Page 47 of Secrets of Capell Manor
Rosalind woke the next morning with heavy eyes and a heavier heart. She’d remained in bed long after the sun was up, and she pondered if claiming illness and lying in bed all day was justified in light of her circumstances. Her gaze wandered up to the ceiling, and there it remained as she tried not to think at all.
The sound of delightful screams and shrieks broke her reverie. She knew the children were up and most likely giving Marta fits in the kitchen. She knew she couldn’t lie there any longer. She threw back the covers, and the cold air from the room invaded her warm sanctuary. A small gasp escaped from her mouth. She’d heard Ridley come in earlier and stoke the fire, but the flames had died since.
Rosalind donned her day dress, woolen stockings, and shoes, and not feeling like fussing with her hair, she combed it out quickly and fashioned a simple braid that fell across her right shoulder. A glance into her mirror revealed eyes that were swollen and puffy, so she splashed some cold water onto her face from the water basin beside her wardrobe. She then took a deep breath, and satisfied that she looked presentable, rushed downstairs and into the warm kitchen.
Despite the loud yells she’d heard earlier, the scene in the kitchen was calm and peaceful, and she now understood why. Marta stood with her back to the stairs and bent over the counter, kneading a large mound of dough, preparing it for its first rise. The fire in the hearth burned bright, and the iron stew pot was already suspended over the flames from the heavy trammel hooks and crane that swung in and out of the fireplace.
Marta had been extra-productive, obviously because at the table the children were looking awestruck at Alden. He held their attention so intensely that Luella’s mouth was hung open, and her spoon, heavy with porridge, was suspended in mid-air.Devlin sat at the far end of the table, his arms crossed and a faint smirk tugged at his mouth.
“…the shrieks from the barn were so terrifying—I’ll never forget that sound, I knew the stock were in trouble. I ran as fast as I could down the hill, but the snow and ice were packed thick and hard and I slid after only a few steps. And then I saw it as I rolled down the hill!”
Alden paused for dramatic effect, but Kaylyn couldn’t stand the suspense, “Saw what, Mr. Alden? What was it?”
Luella, now with a mouth full of porridge, said loudly, her words almost indecipherable, “It was the bear! I know it was!”
Alden took a bite of a scone, swallowed, and returned to his tale. “You are right, little mistress. It was the biggest brown bear I had ever seen. Its mouth was wide open, drool dripped from each long fang, and it growled and howled like nothing I’d ever heard. As I slid toward my doom, the beast stood up on its back legs and was taller than I am.”
Alden paused again, and all three children froze and stared, waiting for him to continue.
“The bear roared and I feared I couldn’t stop my rapid descent down the hill toward the stable. I tried digging my heels in the ground, but the soil was frozen solid. I rolled over and used my hands to grab anything that would stop my slide into the jaws of death.”
A huge sigh came from Devlin, and he rolled his eyes and started to interrupt.
Alden turned away from the children and addressed Sir Devlin. “I beg your pardon, sir,” Alden admonished his friend, “this is my story to tell.”
“That’s right, Mr. Devlin!” Luella concurred. “Shut your yapper! Let him finish. I want to hear what happened next!”
Rosalind gasped, and said firmly but softly, “And that will be enough from you, Luella. I think we’ve heard enough of this tale for now. Besides, it’s time for your lessons—past time.”
The children groaned collectively, but they didn’t argue.
“Finish your porridge, and I’ll see you upstairs shortly.”
Rosalind fixed her own bowl of porridge, took a chunk of bread, and slathered on some butter. The children, now finished, left the room and raced up the backstairs, laughing and making bets on who would reach the solar first.
“To have even a smidge of their energy!” Marta exclaimed. “I’d have the cooking and cleaning done by mid-morning!”
Rosalind laughed and nodded “I am with you, Marta! So why didn’t you send one of the girls to wake me? You didn’t have to manage them alone while I slept the day away.”
Marta smiled and answered, “Oh, but I didn’t. Sir Devlin and Mr. Danby entertained the children while I got their breakfast ready. The story was quite engaging, don’t you think?”
“Yes, quite.” She turned to the two men. “Truly, I appreciate the extra rest, but I don’t want you burdened with taking care of the children. You have your own tasks to see to.”
“I had promised the children a story, milady, and so I took the opportunity to amuse this special audience with a chronicle of my exceptional fearlessness when faced with impending death,” Alden said.
Rosalind managed a smile, her heart warmed by the gesture.
“And I shall finish my account of this harrowing experience this evening if you allow, Lady Rosalind.”
Rosalind nodded. “I don’t think the children would have it any other way, Mr. Danby. And I look forward to the conclusion as well.”
Devlin grunted from his place across the table, “I wouldn’t wait in anticipation, milady. I fear you will be disappointed.”
Alden gasped in feigned insult. “I won’t sit for a minute longer and have my character besmirched by the likes of you, sir. I shall take my leave and suggest you not join the children and me after the evening meal. Your sour mood will put a damper on our evening’s festivities.” Alden then stood and bowed to Rosalind, kissed Marta’s hand, thanked her for breakfast, and finally gave Devlin a salute as he exited.
Rosalind giggled. “The children will certainly miss Mr. Danby when you both leave. His cheerful mood is contagious.”
“Yes, he should change occupations. I’ll check to see if there is a need for a court jester when I return,” Devlin replied dryly and shook his head.
