Masque of Deceptions by Stella Riley

Author:Stella Riley [Riley, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

When Anna arrived at the Reynold’s farm, there was such a pandemonium of shouting and wailing coming from within the kitchen that no one heard her knock.

‘Where’s Johnny gone this time?’ someone demanded over the din. ‘Joan, pick up the baby and stop him screaming will you? Harry! Where’s John?’

‘Dunno. Gone off with his pup, I ’spect.’

‘Well, find him. He’s not ill now and he’s supposed to be helping. I can’t do everything!’

Two young voices, presumably those of Joan and Harry began talking at once and the baby’s screams grew louder.

Oh dear, thought Anna. Then, not without a certain amount of dread, opened the door and let herself in to a shambles of dirty dishes, unwashed pots and baskets of laundry.

‘Enough!’ she said crisply and with sufficient volume to be heard over the din. Then, when everyone but the baby fell silent to stare at her, ‘Thank you. Joan, do as your sister said and quiet your little brother. Now … how is your mother? And who else is sick?’

Swallowing hard and managing something resembling a curtsy, twelve-year-old Tess whispered, ‘Mam’s still poorly, milady. And Robbie’s worse. Can’t stop coughing, neither of them.’

‘Yes. I can hear them.’ She could and the coughs sounded severe. ‘How long has it been?’

‘More’n a week now.’

‘Has the doctor seen them?’

‘No, milady.

‘And your father?’

‘He didn’t have it as bad, ma’am. He’s back out digging the turnips now.’

Taking a florin from her purse, Anna beckoned the younger boy and, handing it to him, said, ‘Give that to your father and tell him I said to fetch the doctor. If you see John, tell him to come home.’ And when the boy sped off, ‘Now, Tess … I suppose you’ve been trying to look after your mother and brother and keep everyone fed and I’m sure you’ve done splendidly. But it’s far too much for one person – so while we wait for the doctor, I’ll help you clear all this up and then – ’

‘You, milady?’ gasped Tess. ‘No. That wouldn’t be right.’

Anna laughed. ‘Why not? I can wash dishes as well as anyone if you’ll just find me an apron. But first, make your mother and brother a warm honey drink. Do you know how to do that?’ And when the girl nodded again, ‘Good. Do it and then put more water to warm.’

By the time Mr Reynolds arrived with the doctor, the kitchen was looking a little less like a battle zone. Aghast at the sight of the viscountess hanging her apron on a hook and rolling down her sleeves, Jack Reynolds said helplessly, ‘My lady … I’m so sorry. Girls – what were you thinking? Her ladyship shouldn’t be – ’

‘Don’t blame the girls, Mr Reynolds,’ said Anna firmly. ‘When something I can do needs to be done, I rarely wait for permission.’ And offering her hand to the doctor, ‘How do you do, sir? I’m sorry to call on your services before we’ve even been introduced.’

‘Not at all, Lady Reculver. Doctor Weatherall, at your service.

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