Dora, who were allowed to spend their time away from their mistresses chatting and doing nothing, but were not the type to laze about. Dora was still a bit in love with Fowler, and only now did Hugo realise how hopeless her situation really was. He'd thought Fowler admirably moral not to take advantage of a young girl he worked with, but of course the reality was altogether different and much more pleasant for his friend.

As they entered the large, cosy space where he had spent a lot of his life the last ten years, Mrs Reynolds seemed to already be waiting for him. For the first time ever she embraced him as a mother would, then said, 'When you came to me for bed linen I hoped there was more to it than just a good deed for a friend in need. Congratulations, my friend, and you, too, Miss Brennan! You have made quite an impression on everyone in the house, front or back.'

She also embraced Caitlin, which his beloved didn't seem to mind at all, then invited them to sit down at the main table.

'You're so pretty, Miss Brennan, I can imagine our own French Casanova falling for you. And when they do, they fall hard, he'll be like wax in your capable hands. We'll all miss him here in the evenings, our Mr Hugo, especially with so many extra staff in the house, but Simon has really grown during his time as housekeeper in London, he will pick up the slack if there is any. And poor Fowler, I had my doubts about him at first, seeing as he had this reputation for being even worse than you, Mr Hugo, but I never saw any of it, he has been a shining example to all. So good to poor Dora when she couldn't resist his unconscious charm, imagine him in such pain and afraid to lose the use of his arm! We all owe you a tremendous debt for saving one of us, Miss Brennan, we're a close bunch here. If there is anything you need, let me know, and you will find us all eager to be of use to you.'

'Thank you, Mrs Reynolds, that means a lot to me. I've been all by myself with just my little boy for so long, I have forgotten how it feels to have someone to rely on. For years I lived on the edge of Ripley, in close contact with the villagers but never one of them, always alone. Until I met Jean, I think he civilized me a little, I had grown quite wild inside. You make me feel right at home here, even the gentlemen and ladies, everyone has been so nice. And the people in Witham have been as kind, so accepting, with me being Irish and Jean French, but they didn't even blink. It's almost too much, as if I don't know how to be happy anymore.'

Hugo didn't care about propriety for a few moments, that was so sad! He took his beloved in his arms and said, 'You are allowed to be happy, my love, no-one will come to take it away. And I don't mind if you're still used to taking care of yourself, you'll learn to trust me and others in due time. Just look to Ben for a good example, he knew me better than I did myself.'

She laughed at him, such a ravishing sight, he loved her so much.

'He did, didn't he? I think he's meant to be someone special despite who his father was, or maybe to make up for his sad start in life. But then I would find him special, I'm his mother.'

'So Ben is your son?' Mrs Reynolds asked, 'how old is he?'

'He is ten, and bookish, as they say. Our new neighbour is teaching him how to be a farmer and Ben is very eager to learn, like me he is still desperate to make a living, he will have to learn to be a child again.'

'Mr Brewer offered to let him join in his boys' lessons, I'm certain he can do it, he is a bright little chap, knows everything about herbs already.'

'Maybe he can become a doctor, you know Mr Darcy has sent Pauline's sister to town to become a nurse after Mrs Fielding said she was very bright. Just let me know if there is something I can do for you, talk to the master or to Mr Brewer, or write to Mrs Annesley. Her husband finally passed but she is doing well, of course her children are all grown up and have landed on their feet.'

'I'm sorry to hear that, I'm glad she has you to confide in. Too bad, really, that Derbyshire and London are such a long way from each other.'

'We made the most of our recent meeting, and we both love writing. And I'm thinking of going to London one of these days, Fanny wants me to teach her housekeeping and she may soon prove an excellent replacement for a few weeks, possibly with Mrs Eliot to guide her. Now I'm certain you will be very busy the next few weeks, Miss Brennan, will you let me and Mrs Eliot arrange your wedding for you? A ceremony in our church here and a party afterwards in this very space? It's the very least we can do for Mr Hugo since he has been with the family for so long and we hope to keep him for at least another ten years.'

'I'd love that, Mrs Reynolds, but several people in Witham have hinted they'd love to have a wedding in their church again after years of just sermons and funerals. They have lost so many of their people to sickness and to the towns, they have been through quite a rough time and I suppose I feel bound to give them something they want so much.'

'You are a lucky man, Mr Hugo, to have found this treasure. I'm certain we can arrange to have the ceremony in Witham, it's obviously the right thing to do.'

When they had finished their tea and one of cook's lovely pastries it was time to go to the stables. Hugo was tempted to leave Caitlin with Mrs Reynolds to talk a little more, it would do his beloved good to be with someone she had clearly taken to already, but he wanted her to meet Darren Staples, he had a feeling they could be useful to each other. Mrs Reynolds would still be there afterwards, when Hugo had promised to meet Mr Darcy in private.

They took the back door to the stables, a much shorter route, and found themselves in good enough time to visit Liquor in the paddock he shared with Mr Manners' other riding horses, including his hunters. The visiting gentleman's carriage horses had turned out to be a better match with their own cobs, and Hugo guessed Mr Bingley's horses would do very well in that particular group. If Darren agreed with Hugo's opinion that the lame horse simply needed more exercise, he'd offer Mr Darcy's friend to try to introduce the whole team in this paddock with heavier, calmer horses.

Despite Caitlin's lack of experience with horses they seemed to like her more than a little. It had to be her caring nature, animals just felt that in a person. Everything he learned about his beloved made him admire her even more, and she showed her love for him so easily. They kissed, surrounded by cheeky horses trying to get their attention and hopefully a few treats. There was no fear for the large creatures in Caitlin, and Hugo hoped to convince her to let Peter or his missus give her a few riding lessons, just the basics. When she felt secure on a horse's back Hugo could do the teaching himself, but somehow he knew it would be easier for Caitlin to spend the first awkward moments on a horse with someone less demanding than her beloved. He knew he could be a taskmaster, and he did not want to upset his beloved so soon. He did not want to upset her ever, and not just because she had a temper herself!

'Sorry to disturb you, sir, but Mr Staples is here.'

Bruce had dried up nicely, Hugo was rather proud of what he had accomplished with that insufferable city boy. He had been chubby and lazy, and very easily influenced by others, which had made him behave quite cruelly towards Bob in town, where Hugo hadn't been present to protect his valued driver. But hard work and a supportive community had taught Bruce the most important principles and some useful extra skills with horses, and he was ready to return to London, if he still wanted to.

'Thank you, Bruce, we'll follow you immediately. This is Miss Brennan, my fiancée.'

The introductions didn't take long, and soon they arrived in the courtyard, where Peter was waiting with Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and Darren Staples. It was obvious their introductions had already taken place, and Mr Bingley's stablemaster was already on his way with his master's horse, so Hugo merely shook hands with the healer, whilst Caitlin stayed at a respectable distance with Bruce. Hugo would introduce her to Darren when the gentlemen were gone, he wanted them to be able to talk a little.

Though his eyes lit up as they shook hands, it was obvious Darren had some good news for Hugo, he was too impressed by the presence of the gentlemen to start a conversation around them, and since one of those gentlemen was Hugo's employer that was all for the best. Whatever Darren had to say, it would keep.

'Mr Hugo, thank you for inviting me over. Mr Bingley told me your man had spotted a problem with one of his carriage horses?'

'He did, yes. How long would you say this has been a problem, Peter?'

'The swelling started about a week and a half ago, sir, but he wasn't lame until yesterday.'

Now Mr Bingley had a question for Jones, his own driver and stablemaster.

'Why didn't you mention that we had a lame horse, Jones?'

The man blanched and stammered, 'I didn't notice, sir. Since you haven't been out they have mostly been in their stables. Last time we drove they were fine.'

'But you must have noticed the swelling?'

'Yes, sir, but I thought rest would cure it, old Barnes always taught me to give a horse rest when it had a swollen leg.'

'Is that your opinion as well, Mr Hugo?' Mr Bingley could be quite forceful if the mood struck him, he hadn't been that way in the past, marriage had done him a lot of good. Hugo thought he might deflect some of the pressure from poor Jones by making his reply light-hearted.

'As all my stable boys will tell you, sir, and not always in a flattering way, I am a strong advocate for exercising horses. Even if a horse has a swelling but isn't lame, usually exercise is exactly what it needs to get rid of the fluids causing the swelling. It's why we offered the use of our paddocks for your team, and it is what I advised your man to do: build up their exercise in one week, from a short walk every day to a full hour in a variety of gaits every other day.'

'Why didn't you take Mr Hugo's advice, Jones? You know my opinion of him and his knowledge of horses.'

'I didn't dare, sir, those horses are valuable and he wanted to just let them in with another team of four and even two large cobs.'

Hugo shrugged, not his best look but he knew he was right here, 'So far we have had no problems in any group, we keep a close eye on them the first days and if any horse is incompatible with another, we move it to another paddock. We learned a lot when Mr Darcy had us build those paddocks, though frankly we thought the very idea outlandish at first, but now we have a sort of sixth sense which horse goes with which.'

'You should have consulted me, Jones, please do so next time you have a difference of opinion with Mr Hugo here. But it's no use crying over spilt milk, please do your thing, Mr Staples, and let us know your expert opinion.'

Well, Darren wasn't hesitant there, like Caitlin he was at work now, and felt totally secure in his expertise. He examined not just the offending leg but the entire horse, then had Allister, Mr Bingley's stable boy, walk him and trot him on the cobbles.

When he was done he faced the group of men fearlessly and said, 'Well, I have to say you have a magnificent animal here, Mr Bingley, and I don't think this is all too serious a problem. I can't find fault in the solution Mr Hugo suggested just now, this horse needs exercise, not too strenuous at first, of course, a ten minute walk every few hours for the first day, then twenty the next, until the lameness is gone. The rest of the team needs to go out at least half an hour every other day until this one is fit again, and then build up to Mr Hugo's hour. It's a lot, but I suppose if one travels to a local town or even to London on a regular basis one's horses need to maintain strength and stamina. It's a problem I see often, Mr Bingley, farmers tend to keep their horses in a small, dark stable until they need them for rather heavy work, and they have no time or staff to exercise them every day. In a way, the hauliers' and waste-collectors' horses have a healthier life since they work equally hard every day.'

Mr Bingley seemed satisfied and thanked Darren, then waited for his friend to say to Hugo, 'I suppose Peter can supervise introducing Mr Bingley's horses in the paddock you have chosen for them? It's bad enough to take so much of your time when you are meant to be spending it getting settled in Witham.'

Hugo affirmed, since they had always taken turns supervising any new combinations, watching horses getting to know each other was a perfect way to spend a few hours of relative leisure after feeding and clearing away manure from the paddocks.

'And I wish I didn't have to take even more of your time, but I really need to send word to Mr Garrick. Which means I expect you in my office in half an hour? Mrs Reynolds has her instructions to show Miss Brennan around.'

Mr Darcy then shook hands with Darren as well and said the polite things, and he and Mr Bingley left. Jones and Allister returned the horse to its stall, they would sort out the paddocks with Peter later that day, and Darren immediately spoke his mind.

'Thank you so much, Hugo, your advice worked like nothing else! Were you really hurt when she stopped seeing you? She said you took it well, and I know what you had was more like sport than love, but I've felt a bit bad towards you ever since.'

Hugo could not help laughing, Darren looked so happy, just like Hugo felt himself actually.

'So you have come to an arrangement?'

'Oh, yes, when you'd left that night I dropped in to see how she was doing and she seemed a bit upset but eager to let me comfort her. Frankly, she convinced me to, you know, become intimate that very night, and since we're both adults I agreed. It was everything I had hoped for, and I think she didn't agree to marry me just to please me, I think she has come to love me at least a little. She is the best woman that ever lived, she is so strong and calm, my life has changed altogether. Oh, I'm sorry, I hope that isn't painful to hear.'

He was indeed a sweet man, and Rose had been right, those who cared for others like Darren and Caitlin needed someone strong to keep them happy. It was an honour to take care of a superior person like either of them.

'Rose didn't tell you all, Darren, and I value her discretion but I can tell you myself. We did see each other just for pleasure, not out of love. And that same night I had come to end our involvement because I had fallen in love with someone else myself. I was in a similar situation to yours with Caitlin, not knowing whether she could ever love me, but since then everything has turned out just fine. I've been wanting you two to meet. Darren, this is the love of my life, Caitlin Brennan.'

She had been talking to Peter, whom she seemed to like a lot, until Darren had had his say, and now she approached with a broad smile for both her lover and his companion, who looked like nothing so much as a stranded fish after this revelation.

'Miss Brennan, so pleased to meet you. I think I've heard of you already, some farmer told me there was a new healer in Witham, an Irish woman who had been hauled off to an emergency at the great house on her first day there, a real miracle worker. Doesn't news travel fast! So you're her fiancé belonging to the Pemberley staff, Hugo! Isn't that amazing? Do you think Rose suspected? She did look very knowingly when I told her the story.'

Hugo was sure Rose suspected, and admired her discretion. He really hoped she had forgotten him altogether, Darren was such a superior human being and he deserved to be loved. Caitlin seemed rather shocked at the speed at which her reputation was spreading, but she would adapt, she always did.

Now Hugo wanted the two of them to connect on the subject of their calling, so he opened it with a remark.

'We are planning to spend this afternoon exploring the forest around Witham, Caitlin has Mr Darcy's blessing to gather herbs there for her medicine.'

'You use herbs to perform your miracles? The story just mentioned bone setting.'

Of course this had the desired effect, and Hugo guessed those two could have talked for at least an hour, if Hugo didn't have an summons from his employer to answer to. Still, they managed to get a feel for the other, and Hugo realised he had some explaining to do that evening, before Caitlin found out from Darren that he had met Hugo through the latter's other lover, not his position as Pemberley stablemaster.

'So you had to leave Ripley because of threats? Aren't you afraid to go into the forest by yourself, when your reputation has already made it to Clifton in a single day? It cannot take long for this person to hear of the Irish woman from Witham who works miracles, I give it a week. I'll let you know if I hear something worrying, I'm in Witham at least three times a week.'

Caitlin did pale at Darren's bold but truthful statement. He was right, she was in danger. If one thought about it, Mr Darcy's protection should be enough for anyone to think twice about bothering her, but Caitlin had been the victim of abuse before, and clear thinking was no match for survival instincts.

'I need to gather herbs, they cannot all grow right behind my house where my neighbours will look out for me.'

'We'll have to get you a dog, then, my love. I'd feel better to have you protected all the time, if you're famous now people will send for you from all over the county. And a gig and pony. I'll just have to give up on keeping a cow and have a horse instead.'

Though treating cows was most likely the bulk of his income, Darren did not hesitate to tell Hugo and Caitlin his honest opinion on keeping them.

'I have no time to keep a cow myself, Hugo, it's easy enough to just buy milk from any farmer in the village. I buy my bread baked and have my laundry done, though that may soon change since Rose is proud of her housekeeping skills. What I mean to say is, choose where to spend your energy, cows are a lot of trouble to keep and I suspect together you make a lot more than you can spend. Miss Brennan will be called out at night and in your spare hours, and you need to spend as much time together as you can.'

That was excellent advice from someone who knew what Caitlin's life was likely to become if her fame spread. But now Hugo really had to return to the house to see Mr Darcy. There was just one thing he had left to ask, 'Are you willing to come over to check a pair of ponies Mr Darcy is planning to gift his wife?'

'I'm always willing, Hugo, but you really don't need me for these situations. Though like Miss Brennan I can use the boost to my reputation.'

'I know, but I have little experience with these tiny things, they seem so fragile to me. I'll send someone then, if Mr Darcy decides to buy them. Now I have to run, if you'll allow me, Peter will see to your fee this time. Thank you and please send my best to Rose!'

Caitlin also took her leave, and together they rushed towards the house, where Caitlin entered the common room and Hugo went on to the front of the house, for the second time that day, this time to Mr Darcy's study.

'Come in, Hugo!' Mr Darcy's voice sounded on the other side of the door.

Hugo entered and at his employers invitation, sat down. He expected Mr Darcy to start on the ponies straight away, but instead he seemed more inclined to chat rather informally.

'You are a very lucky man, Hugo, your little lady has made quite an impression here. But don't you think the Jackson cottage is a bit small for your combined needs? If I'd known I would have set you up with a larger place with a lot more comfort.'

'I know, sir, but frankly, I had no idea I would meet with success so quickly: I merely told her I'd stop seeing others and give myself every chance to win the woman I loved, and she told me she'd hoped I felt that way. And that was it. And now the good people of Witham are all excited to have us living there, it would break their hearts to have us move out immediately. You did well to place Caitlin in Witham, sir, and we will make it work.'

'If you think so, we'll leave it as it is, for now. I do want my tenants to feel heard, and if it's no hardship to you we can try to please them. If there is anything I can help you with please let me know, you have earned more credit than you may so far have claimed. If you, for instance, want a truly superior horse to train in the cavalry style, I have contacts further north, near Newcastle, where I am certain we could find you an animal worthy of your time.

Which reminds me, have you had time to contemplate those ponies? Do you think they would be a good buy despite the coat? I've had word that the phaeton is almost ready, I hoped to convince you to keep ponies and carriage at your place for a few weeks to get the horses used to the new carriage in secret.'

A horse of his own to school to the height of his knowledge? That sounded like a dream he didn't realise he had. He'd have to think about it, Darren had warned against time-consuming activities. But he meant chores, not things they enjoyed. Ponies first, though.

'As far as I can tell with such small creatures, those ponies were perfectly healthy and strong enough for the phaeton. And when you said Mrs Darcy would like them for their outrageous looks in winter that did resonate with me, it's how I would estimate her reaction. In short, I see no reason not to take them, if you think she will like them. I've asked Darren Staples to look them over for us, he is used to ponies, which I am not.

And I would love to have them over for a few weeks, if the phaeton fits into our barn, but sir, people talk a lot: Darren had already heard from a farmer this morning that an Irish healer from Witham had been called to the big house for an emergency and had performed a miracle. Can you believe that? Don't you think the tales of a brand-new phaeton and ponies driving around in Witham will reach the Pemberley staff within days?'

'You are so right. But wouldn't it mainly be the phaeton itself causing the talk? If I were to buy an old gig somewhere would those shaggy ponies attract even a single second glance? I want you to thoroughly test them before I let Mrs Darcy drive them.'

'If they're still shaggy when we get them I'm certain no-one would look at them twice. Especially if I don't brush them too well. Ben would love to have them over, I'm sure, but I'd have to ask Caitlin for her blessing. If I forgo on the cows she'll probably let me keep a horse or two ponies.'

'You were going to get cows?'

'I thought I'd try my hand at farming, but Darren Staples convinced me that a healer can be called out at any moment, and we'll have to take time for each other, not for chores. He expects Caitlin to make more money than she did in Ripley. A lot more, since her reputation is already spreading. I worry, because it will reach the fellow who stalked her and she needs to go out into the woods to gather her herbs.'

'I'm sorry to hear that, Hugo, but I really cannot believe anyone would dare go against my wishes by threatening your wife. I know this farmer is not beholden to me, but he wouldn't easily thwart me. I've learned some things from Manners, there are ways to convince people to stay on the right side of the law before they make a misstep.'

Was he proposing to rough this fellow up? Threaten him with more of the same if he didn't leave Caitlin alone? It might work. Hugo wouldn't mind doing that himself, he had the skills and the kid knew him.

'You may be right. I was thinking of getting a dog, a bulldog maybe, and not just for her protection. A boy should have a dog anyway.'

'You are a born father, Hugo, before you know it you may have a few of your own. Then you'll really need a larger house, villagers or no. Have you discussed the boy with Nathan, yet?'

'I haven't, but I will. We're still getting used to the house and each other, and then Fowler got hurt. Mr Manners has asked me to take his horse the coming weeks.'

'That would be a good test for you and your family. Will you take him?'

'If he can live as an only horse, some can't, and I'm afraid Liquor may be one of those. We will try tomorrow, unless you don't want me to...'

'No, it's fine, I just thought those white ponies might help, generally horses don't mind the size of their companions, do they?'

'Indeed not. So you've decided to buy them?'

'I will, I think Elizabeth will be thrilled, and it may be a bit soon but I want her to be an experienced driver before she grows too large to ride. We cannot drive them over, can we?'

'I'm afraid not, sir, it would take days with those short legs. I'd propose taking the cart and the cobs, we did that with Caitlin's goats and it worked perfectly. It's a bit of a haul with those slow horses but the thoroughbreds are too skittish for a heavy cart.'

'Imagine having them pull a cart, they'd die of shame then and there. But I think I might ask Bingley for two of his team, they can use the exercise and they are quite a bit faster I think. I'll work something out and send word to Mr Garrick. Will you ask your fiancée for permission to keep a few horses for a short time?'

Hugo really liked the opportunity to try keeping horses without having to buy them, and they agreed on a date the next week to fetch the grey ponies. Soon after, he was again on his way through the front of the house, eager to find Caitlin and return to Witham with her.

Meanwhile, Caitlin discovered half an hour was a very short time to spend in the back of Pemberley House. Everything was so large, and so well-organised.

'I won't expose you to all the staff, more than half isn't even ours but temporary help and visitor's maids, valets and stable boys. Let's go outside and I'll show you my fowl, they're beautiful and very entertaining to watch.'

They crossed a surprisingly large kitchen garden with row upon row of what Caitlin guessed were berry bushes. There were several large fruit trees, apples and pears and cherries, some already in bloom. Two gardeners were working hard in the as yet rather bare beds, one raking weeds and another planting tiny seedlings in neat rows. The beds were perfectly straight and the paths were neatly paved, this garden was not to enjoy but to produce. Seeing her interest in the proceedings, Mrs Reynolds observed, 'The peaches and plums are in a walled garden that the family uses, since they are much more ornamental than ordinary apples and pears. And hazelnut and walnut trees are scattered all through the garden, it's a task to gather them and store them but it's only once a year, and we always have a little feast after harvest.

Come, let's go to the aviary, it's right next to the stables.'

Mr Darcy had no hunting birds, he preferred a more active type of hunt, but there was a pack of rather savage looking hounds in a large kennel, and there were several large aviaries inhabited by splendidly feathered birds. Caitlin couldn't even recognise some as chickens, such a difference in colours and plumage did they display. In size, too, and she wondered whether some of the tiny birds were quail. This was obviously Mrs Reynolds' true love, she knew the names of all the different varieties, and she pointed out the best specimens of each. Compared to this lot, her own chickens were drab looking and common, but they did lay eggs even after a move, and she could let them roam freely in her own yard, where they would eat harmful insects and weeds.

'We keep the quail for the table, but their eggs are nice as well, though very small. And these rare breeds are mostly for show and to trade with, their eggs are too valuable to eat. We keep some ordinary chickens for eggs and for the pot, they find their own way among the stables and in the kitchen garden, some even sneak into the shrubbery and the family gardens but they always return at night. We lock them in at night for the foxes and other pests. I'd like a terrier on the grounds to keep rats and stoats away but the hunt master won't have that, says it would dig holes and the hounds might kill it and he doesn't have the time to mind a pesky dog all day. I cannot very well keep a dog in the kitchen, small good it would do there. But I must say the hounds' presence does keep most pests at a distance.'

It was not hard to imagine that, those hounds were bred to kill pests after all.

'I was shocked to hear you describe how the people of Ripley didn't let you be part of their village, Miss Brennan, you must have saved a lot of their babies and children in the time you lived there.'

Somehow, Caitlin had known Mrs Reynolds would not avoid these painful subjects, and for some reason she knew she had to talk about them, it was time to heal the past, to enable her to embrace a better future.

'They never invited me in, I just arrived one day and settled in the forest, on their doorstep. A heavily pregnant woman with a thick Irish accent and decidedly skittish around people. I had one friend in the village, but she kept trying to improve me, have me conform to her idea of what a young woman should be like.'

'You didn't have your son yet when you arrived? Where did you have him, and how?'

'In the little hut I'd made for myself when I realised my time was near. It was coincidence that I decided to settle here, if Ben had come a month later I would have made that hut somewhere else entirely. Maybe the villagers knew this and resented me for it, I'll never know. Anyway, Ben and I were both lucky to survive, for I had him all by myself, a night and a week thereafter I do not care to remember. Like a wild animal I had hoarded the things I needed from the forest, I must have looked barely human at that time. My friend recivilised me but there was a limit how far I could still accept the will of others. I had been through too much.'

Mrs Reynolds was truly shocked to hear this, and Caitlin hardly remembered her former self, once her talents for healing had become known she had tried harder to fit in to keep her source of income, but until time had faded the scars of her life in Ireland she had still been rather wild at heart. It was a miracle Ben had turned out so well with such a mother as his only companion and example.

'I lived in a similar household to this but in Ireland for years, Mrs Reynolds. Until my master's son had his way with me on a regular basis and nobody even tried to stop him. When I found out I was pregnant I fled to England, in hindsight in a state of mindless fear. Time, and my friend in Ripley, healed a lot, and I think I was ready to move on by the time I met Jean in the forest. He helped me even before we became lovers, but subtly, with little things, he never made out to be my saviour, he made sure I never felt pressured, and he didn't try to drag me back into society until need forced me. I fell in love with him about a month after we met, but I knew he wasn't for me so I hid my love carefully to keep him around as long as I could. When he told me he loved me yesterday I nearly fainted where I stood.'

'You must be the bravest person I ever met, Miss Brennan, and I'm very glad you are the one to finally capture Mr Hugo's heart. He was often misunderstood, judged for his failure to settle, but one could see he had issues from the past as well, though he never mentioned them. You will be such a comfort to each other, and he is young enough to give you a few more children, should you want a little girl as well as a beautiful boy.'

Caitlin wasn't ready for such domestic bliss at all, not yet, she still needed to get used to being surrounded by people who cared.

'Mr Hugo is very respected here, Miss Brennan, the master wouldn't let him go for the world, his position in the household is as safe as mine. Please don't worry if you do get with child, you will never need to fear deprivation again in your life.'

Though that wasn't at all what she was worried about, had never been since she knew the right herbs to prevent conception, she appreciated the housekeeper's concern and replied fittingly.

'Thank you, Mrs Reynolds, I'm quite certain I will adapt really quickly to living in safety and comfort, and claiming all Jean's love for myself. And I'm certain Ben would love a little brother or sister, he adores Jean. But first we will see Mr Fowler back to health, and there are a few people in Witham who can use my help though they don't know it, yet. I can see they are not feeling very well, and as soon as I have gathered the right herbs I will give them mixtures of herbs to make into a tea to drink daily, and they'll notice the difference within the week.'

'Can you really see what ails people from a distance and then cure them with herbs?'

'Not all, of course, I had to feel Mr Fowler's arm until he was ready to faint with pain despite taking an opium pill, but things like rheumatic aches I can see in people's bodies, the constant pain etches lines in their faces and their fingers are set in certain ways. And problems with digestion, or a weak heart I can often spot really quickly, yes, and there are herbs that will ease their problems. Generally the problem won't be cured, no-one can cure old age or a faulty or aged heart, but I can relieve their pain and help them gain energy.'

'I wish you had been here last winter, when I was sick like a dog but I tried to hide it from everybody. I couldn't think straight, I just went on and on and no-one dared stop me, not even for my own good. They didn't dare, I am their superior and I rule the household with a strict hand. I needed someone to tell me I was endangering my own life, and eventually your man did, I think he has seen some things before that didn't end well, he was very kind but serious. But I would have listened to a woman sooner, the doctor from town just didn't seem that worried.'

Caitlin knew there was little any doctor or healer could do against a full-blown pneumonia, only the strongest survived and they took a very long time to recover. But even a housekeeper had to take some rest when they were ill, or risk turning a serious flu into a life-threatening pneumonia.

They talked some more of medicine and herbs, and via wild plants reached the subject of garden herbs and vegetables, and Mrs Reynolds asked the gardeners for some of their surplus seeds to help Caitlin start her own kitchen garden, which they gladly fetched for her.

'Fowler was in the common room today and he said you just set his arm like it was nothing. He called you a miracle worker, ma'am, and I'll be thrilled to know you have these lovely beans on the table this summer. Do you like marigolds as well? You cannot eat them, but they are said to have healing properties, and they are very beautiful and easy to grow.'

'I've eaten them,' Caitlin replied, 'but they're not very nourishing. You are right, their healing properties are much more important, and I'd love to have some seeds to grow them myself, I have plenty of space for them now.'

'And should you need more for your still room, let me know, we have them all over the garden. Your medicine is very important, more important than yet another bed of pretty flowers.'

'You're too kind, Mrs Reynolds, and if I find any herb lacking when fall starts to loom, I will certainly let you know. It's difficult to find what I need in winter, and in some cases impossible.'

'Well, I think Mr Hugo will be done by now, let us meet him in the common room, and you can warn Bates that you'll be wanting to leave soon, after Mr Hugo has taken what he needs from his room here. I have made certain his washing was done, and I have a few boxes ready for him to use.'

Half an hour later they were back home, several boxes with Jean's personal effects ready to unpack in the bedroom, and a hearty meal waiting for Ben to return from the Wrights.

With renewed energy, several baskets and a set of pruning shears for each of them, they set out to explore the woods together.

'Let's only bring what we really need, we want to inventory mostly, to cover more ground today.'

Jean was very practical, and he was right, Caitlin could lose herself in a piece of forest the size of her new meadow harvesting plants she could use, but that wasn't what they were coming for today: a quick survey of the types of forest they had close, and if they had time enough, a band of forest farther from home. Caitlin was mainly interested in the different habitats available within about an hour's walk, forests didn't all consist of the same trees, different soils gave different trees, as did higher and lower ground, dry and moist spots, sunnier and more shaded slopes. And of course Mr Darcy's ancestors' taste in trees, since most of these woods had been planted to suit their wants.

Each species of tree had its own herbs growing in the shade, and then there were the occasional open spots among the trees, and especially those where trees had been harvested two or three years ago were a very valuable source of special herbs. After four years those herbs generally started to disappear since the newly sprouted trees were getting tall enough to out compete most of the herbs, but Caitlin knew exactly what species to find among which trees.

'Do we need a compass, or paper to draw a map where all the plants you are looking for are?'

Ben started to smile and said, 'We don't need that, I always remember what grows where, and mum generally does, too, but she can always ask me. I always seem to know how to get home or back to a certain spot as well.'

He was not bragging, it was true, he always knew where he was. Which meant they were ready to go, such a priceless moment, their new family all together preparing the next stage in what might be called the family business, since Ben already knew so much about it he could prepare some tinctures and salves all by himself.

Caitlin feared to find Mr Darcy's forests too neat and artificial to find any herbs, but to her pleased surprise the first patch was very well-mixed in species and age, with plenty of undergrowth. It was true that the trees had obviously been selected for straight trunks with few extra branches, but they were not set too closely together or just one valuable species that killed all the competing trees and the undergrowth by monopolising all the light, or the nutrients, or even by having their leaves contain toxins that spoiled the soil for any seed to sprout in for at least a year when they dropped them in fall.

Soon enough she discovered several plants she wanted to dry and store to use in winter, but also one kind she needed now, for one of the village men. She quickly harvested a few plants, then was ready to go on. There was a path for them to follow, but if either Ben or she noticed a clump of trees or a bunch of flowers in the distance they quickly left the path to inspect and sometimes dig up some roots or pick a few flowers. Jean was incredibly patient and carried the largest basket, leaving their hands free to examine plants or search for a specific kind of moss or fungus under a dead branch or on a large rock.

Despite their fascination for everything they encountered in this wood, Jean did not have to urge them on, Caitlin knew she felt safer exploring with him, and they managed to make quite a bit of progress through the seemingly endless wood. From a hilltop with a view, Caitlin saw a change in colour of the trees that she wanted to explore, hoping to find a different set of plants, and they made their way steadily towards that forest. And indeed it was different, she was very glad to see linden trees among the more common species, and even a few chestnuts, the dried-out husks of last year's fruit all around the tree proving these trees were not in use by the family or the villagers.

'Are there any villages besides Witham around here?' she asked her beloved.

'You know, I have no idea. I generally don't go this way, I tend to ride towards Ripley because it's where we know exactly what to expect for the horses. I don't ride for pleasure, you see, just for work. But Oliver will know, it's his task to know every part of Mr Darcy's acreage. I'll introduce you to him somewhere this week, in case you meet him out here. He always leads the hunt, so he get everywhere Mr Darcy hunts, which is generally on this side of the house, leaving the other side to the stable staff to train the horses.

But these chestnuts haven't been taken, so I guess if you like their taste you can gather as many as you like next fall. I may know a few new ways to prepare them, typically French recipes but also the army way, quick and easy. Or do you want them for some medical reason?'

'No, just because I like to eat them. I'd love to learn new ways to prepare them!'

Imagine, a man being able to cook, and French dishes! French cooks were the most respected, and Caitlin knew a lot of them were men, but they weren't stable masters as well.

With such excellent company and so much to explore, the day went by quickly. They made certain to be back at the house by the time the sun set, and found a basket with some early vegetables, a fresh loaf of bread and a precious lump of butter just outside the back door.

'Mrs Wright is a really generous neighbour,' Jean said, as they entered their cosy little cottage.

'I don't think that is Mrs Wright's doing, Jean,' Ben replied, 'she already sent me back home this afternoon with a full basket. I think some other neighbour must have brought this.'

Caitlin couldn't believe her eyes. After the life she'd had in Ripley, to meet with such kindness not even ten miles away. Would these villagers have received her with such hospitality if she had stranded here on the verge of giving birth? Or was it Mr Darcy's recommendation, or maybe Jean's constant presence, that made them this welcome here?

That night in bed, blissfully together once more, she discovered Jean didn't believe either of those two.

'I think they're just good people, my love. Caitlin, I have something to tell you that I think you deserve to know.'

He didn't sound anxious, or guilty, and Caitlin forced herself to stay calm, Jean was exactly who he seemed, it could not be something bad. Fortunately, he came to the point quickly, sparing her a long wait.

'Remember how I told you I went to the other woman I was seeing to tell her I was going to be faithful to you in the hope you'd come to believe my good intentions? She is Rose, the woman Darren Staples is going to marry. I met him at her place, and gave him some advice on how to win her.'

Was that it? He had never been anything but honest to her, and undoubtedly to this Rose as well. He had never promised anything he couldn't deliver, and now he told her he'd more or less helped that gifted healer find love as well.

'Was it before or after you realised you'd fallen in love with me?'

She hoped her tone would let him know she wasn't angry with him, just curious.

'Before. Can you believe it? I didn't tell him anything personal about Rose, just advised him to spend time with her instead of idolising her from afar, and give her and her children a chance to get to know him. I just felt he should have the chance to win the woman he had loved for so long, it didn't occur to me to try to keep her to myself. Do you think my heart knew I didn't love her and whom I did love?'

Imagine if he had. Caitlin didn't doubt for a moment he could have had this Rose if he'd wanted to, but instead he chose to offer a weaker rival advice on how to win her.

'If it did, I'm glad of it. But I think you're just a good person, Jean. You say he'd loved her for a long time?'

'They were childhood sweethearts until she felt neglected by him due to his calling and married another. He never did find someone else, and when her husband passed away he still didn't approach her. Until I told him to. And the next time I visited, to end our arrangement because I loved you, she told me he had visited often and she wanted to give him a chance. Her children never liked him but when they got to know him apparently they started to appreciate him more. I suppose it's impossible not to like Darren once you get to know him.'

'I'm glad you told me, I'd like to see more of him and to be the only one among us who didn't know you and Rose had been lovers would be very hurtful. Do you think she'll mind if we meet?'

'Why should she? She loves Darren, doesn't she?'

'She agreed to marry him because he worshipped her and you were in love with someone else. That doesn't mean she already loves him. Though I suppose you're right, he is very likeable and admirable and she will probably learn to love him sooner or later.'

Jean was very silent, this hadn't occurred to him before. But he was a man, and Caitlin guessed for men physical intimacy didn't result in feelings of love as easily or as often as for a woman. And even among men Jean had been a sort of extreme case, having denied his better feelings for years, chasing women left and right to avoid getting attached to any one of them. He probably couldn't imagine some of those women having developed feelings for him, because he had avoided feeling those himself for so long. And yet, Caitlin didn't fear him falling back into his former habits, he was ready to settle, he was hers now, even if he had only discovered this about himself very recently.