Always Elspeth by Joanne Austen Brown

Author:Joanne Austen Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joanne Austen Brown
Published: 2021-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

THE REMAINDER OF THE day was wonderful. They ate such beautiful food. No expense was spared. She knew the servants had been busy in preparation, but she could see half the isle must have been involved, explaining the many visitors to Viewfield. They came and went all day, some ladened with food and others with gifts. The clouds rolled in again but to her the sun was shining. A day of sunshine and joy.

The meal started with a tasty ham and pea soup. The clouds had come in again. Candles had been lit. The soup reflected the light. She breathed in the strong scent of the ham and the fresh garden peas. She had not tasted anything so delightful. It was autumn and the soup was the perfect start to an extended meal.

Then venison with vegetables and baked onions were presented. James carved the meat at their table and the servants served all the guests. There was also a small serving of a vegetable pie. It was pre-cut and the maids were delivering to all who sat at the tables. Even to those who were in the garden outside.

She was sure she could not eat another bite. But when the cook Mrs McDougal and some of the villagers came out with dishes and dishes of baked apples, she had to think again. The smell of cinnamon hung in the air as servings were given to them and all the guests. A feast the likes of which had not been seen on the isle for many a year. Through all these events she watched James who continued to have eyes only for her. His smile never left his face.

After the meal, the tables were removed, and chairs were placed around the outer edges of the room. A string quartet entered and set themselves up in a corner. As they began to play, couples went to the centre of the room and began to dance. Soon the room was abuzz with dancing, singing and merriment. For some hours they enjoyed the dancing and singing old island tunes and Scottish melodies. They laughed and sang as the shadows became longer and the sky darker.

She went around to all the guests and thanked them for coming or doing any of the preparation. Her earlier thought of half the isle being involved proved to be right. So many of her uncle’s friends had done what they could to make the day a roaring success. For someone who had been rejected by the London ton, she knew what it was to be loved and cared for by the isle inhabitants. They had accepted her without reservation.

Supper was served as the evening became dark. Mrs McDougal outdid herself again. Little strawberry tartlets must have used up every jar of preserved strawberries of the summer. Gingerbread biscuits and a bucket load of tea. Also, little apricot cakes. And for those who did not have a sweet tooth, cheese tartlets and baked cheesecakes were available. Finally, plain grained bread and cheese were served.

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