Maggie's Child (20 page)

The sickness was easing off and Jacob sat eating his supper. Now was the time to inform him he was going to be a father, for the fifth time.

‘Jacob, we were blessed on New Year’s evening.’ She allowed a touch of coyness into her voice.

He looked up from his meal. ‘Why should you bring that up now it was weeks ago? But for once we agree on something. The man never held back with good food and drink, I will give him that. A good squire, a blessing indeed.’

‘Good food and wine aside, we also enjoyed the homecoming.’ Maggie tried another tactic, to be as basic as she could. To stoop to his level. ‘We had a party of our own in our bed. Remember?’

‘Eh? Homecoming? Party? Oh, that, enjoyed it you say? Of course, I am better than our ram in that area, no doubt you enjoyed it. With me - no woman wouldn’t.’He gave a lopsided grin with his mouthful.

Maggie sighed, this was hard work.

‘Well you are a good farmer husband, you sowed your seed. We will see the result in the autumn.’

‘Will we indeed. I am to be excited by this news, am I? So you are with child. What number is this one? Please do not expect me to shout to the rafters. When you produce a male for me to share the burden of this place, tell me. All you are telling me now is I have to suffer staring at a swollen belly for months on end. Sick to the heart of it, I am.’ He returned to his food.

‘I am scared, Jacob. We have lost four babes, as well you know. I carry them only to watch them die, please care a little.’

‘Care? Care about what? Get on with it and survive. I have to. It is obvious you do not understand my position. A full blooded male, with a weak womb to feed. Get out of my sight. Bring me the child if it is male and can earn its living. Living? Ironic word that one, don’t you agree?’He continued shovelling in his food.

Maggie picked up her egg basket, and shawl. At least he accepted the child was his without question. All she had to do was get through the next few months and pray for a safe delivery of a live child. Although she had doubts of whether she wanted to live on the farm and subject her child to the same misery. She had to give some serious thought to her future.

Chapter 15

1867

An arrangement between Jacob, and the Arlington family, kept Maggie in their employ until Nathaniel reached the age of ten. Alice Summers passed away in her fifty third year, and it was a natural progression for Maggie to step into her shoes. He had a governess for his education, and Maggie to see to his basic needs.

Jacob was happy, but the farm never saw many benefits from the extra income. Maggie never questioned him, but suspected he gambled it away. She still had duties on the farm, and was more than happy to carry them out. Brook and Dukes took her to and fro. Dukes was as much a loyal friend as her dog.

During the summer prior to leaving home for boarding school. Nathaniel spent much of his time with his father or Dukes. One particularly glorious Sunday in August, Maggie suggested they picnicked by the lake. Dukes and Nathaniel carried a well-packed hamper basket, and Maggie carried blankets. Brook sniffed around their heels his tail wagging in anticipation.

‘I do hope cook put in some of the game pie left over from last night.’ Nathaniel said.

‘All you think of is your stomach, Master Arlington.’ Maggie replied. She hated calling him by his adopted name but had got used to it over the years.

‘He’s a growing lad, and not one of feeble mind. He knows a good pie when he eats one.’ Dukes joined in the conversation. ‘I think this is a fine spot, what say you young sir?’

Nathaniel indicated to Dukes to lower the basket. ‘It will be fine, Dukes. A grand spot.’

Maggie listened to them chatter about cricket. Not a sport she was interested in but enjoyed hearing Nathaniel’s well spoken voice animated by something he loved.

She and Brook rested by the shade of a willow tree. Her eyes were heavy from eating and the warmth of the sun. Splashing noises woke her from a short doze and Brook started yapping loudly.

‘Hush boy. They are swimming. Come and feel the water on your paws.’ Maggie went as close to the water’s edge as she dared. Dukes and Nathaniel were in full battle spraying each other with handfuls of water.

‘Maggie. Be careful. Nathaniel has the devil in him today,’ Dukes shouted.

‘He had better watch his step or I’ll inform cook no more pie for the master,’ she called back. ‘Look, Brook is having a paddle.’ She pointed to the dog splashing around in front of her.

Dukes swam over and Maggie’s heart missed a beat as he stood up. He had removed his shirt and wore an under-vest which was now clinging to his body. She could see the outline of muscles across his broad chest. He had kept his pantaloons on for dignity’s sake and they too were wrapped tighter around his thighs. When he clambered to the bank Maggie had to force her eyes away. Dukes was an even finer specimen than Stephen. For a brief second, Maggie imagined herself in his arms. Dukes had stirred something in her she had not felt for many years.

 Oh, to lean my head against your chest and hear your heartbeat once more. The heartbeat that saved my life. Honest arms to hold me tight.

‘He certainly is enjoying himself.’ Dukes brought her back to reality with his laughter. Brook was swimming towards Nathaniel as the boy called to him.

‘He is not alone. You appear to be a strong swimmer and Nathaniel is having fun.’ Maggie hoped her cheeks did not burn as red as they felt.

‘I have enjoyed my afternoon immensely. Earning a living watching over the young man is not what I consider hard work.’ Dukes rubbed his body over with a blanket as best he could and replaced his shirt. ‘I will dry off on our walk back. It is so hot today I do not envy you in those clothes. You should remove them and cool off with a swim. I’d like to see you swim-enjoy yourself.’

Maggie burst out laughing. ‘Dukes, I think you should retract that statement. It is not something to be said in front of the boy.’

Dukes put his hand to his mouth when he realised his error. ‘I am such an idiot. Forgive me. How inappropriate. I am sorry, Maggie. I didn’t mean anything improper by it. Although it is not such a-’

Maggie shot him a warning glance then added a soft smile when she realised he was probably teasing.

Nathaniel joined them and Brook shook himself dry over the whole party. Laughter rang through the woodland area. Maggie poured fresh lemonade into glasses.

‘I raise my glass in a toast. To one of the finest afternoons this summer and to the best company a woman could ask for. Thank you gentlemen for a wonderful picnic.’

‘Hear, hear,’ Nathaniel and Dukes said at the same time, then chinked their glasses in salute.

Nathaniel raised his glass high. ‘To a special nanny. I am the luckiest boy alive. What say you, Dukes?’

Maggie watched Dukes swallow hard, she too had a lump in her throat but that came about by her son’s words.

‘I think anyone who comes in contact with Maggie is extremely lucky. A special lady indeed. A fine toast young man.’

‘Thank you, Dukes. How lovely. Thank you.’

‘The truth, only the truth, Maggie.’ He smiled back at her and Maggie returned it.

‘Well, the afternoon has come to an end. We must head home. Come along, Brook.’ She shook the blankets free from grass and twigs. ‘Nathaniel, do you want to wrap yourself in this? Or are you going to dry off like Dukes?’

‘Dry off in the sunshine, Maggie,’ Nathaniel said.

‘Very well but when we get nearer the house you must put on your shirt,’ Maggie instructed.

She watched the two of them swing the near-empty basket along with Brook yapping around them. If a stranger passed by now she fancied they would think the trio a family. She was fortunate to have them both in her life.  A perfect picture to end a perfect day.

***

 Maggie returned to the farm when Nathaniel left home. Her son had become a handsome boy with a loving nature. On his return during the holiday breaks, he made it his duty to visit her. He enjoyed the farm. Maggie watched him grow from boy to man. During harvest he helped and pulled his weight as if the place was his own. Even Jacob enjoyed his company, and often took the chance to snipe at Maggie of what might have been. She never regretted giving Nathaniel up, she knew things would have been much different between him and Jacob had they lived together.

Nathaniel’s relationship with his biological father had developed due to the friendship of his adoptive parents. He joined the hunt and had been raised as a friend of the squire’s daughter.

Maggie had been present while they played alongside one another. Brother and sister shared the same blood but would never know. Stephen and his wife, Flora, had taken over the duties of the great hall when his father died. Maggie watched both events from a distance. Stephen bore the same face on his wedding day as he did his father’s funeral. She knew then it was a marriage of money matters but no doubt he would find another to amuse him.

The day the village celebrated the arrival of the squire’s daughter Ruth, Maggie took Nathaniel for a walk to the place she had left him as a baby. She let him play amongst the bushes with Brook. Both animal and boy were free of all restrictions.

‘You have a sister and no doubt a playmate for the future,’ Maggie whispered the words in the same way she had when he was born. ‘She has half your blood, I wish you and your father could know the truth.’

Nathaniel was too busy running with a stick and picking flowers to heed her words. Maggie had never forgiven Stephen for his transgressions upon her body. His only saving grace was the son she bore. Now he would spend all of his affections upon his daughter, while his three year old son played in ignorance of their father’s love.

Nathaniel should be the rightful heir to the great hall when Stephen passed. Maggie had prepared letters telling the truth many times, and thrown them into the fire. There was no profit from the truth. She would not be believed and it would only harm a family who had saved her life.

Chapter 16

1873 – 74

One summer, Nathaniel arrived at the farm. Tall and handsome with a wide boyish grin, he brought to mind Maggie’s brother. She was secretly pleased he took after her side of the family. He strode towards her and his companion had trouble keeping up with him. She trotted like a young foal, taking skittish and delicate steps.

‘Hello, Maggie. I have brought Ruth to show her the farm. She is curious about life outside of her home. I thought I would bring her to taste some of your homemade goodies.’

‘Hello again, Mrs. Sawbury.’ The pretty young girl held out her hand.

Maggie took one look at her son’s face, it told her something she had not considered before, something to give cause for concern. The pair had gone beyond childhood friends; they had fallen in love.

‘Come in. I have cordial and fresh scones ready for you, young man. Ruth, I do hope you will take care of your gown. The farm is not the place for such pretty fabric.’

She busied herself in the kitchen, and her nerves jangled every time she saw a look pass between them.

Panic set in for Maggie. She would have to find a way of preventing the pair from taking their love any further.

***

Throughout the summer they were seen in the village with Ruth’s governess. They were closely chaperoned on farm visits, and the staff encouraged their return.

Lizzie and Dukes could not understand why Maggie, although polite, was not enthusiastic about the young couple’s relationship. She made feeble excuses.

‘They are young. Look at me, I was tied down at fifteen, and Ruth will be the same age if Nathaniel’s plans go ahead. Only this morning he was talking about marriage. Their parents are eager for the match. Myself, I feel he needs to see more of the world.’

 ‘It must be hard to watch a child you have had a hand in raising, grow up. You and Nathaniel have a close bond but it is time to let go. Not that you have any say in the matter.’ Said Dukes. He gave her a sympathetic smile.

Lizzie was excited by the romance and the thought of another glamorous village wedding.

‘I think it is a romantic love story. You are jealous Maggie Sawbury he is not going to love you as much as he will his little beauty.’

‘Stuff and nonsense, Lizzie. I am just concerned for his future he is too young to earn good money and keep her in her fancy attire,’ Maggie sniped back.

Lizzie guffawed loudly. ‘I do not think he will ever have to worry about money, Maggie. Think on it. She is the squire’s daughter and he is the son of the Arlington’s. Money to money. Admit it the golden child is not going to want your kisses when he can have hers.’

Maggie dared not speak. She closed the conversation with silence and continued with her chores.

***

Wednesday August 14
^th
1867

Maggie and Dukes were chaperoning the young pair, while Ruth’s governess took a walk around the fields during her relaxation time.

Laughter rang out from the meadow as they chattered under a tree a few feet away from the adults. Maggie became agitated.

‘No misbehaving, you two. Stay where we can see you.’

Dukes chuckled loudly then plucked a blade of grass to chew upon. ‘You can’t stop young love, Maggie. And they are a pair in love if ever I saw one. Love is hard to dismiss with a stern warning’

‘There is no harm in reminding them of their position,’ Maggie said and playfully pulled the blade of grass from his mouth. ‘It is bad manners to talk with your mouth full.’

‘Beg pardon madam.’ Dukes doffed his cap. ‘Not my place to offend the lady of the house-err- meadow.’ He leaned back against the tree and patted the ground. ‘Relax. Sit a while. Enjoy the enthusiasm of youth.’

Maggie sat beside him but could not relax. Body language between the young couple was of great concern and she knew she would have to speak with Stephen as soon as possible. He had a right to know he planned to wed his daughter to his son.

How on earth do I approach him? Oh Dukes, if only I could confide in you. I know you will help me.