Chapter Nine: Ellie

Oh, why did it have to be him?

Rubbing my hand across my face, I shook my head. "I'm fine," I said, trying to contain my feelings. My voice wobbled, betraying the truth. "I'm sorry. I was just...resting."

Using the stone column as a support, I pulled myself up. It had been stupid to think no one would find me there. In my right hand was a package of ribbons. Mrs. Burke had insisted she needed them that morning, though I suspected it was merely an excuse to send me out of the house.

I wasn't to speak to Mr. Turner under any circumstances, but here he was. I couldn't be rude to him when he had been so kind. Kind when no one else that day had been.

Mr. Turner's eyes widened when I faced him. "You've been crying!" he exclaimed.

"I am well," I insisted. It had been a difficult conversation at the little store. Mr. Greenman had always been distant, but today he had been outright rude. The women I would normally exchange pleasantries with had turned their back on me and hadn't even extended a greeting. No one had been willing to assist me as they once would have.

Whatever Mrs. Burke had said after church had been alarmingly effective.

"Crying does not usually mean all is well," Mr. Turner said, his tone kind. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and held it out to me. "But if you don't want to tell me about it, I understand."

He wouldn't insist I tell him what happened? That was a refreshing change. I accepted the handkerchief and dabbed at my eyes. "Mrs. Burke said you were going to make an inspection of the cottage today," I said to change the subject. I handed the handkerchief back to him.

"Yes," he said, pocketing the square of fabric. "And I'm glad I met you. I'm hoping you can help explain some things."

Oh, dear. "Explain what exactly?"

"Mrs. Burke has said several different things regarding the cottage and how it became so neglected," Mr. Turner said slowly. He glanced around. "Perhaps we might walk and discuss it?"

I ought to go back and help Mrs. Haynes. Harriet would have returned from wherever she had been hidden away during Mr. Turner's visit. Mrs. Burke would want her ribbons. I'd been told to not speak to Mr. Turner.

"I'd like that."

He gestured to the road, and began walking in the opposite direction of home. At least Mrs. Burke wouldn't see me with him. I fell into step beside him. "What did Mrs. Burke say about Meadowbrooke?" I was almost afraid to know what lies my stepmother had been telling..

"She said any money she provided for repairs was not used for that purpose and that the staff must have pocketed it for themselves."

More lies and these made even less sense than the first ones. "No,"I said quietly. It wasn't breaking my word if I said that, was it? Mrs. Burke had made my heritage and parentage off limits, but hadn't said anything about the household staff. "Mrs. Burke has sent little money for the upkeep of the cottage in the past twelve years."

"But the roof was repaired? How did that happen."

Pride warred with my annoyance at my stepmother. "Mrs. Haynes and I watched the thatcher's children one day to give his wife some free time and we baked some bread for them. The thatcher took pity on us and fixed the leak."

Mr. Turner's eyebrows went up. "And the chimney? Mrs. Haynes said she convinced a neighbor to clean it?"

"Three years ago." I nodded, remembering when the smoke had filled the kitchen and how it had taken days to get everything clean. "Ben Miller was small enough he could get it mostly clear. Mrs. Haynes and I mended his family's clothes all year in exchange for that one."

"Seems you've learned how to be resourceful." Was that a hint of admiration in his voice?

"We did what had to be done to survive." Isn't that what anyone did? Miss Sharpe had assured me that it was extraordinary what we had done, but even she had to admit it was a clever solution.

"I may be a fool but I'm inclined to believe your version over what Mrs. Burke said," he continued thoughtfully. "I can easily ask this Ben Miller what happened and the thatcher. Unless your Mrs. Haynes has pocketed the money for herself and used these methods to keep the cottage standing?"

"What would she have to gain from that? Would she have stayed here if she had been stealing all that money?" I tried not to let my temper get the better of me. Mrs. Haynes was too good to have her name slandered.

"Well, she might have thought she would go unnoticed. After all, twelve years is a long time and even a small amount would add up."

This was more than I could be expected to listen to. "I refuse to listen to my friend be insulted!" I spun to go back the other way.

"No, wait," Mr. Turner grabbed her arm and then let go a second later. "My apologies. I've just been trying to untangle it in my mind. I don't mean any offense to you or Mrs. Haynes."

His remorse seemed sincere. "Why does it matter?" I asked. He and the earl had no connection to the cottage. Why the interest? Why the drive to get to the bottom of the matter?

He hesitated, his gaze shifting away from mine. "As steward to the manor, I'm supposed to report back to the earl and keep him apprised of what is going on. Matters of crime, especially, need to be relayed to him. Then, he can take the appropriate steps to see the matter resolved."

"Did you tell Mrs. Burke this?" What would my stepmother do with this information? She'd already demonstrated that her word would be believed by the neighborhood. Accusations of thievery would be absolutely disastrous.

"I did. She said she may have misunderstood the situation and that she would question Mrs. Haynes on it."

"Well, if you doubt my word, you may address Mr. John Watts in London, who was my—I mean, Captain Burke's solicitor." Had he noticed my slip? "He will have the letters asking for funds to make repairs. When Mrs. Burke did not respond, we turned to him."

"Mr. Watts, you say?" he repeated. "I will send a letter immediately."

A rush of disappointment spread through me as I realized that he hadn't taken me at my word. He required proof, which I suppose was only right. "Will it cost a great deal to repair the cottage?"

"By my estimation, no. Just some hard work," he answered. He smiled at me. "You will be snug come winter, never fear."

"Thank you." I let my breath out slowly. He seemed to have asked the questions he wanted to ask, which was a relief and a disappointment. "Are you settling into your new role as steward?"

He leaned his head back to look up at the sky. "Somewhat," he finally said. "With my cousin's new plan to have his sisters here for a house party and to have a ball, I am hoping that I will be allowed to continue learning my duties without having anyone looking over my shoulder."

"There's to be a ball? How fun!" It had been a dream from long ago that I would one day attend a ball. My parents had been introduced at a ball, and Papa had always said they had danced the night away with no concern for propriety.

"It is more trouble than it's worth, in my opinion," Mr. Turner said, shaking his head. "The servants have not had to prepare for an event at the manor in so long, let alone a ball. They are all crying foul and finding problems in need of solving."

"Surely you must think it some fun."

He visibly hesitated. "Honestly? No."

Since there didn't seem to be an explanation forthcoming and I didn't want to pry, I offered a smile instead. "Well, you must be glad to be able to help the servants with their problems. Being useful is always a nice feeling."

"True. You must be useful to Mrs. Haynes."

"She tolerates me, but she would rather I wasn't there," I said, aware of how close I was edging to the truth I wasn't supposed to speak of. "I'm not..smart like other young ladies my age. I don't enjoy reading. I make so many mistakes when I am in company with others."

"I disagree," Mr. Turner exclaimed. "You are seeking a compliment!"

Confused, I blinked. "What? No! I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it to be true. Other young ladies have been taught so many useful things, but my skills are just sewing and gardening."

"Ah, but you forget devising ways to get a chimney cleaned and a roof thatched. Even if Mrs. Haynes had devised that plan herself, you helped her pay the price for that work and you used your skills to do it. That is not something to be sniffed at."

My mixed up emotions were to blame for my sudden desire to cry again. "I suppose."

"Never let anyone belittle the things you can do," he said earnestly. He glanced up at the sky and heaved a sigh. "I'm afraid it is time—long past time, in fact—for me to return to my duties. I appreciate you not mentioning my state of undress."

My cheeks heated up in embarrassment. "I didn't notice," I said, glancing at him. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with how he was dressed. At least, his clothes were not worn at the elbows and had no fraying hems. "I don't think anyone would have complained."

"Elinor Burke!"

With a start, I realized we'd reached the cottage where Miss Sharpe lived and the former governess was in front of the cottage. "Who is that?" Alexander asked in a low voice. "I don't remember seeing her at church yesterday."

"That is Miss Sharpe. She used to be a governess," I said, praying he hadn't noticed that the governess had used my last name. "She was visiting her sister but has obviously returned now. I should see what she wants of me."

Alexander tipped his hat to the lady. "I will leave you here then. Good day, Miss Ellie."

"Good day, Mr. Turner." I remembered my curtsy and then hurried towards my friend. "Miss Sharpe, I didn't know your journey would be so quick. How was it? Are your nieces well?"

"Elinor Burke, what have I told you about a young lady walking out alone with a young man?" Miss Sharpe scolded immediately. "Who was that? One of the Miller boys?"

"That was Mr. Turner, the new steward at Berdwell Manor." Why was censure always the first thing from Miss Sharpe? "We were doing nothing wrong. He had questions about Meadowbrooke. The earl is to be making repairs for my stepmother."

My friend's expression shifted from relief to confusion. "Then, it is true? Your stepmother has realized her responsibility towards you and finally come?"

"I don't think that's the right way to describe it, but yes. She is here."

Miss Sharpe frowned. "Does this have anything to do with the rumors I heard as soon as I arrived home? It seems everyone has something different to say about you."

Remembering my brief experience in the village, I hesitated. What could I say? "I don't want to talk about it," was all I could manage.

Miss Sharpe grasped my arm. "They are saying you are the illegitimate daughter of Captain Burke and a housemaid," she said in a low voice. "You cannot simply ignore those kinds of accusations. Where did they get started? What has happened?"

"I gave my word I would not contradict what my stepmother says, no matter how awful they might be," I said miserably. "I don't know why she is telling people that lie, but she is and there is nothing to be done about it."

"Elinor! Do you realize what allowing those kinds of rumors will do to your reputation?"

"What reputation do I have, anyway?" The words left my lips before I could think better of it. "You have said yourself that she has not educated me as she should have, that I don't know the things a young lady should know. Mrs. Haynes assures me I have no future because of it! What does it matter about my reputation?"

Miss Sharpe's eyes widened. "Ellie, dear," she said, using the nickname for the first time Ellie could ever remember. "What has happened? What is this about?"

"I can't tell you. I gave my word."

"Any person who made you swear silence to something that is only going to destroy you is an awful person and you cannot be held to it."

"You don't know what she said she will do," I whispered. "And she would do it. I know she would."

"What do you mean?"

Some instinct made me glance over my shoulder, though I wasn't sure why. It wasn't as though Mrs. Burke was a great walker who would come along and overhear what I said. "Bedlam," I said in a low voice. "She said she would send me to Bedlam."

"I cannot believe it!"

This was exactly what I had feared. Throwing up my hands, I pulled away from the woman. "You demand an answer and then refuse to believe what I say? Why would I lie? Why would I invent something like this? What would I have to gain by it?"

"Elinor, your mother cannot mean it. You must have misunderstood her."

"She is not my mother. She never has been. If you want proof, ask Mrs. Haynes whether or not it is a misunderstanding."

The former governess went still. "You know she does not like me."

"She will tell you the truth, though. She always has."

Miss Sharpe took a step back. "I suppose that is true. But if it is true, you are not safe at Meadowbrooke."

"As long as I do as she says and hold my tongue, everything will be alright in the end." Nevermind that I didn't completely believe that. What was going to stop Mrs. Burke from changing the rules of this game she was playing?

"You can't think you're going to stay!"

"If I were to leave, where would I go? Where could I go that my stepmother would not follow me and keep her word? Would not running just make it easier for her to put me in that place?"

"Why? Why would she do this to you? When she had ignored you for so long?"

I shook my head. I'd been trying to work it out in my mind since my stepmother had made her threat. "I don't know. It isn't as though I am an heiress or have anything of value. The moment she arrived, Mrs. Burke began this scheme and I cannot make heads or tails of it."

"Well, I have no reason to fear her so I will look into it." Miss Sharpe raised her chin. "I think it is my duty to visit my new neighbor."

Oh, dear. "Just don't arrive with me. if she knew I had told you, I don't think she would be very happy. in fact, she just might take it as a cause to keep her threat."

"She won't hear of it from me."

~*~

By the time I returned to the cottage, it was well past noon. I entered the kitchen by the back door, where Mrs. Haynes was at work. "Where have you been?" the woman demanded immediately. She kept her voice low. "Your stepmother has been looking for you."

"I thought she wanted me well away while Mr. Turner made his inspection." I placed my small package on the table. "I tried to find the exact shade of blue she wanted, but I don't think it is right."

I didn't mention how the shop owner had treated me, how I had been ignored, or the rumors Miss Sharpe had told me about. Mrs. Haynes would be upset about it, but since there was nothing either of us could do about it, telling seemed pointless.

"Well, your step-sister came in from the garden long ago. They both have been insisting they need you."

"Mr. Turner didn't think the garden needed improvement?" Why hadn't I thought to ask about that? The garden was where I spent most of my time. Of course I was glad the cottage was going to be repaired, but the outside made it look worse than it really was.

"Mrs. Burke made sure he stayed well away from the garden, since she doesn't want your stepsister's presence known just yet, for whatever reason. What kept you so long? I know you cannot have spent all this time choosing ribbon."

"I met Mr. Turner between here and the manor," I admitted with a sigh. "He was kind to me. He said...Mrs. Burke has accused you and me of stealing money."

Mrs. Haynes spun around. "She has what?"

"She says she sent money for repairs over the years, and since the repairs were not made, the servants must have taken the money. Mr. Turner doesn't fully believe her," I added hastily. "I told him to check with Papa's solicitor in London, since we sent requests to him as well."

"Well, I never! So that is the explanation she gave." Mrs. Haynes shook her head. "That will only work if Mr. Watts has kept our letters all this time. I will not stand for my reputation being besmirched without cause! Not after all I have endured these many years!"

She had every right to be angry, but... "Then, you're going to leave?"

Mrs. Haynes shook her head. "I won't leave you here alone. Not when it means you will be in her power with no one to help you."

The bell against the wall rang sharply. "That will be her," Mrs. Haynes said with a sigh. "She'll want to know if you have returned or not."

"I see what she wants." I leaned close and said in a low voice, "I also spoke to Miss Sharpe while I was out."

"I hope you minded what you said to her."

"I had to tell her something since she has already heard the rumors my stepmother has started. You know she can easily see through any lie I might have made. She wants to introduce herself to Mrs. Burke."

Again, the bell clanged. "Oh, that will be setting the fox among the hens!" was all Mrs. Haynes had time to say before I snatched up the ribbons and hurried out of the kitchen.

Mrs. Burke was waiting in the doorway of the sitting room. "And just where have you been?" she demanded. "I expected you back well before this. Did you get what I asked?"

"I think I did. I did not know when Mr. Turner would leave. I thought it might take him—"

"Did I ask what you thought?" Mrs. Burke demanded. She held out her hand. "Let me see what you found. Harriet needs your help in altering her gowns. She needs to look her best when she meets the earl."

I handed over the small package. "When is she to meet the earl?" I asked curiously as she tore the paper apart.

"That has nothing to do with you." Mrs. Burke lifted the length of light blue ribbon. "Was this the best you could do? Well, I suppose it will have to do. Now go up to Harriet's bedroom and help her. I have a visit to make."

To my relief, she heard a knock on the front door. "Do you want me to answer the door before I go up?"

Mrs. Burke narrowed her eyes. "Of course I want you to go to the door, you stupid creature. That is what a maid does, is it not?"

Biting my lip, I turned away. "I hope I will not hear you have been indiscreet in any way," Mrs. Burke said to my back.

"I hope the same thing," I said over my shoulder as I left the room. I hurried to the front door, feeling my heart pounding in my heart. If anyone would be able to keep her wits about her when speaking to Mrs Burke, it was Miss Sharpe.

When I opened the door, Miss Sharpe stood on the doorstep with a determined expression. "Good day. I am here to see Mrs. Burke. Is she receiving visitors?"