Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1), Sahara Kelly [the best e book reader .TXT] 📗

“Of course.” He nodded, his face sombre. “He is in my thoughts.”

“He’s in all our thoughts, I’m sure,” concurred Adalyn. “I must pen a note—to let him know just that. That we’re thinking and praying and hoping he’ll be home soon.”

“If Daniel and Giles return today…” Jeremy looked hopeful. “Perhaps with good news?”

“That would be a most desirable turn of events,” she agreed.

Even though they were all trying to put the best face on matters, Adalyn could sense the growing worry amongst them for their missing fellow.

“I’ve taken the liberty of asking one of the Tompkins lads to man the stables today, Adalyn,” Jeremy took a seat at the table next to her. “That way we don’t have to fret about the horses.”

“Excellent idea.”

“I’m hoping that Daniel and Giles might agree to keep him on as long as we need him…perhaps permanently if he works out well. The Tompkins family are having a bit of trouble since a fox got into their hen house a couple of weeks ago. They lost their prize rooster and their egg supply has dwindled.”

“It’s their only source of income?” Adalyn asked.

“Yes. With that going down, they will be facing some difficult times…”

“In that case, I'll let Giles know that he is to keep the Tompkins lad. We’ll work out something in the way of wages, and in the meantime can you find out if anyone has a rooster for sale?”

Jeremy nodded. “I’ll put out some feelers. It’s not easy at this time of year though. Everyone is trying to freshen their stock, whether it be sheep, cattle or chickens.”

“Especially after last year,” Adalyn sighed. “But we must do what we can. Evan, do our eggs come from the Tompkins?”

Evan nodded. “Yes. We don’t get as many as some of the other houses in the area, since we are few in number. And we could manage with less if we have to, although there would be fewer for breakfast.”

“I’m sure we can make that sacrifice,” smiled Adalyn. “But I would not want a family of ours to experience difficulties when it’s within our power to help them.”

“Would that more people felt that way, Adalyn,” said Jeremy. “We are all hoping that this spring will be a real spring, and that the land will once again be healthy and fruitful.”

“That reminds me. Our berry field. Do we take on help for that? For the harvest and whatever other care the plants need?”

Jeremy nodded. “Yes, we do. Daniel has taken care of that for the last few years. After the harvest, most of the plants are pruned back. The ones that produce more than one crop are cut back late in the autumn. So everything is dormant over the winter.”

“I saw them, yes. Very neat but no growth to speak of.”

“That’s how they overwinter, I understand. But for more details, Daniel’s the one to ask.” He smiled. “I just eat the jam.”

“And I make it as it’s harvested,” Evan threw in his mite. “It’s a very busy time and I summon everyone from the farms who has a sweet tooth. The kitchen is filled with women stirring pots of fruit or straining it into jars.”

“It must smell wonderful,” she remarked.

“It does,” said Evan proudly. “And our jams and jellies are much in demand.”

“Last summer?”

His face fell as he shook his head. “Scarcely a berry to be had. The rain was overwhelming and combined with such unusually cold temperatures and vicious winds…even the blackberries struggled, and they’re usually strong enough to combat just about any conditions. I've had to use our reserved stock of jams,” he sighed.

Adalyn put a dab on her toast. “It’s still wonderful, Evan. But let’s hope for more this year.”

Knowing that there was little she could do as far as keeping things running smoothly—at least until Giles returned—Adalyn spent the day upstairs, trying to stay busy. She dove into linen closets, sorting out usable linens from those that had suffered serious depredations at the paws and teeth of mice, and others that had just simply died of old age and couldn’t hold together when shaken out.

Jane had agreed to stay and help with this chore and it took them past lunchtime.

“I must leave soon, Ma’am,” she said, folding a last sheet and putting it on the rag pile. “Mr. Evan is preparing a basket.”

“And I need to write that note.” Adalyn closed the linen cupboard door. “Let me do that now, so it will be ready for you to take with you.”

Jane curtseyed. “Of course, Ma’am”

Adalyn hurried downstairs to the Rose room and sat at the desk, pulling out her notepaper and dipping her pen into the inkwell. What should she say to Trick? Aware of the possibility that other eyes might see her words, she thought carefully before beginning.

Dear Trick,

I hope you are well and staying positive throughout this ordeal. None of us here have any doubts as to your innocence and we are convinced you will be fully exonerated very soon.

There. That was a good start and exactly what anyone would expect to read.

We have taken steps to ensure that the horses remain in good heart, and one of the local lads will be helping out with the harder stable chores until you can return. Maggie is impatient to see you again, but allowed me to brush her coat yesterday until it shone. I believe she was very proud of it.

We all miss your presence, Trick. It is far too quiet here without your laugh and your kind words. Giles and Daniel have undertaken a visit to Sir Gerald Ffolkesborough and we eagerly await their return. I hope you’re being treated well, and are keeping your spirits high. I know you will be back amongst us soon, for you promised to teach me to ride - and I am hoping you might exercise your artistic skills on a new portrait. But a little larger than the last one?

Jane will be delivering this note, so you may send any requests