Moss Manor, page 23
“I don’t like him,” William declares.
“Who?” Lady Moss inquires as she smiles and waves to her guests from the front door while their carriage rolls out of sight. “I thought you liked Mr. Stevens? Leonard seems kind, just like his—“
“Not them,” William groans.
Her brows furrow in reply.
“The Baron,” the boy admits.
“Why not?” she asks with a nervous giggle.
“You smile too much when you look at him?”
She chuckles. “I smiled at all of my guests when I looked at them.”
“You smiled differently with him,” William claims.
“Did I?”
He nods. “And, I don’t like him because Mr. Jackson doesn’t like him,” William admits.
“He doesn’t?”
William shakes his head.
“Why doesn’t Mr. Jackson like him?” she asks, curious about the boy’s claim.
Mr. Jackson hadn’t joined them for lunch. He avoids attending when she has guests unless she requests his presence and insists on it.
William shrugs. “I just know that he doesn’t.”
“You heard him say it?”
“No,” the boy admits.
“Then, how do you know?”
“By the way that Mr. Jackson looks at him,” William says.
Lady Moss bites back a smile as she lowers to look her son in the eye. “Do you not like him because you think I may marry him?”
William lowers his gaze and shrugs his shoulders. “No.”
“Honesty,” she reminds.
He reluctantly glances up at her. “Yes.”
She takes a hold of the boy’s face and kisses his forehead. “Baron Hasworthy is a good man. A man that any woman would wish to marry.”
“They can’t because you will marry him,” William claims.
“Says who?” she scoffs.
“Why else is he here so much? He’s here more than any other man,” William states. “Mr. Alcott has only been here twice.”
She giggles at the boy’s innocence.
“What amuses you?”
“You,” she admits.
“Why?”
She takes in a deep breath and lets it out. “I have no intention of marrying Baron Hasworthy nor does he have any intention of marrying me.”
“Honest?” he checks.
Lady Moss holds up her hand, palm facing the boy. “Honest.”
“Then, why does he visit so often?”
Lady Moss takes William by the hand and guides him back inside. “Come,” she says, leading him to the study.
“I think I’m old enough to know,” William claims.
“Come,” she says encouragingly as they approach the desk. “Let me show you something.”
“What?” William asks with mild interest mixed with speculation.
Lady Moss retrieves her journal. The one she uses to finalize thoughts and business dealings. The same one she had when she took her four-day trip around the grounds of Moss Manor with Mr. Jackson when she first arrived.
She flips open to a particular page. “Do you see this?”
William leans over and inspects the paper. “It is Moss Manor,” he says, inspecting the hand-drawn map.
“Correct,” she replies.
“What’s all this?” he asks, gesturing to areas that are unfamiliar to him.
“Something that Baron Hasworthy is assisting me with,” she reveals.
“What for?” he asks, turning the book to inspect it further.
“There is treasure in those other parts of the land,” Lady Moss shares.
“Treasure?” William repeats with a gleam in his eye as he looks up at her.
She smiles and nods. “Baron Hasworthy and I are business partners.” She points to the areas that are unknown to the boy. “This land will expand Moss Manor.”
“How so?”
“The secret cannot be revealed to anyone,” she infers.
“I’m good at keeping secrets,” William reminds. “I haven’t told Mr. Jackson of his gift.”
“Shh,” she warns playfully, looking around.
“What?” William inquires, following her gaze.
“The Squid Demon of the seas has many eyes and ears everywhere,” she reminds. “He may overhear you.”
William laughs. “How do you know?”
“He has a way of creeping up on everyone. Have you not noticed?”
“He is rather quiet,” William agrees.
“Are you excited to give him his gift tonight?”
He bobs his head vigorously.
“Good.”
“When can I know about this secret?” William asks, gesturing to the map.
“Soon,” she says with widening eyes. “Very soon.”
“Keeping secrets now, huh?” Mr. Jackson asks, suddenly in the doorway.
“See,” Lady Moss says with a huff. “Eyes and ears everywhere.”
“What are you on about?” Mr. Jackson asks.
“None of your business,” she retorts.
Mr. Jackson shakes his head disapprovingly.
“Why have you come to bother me, Mr. Jackson? William and I have much secrecy to attend to.”
William snickers as he closes the journal.
“Turning on me, boy?” Mr. Jackson asks playfully.
“No,” William claims with an expanding grin.
The man grunts in reply before saying, “Got a few more workers here looking for a job.”
Lady Moss reaches for a different journal that she uses for every day, farm-related matters. “Come, William,” she calls, following after Mr. Jackson. “Time to learn a bit about hiring.”
He skips after her. “What am I learning today?”
“It depends on what is shared,” she informs. “There is always something to be learnt.”
“There is?”
“Mm-hm,” she confirms. “The lesson might not always reveal itself right away, but there is always one present.”
“Why wouldn’t it be seen right away?”
“Sometimes one must learn from an experience to understand a situation and decide if you like it the way it is or if you’d like to change it,” she states. Her hand extends and touches his cheek close to the eye that barely has a bruise. “Remember the pig incident?”
William rolls his eyes. “Yes.”
“You have yet to forget that lesson,” she informs. “Look at how you’ve improved with handling all of the animals.”
“Much better,” Mr. Jackson praises.
“Mr, Jackson,” Lady Moss says, stopping in her tracks.
“Yes, Miss?”
“How much land do the Stevens possess?”
He thinks for a moment. “About the same as Moss Manor…perhaps a little less.”
“Hmm,” she says, tapping her chin. “They do not use the majority of it, do they not?”
“In what way?” he asks.
“In way of profit,” she replies.
His head shakes. “Not that I am aware. Why?”
A grin forms on her lips as she jots down an idea in her journal.
“What?” William inquires.
“An idea,” she replies.
“Yeah,” William sighs. “What?”
“One that I must approach Mr. Stevens about first,” she reveals.
Mr. Jackson eyes her for a moment. “Looking to expand?”
“Perhaps,” she replies. “But, it doesn’t have to be in the traditional sense.”
“What do you mean?” William asks.
“I’ll explain later,” she says. “Let’s see to the workers.”
By dinnertime, Lady Moss and William are with the workers in the kitchen, feasting on some of Mr. Jackson’s favorite foods that Mrs. Doyle, Mrs. Sheldon, and Mrs. Martin cooked with the help of the younger girls. They and their husbands, along with Mrs. Joel share stories of their time with Mr. Jackson on the farm which amuse William and Lady Moss.
“Now?” William inquires, whispering in Lady Moss’ ear.
“Not yet,” she says with a smile. “Soon.”
Mrs. Doyle presents the cake, two cakes to be exact, since there are so many workers.
“This was too much, Miss,” Mr. Jackson says as he escorts her and William to the parlor.
“No different than anyone else’s birthday,” she counters.
“Now?” William asks with unwinding excitement.
She smiles and nods at the boy.
“Now? Now wh—”
The boy darts out of the room.
“What are you up to, Miss?”
“Who says that I am up to anything?” she replies, taking a seat. “How about a drink, Mr. Jackson?”
He lets out a huff while he pours her a glass of wine.
“Make sure you have one for yourself,” she insists. “It is your birthday after all.”
He pours himself a small amount, not intending on drinking it. Impatient with the silence, he sits down and waits for the boy to return.
“I noticed you didn’t join us for lunch,” Lady Moss says.
“Got caught out in the field with the workers,” he claims.
“Hm,” she replies, taking a sip of her drink. “Do you not like my guests?”
His eyes narrow. “It does not matter if I like your guests or not, Miss. This is your home.”
Lady Moss tilts her head slightly to the right.
“Here,” Willam says, out of breath as he rushes into the room. He shoves his hands toward Mr. Jackson.
“What is this?” he asks.
“It is a gift from William,” Lady Moss explains.
“Why?”
“Abbie said I could get you something,” William states.
“Don’t be daft, Mr. Jackson,” she huffs. “Open it.”
William stands with eager anticipation, watching Mr. Jackson’s expression closely.
Mr. Jackson’s eyes inflate when he sees what’s inside the box. His gaze darts to the boy and then Lady Moss.
“Abbie said it would be a good fit,” William says, taking the cufflinks out. “They match your pocket watch.”
“This is too much,” Mr. Jackson declares.
“Nonsense, Mr. Jackson,” she rebuts. “William said he noticed you didn’t have cufflinks when we dined with my Uncle and thought—“
“Thank you,” he says, keeping his eyes on her.
“You like it?” William asks excitedly, looking back and forth between Mr. Jackson and Lady Moss.
“Yes,” he confirms, unable to look away from the woman. “Thank you.”
William flings his arms around Mr. Jackson’s neck. “You are most welcome.” He steps back. “Abbie said they would be a great fit for a dinner party or ball. They’re real gold. Just like your pocket watch.”
Mr. Jackson’s head lowers as he bites back several emotions. “It is a mighty fine gift, William. I will cherish it forever.”
William’s smile grows.
“And, when it is my time to die, you will inherit them,” Mr. Jackson adds.
Lady Moss swallows hard, surprised by her reaction to the man’s words.
Mr. Jackson happily reads to William upon his request though Lady Moss offers. It doesn’t take long for William to fall asleep, tired from the events of the long day.
“Thank you,” Mr. Jackson says as he closes William’s door behind him.
“It was William’s—“
“You paid for them,” he reminds.
Her jaw clenches after a breath in. “It will all be William’s eventually.”
Mr. Jackson nods as he tries to find the right words for the moment. Instead, he leans toward her, kissing her cheek. “A most cherished gift just like the pocket watch.”
She forces a smile when their eyes meet, shocked by his gesture and closeness. “I’m glad you approve.”
He looks down at the box in his hand and fiddles with it. “I don’t…but…I do.” He leaves her standing in the hallway in the next moment, overwhelmed by the day.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I so long for a ball,” Mrs. Warren says with a sigh. “I need a night away from being a mother.”
“Motherhood looks good on you,” Lady Moss states. “She is an angel.”
“The child is fascinating,” Mr. Warren chuckles. “Who knew something so small can make so much noise.”
“She’s so tiny,” William says, leaning closer.
“She’s barely a month old,” Mrs. Warren informs. “She’ll be bigger before you know it, running after you through the house and yard. There will be much you can teach her.”
“Indeed,” agrees Lady Moss. “Who knows? Perhaps they’ll marry one day?”
“Don’t, Abigail,” warns Mr. Warren.
She shrugs. “It isn’t a binding statement…merely a suggestion…a possibility.”
“It would be lovely to be family in that way, though,” muses Mrs. Warren. “Would you like to hold her, Abigail?”
“I—“
Mrs. Warren doesn’t wait, handing over the baby before her friend gets a chance to refuse. “Meet your Aunt Abbie, little Eleanora.”
“She is most adorable,” Lady Moss says once she gets a proper hold on the child.
Mr. Jackson watches out of the corner of his eye as he and Mr. Warren sip on their drinks.
“It is a shame you were not able to attend the Hastings ball,” Lady Moss states. “There were many introductions to be had.”
“There will be another,” Mr. Warren reminds.
“You’re quite right,” Lady Moss agrees. “I’m sure this little one is beyond worth missing several balls, particularly with some of the gossip that is had.”
“It is the main form of entertainment for most,” Mrs. Warren states.
“My Aunt in particular,” Lady Moss adds.
Mr. Jackson’s jaw tenses and lets out a snort louder than he anticipated.
“What is wrong, Mr. Jackson?” his ladyship inquires.
“The man is tired of accompanying you to balls, dearest Abigail,” Mr. Warren teases.
“Who else is to accompany me, hm?”
“A husband,” Mr. Warren states.
“You’re a natural,” Mrs. Warren declares, gesturing to her friend. “Eleanora seems smitten with her Aunt Abigail.”
“Don’t start,” Lady Moss warns.
“You’ve done well with William,” Mrs. Warren reminds.
Lady Moss smiles and nods, appreciative of the praise from her friend.
“I heard that Baron Hasworthy has been calling on you,” Mrs. Warren says as she lowers to her chair.
“He is not calling on me,” Lady Moss replies. “It is I that have called upon him on several occasions.”
Mr. Jackson adjusts in his seat, uncomfortable by the subject matter.
“A widow, calling on a man? Now, that is—“
“I am not calling on him in that manner, Elizabeth,” Lady Moss rebuts. “We share a mutual interest.”
“Marriage, Abigail,” Mr. Warren chuckles lightly. “You can call it what it is.”
Lady Moss purses her lips. “It could potentially be a marriage.”
“See,” Mrs. Warrens cheers.
“You haven’t worn your ring in some time,” Mr. Warren points out, winking at Mr. Jackson.
“But, not to me.”
“Then, who?” Mrs. Warren inquires, sitting up with eager anticipation. “How could you turn down a handsome man as he?”
“He is handsome, isn’t he?” Lady Moss replies with a smirk when she catches Mr. Jackson looking on with mild interest and irritation.
“Then, why not consider him as a—“
“First of all,” Lady Moss begins, peering into Eleanora’s eyes. “He was a suitor brought forward by my wicked Aunt Norma. So, he would be out of the question.”
“Not even if love became a part of it?” Mr. Warren inquires slyly.
Lady Moss regards him for a second. “There is love.” She looks back down at the child in her arms. “Yes, indeed. However…it is not between the Baron and myself.”
“What are you saying, Abigail?” Mrs. Warren asks with stirred curiosity.
“A beautiful young woman has caught his eye,” Lady Moss reveals. “As he has caught hers.”
“Who?” Mrs. Warren replies.
“All will be revealed at the ball,” Lady Moss announces.
Mrs. Warren leans back and pouts. “You dare tease me, dear friend?”
“I dare tease everyone one,” Lady Moss admits.
“You’re heartless,” Mr. Warren claims.
“I do not take after my Aunt,” she rebuts with a mock hurt tone.
“No, you do not,” Mrs. Warren agrees.
“Spinster,” Mr. Jackson declares.
“Precisely!” boasts Mr. Warren. “She is a spinster indeed.”
Lady Moss lifts her chin with a defiant grin. “At least my spinster ways are for the betterment of others.”
“I believe there is some betterment you are attaining from it, dearest Abigail,” Mr. Warren accuses wryly.
Her head bobs side to side. “Perhaps.”
“What?” Mr. Warren inquires.
“The expansion of Moss Manor,” she shares.
Her companions stare at her for a moment. Mr. Jackson is aware of certain aspects of the matter but didn’t know it involved Baron Hasworthy.
“Sutton Manor,” Mr. Jackson guesses.
Lady Moss does not confirm or deny it.
“What about Sutton Manor?” Mrs. Warren inquires.
“Let’s just say,” Lady Moss prefaces, smiling at her niece. “That there is the very real possibility that Moss Manor will expand, beyond just land, and that my dear friends, the Warrens, will benefit as well.” She looks up at her hosts. “It is why I’ve insisted on you attending the ball.”
“Who will be there?” Mr. Warren asks, now drawn into the revelation.
“Many potential clients,” Lady Moss states.
“As in…?” he coaxes.
“As in, you’ll need to attend to find out,” Lady Moss replies.
“I’ll be there,” William announces. “Mr. Stevens sent me my own invitation.”
“Did he now?” Mrs. Warren asks with a smile. “You are to be a Lord soon. You should be invited for that very reason.”
William smiles and nods as he holds his chin up a little higher.
