Prue Phillipson - Hordens of Horden Hall by Rebels Repentant

Author:Rebels Repentant
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Knox Robinson Publishing
Published: 2014-04-13T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

On an April morning when the last drops of a shower still glistened on the new leaves, Deborah ran through the path to the parsonage, ignoring the wet that spattered her hair and shoulders. Passing through the vegetable garden, she came to the kitchen door and saw Peggy mixing a steaming poultice on the deal table.

'How is Grandfather?' she asked her.

' Coughing a lot. Mistress has been up in the night with him.'

Deborah nodded and walked through to the downstairs room which was now his bedroom. He was asleep and Grandmother Bel was nodding in the basket chair beside the bed. She looks old, Deborah thought, when she is not animated. Her big chin, which I have inherited for my sins, is double when her head is sunk on her breast. Her hair is quite grey now but still curly and unruly, and I can’t see those laughing green eyes which I love.

They flipped open and Grandmother was sitting up in a moment, all smiles.

'Why my Deb, you are early, or have I slept long?' She spoke low, seeing Nat still peaceful.

'It’s past ten. I’ve brought you a letter from John-Jo.'

'What, our John is still living! Your poor mother keeps saying he is gone forever. Is he coming home at last then?'

Deborah came round the bed and offered her the letter.

'Nay, you read it. My spectacles are here about but they do little for me.'

Deborah read close to her ear, '‘Honouredparents and dearDeb.’ He always starts like that.' She laughed shortly. 'What am I saying? It is only his third letter. ‘ Scotlandisthe most wonderful country, and the people here are very hospitable. There has been a deal ofsnowthis winter which slowedourtravels,but the weather isbright now and we are to do more exploring of the country. Alexander saysI am to tell you that I am two inchestaller and asstrong as anox.

‘The farmers here growmainlyoats but even thepoorest keep a cow, and there are many goats and sheep on the open moors. Flax is grown too and some cottagers make their own linen. The Scots are a very industrious people. We have been riding, hunting and fishing, and I am learning many new skills. Alexander is the most kind and generouscompanion.

‘I trust you are all well, and I send my loving duty to Grandfather and Grandmother.

‘Your affectionate and dutiful son,

‘John WilsonHorden.’'

'Well,' Grandmother Bel said, 'it is a brief treatise on Scottish life but tells you nothing of what you want to know, which is where he actually is and when he is coming home.' She cocked her head on one side to peer at Deborah. 'Do you miss his company, Deb?'

'I want him back. I want to see how he has changed. He became quite interesting, and then he was gone. I can see now he wanted a life of his own.'

Grandmother Bel smiled and put an arm round her shoulders and squeezed them. 'As you do, I think, my Deb.'

Ah, Grandmother was too perceptive. Deborah wanted to leap up and scream 'I do, I do.

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