Moss Manor by Martha Sweeney

Author:Martha Sweeney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WWN Publishing Group

Chapter Nineteen

“You must be William,” Mr. Jenning states, standing and bowing. “I am Mr. John Jenning, your Great Uncle.”

“Great about what?” William inquires.

Mr. Jenning chuckles. “It means the lineage of our family, boy. I am Abigail’s Uncle therefore I am your Great Uncle. It’s similar to that of a Grandparent verse a Great Grandparent.”

“Oh,” William replies with a shrug.

“She tells me you’re very smart,” Mr. Jenning adds, gesturing for them to sit. “And, that you help around the farm.”

William smiles proudly. “Yes. I can direct the cattle all by myself on horseback.”

“Wonderful, boy,” he praises. He turns his attention to his niece. “How is your father?”

“Good,” she sighs.

“Good?” he asks, not believing her.

She nods curtly. “He is as he always is.”

“Where’s Mr. Jackson?” William interrupts. He looks around the room. “Why isn’t he here?”

“Who?” Mr. Jenning inquires.

“My foreman,” Lady Moss explains.

Mr. Jenning’s head tilts to the side slightly as he raises a brow.

“This is not our house, William,” Lady Moss instructs. “We must respect others’ rules when in their home.”

“What do you mean, Abbie?” her Uncle inquires.

Lady Moss regards him for a second. “You know how my family is when people visit.”

“Yes,” he agrees.

“Well…” She lets out a heavy breath. “Mr. Jackson is welcome to join us in the manor as he pleases. He dines with William and me on most nights.”

“Grandpa Moss lets Mr. Jackson—“

“Not everyone has the same house rules,” Lady Moss informs.

“Why?” William inquires.

“It is not polite to question such things in public,” Lady Moss states. “I’ll explain later.”

“It’s alright,” Mr. Jenning soothes. He shifts to the edge of his seat and leans forward. “Mr. Jackson is welcome to join us.” He looks at one of the servants who stands like a statue by the doorway. “Send for Mr. Jackson, Thomas.”

The man bows and vacates the room.

“Why was he standing?” William inquires.

“That is his job,” Mr. Jenning replies.

“To stand?” William asks, confused by the answer.

Mr. Jenning chuckles. “It is one of his jobs here at the house.”

William shrugs. “Seems boring to just stand around and do nothing.”

Mr. Jenning chuckles lightly.

“You don’t have to alter—“

“I’m happy to, Abbie,” Mr. Jenning declares. “Not that I don’t mind my present company, but another man to converse with would be lovely. I barely get to converse when your Aunt is around.”

Lady Moss bites back a snicker. “She is just as opinionated, then?”

“More so, I’m afraid to say,” her Uncle replies with a soft sigh.

“Wh….” She stops herself, not wanting to give the woman another thought. “Conversing with people can be very enjoyable….particularly when you have the right company for it. You should try it more often.”

Mr. Jenning nods with a pleased grin. “I think I shall.”

“You called for me, Miss?” Mr. Jackson inquires with a bow.

“Mr. Jackson,” William greets, jumping up, and rushing toward him.

He flings his arms around the foreman’s waist.

Lady Moss stares at Mr. Jackson in shock. This is the most affectionate William has exhibited with Mr. Jackson or anyone other than her.

Mr. Jackson shakes his head and lowers to the boy.

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