Heiress  

“I shouldn’t really be here alone with you.” Sir Miles smiled “Indeed you shouldn’t.” He stepped in and kissed her. “And you shouldn’t allow that either.” The girl grinned at him. “No mother says I shouldn’t kiss a man until I have his engagement ring on my finger.” He ran his hand up her skirts as he kissed her once more. Sometimes it was just too easy. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed in his room. Flipped open his breeches and after fondling her enough to make sure she was moist plunged himself in. “Ooh I wasn’t expecting that.” Just what was she expecting he thought to himself. Half a dozen strokes and he was done. He lay on top revelling in the feel of her around his cock. “Is that it then?” She asked “I’m satisfied what more is there to do? And don’t make the mistake of thinking I’ll marry you if you’ve fallen.” “Well bloody well pull it out then for a start!” He eased himself off and looked down at the sheets, blood. “Let me guess a virgin?” “Well I was until tonight.” “Get out.” “What am I just a quick couple then?” “Just get out and you won’t tell anyone because you won’t have any reputation left if you do. Tell them you broke it horse riding if anyone asks.” She gathered herself together and let herself out. She’d dreamt of gaining his title even though her maid had warned her he was a right bastard.

Sir Miles Warren looked down at his cards and smiled this would be easy. A straight flush in Diamonds king high he just needed to keep the others in the game. The bids went in slowly and built up to an enormous amount. People drifted over to see what was happening. Finally he called and watched in amazement as his flush king high was beaten by a straight flush in spades ace high. That couldn’t be right. He’d palmed the Ace of Spades earlier in the hand. “No you must have cheated.” The girl playing for the house raised her eyebrows. “Well I wonder why you said that. Thomas could you search his pockets for me?” Thomas and another waiter came across and held Miles up. “One Ace of Spades in his right pocket and a pair of kings in his left.” The girl smiled sweetly “You’re absolutely right since you palmed the Ace earlier that means I must have cheated. Gentlemen I apologise but having noted Sir Miles palming cards earlier I thought it might be simpler if he made the cheating call. We’ll split the pot amongst us with the exception of Sir Miles. You Sir will be escorted from the club and please don’t come back.”

The story was all over town within the hour. A broke Sir Miles rode home hoping to get back before the news of his disgrace reached his home and the surrounding area.

“Thank you Jessie for dealing with it the way you did. Half of the house’s share of the pot is yours by the way.” “Thank you.” Who would have thought studying maths with her brother would be so lucrative. When to stop was the question whilst she was young enough to marry yet had sufficient funds from the gambling side, it was a delicate balance and ten percent of her winnings was building up quite nicely thank you very much. She looked across at the entrance to see a group of three coming in together. None she recognised but two were brash middle aged men the other who looked as if he didn’t want to be here at all was younger, gentry and he looked interesting. She approached him and asked if he’d like a game of cards on one of the side tables for if they stayed together she thought he might prevail on them to leave. At least that would split it him up from his companions and Molly and Fanny who were moving in on the others would make sure they went home with very much lighter pockets.

She enjoyed the sound of his voice and his self depreciating humour so she toyed with him letting him win occasionally slightly more often than he might do by his play alone. She teased out that he had inherited his title from his uncle but the estate which he had been running had been lost in a game of cards so now he was reduced to marrying for money and one of his companions had an uneducated daughter he thought he’d be reduced to marry. He had been told his addresses were expected on the morrow but he wasn’t sure he could bring himself to it. “We have private rooms for card games let’s move to one.” When they entered “I have money we could just slip away and get married.” He blinked, an alternative, nothing could be as bad as life with Alice. “Yes.” “Let me get my bag then and we’ll away.”

They slipped away into the night. Walter stopped at his lodgings to pick up his spare clothes then they headed to The Swan with Two Necks in Cheapside to catch a stagecoach heading north back to Jessie’s parents and a parish where they could have the banns read.

Miles reached his estate and hammered on the door. “Good evening Sir. Did you have a good trip?” He growled at the servant “Find me food and a bottle of good claret.” “There is none. The wine merchant says he’ll only supply more wine when the outstanding bill is paid.” Miles picked up a walking stick from the stand behind the door and struck his servant. “Fool.” He ate his supper then took himself off to bed. “Well we’ve had no pay for six months now. There’s no food in the house. I’m off.” “I’ll write you all references before you go.”

In the morning Miles found the house deserted with no fires lit or food in it. “Damn them all.” He took himself down to the inn where after handing over a few coins first he was given breakfast.

Catherine felt the need to be alone or at least away from the house. Accompanied by her maid she walked across the fields and up onto the hillside where she could see for miles. A season did she want one? She knew her dowery was large and for that reason alone her season would be a success but would it really be worth the bother? She'd already experienced just how two faced men could be when she'd overheard two of her suitors talking. Whom could she trust? The servants not really, they weren't ones who had been in service to the family for generations.

No she had a sinking feeling if someone offered them higher pay they'd take it. She preferred reading books to anything else and traditional English food to French cuisine. Fashion was not something she took an interest in much to the disappointment of her maid who had grand ambitions about becoming a dresser to a titled lady.

Her maid favoured Miles's suit, Catherine thought his only redeeming feature was his being an heir to a minor baron but even that wasn't certain as the current baron, his cousin, had just taken a wife. She watched a bird of prey lazily circling overhead before swooping down on its prey. She wondered what it would be like to fly through the air then gave up the idea as she considered the way the winds must blow your hair and clothes about.

She glanced up and saw Miles. Drat she should have brought a groom with her. He quickly pulled her to her feet then lifted her over his shoulder. Agnes was no help standing there ringing her hands.

"Make your mind up we're to be wed." Somehow she hadn’t imagined a proposal like this. Hopefully she could say no at some stage or even escape?

He bundled her into a small coach parked just over the brow of the hill and after threatening her with a good thump if she didn’t cooperate quickly tied her hands and feet. She was gagged then laid on the coach floor on a rug. “There that will keep you from raising the alarm.” She hoped Agnes would run quickly back to the house and raise the alarm. “I didn’t want to do it this way but my damn cousin’s new wife is enceinte and the duns are after me. I’ve been waiting up here for three days now waiting for my chance.” He checked the two purses that were hidden away were still hidden and lifted out a smaller purse to check it from his pocket. “Something for any highway men we meet.” Then he slammed the door and the coach set forth heading east first rather than north to make the trail harder to follow.

Behind him Agnes thought she’d better make a show of fetching help but she waited until the coach was out of sight before setting off. A true lady’s maid she’d be. She ran the last fifty yards to the front door so she’d appear breathless then announced loudly that Miles had carried off Miss in a small closed carriage. The house was in uproar immediately. A party of four large grooms set off in pursuit but the description Agnes had given them of the coach was not very helpful. At the Black Horse Miles changed horses then after placing his purse in the door pocket he continued driving himself.

Matthew was feeling peckish as he rode up to the Bush and knowing they did a good shepherd's pie he stopped at the inn on his way home for a bite to eat. Maisy welcomed him and sat him down. "You'll be wanting a glass of ale besides your food?" She threw him a flirtatious glance which was at total odds with the fact she was walking out with the blacksmith's son.

Well fed he rose and gently patted Maisy on the backside to have her move out of the way. In the opposite corner two travellers were waiting for their lunch to be served. He stepped out into the yard passing Miles as he entered the pub. He heard the sounds of weeping coming from a carriage. Curious he opened the door to find a girl tied up so he untied and released her. "Let's not make a scene can we just slip away?" He nodded and the girl grabbed the three purses that were tucked away thinking Miles without money was less dangerous to them. Soon they were off leading the horse until they were out of sight following a sheep track across the fields to his small house.

“That’ll be sixpence if you please sir.” The landlord held out a plate of sandwiches. “Sixpence? That’s rather a lot isn’t it?” “Take it or leave it sir that’s the price for your glass of ale and the sandwiches. I see you’ve already drunk your ale.” Miles searched his pockets then realised he’d left his purse in the coach outside. “I’ll be back directly. I’ll leave my coat here as security.” The landlord smiled “As you will sir.”

Miles entered the coach to find his heiress had vanished together with all his purses. “Landlord I’ve been robbed!” “As you say sir but I note your team is from the Black Horse so I’ll keep them here and as soon as you’ve paid your shot I’ll find you another team. Perhaps you'd like to send a letter off for funds sir?" “There was a girl in the coach she’s run off with all my money.” “Well she’ll get nowhere on foot with the weather tonight. No doubt she’ll be back shortly.”

“Julie we have a guest so look after her. You’re not to mention her presence to anyone.” Julie led her upstairs to the spare room. “Do you have any clothes with you?” “Just what I’m standing up in.” “I’ll bring up hot water shortly.” Julie slipped downstairs. “So who is she?” “I’m not sure but it appears she was being abducted.” “Right so I’ve seen nowt. Good job the larder is well stocked.” Matthew looked puzzled. “If you buy extra at the village store the gossip will start. It’s difficult to leave no trace at all.”

Matthew knocked and entered when bid. “So what’s the next step?” “I’d like to get home quietly. Do you have a spare horse? Or we could hire a chaise I have money.” “Change into something of Julie’s, that way you’ll stand out less.” “Or something of yours. I’m bruised after being on the floor and riding astride is safer especially at night.” She looked through his wardrobe and selected a pair of breeches and a shirt. “Turn your back.” “I’ll go down and sort the horse out.”

Julie sent word via the boy next door to her brothers. “He’s called Miles and they’ll be men after him who’ll pay very good money to anyone who helps find him especially if he’s been robbed and badly beaten first.” Money that’s what they understood although Julie had never asked them to beat up someone before. An hour later Miles was blindfolded, gagged and trussed up. They took his boots off him then laid into him beating him badly leaving his badly bruised and beaten body behind a hedge. If he was innocent he wouldn’t have seen much, if he wasn’t there was a few coins in it. Joshua stretched out his half pint in the warm at the pub a long as he could before ordering a second. There was a clatter of hooves as the horses entered the yard. They were three big men who walked into the pub and looked round. “Landlord we’re looking for the owner and passengers of the coach in the yard.” A gold sovereign was placed on the counter top. Joshua caught the eye of one of them and nodded to him to come outside. “Right lad what have you got for me?” He led them to Miles still trussed up behind the hedge. “Me sister mentioned you might be by.” A purse was opened and twenty gold sovereigns were counted out. “The girl?” “I know nothing about a girl but my sister might.” “Lead on.” One remained standing guard over Miles.

The four of them rode up to Matthew’s home with Joshua mounted on one of the spare horses they’d brought with them leading the way. “Let me talk to my sister first.” They nodded and Joshua approached the kitchen door. “Julie, it’s me.” Catherine peeped out the window and recognised Ralph. “I think my rescue party has arrived.” She slipped downstairs and hugged Ralph much to his horror. “I’ve never been so glad to see you in all my life.” “Yes Miss if you’ll gather your things we’d best be off.” “How many horses have you got Ralph?” “We brought one spare one but Miles will be travelling back in the coach so we‘ll have two more available. What are you thinking of?” Catherine turned to Julie and Matthew, “I’d like you both to come with me. Julie as chaperone and you sir to see me safely home.” She held out a small purse to Julie who looked inside then nodded. “Certainly Miss.” “She’ll need you to escort her home.” Matthew shrugged “Fair enough.” “Joshua look after the house whilst we’re gone.” Julie passed him a few coins from her purse.

Ralph and another groom bundled Miles into the coach and drove him back slowly to the estate. The others rode by moonlight and finally reached Catherine’s home in the early hours. The horses were led off to the stables and Catherine guided Julie and Matthew in through the kitchen door where a footman was on duty. “James find Matthew a guest room please, Julie if you don’t mind a truckle bed tonight my room would be the easiest.”

Miles arrived at breakfast time and was inspected by Catherine’s father. “He looks badly beaten?” “Robbed of his boots as well. It’s as I found him but I didn’t ask too many questions of the lad who guided me to him.” “Best if it was someone else who did the deed. Still it’s difficult to know what to do with him. I’m inclined to the view that he might well do better overseas somewhere. Canada, lot of opportunities in Canada I’m told. Ralph escort him to Liverpool and put him on board. His passage will be paid and I’ll give him a letter of credit for five hundred pounds to set him on his way.”

“So what do we do about our daughter?” “Ralph mentioned she had a knight in shining armour rescue her.” “But will she accept him? It would solve a lot of problems. If she has a season and it gets out she was abducted by Miles it would be a disaster. Even marriage to Miles might be better socially.” “Miles left for Canada an hour ago.” “Well we might scrape by.” “Does she want a season?” “How else can she be expected to meet anyone?” “Matthew Garley is someone whom I doubt would normally do the season and from what I hear their tastes are similar.” “Money?” “Some sort of private income since he dabbles in plants. He has enough for a cottage and a servant at least and Ralph tells me his horse isn’t showy but good quality never the less.” “So not a title but he sounds sensible. Will you have a little chat with him?” “If need be but I think our daughter has the matter in hand.” Banks was passing the open door and thought it was time he reviewed the contents of the cellar.

Catherine woke about noon and looked about to see Julie curled up in the truckle bed. “Stay there I’ll ring and we’ll have breakfast in bed for once.” “The life of luxury. I could get used to it all too easily.” “For once it won’t harm you. Tell me about Matthew?” “What do you want to know?” “Everything?” “He’s educated and spends his time growing things in marked patches when he’s not in his potting shed.” “Does he read?” “Well he has a whole shelf full of books.” “What’s he like to work for then.” “Pretty good. He gets wrapped up in his studies or his plantings sometimes and I have to remind him to eat. Mind you he’s not a fussy eater eats whatever I put in front of him. Why are you thinking of taking him on?” Catherine blushed “I might. I haven’t quite made up my mind and I want to sleep on it first.” “Well if you want him to stay for a day or two have him talk to your gardener and steward about plants and things. He’s very interested in those sort of things.”

Agnes answered the bell hesitantly she wasn’t quite sure what her reception would be and was keeping out of the way for a while. “Breakfast for two please Agnes and can you ask Ann the parlour to step in to see me.” “Yes Miss. We’re all pleased to see you back safely.” Well that wasn’t too bad. She stepped down to the kitchens and asked Ann if she wouldn’t mind taking a tray up to Miss Catherine with her breakfast.

“Good Morning Ann.” “Good afternoon Miss. Will you be wanting breakfast in bed or at the table? Be fewer crumbs in your bed at the table.” Catherine put her tongue out. “At the table then. Will that be all Miss?” “No take a chair and have a cup of tea with us. There’s a spare cup in my bedside cupboard.” Ann’s eyebrows were raised. “Yes Miss now whom do you want murdering?” She pulled out the spare cup and poured herself a cup of tea before sitting down. Julie giggled. “The trouble with staff who have grown up with you is they have no respect.” Pronounced Catherine. “I’ll rephrase it shall I? What evil deed do you need doing that you don’t trust Agnes with?” “Look after Matthew for me. I’m not sure if he’s the one but I don’t want him wondering off before I’m certain.” “Would you like him tied to the bed perhaps?” Julie got the giggles again “Just lead him to the gardener and get him talking about plants. The steward as well if he knows anything about them.” “One track mind has he?” “He does get a bit engrossed sometimes.” “I’m thinking of sending Agnes to my cousin who is coming out this year so would you consider becoming my personal maid? If Matthew works out I thought you could share the duties with Julie if she’d accept.” Ann gave her a significant look “I suppose you want me to stay with him all day and report back about what he does and says?” “What a good idea.”

“You really do want him around for a day or two don’t you.” Catherine nodded “And not a word about it to anyone outside this room please.” “But of course Miss.” Ann drank the rest of her tea “I’d best get on and see to Matthew then. Julie since you’re here talk to Miss Catherine nicely and she might even let you look through the spare material Agnes brought in aid of Miss Catherine’s season.”

Banks had a quiet word with one of the sewing maids as a result of which Julie had help with her sewing and someone to gossip with as she sewed. The gossip was quietly repeated to Banks that evening.

The maids had done his washing overnight so Ann carried it into his room. He was sleeping soundly so after putting his clothes down she tiptoed to his bedside and woke him with a kiss on the lips. He blinked “Good Afternoon sir.” He blinked again “I think I must have been dreaming about a kiss?” She lent in and kissed him again. “There now you’re awake.” “Sleeping beauty am I?” she tilted her head “Beauty sir?” He scowled at her and looked round the room. “Where am I?” “Drinking again were you last night sir?” She took pity on him, “I’m Ann, the parlour, and I’m to look after you whilst you’re here since we don’t have a valet available. Although if your tastes are that way there is a footman so inclined something might be arranged?” She looked at him questioningly then continued after seeing his expression. “You escorted Miss Catherine home last night after saving her from being abducted.” “I’d better get up then and start to make my way home.” “By the time you’ve had lunch it will be too late in the day to get home safely in the light. Besides I haven’t shown you the gardens nor the greenhouses yet.” She stepped across and opened the curtains, the bedroom flooded with light.

“Now I’ll help you get dressed then you have a choice of lunch with all the very inquisitive family in the formal dinning room or eggs and bacon at the kitchen table.” “Turn your back.” She turned then peeped over her shoulder at him. “I have a young brother so I’ve seen it all before you know although I must confess he’s a little smaller.” She said looking at his crotch. “My you’re getting up one bit at a time.” She turned and came back to the bed running her fingers over his growing hardness. “If it keeps growing how are you going to get your breeches on?” He swung from the bed and grabbed her putting her over his lap. “Oh I like being spanked with a firm hand.” He tickled her instead and she squealed as he did so. “Promise to behave?” “Promise.”

She led him down to the kitchen where the cook’s assistant quickly threw together a plate of bacon and egg. Ann pinched a bit of toast from his plate just to provoke him. After breakfast she led him to see Potter, the head gardener. “Mr. Garley has an interest in plants.” She announced “Flowers or vegetables?” He enquired cautiously. “Vegetables and crops are more my interest.” He got a glimpse of approval from Potter. “I extend the season for the house but you can’t afford to use greenhouses for market. I have a number of south facing walls though that help bring things on in the spring.” Ann just sat back on a bench in the sun in front of a south facing wall and listened to them natter on. She fetched three mugs of tea and a bit of cake from the kitchen when she grew peckish and contentedly watched them discuss the merits of different fertilisers and compost mixtures. As dusk drew in she interrupted saying “You can talk again tomorrow.” “It’s the steward you should be talking to mind. He’s heard of some of these ideas and was wondering about implementing them but didn’t know how to approach the family.” “I’ll arrange something for tomorrow morning.” Replied Ann “But if I’m to have him changed for dinner we need to get back now.” Matthew looked puzzled “Change for dinner?” “You might not mind but my life won’t be worth living in the servants hall if you’re not changed and delivered.”

In his room a valet was waiting “Yes I think we can do something.” He picked out several items from the bed “Now just try these on for fit.”

Julie poked her head round the door. “My you clean up nicely.” She stepped across and just smoothed his shirt for him. “Are they looking after you?” “Not half, someone else is doing the cooking and the washing up for a change. I can get used to life like this.” “If you’re bored we could return tomorrow?” “I’m happy to remain for a couple of days since Agnes has found me some material and I’m hoping to get two new dresses out of it.”

A bemused Matthew was delivered to the salon and given a sherry. “I’d better introduce you to everyone.” “This is my Aunt Martha, and this is Matthew who is visiting us for a few days and spending his time talking to the gardening staff.” He was half expecting an inquisition but nothing of the sort happened. The family seemed to just accept him and the conversation flowed round him. He wasn’t ignored but neither was he made a fuss of although he was asked to let them know if he needed anything for his comfort.

After dinner Catherine grilled Ann about him “So what did he talk about?” “Potting compost mixtures and so forth.” “So you think he’s genuine?” “Well if he isn’t he’s done a lot more studying on the subject than I’d expect a fortune hunter to go to the trouble of.” “Let’s see if he’s a womaniser.” “Tempt him you mean? Well all right but if I fall with child.” “You’ll be looked after.”

That evening Matthew opened the door to his room and place his candle on the side table. There was someone in his bed. There sound asleep was Ann. He shook her gently “Am I in the wrong room?” “No sir. I must have fallen asleep. I was just warming the bed for you.” She stretched and climbed out of bed clad in a silk nightdress of Catherine’s. “Now then let’s undress you.” “I beg your pardon?” “Well if I do it I can undo the buttons gently which saves having to sew them on again and I can hang or fold your clothes afterwards then they’ll be straight. Otherwise I’ll have to take them down to press them with a hot iron which is never my favourite job.” “I know and you’ve seen it all before with your nephew.” She smiled at him and helped him off with his jacket. Each shirt button seemed to take an age as she very carefully undid them so not to strain the cotton holding them on. When she’d finished undressing him she held out a night shirt that had been warming by the fire. “I could get used to having a warm nightshirt ready for me.” He slid into the warm side of the bed and Ann slid into the other colder side. He looked at her in surprise. “It’s cold tonight, you surely don’t expect me to walk through the corridor back to my room when there is a perfectly good side of bed here? Besides it’s a feather bed and far more comfortable than mine upstairs in the attics.” She rolled over and turned her back on him and fell asleep once more. Matthew followed her example.

In the middle of the night she was half awake when she sensed he was as well so she rolled over and kissed him lightly on the nose. “No wonder you’re awake I didn’t give you your goodnight kiss did I?” He grabbed her and tickled her shamelessly and she fought back with her pillow. “You young lady deserve.” She silenced him with a kiss on his lips. Matthew thought for a moment or two then thought he’d tease her since she’d been teasing him. He ran his hands over her silk nightdress cupping her breasts and running his thumb over her nipple which firmed under his attention. He carried on kissing her and gently manipulating her breast until she wasn’t certain of anything at all. His hand strayed downwards and Ann’s covered it with her own, not quite certain if she was holding him off, keeping his hand there or guiding it to places it really shouldn’t be. Soon she was quietly mewing then her breaths grew shorter as he slid his finger inside her. His thumb was moving gently around her most sensitive parts she wiggled trying to snuggle up even closer to him.  Then he felt her stiffen and collapse so he just held her as she snuggled up with a look of bliss on her face. Slowly she recovered and gave him a hard stare at him. “Well you’ve been teasing me so I thought I’d have my revenge.” He couldn’t quite make out her expression.

Next morning he woke before Ann. “Now what delaying tactic have you arranged for me today?” She blinked and pulled a face. “Well Miss Catherine is supposed to be showing you round the estate this morning.” “Best get up then and have breakfast.”

Catherine managed a few words with Ann as Matthew had his breakfast. “So did he take advantage of you?” “He didn’t put it in me but he certainly knew what to do with his fingers.” Ann gave a little shudder as she remembered just what those fingers were capable of. Catherine smiled well at least he didn’t favour footmen. She drifted into the kitchen as Matthew was eating his breakfast and pinched a half slice of bacon off his plate. “You could have your own plate you know.” he said in an exasperated tone. “It doesn’t taste the same as something purloined. I thought I could show you over the estate this morning. I’ve asked Mr. Lyman, the steward, to accompany us in case you have any questions I can’t answer.”

The three of them set off at a gently pace. Catherine rode behind the other two as Matthew questioned the steward about which crops and which varieties they grew. “I’ve heard of the changes some folks are making but it all sounds a bit risky to me and I must say I’d not know where to start.” “Do they make a difference?” Asked Catherine “Well it does depend on the soil conditions and so forth but fairly good yield increases are not unknown.” Catherine filed the comment away for a future discussion.  “I suspect Mr. Lyman has a few things he ought to be doing and I’d like to show you Rose Cottage.” Mr. Lyman admitted he had a few things he ought to look into but looked forward to discussing other crops and varieties in the future.

Catherine led him to the stables at the rear of Rose Cottage. “Do you like it?” She asked a little anxiously. “It looks very practical but cottage?” “It’s a large cottage with six bedrooms and as you can see it has its own stabling but its close enough to the main house that it can use some of the facilities such as the dairy.” They dismounted and a groom led their horses away. “There’s a south facing brick wall giving a sheltered garden that was suggested by Potter as a way to get early flowers and vegetables.” Catherine led the way through the back door into the kitchen where Julie was stood admiring the closed range. “I’ll put the kettle on.” “You look at home?” “I wouldn’t mind it here. It’s well laid out and has all the latest ideas like an indoor pump and a range. I could get used to it very easily.” Catherine led the way through the ground floor pointing out a water closet, study, a dining room, a drawing room and a conservatory that overlooked the garden. Upstairs there was a nursery, school room and five bedrooms one of which had a dressing room off it. “So do you like it?” “Let me guess you designed it?” She nodded and he held out his arms to her. He held her in his arms and kissed her when she raised her head.

“Disgraceful behaviour that’s what I call it.” He heard Ann’s voice at the door. “Well I don’t know she was out all night with him, didn’t get back until after daybreak and she was wearing his clothes so she’s compromised already.” Matthew raised his head “Is that two cups of tea you’re brought up?” “Well there’s four on the tray plus the tea pot.” He looked down at Catherine “Do you feel compromised?” She reached up and kissed him sliding her hands behind his neck as she did so. He heard Ann put the tray down and ask Julie did she take milk in her tea. “Shouldn’t we serve them first?” “I think they’re occupied for the moment and our tea will go cold if we wait for them.” Catherine and Matthew parted slightly “I feel compromised now.” “So if I asked you to marry me you’d say yes?” “You haven’t asked me yet.” He patted her bum lightly. “So will you marry me?” She looked at him for a moment or two and wrinkled her nose. “Yes please.” “Does that mean I get the kitchen downstairs?” Asked Julie perkily. “I hadn’t thought, what about your two brothers?” “Oh Miss Catherine has already found them jobs on the estate.” Catherine tried to look innocent and failed. “What if your family should object to me?” “Not a chance Banks has already lifted out the champagne from the cellars.” Chimed in Ann. “I think you’re stuck with me.” “Wretch.” He kissed her soundly. “Dad wondered if you’d like a pair of greenhouses on the back of Rose Cottage for a wedding present by the way.” “Now I wonder which cottage shall we live in? Your’s or mine?” Julie gave him a dirty look. “Well I don’t know about you but I’m staying here where my new kitchen is.” Catherine smiled it him “Whatever you think best but it might be a squeeze to fit all my dresses in your cottage bedroom.” He turned to Ann “Don’t look at me like that. You really don’t have a lot of choice do you and think about the greenhouses.” “You’re right, I’d have to travel here each day to see how they were getting on.” “Besides I suspect you would have the whole estate to experiment on.” Julie added temptingly.

Miles travelled between two grooms but otherwise was shown every courtesy on the trip north. When he looked as if he might try to slip away Ralph plied him with brandy and he was carried on board the ship and placed in a cabin in his drunken state.

“So this is your young man then?” “He’s nicely spoken and it seems a pity to waste him on someone else.” “Does he have a trade?” “He’s been running an estate so yes.” “At least he’s not a worthless titled foible.” Jessie squeezed Walter’s hand warningly. “He’ll do. Now are you after a big fancy wedding like your cousins?” “Something simple so banns then a quiet wedding.” “Fair enough then.”

“I take it your father doesn’t have a lot of time for the aristocracy.” “One of my second cousins married one and he ran through her dowery very quickly. She has a title but little else. I think eventually the family pays them a small allowance so father is relieved he won’t have to do the same for me.”

The wedding was quiet except the village turned out in force at the church “to see their Jessie wed” as they put it. Unexpectedly eight small bridesmaids dressed in their Sunday best, carrying wild flowers as poses were waiting to greet her at the church door and trailed up the aisle after Jessie. The wedding feast on the village green was basic, two barrels of ale from the inn. An oxen roasted on a spit and served on slices of bread with baked potatoes as an option. Tea was served to those who preferred it to ale and for some it was their first taste of the exotic drink. Thomas and Seth brought out their fiddles, John a pair of spoons and soon the entire village was dancing. “You know I think our guests are enjoying themselves far more than that fancy wedding you dragged me to before.” “I’ve never seen a pair so much in tune with each other.” “Aye they look a right handsome pair.”

After the wedding Jessie’s father took Walter aside in the garden. “I didn’t mention it before but she has a dowery of ten thousand pounds and I’ll throw in another five hundred on account seeing as that’s how much her second cousin’s wedding cost. Mind you there was so much fuss and bother about everything had to be perfect I think people were reluctant to enjoy themselves for fear of doing something out of place. By the way Jessie knows nowt about the dowery, women don’t understand money. I didn’t mention it before in case it attracted the wrong sort who were just after her money.” Walter shook his head and thanked him. Then sort out Jessie “You have a dowery of ten thousand pounds plus a wedding gift of another five hundred.” “It would have been nice to know about it.” “Something about women not understanding about money?” “Who does he think does the household accounts? Oh well I’d best not thank him or he’ll know you told me about it. Now I’ve a mind to see what’s available a little further south. We certainly have a bigger budget.”

They took the stage to the village nearest Sir Mile’s estate as Jessie was curious to see it. “What’s your professional opinion then?” “At first glance run down, it would need money to put it right.” “Take a closer look and see how much?” she thought Sir Miles might be about to be forced to sell one way or another. She walked to the big house and pushed open the kitchen door. The house felt empty. There was a farm house not far away so she walked up to it. The family seemed to be debating what could be carried away on the farm wagon.

“Are you thinking of leaving?” “The other tenant farmers left last year after the harvest when the steward told them that rents were being doubled. We had a shed full of logs and some winter turnips planted so we stay until spring. No one is left all the servants have gone especially after Sir Miles left for foreign parts.” “Where has he gone?” “Something happened with Miss Catherine that was. Her maid has been sent to London. The grooms don’t talk but two mentioned Liverpool and you don’t send two grooms to Liverpool on a whim now do you. I think he tried to abduct Miss Catherine and got packed off on a ship at Liverpool for his troubles.” “Is the old steward here still?” “Not him hasn’t been paid this twelve months.” “So if you stayed there would be no one to collect the rents?” “What are you suggesting?” “Well my husband used to look after an estate and is looking over this one at the moment. I doubt if Sir Miles will be back so why not stay for a year and bring in another crop. You can always do a flit if need be. I think he’s thinking in terms of seed drills and so forth so the yields would be up.” “I’ll bring my husband down after supper and they can talk it through.” “Can you find me a couple of maids to help out at the house?” “I’ll send my youngest to find you a couple.”

Walter gave her a list of things that needed doing with a rough figure. “Now if we include Hill Top Farm?” “Then it would be worth buying a different sort of plough and you’d want a few more farm horses.” “If we kept quiet about your title for a bit we might get better prices.” “Fair enough. I’m not that used to answering to my Lord in any event and I suspect it would only irrate your father.” “Taken his measure have you?” Walter grinned. They sat down to supper in the kitchen of scrambled eggs and toast. One of the maid’s had brought the food with her when she came knowing there was no food in the house. When the farmer and his wife arrived they all sat round the table and Walter explained how he would like to improve the estate. “Normally we’d have tenant farmers who knew what they were doing but in this case there is so much to be done I doubt if we could attract them here soon enough to get the spring planting done. There seem very few workers on the estate and the cottages are in poor shape.” “If you have the money for a few of these fancy things you’ve been talking about and to pay a few workers we should be able to get the seeds sown in time. Jeff has two pairs of Shires we could rent out from him once he’s done his ploughing and if there is money then the villagers will lend a hand. They know how important it is to get a crop planted.” Jessie did her sums if they managed one crop and to fatten up a few animals they’d end up with more money after a year and somehow it felt right to use Sir Mile’s estate in this way.

“Miss Catherine is getting wed and everyone for miles around will be at the church.” “We’d better blend in then?” “If we don’t attend it‘ll be noted.” They hitched one of the Hill Top Farm wagons up and travelled together with the farmer and his family. They sat at the back on the groom’s side for the bride’s side was overfull with villagers. Jessie watched the bride walk up the aisle. “Looking at her lace I’d say there’s money there.” “Well her name came up once or twice at the club.” “Tell?” “Oh the second and third sons’ mothers had given their offspring a list of names of desirable brides and she was on every single list.” “Regretting your choice?” He bent and kissed her cheek “Not at all, I’d much rather have you.” Jessie smiled to herself. Afterwards they gathered in the churchyard and listened to the gossip. “Some sort of gardener I understand.” Julie and Joshua approached them “Are you related to the groom?” “No it was just a bit crowded on the other side.” “Is he a gardener?” Julie laughed “Not quite he spends his time breeding plants and watching them grow.” Walter mentally filed the information away for future use.

Walter noticed Matthew met at one of the markets. “Matthew Garley?” “Yes do I know you?” “Walter Baseley, I heard you have some knowledge of which crop varieties do best?” They sat down and quaffed a glass of ale. Walter contributed his knowledge of cattle and sheep, Matthew his on crops and the addition of gypsum which he’d found useful.

Once they’d left harbour Miles was turfed out of the cabin and shackled on the deck. “A bit harsh don’t you think?” “Tried to abduct the owner’s daughter.” "I daresay he'll lose a little weight on the trip over, being fed leftovers. Do you know how many people die within a year in Canada? It's autumn now, he'll have the winter to get through without money or a job I doubt he'll survive, especially if the captain mentions his past." “I understand he has been given a letter giving him five hundred when presented in person.” “But only payable at a guest house for his food and lodgings. It should last him a good few years. You never know he might even get established.”

Jessie looked down the table at her assembled guests. “Well if you’ve all finished dining there is something I’d like Mr. Wallace to sort out.” “I knew it was too good to be true.” “Are you sure there isn’t another of those chocolate things?” Mr. Wallace waited for the murmurings to calm down. “I’ve been invited here in my legal capacity to look into to Hill Top farm.” “That’s where I live.” “The first question I think must be is how long is it since you’ve actually paid any rent?” “It’s been a day or two.” “Twelve years and three months perhaps?” “Well now you come to mention it I think it has been that long. Why are you asking for the back rent?” “No but I think legally you’ve been squatting and since no one has challenged you for twelve years you get squatters rights which means you get title.” “I beg your pardon?” “You now own Hill Top Farm outright.” “But I thought it was part of the estate?” “The estate belonged to Sir Miles who abandoned it.” “You mean it wasn’t my wife’s at all?” “That is correct.” “So Sir Miles owns it?” “We have been technically squatting on the land as well for more than twelve years so Lord Rutley, my husband dear you now own the estate once Mr. Wallace has completed the paperwork.” Walter sat back in shock. Grimes motioned to a footman and three bottles of champagne found their way to the table. “To Hill Top Farm, Lord Rutley and his estate.”