Moss Manor, page 25
“Yes, you should have.” When Mr. Jackson doesn’t comment further, she asks, “When did she take it from you?”
His gaze lowers. “The Hastings ball.”
Lady Moss’ mouth gapes in astonishment. “All this time?”
He nods reluctantly.
She takes a sharp step toward him. “You are no better than her for not telling me.”
Mr. Jackson shrugs.
“Abigail,” a male voice calls. “Everything alright?”
“Yes, Charles,” she replies when she sees him. “I’ll be right in to tend to William.”
“My apologies,” he returns. “I didn’t mean to interrupt the proposal.”
Mr. Jackson rolls his eyes but remains kneeling.
“Proposal? What proposal?” Lady Moss replies. She glances back at Mr. Jackson.
A commotion inside the house draws everyone’s attention.
“Mr. Al—“
Mr. Alcott pushes past Mr. Warren, rushing toward Lady Moss and Mr. Jackson. “Lady Moss, please. Please let me explain. I didn’t—“ He notices Mr. Jackson.
“There is no need for an explanation, Mr. Alcott,” she returns coldly. “Please go home.”
“How can you consider a proposal from—“
Lady Moss turns on her heels as Mr. Jackson rises. He steps in front of her, blocking Mr. Alcott from getting any closer. When Mr. Alcott steps to the left, Mr. Jackson follows. When Mr. Alcott steps to the right, Mr. Jackson does the same.
“Lady Moss told you to go home,” Mr. Jackson reminds.
“Please, Lady Moss, I—“
“There is no need for you to be here, Mr. Alcott,” she informs, keeping her back to him. “What’s done is done.”
“What’s done?” Mr. Warren asks, approaching them.
“I didn’t know,” Mr. Alcott says as if everyone is apprised of the situation.
“Didn’t know what?” Mr. Warren inquires.
“Regardless of what transpired this evening, Mr. Alcott, there is no chance for your intentions to ever come true,” she informs.
“What intention?” Mr. Alcott asks, trying to be aloof.
Lady Moss turns to face him. “I will not marry any man that my Aunt has presented before me,” she declares. “I had done it once, more so to escape her. A very small part of me wishes I could hate her completely for it, regret it wholeheartedly, but if I hadn’t married my late husband, William would not be in my life.”
The three men stare at her, unsure of what to say.
“But, I—“
“Do not profess your love for me, Mr. Alcott,” she warns. “It will do you no good.”
“But—“
“Come now, Charles, Mr. Alcott,” Mrs. Warren calls as she approaches them. “I think it best to give the Lady some privacy.”
Mr. Warren hesitantly follows her until Mr. Alcott begins to move.
“You too, Mr. Jackson,” Mrs. Warren directs.
“I still have a few choice words with him, Elizabeth,” Lady Moss shares.
Mrs. Warren studies her friend and Mr. Jackson for a moment before nodding.
A comfortable silence floats with the breeze as Lady Moss and her foreman are left alone once more.
“I did not intend for—“
“It is not your fault,” Lady Moss says. “My Aunt is to blame.” She lets out a sigh as she lowers to the cement bench. “I do not know why she hates me so. I do not know why she chooses to hurt those closest to me.”
“I doubt it truly has anything to do with you,” Mr. Jackson offers, kneeling once more before her.
She looks at him. “I believe you are correct.”
“Is it safe to presume that you are no longer mad at me?”
“Perhaps,” she replies.
“Then, I will not rise again until you have declared it.”
“Don’t be daft,” Lady Moss snickers.
Mr. Jackson lets out a sigh. “I could have prevented your ill mood had I—“
“I doubt that,” she snickers. “You do not give enough credit to my Aunt.” Lady Moss glances at the house. “For all I know, she could have been pushing one or several of those men to propose tonight.” Her attention returns to Mr. Jackson, wondering if his actions are as what Mr. Warren had speculated.
“And, if she had?”
She lifts her chin as she glances at the closest plant. “You of all people, Mr. Jackson, should know my position regarding that matter.”
His head bobs as he studies her face.
“As much as I want to loathe her, I pity her more,” Lady Moss reveals.
Mr. Jackson nods in agreement.
“I…understand why you did not tell me,” she says, hesitantly looking at him. “I am sorry my venom hit you.” She lets out a nervous chuckle. “Know that my Aunt did receive a bit of it…in front of everyone…including William.”
“Ah,” Mr. Jackson says, taking her hand in his.
Lady Moss studies their connection as several emotions collide inside her heart. “I am truly sorry she felt comfortable treating you as such. It was deplorable and inexcusable.”
“You had no idea nor control,” he replies.
“I knew of her cruelty, but I did not know it could be wielded thusly,” Lady Moss admits.
Mr. Jackson stands, retaining his gentle, yet firm hold of her hand. Lady Moss unconsciously follows, rising to her feet. Their eyes lock and both are afraid to speak or move.
“It will never happen again,” Mr. Jackson professes. Keeping his gaze fixed on Lady Moss, he lowers his head and kisses her knuckles.
Neither of them speak as their embrace remains.
“I…” she mumbles “I should tend to William.” Lady Moss does not pull away.
Mr. Jackson reluctantly releases her hand and clasps his together as he clears his throat.
“I’m sure William will explain everything in the morning,” she states. “I’m not able to think clearly and would not do it justice at the moment.”
“No need,” he replies.
She glances at the house. “It was he who revealed the atrocity.”
Mr. Jackson smiles. “I’ll thank him in the morning.”
She looks back at him. “You could thank him tonight.”
“The boy needs his mother,” Mr. Jackson counters.
Her eyes fall to the ground, disappointed by his reply. “If you feel it is best.”
Mr. Jackson wishes to counter his words, but he’s reluctant to do so.
Lady Moss waits for another second or two, hoping that Mr. Jackson might say something. When he doesn’t, her feet scurry across the ground toward the house. When she reaches a small hallway, Lady Moss pushes her back against the wall. She takes in several deep breaths and lets them out to aid her trembling body.
“Everything alight, Abigail?” Mrs. Warren asks, approaching her.
“Quite,” Lady Moss lies.
Mrs. Warren places her hand upon her friend’s shoulders. “What happened, dear?”
Her head sways as the memory of the night flood her mind. The only thing that plays over and over is the kiss Mr. Jackson placed on her hand. Her chest feels as if it’s being constricted in a way she’s never experienced.
“My….” She gulps trying to figure out what to say.
“What, dear?”
“My Aunt has done a most unthinkable deed,” Lady Moss says lowly.
Mrs. Warren offers a comforting smile. “William shared a bit of what happened. Are you alright?”
Lady Moss’ head bounces several times though she feels the opposite. “Yes.”
Mrs. Warren chuckles. “Liar.”
“I…I do not mean to lie, dear friend,” she says. “I…I just….”
“It’s alright, Abigail,” Mrs. Warren says soothingly. “I only meant to tease.”
“I do not think my heart can take anymore tonight,” she says on the verge of crying.
“Mama,” William calls, rushing down the steps. His feet move quickly across the floor and he slams into her body, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Mrs. Warren smiles, pleased with the turn of events that have led to something positive.
“You alright, Mama?” William asks, looking up at her.
“I am now,” Lady Moss says with half-truth. “Why are you not in your bed, young man?”
“You said you would tuck me in,” he reminds.
“I did?” she replies teasingly.
“Mm-hm,” William confirms.
“Alright,” she agrees, heading toward the stairs. “Let’s get you to bed.”
“Will you read to me?”
“Did you bring your book?” she asks.
“Of course,” he replies with a chuckle.
“Good.” She pulls him more into her side, needing the boy more than ever.
When they reach his room, William asks, “Where’s Mr. Jackson?”
“I saw him not long before you found me,” she shares.
“Can he come listen too?” William inquires.
“I can find him if you’d like?” Mrs. Warren offers.
“Yes, please,” William returns as he climbs into the bed.
Lady Moss positions herself next to him, reclining as she usually does. “Where were we?” she asks him as she opens the book.
“The valiant knight arrived at the castle,” William reminds.
“Oh, right,” she replies, turning to the correct chapter.
“You called for me?” Mr. Jackson inquires.
William springs up and rushes to him, hugging him at his waist. “Did Mama tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Mr. Jackson questions.
“How mean Great Aunt Norma took your watch?” the boy reveals.
Mr. Jackson grunts as he lowers to look the boy in the eye. “You can tell me in the morning, hm?”
William nods. “Why did she take it? It wasn’t hers.”
“Sometimes, not that it’s the right thing to do, because it isn’t, people, children and adults, do things they shouldn’t,” Mr. Jackson answers.
“Why?” William asks as Mr. Jackson leads him toward the bed. “And, why didn’t you tell me or Mama?”
Mr. Jackson smiles. “Why was the Count placed in jail, accused of things he didn’t do?”
“Because the man who put him there was mean,” William replies.
“And?” Mr. Jackson prompts.
“And….” William thinks for a moment, climbing onto the bed. “The man was a coward. He had to take something that wasn’t his and blamed it on the Count who was the one being wronged.”
“Why do you think that?”
William shrugs as he guesses, “Because…because the man was sad…or scared…or upset and took it out on the Count.”
Mr. Jackson nods. “Sometimes, you might not ever learn why someone does something. Usually, mean people are hurting themselves and they take it out on others.”
William looks at Lady Moss for a second. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Mr. Jackson’s smile returns. “I did not wish to point out faults of someone who wronged me because it would have only caused a rift in the family.”
William looks down as he processes his words.
“That does not excuse what she did,” Mr. Jackson reminds. “Nor should I have allowed it. Yet—“
“Yet, it was in Uncle’s kingdom,” William states. “You were being polite, following the laws of their kingdom even though you were wronged.”
Mr. Jackson nods. “I did not wish more animosity between the two kingdoms,” he says, glancing at Lady Moss. “There was already enough tension. There was no need to stir things to become a war.”
“However, there was a war,” William declares.
“It unfolded by the hands of the guilty, not by someone who ratted,” Mr. Jackson clarifies.
“Did Mama tell you I spotted it?” William asks proudly.
“She told me you were a valiant knight, but she did not have time to share the details,” Mr. Jackson states.
“Storytime, William,” Lady Moss reminds. “You can share more with Mr. Jackson tomorrow.”
“Come on,” William says, tugging on Mr. Jackson’s hand. “Mama is going to read.”
Mr. Jackson looks at Lady Moss for permission. She shifts over on the bed, making room for the two of them. William shifts closer to Lady Moss, getting under the covers, and rests his head in the crook of her side. Mr. Jackson reclines slightly atop of the covers on the opposite side of the boy. Without another glance, or another word on the matter, Lady Moss begins to read.
Chapter Thirty-One
“Can I wear your cufflinks?” William asks as Lady Moss assists the boy to dress for the night.
“You wish to borrow Mr. Jackson’s?” she asks to clarify.
Mrs. Doyle hands Lady Moss the boy’s shirt as William hums his reply.
“It is up to you, Mr. Jackson,” Lady Moss says, not looking over her shoulder.
“You need a proper watch to match it,” Mr. Jackson declares.
“But, mine isn’t gold,” William whines.
Mr. Jackson snorts. “You can borrow mine, but just for tonight.”
William’s face beams with excitement.
Mr. Jackson steps toward him, offering it. “I need to use yours, then.”
William happily retrieves it from his pocket.
“What do you say—“
“Thank you!” William says gleefully. “I will not let anyone touch it. I promise.” He jumps down from the chair.
“Where are you going?” Mrs. Doyle inquires. “We ain’t finished with you.”
“To get the cufflinks,” William states.
“I’ll get them,” Mr. Jackson offers. “You stay here. You mustn’t make your mother late over a pair of cufflinks.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jackson,” Lady Moss says.
He grins and nods before leaving.
“Are you excited, William?” Iris asks, directing the boy back inside the room. “Getting to attend your first ball?”
William beams with excitement. “Yes.”
“I heard the Barton twins will be there,” Mrs. Doyle states.
“That’s right,” Gale affirms. “Same with many other children I heard.”
“Why can’t my cousins be invited?” William asks.
Lady Moss lets out a sigh. “Even if they were invited, they would not attend.”
“Why not?” the boy asks.
“They’re farmers,” Lady Moss reminds. “They know nothing else. Remember how they worked when visiting us?”
William nods. “Yes.”
“To them, they are not afforded such social luxuries,” Lady Moss shares.
“They could,” William counters. “Yet, Grand Papa wouldn’t listen to you.”
She snickers. “He doesn’t listen to anyone. I didn’t expect him to…even if I was a man.”
“You’re smart,” William counters. “You’ve managed to expand Moss Manor already.”
The girls in the room perk up at the announcement.
“Baron Hasworthy and I need to finalize one or two details and then, yes, Moss Manor will expand,” Lady Moss says, looking at the girls in the room. “A subject that is not to be discussed until everything is settled, hm?”
“Yes, Miss,” the girls reply.
“Yes, Mama,” William agrees.
“Do you remember why I told you it mustn’t be revealed to anyone yet, William?”
“Because you’re a woman,” he replies. “And, that there are many who would not wish to see a businesswoman, let alone one who is successful.”
“That is correct,” she affirms.
“A business not a marriage?” Iris asks lowly.
“Hush,” Mrs. Doyle scolds.
“It is alright, Mrs. Doyle. Better for the girls to learn now.” Lady Moss turns to face them. “Women should not be required to simply marry and have children unless that is what they wish. There is more to us than that and I plan on all women to realize their utmost potential by leading through my actions.”
“That is most noble and honorable,” Gale declares.
“To think, a woman to own a business,” Iris says with a giggle. “That will turn many heads.”
“So, you aren’t marrying Baron Hasworthy?” Gale inquires timidly.
“Heavens no,” Lady Moss giggles. “He is a good man, but his heart is already taken.”
“What of your heart, Miss?” Iris asks.
A smile grows across her lips. She directs her gaze to William to dissuade speculation. “My heart is filled with love.” She takes William’s hand and swings it back and forth.
“I would say,” adds Mrs. Doyle. “It is wonderful to hear him call you Mama.”
“It is,” agrees Lady Moss.
“Here they are,” Mr. Jackson announces, entering the room.
Ten minutes later, Baron Hasworthy arrives to escort Lady Moss and William to the ball.
“You look beautiful, Lady Moss.” He kisses her knuckles and then turns his attention to William. “Who are you? Have we met?”
“It’s me, William,” the boy replies.
Baron Hasworthy pulls his head back. “No. It can’t be. You look much older than the last time I saw you. You couldn’t have grown so much since then, could you?”
William chuckles.
“He has grown,” Lady Moss reveals. “At least an inch since a month ago when we saw you last.”
Baron Hasworthy takes a step toward William and takes a gentle hold of his chin. He turns the boy’s face slightly to each side. “Ah, William. It is you! You look like a man.”
“Do not rush it,” Lady Moss scolds gently.
“I shan’t.” He stands straight and gestures toward the carriage. “Shall we?”
Once they’re settled, they head toward Stevens Manor.
“Rumors are alive and well,” the Baron announces.
Lady Moss smiles. “Most of a marriage.” She glances out the window. “Little do they know to whom.”
“Who?” William asks. “You said—“
“Not between Baron Hasworthy and I, dear,” she assures.
William glances at the Baron who nods agreement. “Then, who?”
“Do you think it would be right to propose tonight?” the Baron asks. “I do not wish to take attention away from the Stevens.”
