Elinor donned her new riding habit of dark green wool and could not help glancing down at the betrothal ring Easton had placed on her finger the day before.
Josie smiled. “What are you fidgeting about, Miss Elly? You are going to ride, and with a handsome lord, I might add.”
Elinor had to laugh at Josie’s efforts. “It is rather early for such insolence.”
“It is never too early! Now, have a seat and let me dress your hair so you will not be late. Then you can tell me why you are in such low spirits when you are to spend the morning with the handsome Major who dotes on you so.”
Elinor shrugged. “I do not know what to do, Josie. I am not good at pretending, and I feel guilty.”
“Do you enjoy spending time with him?”
Elinor thought for a minute, then glanced at the ring, twisting it around her finger. “I do, actually. I feel more comfortable with him than I ever thought possible.”
“No need to feel guilty then. Enjoy yourself and then see how you feel. You talked to Lord Fairmont, and now you have to move forward.”
That was a lovely thought. Enjoy yourself. Could she?
“He will not hurt you. I think you know that. You might even have fun.” Josie giggled. Elinor blushed. Why the thought of having fun should make her blush she did not want to examine too closely. She leaned forward and slipped her kid half-boots on.
“Josie, I think that might actually be a good idea.” Elinor stood and started pulling on her gloves. Taking one last look in the mirror, she thought her grandmother had made a good choice when selecting her riding habit. Perhaps she even looked a little fetching. She had never considered being fetching before.
“Course it is.”
Elinor stood up to give her a hug. “I am not sure where you got to be so wise.”
“From you, of course. You only have to learn to follow your own advice.”
Elinor laughed. She made her way downstairs and found Lord Easton in the breakfast room, chatting with Andrew and charming the Dowager.
“Good morning, everyone. To what do we owe the honour of everyone’s presence before noon?” Elinor smiled as she proffered this greeting and curtsied to them as Lord Easton bowed to her, the men both rising from the table when she entered the room. She went over to kiss her grandmother on the cheek.
“I am not at all sure, dearest. I will not make a habit of it. Now are you not glad I picked that riding habit for you? It is quite charming, if I do say so myself.”
Elinor blushed at hearing her own recent thoughts spoken out loud. “Yes, Grandmama, it is quite lovely. In fact, it seems too lovely for riding.”
“Nonsense. If you cannot ride in that, then you are not riding properly.” She waved her fork dismissively.
Andrew and Easton both erupted into laughter. The Dowager shot an inquisitive look at them, and they both tried to control their shaking.
“I refuse to countenance that remark.” Elinor glared at them, but could not be cross and smiled despite herself. “Besides, I thought I might be permitted a bit more leeway in the country.”
Andrew, still trying to control his laughter, strolled to the sideboard. “Bacon, anyone?” Always a successful diversion, bacon. Easton held out his plate for another rasher.
Elinor chose to change the topic. “Where shall we ride today, sir?”
“I think you will be pleased. I wanted to visit the village, after we let the horses stretch their legs, of course.”
“Of course.” She needed no more encouragement. She was going to enjoy herself. Today. Here. In England. With him.
After breakfast they donned their hats and capes and gathered their riding crops. They made their way down toward the stables as a groom was leading their horses out. Easton, in his usual fashion, was bribing the horses with pieces of apples.
“Are you trying to make them feistier, Easton?” Elinor prodded.
He replied with a mischievous grin. “Cannot handle them spirited, Miss Abbott?” He would turn that against her.
“I was trying to be considerate of a wounded veteran.” Two could play this game.
He sighed dramatically. “Yes. Perhaps you will be able to keep up with me now.”
That was all the taunting she needed. She mounted her mare and urged her horse on without looking back. Yes, today would be about having fun. She giggled as she bounded away. Easton caught up with her within a matter of minutes, slowing beside her long enough to flash her an indulgent smile. Then he called over his shoulder, “Race you to the river.”
They both took off at breakneck speed, Easton with military precision, and Elinor with reckless abandon. They stayed evenly matched until they came to the river at the same time. They were both out of breath and began laughing as they pulled up to let the horses rest. “Very chivalrous of you to give yourself a head start, Easton. Next time we will let you try riding side-saddle, as well.”
He pulled a couple of apples from his saddle-bags and fed them to the horses. “I think the lady doth protest too much.” Then he winked at her. Elinor crinkled her eyes in a very ladylike fashion.
“That was nice. Thank you, Easton. I needed that.” She stopped and took time to repair her unruly hair and replace her bonnet. It had long since flown off and was barely hanging on by the ribbons.
“My pleasure. Could we please dispense with formalities? I think a betrothal warrants the use of first names.”
“Please go first.”
He gave her an exasperated look. “Very well, Elinor. I have some tenants I need to see about some repairs. Would you care to join me? I am sure the tenants would appreciate a female perspective on what their needs are, instead of an old soldier’s.” He looked at her, awaiting her response.
“I would be happy to help, Adam. Are you thinking of gifts for the festive season?”
“Yes, and anything else that might need attending to. My brother…well, Father was not so ill when I left. My parents both took such pride in the village and its people, but I am afraid Father has not been up to managing the estates lately.”
“Does he not have a steward?”
“Yes, of course, but Father has always felt the need for the family to be involved.”
“I am not surprised.” She smiled. “How far to the village?”
“Only a couple of miles, following the river. Shall we?”
They remounted their horses and took a more sedate pace in order to enjoy their surroundings. They had mainly been riding on a path through a heavily wooded area, but had now come into a meadow of sorts that led down into the village. It was a picturesque scene before them: small, frost-covered houses with smoke billowing up from the chimneys and shops in rows surrounding a central lane. They dismounted at the Crown and Bull Inn, and a groom came out to stable the horses. Easton held out his arm for Elinor and began to lead her around the town.
If Elinor had ever doubted what kind of lords of the manor the Wyndhams were, she no longer wondered. She was rather awestruck as the villagers recognized Adam and came up to greet him. They were more than a little curious about her. It was not every day the Viscount came strolling through with a female on his arm. They all assumed that she and he were betrothed, and he did nothing to dissuade them. Well, they were betrothed, were they not?
He led her into each shop to greet the tenants, addressing each person by name and asking after their children. Elinor took care to mentally document their surroundings and their possible needs, though it was obvious this was a well-cared-for village.
They turned to make their way back toward the inn, having finished one side of the village street.
“Would you care to stop for tea? I find myself a bit thirsty after the ride. We can come back this way after, or I can visit later if you have grown weary.”
“Tea would be most welcome, and no, I have not tired of this.”
“I do appreciate the help, but the people are most curious about you. I must admit, I had not thought of how they would perceive your accompanying me.” A hint of a blush crept onto his cheekbones. “If it makes you uncomfortable…”
Was he nervous? Easton? She reached out and touched his hand before she realized what she was doing. Too late. “No. I am not uncomfortable.” At least she was not until she grabbed his hand! He placed his over hers and relaxed.
“Good. I want you to feel welcome here.” They made their way into the inn, and Easton requested a table, there being no private parlours in the small establishment. Again, Easton was met with open arms and genuine camaraderie, which made her see a whole new side of him. How he must have been laughing at her when she was having on about lazy aristocrats!
Elinor realized she felt at home amongst these people, acknowledging it was not that different from America. The village people worked hard here as well as there. They looked to their lord of the manor for their livelihood in a similar manner that the Americans did their landowners. The main difference was legacy. In England land ownership was a birthright. In America, anyone had the opportunity to achieve the same, regardless of birth.
Elinor sipped her tea and reflected on the similarities and differences, while Easton chatted with his tenants.
“Elinor?” She looked up and saw Easton was looking at her expectantly. “Care to share your thoughts?”
“I beg your pardon, sir. I was wool-gathering.”
“I was asking if you would mind looking at a wound of the blacksmith’s. Judd here says he had a nasty cut that is not healing properly. Unfortunately, we have no doctor in the village. I will send for the nearest one, but I have no idea how long it might take.”
“Of course, if he does not mind me looking, I would be happy to do so.”
Easton favoured her with a brilliant smile, as did the innkeeper, though Judd looked more astonished than anything else. They finished their tea then headed for the blacksmith’s cottage. They made their way through a quaint wooden fence and were greeted by two youngsters playing fetch with a frisky puppy. Upon noticing the strangers, the two youngsters stopped and stared open-mouthed at the pair. Elinor knelt down to the little girl and asked if her mama was home.
“I am Elinor Abbott, and this is Lord Easton. We have come to visit your mama and papa. Could you please tell them we are here?” The little girl nodded her head, bobbed a nervous curtsy and ran inside.
Easton had joined in playing fetch with the boy and continued to play until the little girl returned to usher them into the cottage.
“Well, Major Trowbridge! I never!” The woman appeared little older than she did, Elinor thought, but she already had at least two children and looked extremely tired. She wiped her wash-worn hands on a towel and removed her apron, then swept across the room and gave Easton a peck on the cheek.
“Maddie! How wonderful to see you after all of these years. What is this I hear about Sam?”
Elinor shut her mouth as she realized it was gaping open. Maddie turned to look at Elinor, and Easton realized his omission.
“Pardon my manners. Miss Elinor Abbott, this is Maddie Smith.”
Maddie curtsied. “I am pleased to meet you Miss Abbott.” She grinned up at Easton.
“I had hoped this to be merely a social call, but Judd said Sam is ailing. Miss Abbott is rather useful with some injuries, having helped nurse soldiers back in America—myself included. I thought she might be able to help if you are not opposed to it. I have sent for the doctor, but in the meantime perhaps she can help.”
Maddie looked Elinor up and down, first with surprise, then with approval. “Aye. ’Twould be appreciated. He has not been able to work for two weeks and is only getting worse. ’Tis a hard time of year for no work.” Easton nodded. Elinor made a mental note to send a basket of goods over to help ease Maddie’s worries. “I will let Sam know.”
Maddie came back out and led Elinor and Easton into the small bedroom, where a large man swallowed up the small bed he lay in. He was scarlet and burned with fever. Elinor’s stomach sank as she smelled then spied the festering wound on the man’s left arm. Easton looked at Elinor gravely and went over to the bed to greet the man.
“Sam, it is Adam. Remember your old playmate?” The man groaned but did not wake up. “Sam? My friend is going to take a look at your arm. Is that all right?” Sam made a noise that sounded like a grunt of assent. Elinor moved closer to take a look and was immediately met with the putrid smell of an infected wound. A nasty cut indeed.
“Easton, can you send to the Dower House for Josie and my supplies? Mrs. Smith, can you set some water on to boil and gather some towels or rags and spirits, if you have some? If there is any way to find ice, it would help to bring the fever down. If not, some cool water. And Easton—send for the surgeon now.” The two set off to perform their given tasks, and Elinor began to pray, with a strong sense of déjà vu striving to overcome her, though this wound was much worse than Easton’s had been.
While waiting for Josie and her supplies to arrive, Elinor began the arduous task of cleansing the wound, then finally removing the dead tissue bit by bit while fighting to contain her stomach. Keep breathing through your mouth. Through your mouth. Fortunately Maddie had elected to wait outside with Easton, for Elinor could not contain all of the gagging and groans that escaped her.
Josie arrived at last and got to work helping Elinor. “Oh, lawks, Miss Elly!” She immediately covered her nose to prevent breathing the noxious fumes. Elinor gave her an exasperated look. “You certainly find yourself in some fine pickles!”
“Yes, well. There’s nothing to be done but do our best now that we are here. Pour some spirits over that, would you? I think I have about got all of the dead tissue removed.” Elinor stood up to soothe her sore back that was weary from bending over the bed to work on the man’s arm. The patient let out a loud groan as Josie cleansed the wound with brandy.
“What’s next?” Josie looked doubtfully at the mess of flesh on the man’s arm. “Pack it with a poultice?”
Elinor nodded. “Then wait and pray that the surgeon does not cut it off when he arrives.” Elinor turned and left the room, desperately needing to breathe some fresh air. Easton found her out in the small yard, trembling as she tried to hold back her tears. He put his arms around her in a comforting hug, with his chin on her head. He whispered, “I am sorry.” Elinor was not sure what he was sorry for, but she had so much pent up emotion that she let the tears fall and relaxed her head on his shoulder, grateful for the comfort.
After a few minutes she had composed herself and pushed back from him wiping tears and laughing at the same time. “Now it is my turn to apologize. I am not sure what came over me.”
“I never would have asked you to look in on him had I realized the extent. The surgeon should be here in an hour or two.” She shook her head.
“No, please. It is not only that. I cannot even explain. It is so many emotions built up over the past few weeks. Then the gravity of his condition brought back all that you went through…then the smell. I—I did not think I could do it.” She paused and took a deep breath, not wanting to say what had to be said. “Easton, I am not sure he will keep his arm or if he will even live.” He was searching her eyes, as if trying to accept the reality of the situation. “I would have the surgeon’s opinion before I told Maddie, though,” she finished quietly.
“I will stay here and wait for the surgeon, if you do not mind going home unescorted. I have sent for a groom from the inn.”
“Not at all.” She shook her head, feeling guilty for leaving, but acknowledging the necessity due to her exhaustion. “Josie volunteered to sit with him tonight. I would appreciate it very much if you would let me know what the surgeon says.” Easton nodded, and they returned inside for her to say her farewells.
Elinor made her way back to the Dower House, grateful for the time alone to clear her head and enjoying the guilty pleasure of riding alone—if one did not count the groom following behind. Her time alone had been so limited in London, especially after being virtually independent in Washington. Emotions she did not completely understand came upon her from one extreme to another. She was angry for being put in this situation in the first place. She had not wanted to come back to England, be thrust into society, and forced to face Nathaniel. She had not wanted to play doctor and accompany Easton and ‘be ruined’ because she was on a boat with him.
Then her thoughts swung toward melancholy; she wished for the simplicity of life she’d had with her papa at River’s Bend, before feeling guilty because she was enjoying Easton’s friendship—too much—and wishing there could be more, but knowing there could not. She laughed mockingly at herself, at her feelings and at the way she had chastised Easton for the ton’s indolence. Though she had not been completely inaccurate, she should not have judged all by the actions of a few. The fact was, she was enjoying this part of England; it was refreshing to acknowledge that she was wrong. She must not let herself become more attached, or she would be sad to leave. Did she actually think that? She shook her head and urged her mare back to the house.
Early the next morning, Elinor gathered a basket of goods, with help from the cook and housekeeper, of things they all thought would be useful for Mrs. Smith. She loaded up her mare and the groom’s horse with goods and set off for the village to look in on Mr. Smith. The frost crackled underneath the horses’ hooves, and their breath condensed into the chill air as they rode down the path to the village.
The village was already bustling with the activity of labourers at work as she hurried up to the Smiths’ cottage, leaving the groom to unload their offerings into the kitchen. She was anxious to know how Sam Smith had fared during the night. The note she had received from Easton did little to comfort her or ease her concern. It had merely stated the surgeon had not taken Mr. Smith’s arm and would reassess him in the morning. The door opened to a home not full of sickness, but of warmth and cheer, the sounds of playing children, the smells of frying kippers and freshly baked bread. Upon seeing their newly-arrived guest, the children ran to greet her.
“Miss Abbott, Miss Abbott! Papa’s better!” The two dirty children pulled at her arms and shook them as they bounced up and down happily. She nodded to Josie, cooking in the kitchen, as they passed, and noticed Buffy was in there as well. She smiled and made a mental note to investigate them later.
“That’s wonderful news! May I see him?” They nodded and dragged her toward the room where she had left him sick and feverish yesterday. She was astonished to find Easton sitting in a chair, dishevelled in yesterday’s clothes and a day’s growth of beard. He must have stayed all night! And next to him, sitting up in bed and talking with him was Sam Smith. Thank heaven.
“Miss Abbott,” Easton rose upon noticing her entrance. “It is my pleasure to introduce you to a fever-free Samuel Smith. Mr. Samuel Smith, your healer.”
Sam Smith grinned and looked shyly up at Elinor. “Miss Abbott, I would like to thank you. The doctor said I would have died if you had not helped me.”
“You are most welcome, but I am sure he would have managed.”
“You are too modest, miss.” That was about the extent of what he was comfortable speaking around her.
Easton chimed in, “Indeed. The doctor did not arrive until late, and he said he could not have done a better job himself. He said Sam would have lost his arm, if not his life, had you not acted so quickly.”
Before Elinor could stumble out a reply, Maddie Smith hustled into the room and threw her arms around Elinor, tears of joy streaming down her face.
“Forgive me, Miss Abbott, but I am ever so grateful.” Elinor returned the embrace fully. “First you work miracles on me Sam, then you bring enough food to feed an army, and your Josie cleaned the house and made breakfast. I feel like a queen, I do!”
“It was the least we could do. I am glad it helped a little.” Elinor stood back from the embrace, but held Maddie’s hands and looked her in the eye. “Assure me you will let me know if you need anything at all.” Maddie nodded and tears streamed down her face. “Now let me change that bandage for you, Mr. Smith.”
“Major Trowbridge, you best not let this one get away.” Maddie nudged Easton on her way out of the door.
“I do not intend to,” he replied softly and winked at Elinor. “I only hope I get a say,” he whispered after she walked out.