James’s mother, who sat facing the house, spotted him first. “Good heavens, James. Is that you?”
His father turned in his seat. “My God. And it looks like you’ve brought Michael with you.”
They both stood, allowing James to embrace them with all his might. His parents had never been frugal in their show of affection, neither between each other nor toward their children, and while that might not be the norm among upper-class families, James was grateful for it. He’d never doubted his parents’ love for each other or for him.
“It’s so good to see you again,” Mama said as her eyes began to shimmer. She hugged Michael next.
“And your visit could not have come at a better time,” Papa said. He dropped back into his chair with a heavy exhale. Discomfort strained his features. “I hurt my back a couple of days ago helping the Hendersons un-clog the drainage canal from their pond. Otherwise, there’s a good chance their farmland will flood the next time it rains.”
“Won’t their plants be big enough by now to survive it?” Michael asked.
“Lord, no,” Papa said. “The Hendersons have a good deal of newly planted brussels sprouts which won’t be ready for harvest until October. But that aside, if too much water gathers, the roots of the established crop like peppers, eggplant, and celery will likely rot.”
“I’ll ride out and offer my help tomorrow,” James said.
A maid arrived with the two extra glasses. James and Michael sat and drank the refreshing liquid as soon as James’s mother was done serving them. A plate with those tasty sandwiches James had dreamt of during his walk was passed around and a comfortable conversation ensued until the readiness of their rooms was announced.
“I’ll freshen up and see to my blister,” Michael said. He smiled at his grandparents. “Thank you for the warm welcome.”
“It’s a few years since you were last here so if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask,” Mama said.
“The horses are at your disposal, should you feel like a ride,” Papa added.
“Thank you,” Michael repeated. He pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll probably take a short nap. What time is dinner?”
“Seven o’clock,” James said at the same exact time as his parents. They all chuckled and Michael strolled off.
A pause followed and then Papa said, “You usually write before showing up, and while we certainly don’t mind a surprise visit from any of our children, I cannot help but wonder about the reason for it. Besides your simply missing us, that is.”
James smiled in response to his father’s attempt at humor, and then he related the issue regarding Mrs. Petersen and her mother. “Naturally, a union between them would be impossible,” he said once he’d finished.
“It shouldn’t be,” Mama said with a frown. “Mrs. Petersen should not be made to suffer for something her mother has done. It’s completely unreasonable.”
“I do not disagree,” James said, “but it is how the world works, and I just don’t want Michael to throw his life away on some fleeting fancy the way…”
Papa raised an eyebrow. “Just because you had a bad experience with a woman, doesn’t mean Michael will. The fact that Mrs. Petersen’s mother has loose morals doesn’t mean Mrs. Petersen herself won’t take her vows seriously.”
“Of course not,” James agreed, “but if Michael marries her he’ll be related to Mrs. Lawson and as such I fear doors will be closed to him rather than opened. Papa, I want Michael to have the chance to shine. But how can he do so if he pursues a marriage that’s bound to put his own values and integrity into question?”
“He does have one advantage,” Mama pointed out.
“Which is?” James asked.
“The same as yours,” she said. “Michael does not need to work. If he truly loves this woman, he could give up his career for her and settle down to a comfortable life in the country.”
“And do what?” James asked, aghast at the notion of his son becoming the sort of entitled man he despised. London was full of them – men who sat about doing nothing all day while funds were delivered to them on a silver platter. They had no appreciation for the things they had, they just wanted more: a bigger house, fancier clothes, a faster carriage.
“He could help me,” Papa said. “This thing with my back reminds me I’m not as sprightly as I once was. And as much as I appreciate your stepping up while you’re here, you’ll eventually go back to London. But Michael could stay.”
James shook his head. “He spent four years getting his education, so I want him to try and use it. This thing with Mrs. Petersen will pass, you’ll see. As for solving your problem, Papa, I’m sure we can ask one of the grooms or footmen to step in when needed. If not, I’ll help you hire someone who can do so before I leave.”
Papa frowned, but rather than argue, he nodded, for which James was grateful.
“When’s the last time you came here?” Cynthia asked with a cough. She, Betsy, and Wilhelmina had arrived at the modest farm no more than half an hour ago and had instantly opened all the cottage’s windows to air out the musty smell from each room. Dust swirled about them as they pulled protective sheets off the furniture in the parlor. Even though Wilhelmina had hired the Wilkinses, an elderly couple, as caretakers, she’d told them they only needed to tend to the animals. And so they had.
“April?” Wilhelmina told her daughter.
“That’s not so very long ago,” Cynthia said. “I wonder why it’s so filthy.”
Wilhelmina drew her finger along the edge of the mantelpiece. It came away with a thick layer of fine grey powder. “When I said April, I meant last year.”
“Ah.” Cynthia bundled a sheet and went outside to give it a good shake.
Wilhelmina addressed Betsy. “Can you please put some water to boil for some tea? I think we can all do with a cup.”
“Aye.” Betsy bobbed a quick curtsey and left.
“Are you able to manage the rest of the rooms down here while I see to the upstairs?” Wilhelmina asked Cynthia when she came back inside.
“Of course.”
Grateful for a daughter who wasn’t afraid of a bit of hard work, Wilhelmina left her to shake out and fold the sheets in the downstairs rooms so they could get started on dusting and sweeping. Since the house wasn’t lived in, Wilhelmina had seen no reason to hire additional servants. On the rare occasion when she’d come for a visit, she’d brought Betsy with her to help cook and clean. If necessary, she’d ask the Wilkinses for additional help, which they seemed happy to give in exchange for a few extra coins.
She climbed the creaky stairs and gave each bedroom a swift once over. Disheartened by the smell that clung to the bedclothes, the mildew she found in the linen cabinet, and the leak she spied up under the ceiling where wallpaper bubbled, Wilhelmina feared it would be past midnight before they retired. First, they would have to roll up their sleeves and wash everything – a grueling chore she did not look forward to in the least.
When James woke the day after his arrival at Clarington House, he got up, dressed with the efficiency of a man who’d managed without a valet for years, and went down to breakfast. Dinner last night had been pleasant enough even though it was clear Michael hadn’t let go of his grudge. Today, James would make a proper effort to mend the breach between them. He’d start by inviting Michael to join him when he went to visit the Hendersons later.