Story The Linder Legacy (Complete)

[Kathy in FL]

Here's another one of my old ones that I finally finished. It is more of a political drama/mystery set into a post apocalyptic future than it is a straight survival story. I'm going to post it in smaller chunks to give me time to finish another one as I go. Hopefully you'll like this one.

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Prologue

"... and to my current third wife - namely Leeda Harper Linder - I leave you your freedom to return to your home town. You and I were a necessary inconvenience, death has finally freed us both. Go with my blessings. You may take the mule you call Nanny for your own steed and food sufficient to your needs equal to the number of months that we were married, namely eleven. The ring you received on our wedding day must be returned to the Linder coffers but in its place you are to receive one plain gold band as a token of our marriage, three plain circles of silver, five of copper, and twelve of brass to sell for your personal needs. I grant you the clothes in your clothespress and linens from the Hall's inventory sufficient to start your own household. I also free you from full mourning so that you may seek a new match at your town's Autumn Meeting should that be your desire."

There were other words spoken after those but they were not meant for me. The few words my husband did leave for me were resented by his first two wives Ceena and Tonya. The truth is they resented having to share his death with me nearly as much as they had resented having to share his life.

Share ... hah, as if The Linder had ever really had time for me. In eleven months he'd only bed me twice and one of those was my wedding night; the other was given to me in a fit of pity after a drunken night when he finally witnessed and accepted my lot in life in his household. And didn't Ceena and Tonya sweat long and hard wondering if I would catch a babe from that night. Both had been trying for years - with a few successes only to lose the children to illness or accident - and were proud to still be of childbearing years though reaching the end of them no matter the potions and notions they daily sought to remain young. But no, God chose not to bless me from either visit and the two of them were surely relieved and not even bothering to hide the fact.

Both still being handsome enough I believe they, after overhearing them conspire, look to catch the eye of The Linder's heir. They have no desire to be relegated to a secondary position in the household they've ruled for so long.

I've heard the new Guardian - who will be called The Linder like his predecessors before him - is a widower and not unwilling to marry again despite already having heirs of his own. It matters not to me one bit. I have Nanny and some supplies and I am going home ... or to what once was my home. I have a letter from Nat. He has become the assistant to the village church Elders and he says I can have the small cabin that once belonged to my grandparents. Mr. Tosh, the Linderhall manager, said there is a small wagon I can have as well to transport my belongings and my portion but no outrider can be spared as the Hall must be made ready for the new Guardian's arrival.

I care not. I am leaving at first light. There is no longer any reason for me to stay. There was barely any reason for me to come here in the first place.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 1

"It's been over six months now Leeda. Give up your darks," Nat said for about the tenth time that day.

"And replace them with what?" I asked trying to show unconcern and some cheerfulness.

We both walked in the woods gathering wild rose hips, me for my use over the coming winter and him for the church apothecary.

"Had I coin I would buy you a proper wardrobe."

"Nat, don't. You're my cousin, not my keeper. Besides, what of your vow of poverty? Do you honestly think I would see you break it when your service means such so much to you and others? Stop worrying it to death. You've done all in your power for me but there are simply some things that cannot be put back the way they once were."

"It hurts my heart to see you ignored and tossed aside; to see you so careworn where once you were so young and happy. You should be doing the same things all the other young girls are doing. The Meeting is next week. I know you could not go to the last one because you had just started your period of mourning but you should go this time."

Spying another shrub full of the bright orange hips I pointed them out and then told Nat, "I might be young - afterall not even the Elders go so far as to call me old at sixteen summers - but a girl I am never to be again. I'm a widow and must behave accordingly or risk censure and well you know it."

"Bah!"

"Hah! Fine thing for a village Brother to say."

"And I'll say it again. Bah! A wife at fourteen, a widow at fifteen, and forever alone at sixteen? Your parents would have never stood for it. And it never should have happened."

"But they weren't here. They're in Heaven and that is too good a place for me to wish them out of and back into the sorrows of this life. As for what should have happened and what did? Does it really make a difference anymore? I must deal in what is, not in the coin of might have beens that have no prophet."

"And what is, is that you are barely sixteen. The old Guardian bid you only live in half mourning and the time has come for you to give up your widow's wear and find you another husband ... one that will give you a home and children to care for. The old fart couldn't even do that for you as a balm. You wouldn't have been sent packing if you'd given him a child, even had it been a girl."

Nat didn't mean to hurt me, he was simply a practical man and bent on seeing me fixed before he left to go to training at the Regional Seminary.

"Nat, be at peace. I am. I had to give up all the silly dreams of girlhood long enough ago that I barely remember what it was like to have them. Besides, can you hear the talk that would be should I simply show up at the Meeting without a sponsor and advertise myself like Farmer Bryant's cat when she's in heat?"

"Leeda!" Nat gasped, shocked at my words.

"Well? Can you? " I laughed to cover the embarrassment of speaking of the realities of my place. "I barely have a reputation now. Were I to go to the Meeting and fail to find someone to take me on I'd have no reputation at all. You know many already think I'm cursed or a witch or some other nonsense. And now with this bloody status hanging over my head most men wouldn't even try to approach me. The situation remains the same as it did before I was sent to Linderhall ... I have no family beyond you, no connections, no portion, no dower. A widow to a high man I am but all that does is place me higher at a parade table ... it gives me no great coin to add to a man's coffers."

Nat was silent as he knew the truth and we finished our foraging with the discussion finally closed. Poor Nat. He still felt guilty for having to be the one to explain things to me. Contrary to what I'd told him my memory of the way things used to be is quite sharp ... certainly sharper than those that would prefer the past to stay in the past.

*****

The day had been a beautiful one, at least in appearance. Wildflowers filled the spoiled areas along the roads and heavily travelled paths, and everything was fresh and green, fully awake again after a long, hard winter. I had finished my studies for the day and was in fine spirits having gotten a glowing report from the Headmaster and Headmistress both. I ran along a familiar trail to share my good news with the young man I loved with all my heart ... Rom Waverly.

Rom was the golden boy and youngest son of the mayor of our town. We'd been close our whole lives and it hadn't even ended after my father - the head Woodsman of Harper - as well as the rest of my family had succumbed to a plague that ripped through this part of our region. Rom and I both made assumptions that perhaps we shouldn't have but life had never truly led either one of us to think we could not have what we wanted so long as we worked for it and it would hurt no one else.

I was turned away within sight of the Mayor's house - once long ago occupied by my own ancestors - by the Mayoral Guard but thought little of it thinking that the Mayor had unexpected and important guests. It's not like it hadn't happened before. Disappointed but knowing I still had work to do of my own I turned towards the cabin I shared with my only living relative, my cousin Nat Harper. I was surprised to find him sitting in the dooryard waiting for me as usually he was still at church that time of day.

After our greeting he told me to come inside, that he had important matters he needed to discuss with me. He was fifteen minutes convincing me he wasn't playing a cruel joke and another fifteen calming me down enough so that he could finish what needed saying.

"Leeda, I hate this. You should have a woman to explain this all to you. God have mercy, why did this cup have to be set before either one of us?"

"Nat ... why? Why does it have to be like this?" I cried, heartbroken.

"Come and sit Cousin and I'll try and explain things. Would that we had a Sister here to at least try and ..." He shook his head and sat me at the wooden table that still had the teeth marks my oldest brother had left in it when he'd teethed his first couple of pearlies. "Leeda, you know a match between you and Rom was always ... well ... unlikely. I'd hoped you'd come to outgrow your infatuation before something like this happened."

"Not true," I denied hotly. "Rom said his father spoke well of me and of our family."

"And well he should. A mayor speaking poorly of a girl can destroy her cause as surely as he can raise her status with a good word. Our family's reputation is good and we are free of any corruption in our birth records ... few enough can say that. On top of that you are a fine girl with fine talents. But, be honest, you have no portion ... no dower ... no ... no influence to use to get you what you seek."

Resenting what I saw as an injustice I said, "I may not have a dower or portion but I'm not completely useless. I am near triple certified in homekeeping at the women's college. No one my age has ever succeeded at such. Even Rom's mother, who was the youngest to ever attain a triple, was well into her 20th summer, married, and carrying her second child when she got hers."

"True, and had you your triple and a position at the Mission or some other likely place, you might be able to overcome your lack of dower and all the rest. But ... but you don't Leeda. Smart you may be though not all men want such in their household. And strong and a hardworker you surely are. The problem is that Rom's father is too ambitious and has been set on forming an alliance with Beauville for a long time, the same as his father before him. The death of Fan's brother is what has pushed her father - who you know is the Mayor of Beauville and a wealthy man in his own right - to agree to the alliance. With no sons the man is worried that The Linder will appoint a new Mayor; or even take Fan for his own and pull Beauville completely under his influence and claim there is no longer a need for a mayor at all. The Beaumont family is near as old as ours but have become nearly as thin in number. It seems inevitable that the Mayors' Council would do all in their power to keep the independent towns out from under the direct control of The Linder."

I remember not wanting to hear the truth but being too practical and honest to deny it. Still I founght the losing battle. "Rom loves me. He told me so. The only reason he hasn't asked his parents before now to officially accept a bond between us is because he is only 16. He has three years yet of battle training before he should even be thinking of a marriage contract."

Shaking his head Nat informed me,"Well, that's all changed and with the Mayor Council's blessing regardless of the normal rules of progression. His father has revoked his admission to the university and told him that he can train with the fighters of Harper as well as he can train someplace else. He is to marry Fan in the morning and that is all there is to it for either of you."

"In the morning?!" I asked horrified at the suddeness of it all. Knowing everyone would be expected to attend such an important event I said, "I ... I ... I won't go! I can't watch. I won't and no one can make me. I'll ... I'll die of a brokenheart right there in the church."

That's when I saw Nat wince and knew there was something else. Although looking back I'm also sure it was in response to my overdramatic and emotional declaration.

"Leeda, you won't have to watch. You ... you won't be here."

"What do you mean? Have I done something wrong? Are you sending me away? Am I losing my home as well as everything else? Has someone said that I've been bad and that's why all this is taking place this way?"

He shook his head. "Easy Leeda. At least take a breath between questions. And the answer is no. I think you are too young for what is and what will transpire. But it has been taken out of my hands."

Becoming frightened I asked, "What has been taken from your hands?"

"Leeda ... you ... you are going to Linderhall."

"Ex ... excuse me?" I asked. Linderhall, the seat of power in our region, the home of the Guardian, those people once called Governors before the Days of Destruction. It spoke of something going on far above my place.

Carefully Nat explained, "The Linder found out about the plan for the alliance and demands a high tribute for his office not being asked permission first. And old he may be, he and his house can still make trouble by refusing to buy our grains or by pulling his men from duty along our outter borders. So worried that their plans might come to naught, the houses of Waverly and Beaumont are gathering several wagon loads of goods to clinch the deal and garner The Linder's peace and agreement. You, as the last female Harper, are their final bargaining chip to sweeten the deal and will be going to ... going to his bed." Before my bleat of outrage could turn into anything else Nat said, "It will be a marriage, I was at least able to secure that much, but ..."

Horrified I gasped, "There has to be a mistake. The Linder is already married Nat. I saw her when she rode with him during the last parade."

"He's currently married to not one, but two women. The second, though from a different town, is a half-sister to the first. You will be a third wife. I know it is not practiced in most of our region but you know the history ... the Guardians sometime have more than one wife to bring assets or power or alliances to the Hall and the region they govern. The Linder has been married many times but only two remain alive, the others are either gone from childbirth or disease. And why am I explaining this part? Surely at the women's college you've been taught the histories and genealogies."

I did know it unfortunately. It is just in school such things always seemed so far away and of no import to the life I expected to have.

I cried a little more and Nat let me but I stopped myself before he had to. I finally thought to ask, "Why is Rom going along with this? Has he not fought for me at all? He said he loved me. He said ... many things."

Cautiously Nat asked, "You and Rom have not ... not ..."

Blushing furiously I told Nat, "No. And Rom never tried to force me either. Neither of us are sullied thank you very much."

He relaxed. "Good. And I'm sorry for ... for asking Leeda. It's just ... you are so young but have so ... so much time to ... to order your own life. Not eveyrone has thought it proper."

I sighed. "I know. That's one of the reasons why Sister Evelyn always told me I'd have to be even more careful than other girls my age. But none of that explains why Rom ... why he ..." I shook my head. Showing my age I spat,"And Fan is old."

Nat snorted. "I know you are hurt Leeda but do not exaggerate to make yourself feel somehow justified. Fan is not old, she's barely twenty-five. Granted that's older than most wait for marriage but her father gave her the luxury to find her own match and her betrothed was off fighting on the borderlands when he met his death two months back. This is the third one that she's lost to a savage's arrow and that's yet another reason why Rom will be kept away from the fighting."

"That's still much older than Rom."

"Aye, she is, but that might not be such a bad thing. I swear the chucklehead's mother still chooses his underpants for him."

Still willing to defend my young love I snapped, "Nat! That's not true!"

Only slightly apologetically Nat said, "Well maybe not in full, but she certainly makes sure that everything he chooses meets with her approval. I think the reason why she never really objected to you is because she saw herself in your shoes. I bet she thought that the reason why Rom was so attached to you is because of your schooling aligning so much with her own and that you and she share similar looks ... I forget the begats but her family and ours have intermarried more than once since the Days of Destruction."

I wouldn't acknowledge it openly but I knew what he said was true.

"Nat," I said quietly. "The Linder is ... he's old. Very old. He should be a grandfather many times over by his years. I ... I don't ... don't want ..."

"I know Leeda. I know," he said sorrowfully at my shudder.

But there was nothing he could do. I rode away the next morning under heavy guard ... meant more for the goods contained in the wagons than for me ... and my life has never been the same since.

I won't go over the days that came and went except to say that there was a brief moment in time when the view from the top of Linderhall's tallest tower became too beautiful to my eyes and heart and I wondered too hard and too often what it would be like to fly from its height. The Housekeeper who was called Mizz Marta, and some distant relation to the Linder family, for reasons of her own took an interest in me and kept me away from the tower until my thoughts on flying subsided. Nothing direct was ever said but I admit in my heart I owe her my life and will forever more.

She also helped me to find my rudder. I may have had no favor with my sister wives, nor my husband, nor any in their social sphere, but I certainly found a place in that area called below stairs where those that worked for the Guardian and for the upkeep of the Hall, plied their trades. Had I not ... but I did and it gave me reason to carry on. I also found a mentor in Mizz Marta who, in addition to a fine housekeeper, was both a yarb woman and a midwife with years of training and experience. My life may have changed, my dreams crushed, but I still have my talents and no one but God himself can take those from me.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 2

And then The Linder - who had suffered from stomach troubles since a child - became ill. Most in the house thought it to be an episode like all the others that would then subside. But not this time. The illness became a canker and the canker a rot that spread outward from deep inside him. The wisest doctors from the University and then from the Seminary were fetched to heal him but to no avail. It is well he finished his will when he did because that night he started having seizures that took his mind and two days later his life.

I had not been a wife a full turn of the seasons, had barely been one during the turning, and then like a bolt from a clear sky I was a widow who had been freed to return to the home she had been forced to leave. Some returning.

My arrival in Harper was not met with much enthusiasm. If any emotion could be attached to it at all it was pity, and only after resentment had been expressed. No one wanted me there. For the young I was proof that happy endings do not always come. For others it was that I reminded them how easily their lives could be ordered away from the way they would have it go. For still others I reminded them of things they would rather not remember or know.

The friends my age I'd thought I'd once had, I no longer had anything in common with. Those that might have been inclined to speak with me were kept away by their mothers and other female relatives who thought I would impart knowledge it was not time for them to know. My friends at the college were all gone to positions or marriages of their own and were too busy or uncomfortable to bare me company. Like others felt for me, I felt too uncomfortable around them, and resented their pity so I willingly kept to myself rather than suffer through forced interactions painful for all involved. I could have felt sorry for myself but I didn't. That almost-year of marriage may have stripped me of my girlhood but it gave me something as well ... a strong backbone and a nature not easily cowed.

Because in addition to all of the other difficulties there was also the problem that my position in the community now raised my status. It was higher than the mayor's wife but because of how it happened and my age I was never invited to share their table at functions that I normally would have attended. Not that I would have gone if there was any way out of such an invitation if offered. My heart had healed from its brokeness and I saw clearly how immature both Rom and I had been back then ... we were nothing but children only playing at adult games. But my pride? That was a different organ and there were moments when the wound was as raw as if it had been made the same day.

Nat was my only regular companion and he was kept busy by his own position in the church and then in preparation for going away for more training in reading the old manuscripts and caring for them so that the townspeople could still view them and learn from them. Some towns had locked all of their old books and papers away but not Harper. It was forbidden by town charter and as such took a lot of care by the Order of brothers to which Nat belonged.

Nat worries. Perhaps he has reason, perhaps not. I've done well using my schooling and my larder is full in preparation for a winter alone. At least my training isn't going to waste. Neither is the training I received from Marta but that's brought me a sort of problem I had not expected.

Our region - formally known by the Great Council as Tentuckia - has always been considered one of the more progressive areas. Early on the Guardians of this area set aside land and taxes to build and sustain schools in our land. Each town has its own college that serves those boys and girls that show an apptitude for learning. In some towns only a few make it into the college. In Harper the reverse is true and most children receive at least their first ceritificate before heading out into an apprenticeship. A triple certificate is as high as you can go before heading off to the regional university. But getting into university was not for everyone. You were expected to work at your chosen line of study. It is best described as an indepth apprenticeship for degrees of higher learning ... but if you speak with very many students you are more likely to hear it called slave labor. But the end result allows you to ply your experience in high level trades like medicines and agriculture. There were some arcane studies like for old tech but most that wanted to study such had to go to other regions to get that kind of specialization. Tentuckia by and large had more profit in agriculture and natural gas as fuel and frowned on such esoteric things as old tech, though there was some outlay for old mech so long as it proved directly useful rather than hypothetical.

Going to the university had never really played a part in my plans so I wasn't devastated to lose the opportunity. I would have been happy with my triple. I do regret not having the chance to take the exam though. But even had I, my position as the widow of The Linder would have made finding a job impossible. My social status ranks me well above too many potential employers. After all, who wants to have to admit that their housekeeper or cook has more social status than they do?

So I do what I can to put my training to use from my cabin door. But despite Harper offering so many educational opportunities there is a vein of superstition that runs deep in the people here. For instance if you were to ask them outright most would agree that certain plants have certain properties that when used in a certain way will help the body and mind to heal. But some ... well, behind their hands or your back - or even to your face - they'll call it magic or some other type of nonsense. It is as bad as during the Days of Destruction when ignorance ruled the world. There are strong prohibitions against using the old "magics" from those days and if it can't be explained there is usually some legal prohibition against it.

I don't know how many times I've had to prove what I'm doing is allowed by the Regional University. But when people wish to be superstitious and distrustful not even a wax seal from the Dean of the University himself will wake them up from it.

And thus, not only do I have to deal with people's resentment and pity, there is distrust in there as well. And for some reason refusing to charge for my knowledge makes them even more distrustful though that is purely ridiculous. For one, not having my triple much less a university certificate, I cannot by law charge for my services. For two, I wouldn't. It simply feels wrong to me. My two mentors - Sister Evelyn and Mizz Marta - never charged to help other people and neither will I. I do not understand why trading coins for knowledge or help somehow validates it any more than if it is proferred out of charity.

All this means is that in a very real sense I am as poor as my Cousin Nat has chosen to be. On the other hand, I am as rich as my parents ever were.

My parents taught me that coin can't buy everything and can actually keep away some things you might want. My father's position as Head Woodsman gave us some coinage but just enough. Mostly it was mother's way with a garden, and Grandmother's way with farm animals, that filled our bellies. Father and Grandfather hunted but they had to be careful to manage the woods properly so everyone of Harper benefitted which didn't leave a lot of time to devote solely to our family's needs. My brothers filled in where they could but they too acted as Woodsmen. They also spent a lot of time taking the Mayor's friends around on pleasure hunts for the giant wild boar and ornery buffalo that inhabit this area of the region.

"Widow Linder," they whisper at my back door. "My husband's feet ... they stink so bad. I've tried everything. It has gotten so bad I can't even stand to share his bed with him and it is causing problems between us. I'm desperate. Will you help?"

"Widow Linder," another women whispered. "Five children in five years. I need a season off. I feel like an old heifer and my husband won't give me any peace. He says he has needs. Will you help?"

"Widow Linder ... Widow Linder ... Widow Linder ..." As if they hadn't been calling me Young Leeda my whole life. I always wonder if they are calling me that as a joke or because they think it will somehow win them favor. Both reasons make me ill. If it wouldn't scandalize Nat and sink me in the hots with the angels I'd swear. They'll come calling at my back door when no one is looking but those same people can't be bothered to admit my existence when I go to church on the Sabbath or the few times I get to town for Market Day.

Nat says their respect is my due since it was my sacrifice that stopped the hand the of the Guardian from falling hard. I say I would be just as happy to have it all go away, but it will not happen. The only way to make it go away is if I go away. I am thinking of writing a letter to Sister Evelyn at the hospital where she now practices, explaining things, and telling her I do not care for social status, but only want to go someplace for honest work and honest rewards ... and the biggest reward would be peace of mind and escape.

I haven't told Nat my plan. He has so much to do. He leaves the end of this week. I am making him traveling food to save expenses and to make his first couple of weeks in his new residence easier. I have it to spare and to head off any fuss he might give I reminded him that I considered it part of my service to see him set off on his own. And that family take care of each other.

And who can be visiting in the heat of the day? And coming to the front door at that?

I looked up as a form blocked both light and breeze from coming in my half door and a male voice asked, "Could you please direct me to the Widow Linder's cabin?"

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 3

"You've found it," I told the man.

He had an air of authority despite his obvious fatigue. "Then please call her girl. I have important business to discuss and don't have all day to do it in."

I wiped my hands on my apron and sighed. "Sir, I don't know what your important business could possibly be since I know you not but go ahead and get it done."

"It is private. For the Widow's ears alone."

I gave him the look Mizz Marta would give to those who were being silly on purpose and said, "I don't see my ears getting away any time soon for their own privacy so as I said, speak."

The man looked at me and then looked at me more closely ... too closely. "You?! You are the Widow Linder?"

"I'm the only one called such around here. There are two others by that title so perhaps your business is with them; but to reach them you'll need to go to Linderhall."

He shook his head. "I've just come from there."

"Widows Ceena and Tonya were not there?"

Rather than answer directly he asked,"Word has not been brought here?"

"What word? And honestly why would any word from them come to me anyway? Perhaps you are mistaken and you are looking for the Mayor's home."

"No." He stopped and scowled but I got the impression it wasn't directed at me. Slowly and carefully, like one who is wary of jokes, he asked, "Are you truly the Widow Linder? The third wife of the old Guardian?"

"Yes."

"Well ... Marta said I was missing some of the facts but I had no idea ..." Suddenly he remembered his hat and took it off and asked, "May I come in?"

"I would prefer if we took our business in the dooryard if you please."

He nodded in acceptance and then moved aside so I could step out. I pointed to a set of stone benches and there we sat. He seemed unable to find his tongue so I asked, "You know Mizz Marta? Is she well?"

"Recovering. Most of the household is."

"Recovering?" I asked in alarm. "And the rest of the household as well? What has happened?"

"Someone claiming to be a messenger from the Great Council weaseled their way passed the guards. We too late found that the documents he carried for identification were fake. He came from one of the borderlands but we did not find out at whose direction before his death. He carried some kind of plague, intentional or not is unknown."

"An anarchist?" I asked, referring to those that fought against the loose confederation of regions that worked together to deal with lands across the waters. My husband had had trouble with them and cursed about them on a regular basis.

"Possibly."

I stopped to try and order my thoughts. "Does Mizz Marta need my help? I will do anything that I can."

"It is ... more than that. Though I did not believe her at first when she said that you would come. Yet you accept so quickly."

I shrugged. "I owe her my life. Anything I have to give is hers to have."

He crossed his arms and sighed. "Are you certain you know none of this? A rider was sent out more than two weeks ago. He came back saying he delivered his news."

I shrugged again. "I do not go about in town much. Though, it is strange that my cousin did not tell me. Nat would have heard anything that was common knowledge as he is a Brother at the church."

The man shook his head. "The messenger was sent to the Mayor with instructions to get word to you."

Carefully I blanked my face and tried to look pleasant the way that the comportment teacher had taught me to behave when I had to be in public at Linderhall. "I am sure it is merely an oversight or perhaps the rider did not ..."

He shook his head. "It is not your conern to bear. I'll find out the truth of it, for now I have need of speech with you."

"Then speak," I told him hoping he would get to the point whatever it might be.

"You are the widow of my father's cousin."

"If you say so. The genealogies of the Linders were not considered ... they were not considered part of what was necessary for me to know."

Understanding more than I was comfortable with he nodded. "Aye. The old Guardian was called The Linder as most before him were. My father descends through the same line and same name though it was never in his mind that he'd inherit the seat on the Council that his cousin filled. It was with some surprise that we all heard the news and our move from our holdings by necessity was fast and unfortunately disorderly. We were informed only vaguely what we would be stepping into; however, it was expected that Father would have the care of three widows when he took over the job." I saw his distate but whether it was for caring for three widows, the fact that there were three widows to care for, or for the "job" itself I'm not certain.

"Well obviously he did not. I am sorry if it has caused the new Guardian any problems."

"Humph. The two were enough with their constant quoting of Old Law to make it seem like Father should marry them and put them back where they belonged in status."

I kept my face as pleasant as I could.

"Hmmm. It does not seem a surprise to you. Did you not want to be part of such as scheme?"

"Ceena and Tonya would have ... preferred ... to keep their own counsel on such matters. Perhaps you should speak to them about it."

"Can't. Unless you wish me to dig them up out of the church yard and I doubt they'd tell me much even then."

I felt the blood drain from my face and settle some place down in my slippers. "You did not say ... did the ... the plague ..."

"Aye," he said. "And I apologize for baring the news to you in such a way. I needed to know if you were playing tricks."

"About what? And why would I do ... ?" I shook my head and stood up completely shocked.

"Aye. As I said, you have my apologies." He stood as soon as I did and swore softly beneath his breath speaking of great frustration and no respect for my presence.

I said, "I do not know why you are here but if it was this news to deliver then you've done so. You've done your duty so you may leave."

"Damn, I've handled this like a chucklehead." He paced a bit before asking me to sit down. I did so only reluctantly and he quickly sat as well as if he was worried that I would run off if he did not.

Before he could put voice to his frustration I asked, "How bad was the plague? Were many in the household taken off by the angels?"

"Fewer than should have been thanks to Marta but the damage it did do was more than sufficient. My Father and his Consort, Dwen Lafayette; Widows Ceena and Tonya; the Sheriff; and a few other key understaff."

"The belowstairs?"

"No deaths but many illnesses as they trusted themselves to Marta's potions faster than the above stairs did. It has left the Hall in disarray."

"And right at harvest time."

"Aye, you see it. Marta said you would."

"You mentioned your father's passing. So you are the new Guardian?"

"No, thank all that's holy. My brother is and better suited to the nightmare of it than I would ever be. He thrives on all of the intrigue and politics. And his wife is much the same." He shuddered.

"I'm afraid I still do not know what it is you seek from me." He stood up again and I suddenly realized he reminded me of a military man. "Have you brought your troops with you?"

"What? Has something been said?"

I shrugged. "I have no idea. You simply remind me of the Mayor's Captain when you stood like that. I'm afraid it is my turn to apologize now for speaking out of line."

The man relaxed. "No need. I was a Captain in my father's guard before he became Guardian. My job changed somewhat when he inherited. My brother has a mind to keep me close so as to have an ally ... at least until the line of succession is secured and made peace with." He set his shoulders and then forced himself to sit once again. I wondered if he was beginning to feel like a child's toy with the constant popping up and down. "Widow Linder ... er ... Leeda. May I call you that?"

"Given your status you can call me what you choose."

He sighed. "This isn't going at all like I had planned. I had expected to find a woman not a ..."

I shook my head, the man surely wasn't happy and not the least bit a smooth talker. Trying to hide the irony I told him, "Dispense with the flattery Sir and simply state your business."

He started to rub his eyes and then his mouth fell open when I slapped his hands and told him, "Stop that. You've probably been touching all matter of filth on the road between Linderhall and here. Do you wish to rub it into your eyes and cause an infection?"

Then he barked a tired laugh. "You sound just like April." At my inquiring look he said, "My older sister. And I suppose it will be simpler to treat you as such. The Hall is in need of more ... something ... organizing ... ordering about ... than any of us can give it. Marta gives what guidance she can but my sister in law is ... is ... To put it bluntly she is fit for the board room and bedroom but not for the running of an establishment like the Hall. My sisters do what they can but Wendolyn can be a bit touchy about status and what she sees as implied criticism ... not to mention she is six months gone with her first child and the worry of it and the danger left behind by the plague is driving my brother mad when he needs all his focus."

"I still do not see ..."

"It is the damned issue of status again. It is Wendolyn's bread and butter and she is oversensitive right now. But as a widow of the old Guardian ..."

My face must have been a sight because he stopped in surprise and then laughed. "You look like you've bitten into an unripe persimmon."

Trying to school my features I said, "I beg your pardon."

"Don't. This is the first laugh I've had in ... in a long time. And it at least lets me know that if you come back to the Hall it will not be for love of what you left behind or desire to have it back."

I shook my head. "No. It would not be because of that. Still ... there's Marta ..."

"And if she was herself and full of strength I have no doubt that woman could manage Wendolyn quite well, but she isn't and in fact is who sent me for you."

"Mizz Marta is asking for me? For true?"

"Aye."

"Then why didn't you say so. Of course I'll go to her."

"Slow down. This will not be for a few days or even a few weeks. It will likely be the work of the whole harvest and then the winter. Perhaps even the Spring as well."

I shrugged. "It's not like I have anything else to do. When do you want to leave?"

"I would like to ride out now but I must pay a visit to the Mayor of Harper." From the look on his face I knew it wasn't just to tell Rom's father Bless You and Yours. "Two days ..."

"Make it four if you please. I would like to see my cousin Nat on his way and it will give me time to shut up the cabin against the seasons while I am gone."

"So be it. I will stop by again to discuss travel arrangements."

 

[nancy98]

Sniffffff Thanks Kathy.
I'm crying because while I appreciate the new story at the same time I was hoping for the rest of Gurl and a couple of others to be posted next.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Sniffffff Thanks Kathy.
I'm crying because while I appreciate the new story at the same time I was hoping for the rest of Gurl and a couple of others to be posted next.

They are on my list. I am trying to finish up some of the older ones first. I'm making decent headway and hope, before the end of the year, to get quite a few of them finish assuming real life behaves itself.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thank you!!!! Great to have a "new" old story!

When you have time... Can't wait to hear what has happened to Joey & Tony... and Dovie... and Aria... and Gurl... Really enjoy your writing. Thanks!

 

[kua]

So glad to hear from you again in this fashion. This is an interesting story and it will be fun to see where you take it. Thanks for posting.

 

[Siskiyoumom]

Thank you!

Looking forward to the rest of the story.

 

[nana2boys]

oh boy, another good story.

 

[freshPotatoes]

Thank you for the new story.... it has already pulled me in. Can't wait for the next chapter

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 4

Mid-morning the next day Nat sat at my table having come by to check on me.

"By all that's holy. Such news," Nat muttered. "And it should have been shared with the church. We need to lay in extra food and medical supplies in case the enemies on our border try an incursion during this time of apparent weakness."

"I believe the Captain ... or whatever title he bares as the brother of the Guardian ... may well be having a word with the Mayor."

Noting my tone of satisfaction Nat counseled, "Leeda ... it is not healthy that you still hold such a grudge. And dangerous until we know where this new Guardian stands ... whether the Mayor has his ear or not."

Knowing he was right but still unable to let it go I said, "Perhaps. On the other hand ... oh bother, what am I to do with my fowl." The thought distracted me from where I would have taken the conversation and confused Nat.

"What? Why do anything with them ... the lazy cluckers already drop more eggs than you can use."

Attempting to explain I told him, "That is the other part Nat. The housekeeper at Linderhall ... she needs me. It will be at least through the Winter."

Nat immediately pruned up. "No. I ..."

"Nat, I want to go. Or should I say I want to leave this place regardless of where I go. This is no longer my home. I had thought to write to Sister Evelyn but ... truly ... this may be God opening a door for me to escape before what you call my 'grudge' becomes too deeply entrenched."

"What incentive have they given? And are you sure they come from Linderhall?"

A soon-to-be familiar voice called from the dooryard. "Widow?"

I stepped to the door and beckoned him over. "I can offer you a seat at the table this time Sir. My cousin is here."

The man took off his hat and shook hands with Nat. "Daren Linder ... and you are Brother Harper? I just stopped by the church and Father Gabe sent me this way. I was hoping to catch you."

Nat nodded. "Please, sit, allow me to pour you a cup of tea?"

I pulled a bottle of apple wine from the cupboard and asked, "Or something stronger despite the hour of the day? Forgive me for saying so but you look like you could use it. And the fruitcake should be ready to eat if you'd both like a slice."

Nat gave me a scowl. He was partial to my fruitcake and he knew that I knew it and was trying to bribe him into a more open mind. "Bah!" he said suddenly capitulating. "You'll do as you please anyway Leeda. Let us not have an argument over it. I'll have a slice of cake and a cup of wine." He turned to the man and said, "If I were you I wouldn't turn either down. Leeda has a fine hand at such things despite her youth."

I rolled my eyes at Nat behind his back and the man's eyebrows shot up. Nat and I were close despite the ten year difference in our ages. Both of us are unconventional in our own way. I suspect that the man was having to rework his expectations of us. He looked at Nat and said, "She has told you of my request?"

"Only just. What guarantee do I have that you are who you say you are? I made the mistake in believing that the Linders would care for her once, I won't make the mistake twice."

"Nat!" I exclaimed, worried he was making an enemy he did not need.

"It is true and I won't stand by again."

The man didn't seem to take any affront to Nat's words and in fact seemed to relax ... though perhaps it was his first bite of cake that did it. "I've papers here. And if you've need of further proof I can send for Mr. Tosh who is going over the Mayor's books as we speak."

I was glad I hadn't taken a sip of wine yet or I would have choked on it. "Mr. Tosh is here?"

"Yes," he answered with smirk.

"Well, the ... hmmm ... the Mayor must be finding it ... well ..."

The man snorted and nodded. "Indeed he is."

Nat turned to me and asked, "You know this Mr. Tosh?"

"He is the manager of Linderhall, or was when I resided there."

The man said, "Still is though his title has been changed to Bailiff and my brother has bid him hire some assistants so that he can do more touring."

Nat whistled. "That's going to go over fine."

"Aye, there's already been talk but the truth is that it is as much for the protection of the towns as it is for the Guardian. Before his death my father discovered a great many discrepancies and unknowns in his cousin's income and the same in the tax rolls. The review is to straighten the two sets of books out in case the missing entries are because the books have become confused over the years. Mr. Tosh said that the old Guardian did his own books and was tight fisted with them. My brother has decided to continue with the idea of a new accounting to show both the people and the Great Council that it is to be a lawful transfer despite the unusual nature of this succession, that there are no plans to take advantage of those under our care and nurture."

Nat nodded. "Makes sense when said that way. But let us return to the topic at hand. I will be blunt and ask what duties will Leeda be expected to fulfill."

It took but a moment for both the man and I to catch Nat's meaning. Fear lept into my chest but the man was quick to dispell it. "Mostly she will be a laison between Mr. Tosh as Bailiff, Marta as housekeeper, my other brother James who has taken the position of Chancellor, and my sister in law so that the Hall can be pulled back in shape after so much disruption. Mr. Tosh will have his hands full guiding the incoming harvest; James with helping Tomas - The Linder - establish his place on the Great Council, and Marta is still recovering and will need to be careful through the Winter. For the rest, I had thought that she can be a companion to my sisters who are ... high spirited and not enjoying the restrictions they are experiencing in their new social circle."

Nat still looked unconvinced. "Nat, let me try and understand." I turned to the man and asked, "Basically what you wish is for someone to ... hmmm ... put your sister in law at her ease, perhaps introduce your sisters to the household staff, and if possible redirect everyone's energies so that the work can proceed quickly and with as few ... er ... bumps in the road as possible."

The man nodded. "You see it rightly." To Nat he explained, "The Guardian's wife is expecting her first child. To say it has my brother ... er ..."

Nat nodded thoughtfully. "The village priest often needs to counsel men that are ... er ..."

I rolled my eyes at their er's. "How close to climbing the ceiling in the meeting hall is he?"

The man looked at me with a smile. "He's almost able to swing from the gaslamps."

Nat leaned forward and said, "Be that as it may, and I'm not so deep in the church that I can't see where my cousins's presence would help, but what of her status?"

"Nat ..."

"No Leeda. It needs discussing. I know you are fond of this Marta and will do all in your power for her regardless of my concerns but on this I'll have my say." He turned to the man and said, "Leeda was sent back here with no escort, no dower, no portion beyond food and a few circles to keep herself for less than a year. She was forced to give up what could have been sold to secure some future for her and left with the burden of a status that keeps her from pursuits better suited to her talents and nature. Had she not had this cabin to return to she would have been forced to beg for charity ... but from whom I don't know as none have stepped forward to offer much more than consternation and resentment at having to rearrange the social scale of Harper. My cousin was a wife, not a temporary consort, and should have been treated better ... should be treated better."

The man scowled. "It wasn't by our hand. My father was told she would be there to care for. That she wasn't made it appear ..." In an aggravated tone he said, "It was weeks before I could finally get some of the story out of Marta and Tosh and they still kept most of the facts close. I assume it was because of the presence of the other widows and the mischief they could cause. I knew the Below Stairs held some grudge and distrust but I was searching in the wrong direction. I thought it was due to their attachment to the previous Guardian or perhaps because he'd treated them ill."

I shook my head. "No. The Linder treated his staff well and was even handed, if not generous with his words or coin to them. Ceena and Tonya could be a bit cold to the staff but that was status talking and them showing how they were raised rather than intentional misconduct. And as for the rest, you must be mistaken yet. Mizz Marta and Mr. Tosh would hold no grudge on my account, nor would any of the other staff for that matter. Any changes would have them concerned as most have been staff since their apprenticeship and for several, their parents before them were and are also staff. When your life and livelihood depends on a single family, it can be nervewracking to be in the midst of change. And you've likely brought in your own staff to the mix." At his nod I said, "I'll sort out the problem when we arrive. The quicker the issues can be concluded the better for all concerned." The man just stared at me. "What?"

"I've a sister your age - the younger, not the older which I have a feeling you will get along well with - and I cannot imagine ... You are ..."

Nat nodded. "Leeda came on like this during the dying time we had here when she was a child. The sisters saw it and sent her to the college early. She would have had a triple had her marriage to the old Guardian not interferred."

"I thought she was given in marriage at 14?"

"She was."

"Hello. I'm in the room, not on my deathbed or deaf," I reminded them.

The man turned to look at me. "And you are 16 now? Why did you not finish the college or go to university?"

I spit, "Status."

"Status? But surely ..." He stopped and then remembered that status was a two edged sword. Depending on your status you can receive social perks but at the same time be held back so that those with less status can have a fair try at seeking their fortune. He sighed. "My brother may be able to help but not until after the succession is secured."

I shrugged, "I don't expect anything to change so don't make a request on my behalf."

Nat looked at the heavens and sighed, "And this is why she needs someone to look after her interests."

The man nodded and they both began to irritate me. Before I could express it however the man said, "I have some leeway in this matter. I'll get Mr. Tosh to write a contract and at a minimum she will at least have a stipend and a sum settled on her."

There was some scratching at the backdoor and I left the two men to their dickering. I looked out and there to my great surprise saw a runner from the Mayor's house. "May I help you?" I asked.

"A delivery Widow Linder," the boy said holding out a piece of paper.

I took it by its corner and the boy ran off, presumably to complete other tasks. I walked back in holding the invitation like it was a piece of hairy nettle and me wihtout gloves.

"What is it Leeda?" Nat asked.

"I have no idea."

"It looks like an invitation."

"I know."

The look on my face must have been something to behold because the man laughed and asked, "And do you always treat invitations like they are plague riddled bombs?"

"Seeing as I've never been invited anywhere much less to the Mayor's home I'm honestly not certain how I am to treat it. Are you the reason for this?" I asked him in accusation.

He smirked. "Perhaps." More seriously he asked me, "You've never been invted to the Mayor's house? I was given to understand that you were quite close."

Nat snorted and said, "The Waverly family holds the post once held by the Harpers. Our great grandfather grew weery of the politics and retired. We became the Woodsmen ... at least until the plague that killed us all. It came from fleas carried by the deer and ... "

I put my hand on Nat's shoulder as I knew it was an old worry of his. "Rest Nat. It was never your calling to be a Woodsman. Grandfather and father never regretted sending you to seminary. And that is ancient history. As for the connection with the Waverly family ... that too is ancient history and I would rather not discuss it. But I won't be part of a faradiddle either, not even for politics or politeness. I have no relationship with the Waverly family, certainly not a close one."

The man looked interested in questioning me more but I asked instead, "You seem to know about this ... this missive. Did you prompt it?"

"In a manner of speaking." I simply stared at him. He shrugged. "I dislike mysteries and I've faced far too many in the last few days, and them being primarily about you Widow."

"Oh for goodness sake ..."

"Oh aye ... you may doubt it if you wish but between being thwarted from questioning Marta because of her illnes, from questioning Tosh because he's so stiff in his britches he must have his wife starch them, and then the so-called confusion that should not have been of you being informed of my tentative arrival date, I can assure you ... I am being good and mellow compared to how I wish to behave."

I was trying not to smile as his description of Mr. Tosh was very accurate. "And exactly what devilment have you gotten up to to release some of your fractious nerves?"

"I wish to see you at the Mayor's house, in company."

I was no longer amused. "No."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Leeda!" Nat hissed.

"I won't go."

The man looked at me calmly and said, "The invitation is for my benefit, not the Mayor's."

"I care not," I told him rising from my seat. "I won't go and you can't make me even if you are the brother of the Guardian."

I turned and left the cabin. It was a childish thing to do and I left Nat to clean up the mess but my anger had taken my commonsense.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 5

I was beating the bushes about a quarter mile down the forest path when the stick I was swinging broke. "Oh botheration!" I said kicking a stone and instead of satisfaction finding the pain of a stubbed toe. Hopping around in pain I snarled, "Oooooo ... I hope they all rot."

From behind me I heard, "The Waverly family or has something else raised your ire to a flame."

"Oh ... it's you." My tone left him with no need to wonder how I felt about his presence.

Instead of being wise and leaving me be the man leaned against a tree and said, "Now you remind me more of my other sister Nancee. I made the mistake of putting a garter snake in her bed once and I've paid for it long and hard ever since and any time the subject is mentioned she gets the exact same look on her face as you have right now."

"What kind of a brother to the Guardian are you?!"

"Tomas and James ask me the same question on a regular basis. I tell them the kind that Father gave them. Tomas said if I was going to be such that he'd best make me the Sheriff, one that cares little to nothing for status so won't be tempted to let the highers go while blistering the lowers for the same sins."

"You're ... you're the Sheriff of Tentuckia?" I gasped.

"Aye."

"But you're young." At his raised eyebrow I rolled my eyes. "Oh botheration, don't throw my words back at me. I knew it was a stupid thing to say as soon as it left my mouth."

"At least you admit it," he said with a smile to take any sting away. "And being the Sheriff it is my responsibility to see if wrongs were intentional or not. I suspect ... well, I wish to see for myself before I take it before The Linder. So, I wish you to accept the invitation so that I can see for myself how things stand."

Concerned I said, "My attitude aside, there has been nothing criminal going on. The Mayor has not intruded on my life or anything like that."

"Money was sent with the messenger two weeks ago. It was quite a sum as it was to reimburse the Mayor for the expense of caring for you."

Shocked I said, "There must be some mistake."

"No. I was told that they'd been looking after your needs quite extensively since you had no relatives who would."

Carefully I told him, "Nat has taken a vow of poverty but gives me all the care that I've needed. I have gotten by just fine."

"But the Mayor has not done his duty."

"I was not aware that he had one."

"Oh aye. Mr. Tosh stated that he sent a missive to the Mayor after you had left asking to be kept apprised of your welfare. Missives came infrequently and usually only after one was sent asking after you."

"Someone ... someone asked after me? Truly?"

The Sheriff as she now knew to address him nodded. "Aye. Would that they had thought to enquire about you directly instead of through that pompous ... hmmm. You still have not explained why you hold a grudge against the Waverly family."

Feeling mulish and embarrassed by my previous behavior, both what had just occurred and what was in the past, I asked, "Did Nat explain?"

"Aye. But I wish to hear it from your own lips and in your own words."

"Botheration," I muttered.

"Quicker said, quicker over."

"Oh you'll make a good Sheriff. You know when to be easy and when to be iron." He simply stood there waiting. "I was young and naive and didn't know it. Spoiled as well as anything I went after had come too easily."

"You can say this despite the troubles you faced from the loss of your family?"

"My family isn't lost to me Sheriff ... we are, let us call it separated for a bit. I'll see them again."

"Hmmm. Nat has done his job well I see."

"Perhaps. But more my parents and grandparents did their job and I've never felt insecure in that way."

"Never?"

"Well," feeling forced to be honest. "For a time ... but Mizz Marta ... let us just say that ... that ... I was too young for what was asked of me and very few people cared about it. And that I appreciate those few who did."

The Sheriff's expression was sour. "Father and Dwen had kittens when they heard of the marriage. Dwen - Father's Consort - was from a Region in the northeast and had been given as a childbride to her first husband. She hates the practice so much that in their contract with one another she made Father swear that the girls, even though she didn't birth them, would be forbidden marriage until they were at least sixteen and that they would never be forced into one against their will."

I shrugged having no desire to explain or tell him just what kind of unthinking ass the man called my husband had been. He was a good politician, and a reasonable Guardian, but a poor excuse for a man which was why, in my opinion, Ceena and Tonya had been able to order things the way they had.

He continued to wait on my part of the story so rather than look at him while I told it I examined a beetle that gnawed on a bit of tree bark. "Oh very well but it makes me sound ... what I was ... childish and naive. I imagined myself in love - and for that time and my experience what I felt was love. And ... and Rom ... I believe he felt the same. Perhaps we both confused friendship for romance ... or perhaps not. I've never spoken of it with him, have never spoken to him at all since before I was sent to Linderhall so for his part you'll need to ask him."

"And do you still feel the same?"

"No!" Shaking my head I moderated my tone. "No. I've grown up. My broken heart is mended."

"Then why the grudge?"

"Pride mostly. It was ... humiliating. On many levels. And before you ask, I refuse to try and explain why that is so to someone who cannot understand."

"Fair enough. Dwen often told me that she could tell me the words but that didn't mean I would hear them for what they were. The question is did you never seek out the Mayor for help given your station and situation?"

I snorted. "No. I got the message loud and clear."

"I thought you said ..."

"Not a written one," I said nearly snapping in my impatience to be done with the topic. "For some reason I am an embarrassment. And there is worry that I will try and lead Rom ... astray. Which should tell you what they think of my character and totally without reason. From all that I hear the problem is that Rom has not fallen into their plans as eagerly as was expected. I take no pleasure in that so get the look off your face if you please. I could tell them the problem but I do not think they would appreciate it."

"What would that be Widow?"

He was needling me by calling me Widow but the irritation of it was less than he might supposed. It reminded me to be cautious ... more cautious ... than I had been with him to this point. "They denied Rom the one thing he wanted most."

"You?"

"Heavens no. Even at fourteen and tip over top in what I thought was love I knew that to push Rom before he got his training in combat was a sure way to alienate him. As my talent is in housekeeping and food keeping, Rom's lay in fighting ... not of the verbal type at which he had almost no talent ... but in the kind where his body and mind worked as a machine. I used to watch him when they had tournies and he was like a dancer in how he moved. It must kill a bit of him each day to be kept from university and further training by masters of the craft. Rom knew that his talents did not lie in the area of books and politics and that it disappointed his father, but he was very proud of the talents he did have and was very eager to improve them."

"Hmmm. So is your grudge against Fan Waverly?"

I shrugged. "I suppose in part. On the other hand there are days when I feel sorry for her. The whole point of the alliance with Beauville was to begat a male heir ... and there isn't one. Two girls back to back and Fan had so much trouble with the second one that the doctors have ordered her to not conceive for at least another year, prerferably two, and to build herself up in the mean time. She is twenty-seven now. I imagine there is some worry that she is running out of time."

"For someone who does not socialize you certainly know some rather intimate details of the Waverly family."

I shrugged. "Do you really think people would miss gossiping and being busybodies? I have people coming to me for help at the back door regularly and while I refuse payment they seem to feel the need to ... to communicate certain facts to see my reaction." I sighed. "I know how I sound. Nat has lectured me often enough on the subject. I suppose it is that I still begrudge what happened ... it isn't any one person but the whole of them that ... that put me in the position I found myself in and the way it was handled. Now can we please drop this? "

"Only if you agree to accept the invitation and allow me to escort you this evening."

I grumbled, "Oh botheration."

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 6

"Nat I feel ten kinds of foolish. I did not even socialize much before The Linder was hauled off by the angels. Using my status and doing so now seems so ... so hypocritical."

"And under other circumstances I would agree with you Leeda," he said surprising me. "But this is more like a ... like a command performance. The Sheriff stated he needed you to play a part ... be yourself as it were ... in company at the Mayor's house so he can see their reaction to your presence. The fact that you are going in your widow's wear - patched and threadbare in places even if it is your best - will shame those that should be shamed."

I snorted, "You mean set the cat amongst the pigeons."

Nat smiled gently and set my shawl across my shoulders. "That too."

Curious I asked, "What do you sense of him Nat?"

"The Sheriff?" At my nod he answered, "He has the potential to be a good man, perhaps even the incliniation, but in the end he is just like the rest of us and needs to make the choice of whether he will be good ... or not. I believe, in this situation, he may feel more inclined than he was in the beginning."

"Oooo, don't get puzzling; my stomach is ready to rebel as it is."

Nat chuckled. "You'll do fine. But Leeda ..."

"Yes?" I asked as he tapered off.

"Do not find yourself alone with Rom ... or any man for that matter."

"Nat! As if I would. No sane person would want to make that kind of talk."

"You wouldn't mean to Leeda. But guard yourself against being maneuvered into it. Perhaps I am being overly cautious but if there is a problem, desperation may make someone ... uncharitable."

"Ugh. As if I don't have enough to worry about. I guess all of the politicking in the church has taught you a few things."

"A few things I wish I didn't know now about certain people ... and about people in general. But it is not always politics that drives people. I've found the two things that most people are concerned with even when they don't know it is assets and pride."

"Are you pinching at me?"

"No, not particularly but you do need to watch yourself. Pride goeth before a fall. You've grown and healed from your experiences and I no longer worry about you being anyone's doormat but I do grow concerned about the anger you still have for some people. A righteous anger is one thing, a distructive or vengeful one is something else. Let The Lord have it for once and forever Leeda and stopped carrying it around and letting it torment you."

I sighed. "That's part of why I need this opportunity that has been presented to me. I need to get away from Harper, away from these memories that eat at me when I don't want them to."

"Running away won't fix it Leeda, only give you scope to feel it about something else."

"It's not running away I want but removing what's proving toxic for me."

"And you think going back to Linderhall is healthy?! It would seem you would have as many to be angry at there as you do here."

"From the Sheriff's words, those that I would be most angry at are no longer in this life and as for the rest ... well I have to deal with reality and not how I wish things were. Linderhall is an opportunity. Not to be given something but to do something for myself. Face what brought me down. Find some time and peace to center myself. Figure out where I want to go next. And I owe Mizz Marta. I owe her more than I could ever repay. She was my earthly guardian angel for a while and that deserves something in return now that she's in need of her own."

There was the sound of horses and then a knock on my door. "Widow Linder? The Sheriff wishes to know if you would mind riding, the carriage blew a gasket this afternoon and a replacement did not arrive in time."

I walked out with Nat and the Sheriff looked more than a little irritated. I walked over to where he was trying to steady an excitable beast as tall as my Nanny was. "I don't know who looks more peeved; you or that great horse that looks fit to toss you and run."

"Hah, laugh if you can Widow but Charger will be baring your weight as well."

"Oh no he won't. If we are to ride I'll be doing it safely from the back of my mule. She may not look as fine as your beastie but at least she won't toss me into a ditch."

By the time Nanny was saddled and I told Nat goodnight - he decided to stay at the cabin and await my return before going back to the rectory - the Sheriff had gotten the stallion more under control.

"My pardon but they corraled him with mares. He was less than happy at being asked to leave them."

"You had no stable boy with you?"

"Not this time. I did not expect to need one and I usually give Charger most of his care myself. Is that beast you ride the 'great stead' I read about in the will?"

I gurgled a laugh. "Yes, this is Nanny. We rescued each other from a sinking mud pit when Ceena and Tonya insisted we visit some of their relatives near old Paduck; and, as her original owner was never found I was allowed to use her to fetch and carry for Mizz Marta or anyone else at the Hall."

"You ... were a Messenger? A wife of the Guardian was playing messenger?!"

I shrugged. "One does what one must and it got me outside the Hall. And out from under prying eyes. The constant escort I had while on Linder land was the opposite of what I was used to. It was like having an endless stream of criticism heaped upon my head ... like I would never be worthy of the status bestowed upon me by The Linder. Escaping ... even if it was while on someone's silliest errand ... allowed me to attain some balance."

"Tell me you had an outrider."

In an attempt at humor I said, "I will if you insist ... but I prefer not to lie. Especially not to the Sheriff."

"What by all that's holy were they thinking letting a 14 year old girl wander about by herself?!"

I reminded him, "I wasn't a 14 year old girl ... I was the third wife of the Guardian."

He fell silent and seemed troubled. "It really hasn't been all that long for you has it Widow?"

"If you refer to my husband's death then the answer is a little over two seasons as well you should know."

He fell silent again then reached out and stopped Nanny. He glanced at the two outriders that were following and one went ahead a few feet and one turned his horse and went a few more feet behind us. "Widow ... Leeda ... I'm sorry I must ask this but my brother asked. Was ... was my father's cousin ... did he treat you ..."

"Did he abuse me?" At his nod I said, "Physically? No. He did resent my presence and had as little to do with me as he could get away with which gave others ... inadvertant permission to ... to cause me problems. My understanding from his complaints to me is that when he agreed to the deal that brought me as his wife he reckoned without the trouble it would cause in his household. And he was old ... and such a young wife ... irritated and embarrassed him I suppose is the simplest explanation with the fewest words. I think ... I think at the end he came to feel sorry for me but where that would have led I do not know as it was not too long after that that he became ill. Does this answer your concerns sufficiently that we might leave the subject?"

"You are uncomfortable speaking of it?"

Stiffly I answered, "Yes. Put it down as ... as part of that pride issue you saw me exercising this morning."

"Very well. But at some other time we will revisit who you had troubles with."

"Why?" I asked fully irritated once again. "It is over and best left in the past where it belongs."

"Because it is pieces of the puzzle of Linderhall and the surrounding area that I am trying to put together. A puzzle I must fit together if I am to do my job successfully." He bid us ride again. "Come, let us get this finished."

The distance was not great and was soon accomplished. Our steads in the hands of the outriders who would care for them the Sheriff placed my hand in the crook of his arm and we walked to the staging area where it looked like representatives from most of the local families in both Harper and Beauville already waited.

My hand must have tightened letting him know how nervous I was, how much I didn't want to be there because he patted it where it lay. But that didn't stop him from marching us directly into the lions' den.

 

[Lake Lili]

I love moar story for breakfast! Can't wait to hear the justification for holding back the monies sent... Thank you Kathy!

 

[ted]

Thank you!

Another story to make me sit here and read...lol

 

[Deena in GA]

Love this story! Thanks, Kathy!

 

[Hickory7]

Thank You for another story. Waiting to see what happens when she goes in.

 

[223shootersc]

good stuff, as usual

 

[CGTech]

Kathy! Yer leavin' us hangin' lass!! MOAR!!!

 

[seraphima]

Wow! Another great beginning. This is shaping up to be a story with one of your best suits- the interactions of peoples' motives and quirks combined with a young but able young chatelaine. Thank you.

 

[sssarawolf]

Well dang no more for now lol, I have been reading in-between this and that, feeding and caring and play dough. Great story Kathy.

 

[moldy]

More story please, Kathy. I'm stuck at work and I do mean stuck. I can't go home because the river is over its banks and the bridges are closed.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 7

"Come Widow ... Leeda ... walk with me. I do not believe you've ever graced the grounds and the views are quite beautiful at sunset."

Carefully, trying to avoid creating a scene, I smiled calmly and replied, "I am sure they are Turner Waverly but I promised the Sheriff that I would await his return here on the dias and here I am staying regardless of the number of invitations to leave it. I do not consider it wise to break my word ... especially not to the Sheriff of Tentuckia."

Rom's brother didn't lose his smile but it did become a bit stiff. Still he kept his manners and bowed and said, "Of course."

I tried not to let my sigh of relief be obvious. A steady stream of unwanted attention had been coming my way since our arrival had me itching to throw a salt cellar at the Sheriff for leaving me to deal with it on my own. Suddenly there was a scream and we all turned and I saw a woman crumpled on the ground. I saw immediately I was dealing with barnyard fowl as all anyone else was doing was running around in a panic.

I left the dias at a jog and fell on the ground by the woman. "What happened?" I demanded.

"She ... she just ... just fell ..." I looked up and saw Turner Waverly's wife Roda.

Moving the hair off of the face on the woman on the ground I found it to be Fan. Part of me groaned and wondered if this was a play of some kind but she was too pale whether it was a play or not.

"Where is Rom's mother?" When people just looked around. "Oh for the love of ... has no one sent for her?!" Turning and looking I spied one of Turner's sons and told him, "High yourself off at a run and find your grandmother. She's trained and has more experience than I." I looked to Roda and asked, "What of Mrs. Carter? Or Mrs. Bailey?"

"They both left to go to family that needed them last week."

I growled but stopped when Fan moaned. "Easy there. Don't move. You're as pale as sugar water. Does anything hurt? Are you in pain? Dizzy?"

"Why are you here?"

"Because apparently I'm the only ninny in this bunch with enough training to see to your health until someone else better can arrive. No, don't move. Not until Mrs. Waverly gives you leave."

"I ... I'm fine. I ... it's so ... so warm."

I felt her forehead and cheeks. "You've no fever. When's the last time you've had something to drink ... and please tell me you aren't drinking the Waverly Punch. As I remember it the stuff is strong enough to peel paint."

"Only a few sips."

A growl slipped out. "Did you at least eat something before hand?"

"My ... my stomach was unsettled."

"And you thought the punch would somehow help with that?" I shook my head. "Not to be indelicate but could you be carrying again?"

A sloppy voice from behind me said, "If she is, it isn't mine. We've not shared a bed in months."

I turned and sure enough there stood Rom. My first glance at him since I'd been sent away and I find him nearly too drunk to stay upright. Carefully I said, "Turner, would you be so kind as to take your brother and stick his head in a bucket? And if you choose to hold him there a bit longer than is strictly necessary I don't think anyone here would begrudge you."

I turned my back and refocused on Fan. She whispered, more than a little humiliated, "No ... I am not carrying."

"Well that's something." I looked around to find far too many men just standing around. "Well what are the lot of your clodheads looking at? I hope your women all send you to the barn for your bed tonight if this is the way you would treat them in their time of need. Now move, the whole lot of you are next to useless ... move I say, give the poor woman some air ... and some privacy."

They weren't moving and I was in the middle of standing up when I remembered something that Ceena had once been forced to do when a barbarian from the East had intruded upon one of her dinner parties in an effort to make mischief. I stood straight and tall and then just looked at them with the frozen cold from a whole winter packed into one stare. I remember the barbarian slowly stopping and then backing away giving the sign of the evil eye before leaving the party. Ceena had never needed to say a single word. I had been glad that for once that look wasn't directed my way.

I wasn't quite as successful at pulling it off as Ceena - she'd had years of practice after all - but the men did move off with only minor mumbling and muttering.

I leaned back down muttering, "If they are going to act like toadstools then maybe we should seal the whole lot of them into barrels until they grow some sense." A sad hiccup of a laugh drew my eyes to Fan's face. I took my handkerchief and wipe away a tear. "They'll give you some peace now but I need to ask ... are you bleeding Fan? Is it a womanly hurt you feel?"

"No. I feel weak but the university doctors said that would go with time ... and I am better than I was."

"Let me guess, they also informed you that you need to eat more liver and leafy greens and to stay off of your feet ... and moderate your socializing?"

She sighed.

"What have you done to my daughter in law?"

I looked up to find Mr. and Mrs. Waverly looking down at me like a pair of demon bookends. "What you should have been doing. Looking to her welfare. She's no business being in the midst of this nonsense. She needs to be stitching or working on menues or something that she can do sitting down and quiet, not getting pushed to and fro playing hostess. It's obvious to anyone that isn't blind and an idiot that she's been ill and needs to be cared for, not the other way around, socializing so the two of your can escape with your cronies to scheme."

It was at that moment that Turner drug Rom back and seeing he was wet head to toe it was more than a bucket that he got dumped in. He kneeled beside Fan and I moved back. He took her hand and said, "I beg your pardon Fan ... it ... it was the punch and my bad temper."

Fan nodded silently and patted his hand. I realized something. Fan and Rom were trying to make a better bargain of it than I ever had with The Linder. It made me uncomfortable and shamed me.

Trying to keep my voice steady I told Rom, "She needs to be carried inside and then to your chambers. And she needs to stay there until the orders for her care that the doctors have given can do the work and she is stronger. The weather will soon turn changeable and she is weak enough that a simple chill could be dangerous. Whatever else you do Rom, this must be enforced. Do you understand?"

He looked at me blearily. "You've changed Leeda."

"So have you. That's the way life is when it hands you what we've been handed. Now take care of your wife. And remind others to do the same. And for the love of all Rom ... stay away from the punch, it obviously doesn't agree with you. You were acting like a knothead."

"You always told me the truth of it."

"I was your friend."

"Are you still?"

Irritated at all those that listened I sighed and snapped, "I must be because otherwise instead of giving you to your brother to deal with I would have skewered you with the roast beef carving knife. You really acted like an ass."

"I know." He looked to Fan and said again, "I know." He carefully lifted her and began to carry her to the house.

I stood up and as I was brushing my hands and skirt off Mr. Waverly snarled, "How dare you come to my home and behave in such a shameful way. How dare you ... after all we have done for you."

"Oh Glory above. I haven't seen any of you since you sold me to The Linder to keep you out of hot water of your own making. And even then you didn't have the courage to face me with it but sent my poor cousin to tell the tale. If it wasn't for Nat's intervention I wouldn't even have been going there to be a wife. So do not talk to me about what all you have done for me. And now that I am Widow of The Guardian I will remind you to treat me with the respect that station is due. And whatever monies you took from the Linder family, you'd best believe I have explained the truth of it to the good Sheriff."

Mrs. Waverly glanced at her husband and asked, "What monies?"

"Quiet woman."

"I asked what monies," she shrilled.

As they began to bicker I rolled my eyes and turned and marched back to the dias to get my shawl. I must have been mumbling some foulness as when the Sheriff stepped into my path he whistled. "Perhaps I won't introduce you to Nancee after all. You are far too creative."

"Then you best be lucky all it is are words. And for your information I am leaving. I am done being used for whatever purpose you are about. I've too much self respect to turn into a plaything for any man, regardless of his reasons."

He blinked and reached a hand to stop me but was caught by Mr. Waverly who started complaining about my behavior and I made good my escape still cursing my situation and certain individuals in particular.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 8

I was almost to the stable when Roda caught up with me. "Fan wants to see you."

"Well I don't think it wise that I see her. This whole mess is ludicrous and I'll be glad to see the backside of it when I leave to go back to Linderhall."

"Oh ... you ... you are ..."

"Yes. With the passing of the other two Widow Linders there are some matters that need my attention. Now please tell Fan to listen to the doctors and do what they say is best for her." Looking around I added, "Rom's mother should be seeing to this, not you."

Roda glanced away then back. "Things aren't as we've been told are they?"

"Since I don't know what you are referring to I have no idea."

She looked at me like an inquisitve sparrow. "Rom's right. You're different."

"I was a fourteen year old child when I left here. Given what I was going to there is no way I could not help but change."

She swallowed and nodded. "Was it very bad?"

"Whatever it was or was not is no one's business. Is that all?"

Berniece, Rom's sister that is about my age came out of the shadows and grabbed my arm. "Rom is miserable since you left. If you leave again I don't know what he'll do."

I looked at the drama queen and sighed and peeled her grip off. "I can guess at the cause but it isn't me, that's for certain. He and Fan seem to get along fine ... when the dunce isn't swimming in the punch."

Beniece shook her head. "Of course it is you. You are his great love."

I snorted then started laughing to hide the pain of the memories. "We were fourteen and sixteen Berniece. What love we had for each other was the love of one child for another ... for a good friend they'd known their whole life. I've found a way to live with what life has handed to me ... but Rom looks like he could use some help finding his way." I looked to Roda. "Tell Turner to get Rom into battle training. Somehow, some way, however it may. Something was taken from him that he needed. He needs a way to burn off the frustration. And have a goal that reminds him of what he once was and could be again."

"Like you have?" Roda asked.

I saw in her an honesty the others lacked. I'd always liked Roda and I suppose it was possible that I still did. "I'm getting there. And I'll finish getting there after I leave here. Nat will be leaving as well. And with him gone I'm the last Harper. Perhaps it is best to unlink myself from my family's namesake. This place has changed so much from what it once was. It has no connection for me or to me anymore. Let both the town of Harper and me, the last Harper, go our separate ways."

I turned to go again but Berneice stopped me and asked, "Are we in trouble? Will you tell the new Guardian that we aren't fit? Father says you will. He says you'll betray us and see us put out to live with the savages. Tell me you won't Leeda ... please, in Rom's memory don't do that to us."

I sighed growing weary and irritated at her theatrics. "What do I have to do with the Guardian? I've never even met the man. I'd be more concerned with what the Sheriff will say ... he's the Guardian's brother." They gasped because apparently that tidbit wasn't known by all.

I rode Nanny hard all the way back to the cabin, only slowing down when it grew dark. But she was still breathing fast and needed a good rub down when I got in. Nat came out, took one look at my face, and proceeded to help me care for Nanny, ignoring the stray tear that would fall.

I'd calmed my anger down by the time we'd finished and locked the shed I used as a stable for the animals. "I was going to head back to the rectory but I think I will stay here for the night instead."

I shook my head. "Go Nat. You have to finish your preparations and I want to finish the last journey cake for you."

"Leeda ..."

"And don't tell me there is no need. You are my only cousin ... only family ... and when you leave I don't know when or if we'll ever see ... see ..."

"Shhhhh, no crying. We said no crying, remember? Whether we part permanently in this life or not, we'll always be together again ... all of us will ... after our Judgment Day."

I breathed to control my emotions and then nodded though my eyes still wanted to water. "So it will be."

"Now sit and drink a cup of tea. The night feels like it wants to chill before morning. And tell me of this great party. Was it interesting?"

"Interesting in the same way being watched by a Forest Cat is interesting. I was on display and being pulled this way and that and if I can possibly manage it I'll never go to such another event for the rest of my life."

"Hmmm. That interesting."

"Hah. Your warning was timely but forwarned I refused all invitations to walk, view, visit, or anything else that took me from the dias. And the Sheriff ... the lunkhead ... left me on my own the whole time. Some escort. Never again. And then ..."

"There's more?"

"Not just more but worse. Fan fainted and all the chickens did was run around like their heads were cut off and I put my foot in it. Rom was drunk on the house punch and acting like Fanny's hind end until Turner - at my request - dunked him in something that got rid of the worst of the drink. Mr. and Mrs. Waverly, when they finally showed up, treated me like I was the spawn of Himself Down Below and started berating me for being shameful and I don't know what all else since I left the party."

"Where was the Sheriff in all this?"

"No clue, probably doing his infernal observing. He tried to stop me when he finally showed up and I informed him I was leaving but Mr. Waverly waylaid him and started spewing his bile. Then ... then ..."

"More?"

"Don't you dare laugh Nat. It was awful. Berniece tried to play one of her theatricals and called me Rom's one true love or some such nonesense and then begged me not to slander them to the Guardian ... as if I would. Roda ..."

"Turner's wife?"

"The same. She ... she seemed as she always had been. Nice. She was shocked to find out that the Sheriff is the new Guardian's brother. She said something strange ... that things weren't the way they'd been told. I have no idea what she meant by that."

"The Mayor appears to have been playing a deep game."

"Aye, maybe that's it. Because apparently Mrs. Waverly knew nothing about any monies that the Linder family had sent with the messenger for my keeping. I'm so confused. I expected to be angrier at people but ... but those I'm angry with ... it is for reasons other than what happened ... or at least not only for what happened. And those I thought I would be the angriest with? All I felt was sorrow ... for all of us. Rom and Fan are unhappy Nat."

"I did try to talk to you about it Leeda. You just weren't in a place you could hear."

I sighed. "I need to work on that don't I?"

"Yes, but not just you. It is a lesson we all have to learn ... and relearn ... much more often than is comfortable for any of us in the human race. But for now you should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day of sorting and packing. I will stay here tonight."

"Nat ..."

"Until I know that there will be no ... visitors ... wishing to make sure you found your way home it is here I will stay. One last night for old time's sake will not hurt me and the Rector will understand once I explain. He's never really understood how you lived without a companion of some sort ... this will fit in with his view of propriety and make him happy."

Actually happy to have him when he did stay, I was doubly so when I thought about any possible "visitors" that he'd mentioned. I'd never given that problem much thought because I'd never had such problems. But then again I'd never socialized in company to get the notice I had tonight.

"Very well Nat. I'll make your bed."

"No, just a pallet out here."

"Are you sure?"

He was.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 9

"The Sheriff stopped by last night."

I nearly spilt the pepperweed seeds I was putting into a jar which would then go in my traveling case. "What did you say?"

Nat swallowed a bite of chickweed omelet I had made for his breakfast and repeated, "The Sheriff stopped by last night. He seemed ... peevish ... when I said you were unavailable."

"Good." Then shaking my head. "Or perhaps not. I hope he doesn't revoke his offer of a job at Linderhall."

"You aren't going to a job, you are going as the Widow Linder ... to help the family."

"Humph. I'd prefer it to be called a job."

"Have you transferred your grudge from the Waverlys to the Linders?"

"No and stop your sermoning first thing in the morning or you can leave without the fruit pasties I'm making for you." I shook my head. "It isn't a grudge to speak the truth. I would prefer it to be an honest job. This way none of us get the wrong idea or forget our place."

"You mean so you don't forget your place or make the mistake of daydreaming a bit."

"Of course I include myself in that. I'm not a complete ninnyhammer."

"No you aren't ... but I was just checking. I don't wish to see you hurt. You're still young enough ..."

"Don't start Nat. That type of foolishness was ground out of me. And last night was proof of it. I thought it would at least hurt to see Rom and Fan together ... but it didn't, not even a bit."

"Then why the sighing? Are you sorry you feel nothing?"

"No. More like ... more like I'm ... I'm jealous. But ... oh botheration ... not jealous of them in particular ... just ..."

"Just?"

"Nat ... they managed to make something of it, of their marriage. I didn't. Even with their troubles it looks like they've tried and found something even if it isn't a fairytale ... maybe a friendship, I'm not certain and shudder at the idea of prying to find out. It's just ... Nat, I didn't try ... and the only thing I found was a bit of pity; not felt by me but felt for me by my husband. I feel like a fool ... and somehow shameful ... but for the life of me Nat, I don't know what I would have done different could I have done anything different. It makes me feel dirty ... both for what my marriage wasn't and because I held hard feelings for Rom and Fan."

"Come and sit Leeda. Let us talk." Reluctantly I did as Nat asked. "Listen to me Leeda. Do you remember before my accident?"

"I was very young but I remember."

"I was young too, about fourteen. There was a girl. She died during the plague so her name and family don't matter. But I loved her as much as a young boy could and more than most thought I did. Then the accident and the resulting infection ... and then the surgery. It saved my life but left me ... half a man."

"You're more man than most."

"You know of what I speak."

"Aye. But that doesn't define you as a man Nat. I remember Father and Grandfather saying that many times. A man is his actions and responsibilities and faith, not the container those things are housed in."

"But it has affected my life and my choices ... and has affected how other people relate to me."

"This is going to be a sad story isn't it."

"In part yes. When it became obvious that I'd never be able to begat and carry on the Harper name my young love's father forbid our friendship as having no profit. I still felt love and it pained me greatly, going from a brute of a boy proud of my size for my age and already having a few whiskers on my chin and upper lip to ... to what I was. Then I learned she'd given herslef to another and a marriage was being rushed forward."

"Oh Nat."

"Oh Aye ... I was feeling sorry for myself all right. But your father told me that any boy would ... and grown men too that have found themselves in the same place. That I needed to find a new path ... or to discover the path that God had had in mind for me all along."

"What a pill to swallow."

"Yes it was. And for a while I was so angry that it was hard for me to manage. Do you ... do you remember when I pushed you from the hay loft?"

"I remember the tooth I lost because of it more than the push Nat."

"Well I remember it ... and I'll never forget it. Never forget the look on your father's and our grandfather's faces either ... or the beating your brothers gave me ... until Marcus realized I wasn't fighting back but was running into their fists as much as I could. Or your father telling the rest to leave me be while I sat by your bed and cried. I was 16 and I'd pushed a girl barely more than a baby just because she wouldn't take no for trying to give me a flower. You could have died or been a cripple for life Leeda ... but God was merciful. And that's when I decided I needed God more than I needed my anger. It didn't happen overnight but I did heal ... but I had to make the choice. I could have been ... different earlier. But when you are young you ... you don't always have the understanding of how to make things different."

"Is this about you ... or me?"

"About us both Leeda. Do you remember me telling you that I thought it not a bad thing that Fan is older than Rom?" At my nod he continued, "If I had to guess Fan has played a role in trying to make things work with Rom. She's older, has experienced loss herself, and is generally thought well of by those that know her. And Rom played his role as well and tried. He's sour more about other things than he is about his marriage to Fan."

"Good for them ... and I mean that. I might not have been able to say it aloud before yesterday but I am saying it now. Good for them and I hope things turn more hopeful."

"There's always hope for those who seek it. But what I'm saying Leeda is that ..." He stopped and sighed. "They both worked on it. It ... it takes two to make a thing like that work. My love for the girl I knew didn't last because ... because it took two and she ... she left so my feelings withered and died. And thankfully the Church now fills that spot in my life. But you ... you shouldn't start feeling shamed and ... and start doubting yourself because you've come to a deeper understanding of your marriage. It takes two Leeda and from what you've told me and from what I've learned from others, The Linder that was your husband was ... was a fairly good Guardian and fairly poor at almost everything else he put his hand to ... son, brother, father, husband ... soldier, farmer, businessman ... all of it. If he hadn't inherited the job and the assets that came with it I'm pretty certain he'd wound up nothing more than a lonely and miserable old codger in the poorhouse."

"But ..."

"No buts Leeda. He was older, more experienced, and he had to have known it was unrealistic to expect a girl to step into a marriage to a man with his responsibilities and sphere of influence and be able to ... to swim without drowning. It takes two Leeda. Just like my young love never tried ... your husband never tried. He may have had his reasons for keeping his distance and ignoring you but to my mind they weren't good enough. When you make a contract ... it doesn't matter what it is ... you are giving your word, involving your honor, promising to do your best ... and you're agreeing to work to see the contract successful. When one party fails to keep their honor in the agreement, they fail to fulfill their part, then the contract becomes nul and void."

"But marriage isn't a contract or covenant between two ... but between three. You said yourself that God is the only being that has never broken a promise which is what a contract is."

"Aye, marriage is different in that respect but don't confuse the issue. God sanctifies a contract made in good faith but He won't do the work to make sure the humans on the other end continue in good faith ... that is up to the spouses. You've nothing to be ashamed of Leeda ... you ... you were too young to have the experience to do much more than honor the fact that you were married. It should have been your husband that expressed an active good faith ... and in that he failed. You did what you could at the age you were; at the age The Linder was he should have been doing the Lion's share until you found your feet in his household yet he did not. Of all the things that you will regret in this life ... don't let those eleven months destroy you. If fault is to be counted then the Linder bares the far greater weight."

It was with a still heavy heart that I saw Nat off so he could return to his duties and have time to finish up his own packing. But I knew the remedy for depression and that was good solid work.

 

[sssarawolf]

Break time and more story thank you happy dance.

 

[Hickory7]

Good Stuff. I love the characters that you spin in your stories. I can't wait to see what the Sheriff says to her.

 

[Mysty]

I know its greedy but its one of those days where arthritis gives me nothing to do. May we please have a bit more?

 

[nancy98]

Wow! Thanks Kathy.

 

[moldy]

Dang it!! I read too fast!

 

[Yarnball]

This is DELIGHTFUL! Thanks. Now I'm off to find your other stories!!

 

[kaijafon]

I love how this story has that "gothic" feel to it... not the "modern" kid type gothic but that old fashioned type of writing that was more popular in the mid-20th century...

thank you

 

[nana2boys]

I scrolled really slow just hoping I would find another chapter

 

[nancy98]

Dang it!! I read too fast!

I'm like a fat lady at a free buffet. ;-)

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 10

Before leaving for the rectory Nat had helped me to pull the storage chests from the loft and set them upon the floor for filling. As I packed and sorted with an eye that it was unlikely I would ever be returning I realized there were few things I could not walk away from if the Sheriff balked at what I was bringing.

I'd hate to leave behind my housegoods but there is such a thing as starting over. I had no attachment to most of the furniture in the cabin, nearly all of which was built in anyway and impossible to move. And I had enough linens to fit a much larger home so I could take one set and leave the rest. But my mother's comb and brush set I could not bare to part with. Nor my grandfather's Bible that Nat had mended the binding of as a special surprise for my sixteenth birthday. There was a creche scene that my brothers had carved for me when I was finally old enough to stop chewing on my toys that I kept out year round and every year at the Celebration of the Birth they had added a new animal or character or some such ... until the plague had caused their deaths. My father's hunting rifle had been disallowed when I went to Linderhall the first time but I dared anyone to try and take it from me this one. My grandmother's sewing glasses was another delicate treasure. The bag that held locks of my family's hair, snipped before their bodies were carted away to the town funeral pyre would be put into a special pocket sewn into my skirt as would my legal papers sealed in a thin, waterproof tube and the few metal rings I hadn't had to sell to purchase goods to get me started in widowhood.

I was dirty and sweaty and going through memories as much as I was going through what I was packing. As muncheon approached I decided a break was needed. I headed outside to bring in some fresh water and was at the pump when the Sheriff rode into my clearing.

"Widow."

"Sheriff," I said not looking up as I continued to pump.

He got down from his horse - I heard the creak of his saddle - but then there was a thud and I turned to see him on the ground.

"What kind of funning is this?"

He did not answer.

"Sheriff?"

He hissed in pain and finally started to try and roll to sit up.

I put my bucket down and walked slowly forward. "If this is a theatrical ..."

The Sheriff groaned and then I got a look at his face. "Oh by all that's ..." I rushed forward. "When did this happen?"

"Las ... night."

"Last night?! When last night?"

He huffed but allowed me to sit him up and then get him standing up. "So much for my damn pride. I haven't been scooped up by a woman in ..."

"Hush. I'm stronger than I look. I wasn't born to this status I carry like a burden remember. Come. Sit on the bench and let me get some daisy salve and witch hazel."

"I don't need a doctor."

"And you aren't getting one but if you don't sit still I may send for Sister Serenity. She has a way of making mincemeat of men who refuse help and it usually has to do with one ear feeling like it has been detached and then sewn back on upside down. So what is it going to be Sheriff? My help or the ... er ... help of the good Sister?"

"You and April are going to be friends. I just know it. She's always poking and proding one of us."

"Good. She sounds like a most reasonable lady."

I cleaned him up and noted that someone had already done it before me. "Who tried to patch you up the first time?"

"Innkeeper's wife."

"Mrs. Larson?"

"The same. When she was done I felt more pummeled than I had already been. And the woman dosed me."

I heard outrage in his voice, like he couldn't believe anyone would dare. Having a disagreeble husband and a half dozen sons of the same temperment I could well believe Mrs. Larson dosed on very little excuse any man she thought was being difficult. It was simply easier than her listening to them squawl.

"There, all finished. You may be the Sheriff but you should still inform the Brothers and give them a description. They'll know whether they're local or not ... if they are they'll deal with them and if they aren't they'll be on the look out."

"Already been done. I went to see your cousin."

"Why?" I asked carefully as I put the cleaning cloths to soak.

"To see whether you were 'available' or not."

"Hmmm. Nat is protective but not confiningly so. What did he say?"

"Said to walk softly because if I offended you that you might take my head off ... and that if you didn't he would."

"Oh he did not."

"Yes Widow, he did. And rightfully so. Let us just say last night did not go precisely as I had expected."

"And what did you expect? That I'd just go off with those men? I may be young ... and perhaps still be more foolish than I'd like to admit ... but I'm not stupid. And I've better manners as well."

He bowed in my direction, nearly tipping onto the ground. "Will you sit?! Honestly, did they crack your noggin to go with this black eye?"

"They tried."

I shook my head and poured him a dipper of water. "Nothing stronger."

"Agreed. I think we've both seen more of that than we'd like."

"Wha ...? " Then the look on his face told me to what he was referring. I sighed. "Rom was ..." Then I shrugged. "I don't know what he was. I don't know him now. Why I feel the need to make excuses for him I don't understand." I shook my head to clear it. "Have you heard news of Fan?"

"I was there before seeking your cousin out. There's been a huge row. The Mayor of Beaumont was informed during the night of his daughter's state and has come to collect her. Apparently the Mayor of Waverly was further shocked when his son informed him that it was he that sent word to his father in law and that he would be escorting his wife and daughters someplace that Fan could get the proper care she needs."

I said nothing.

"Did you hear me Widow?"

"I heard. I asked how Fan was. The rest is none of my business Sheriff."

"Hmmm."

Rather than take note of his tone I said, "I am wrapping the last of these journey cakes for Nat but there is one that didn't set as well as I like. Care to help me to polish it off with some soup? That should be soft enough not to irritate your mouth."

"Very well ... but don't think you are getting off lightly. We haven't even begun to discuss last night."

"Sure we have ... and we are now finished discussing it."

"Do you not wish to hear of my discussion with Turner Waverly?"

"Knowing Turner why would I wish to hear of what is an undoubtedly dull conversation?"

"Actually I found it rather enlightening. He was certainly and honestly outraged to find out that Mr. Tosh has discovered a second set of books and that his father has been syphoning money from the town and family coffers for some scheme that has yet to reveal itself."

That stopped me for a moment but I tried to not let it show. "And apparently he has been so successful at it that he made the mistake of thinking he could take and hide the money sent by the Linder Family with no one being the wiser."

"Which explains Mrs. Waverly's confusion about the funds that you had transferred on my behalf."

"Exactly though I suspect she has suspicions of something going on, just not what it might be. But I could be wrong," he added with a shrug. When I asked no further questions he sighed. "Widow .. Leeda ... I am going to recommend that Mr. Waverly be removed as Mayor."

I dropped the serving ladle with a clatter. I turned in shock and just looked at him. "You ... you ... can't. Harper has been independent since before the end of the Days of Destruction."

"And independent it will remain."

"You ... I mean the Guardian ... will appoint a new Mayor?"

"No. Well yes. Damn, I think I might be getting too good at this sneaky political stuff." He looked at me with a sardonic glint in his eye making me very uncomfortable, like I had been played. "I believe that for the sake of his health the current Mayor needs to retire to someplace quiet ... perhaps to his holdings further to the east, a hunting lodge I believe. In this case the succession would be advanced and Turner Waverly will take on the mantle of Mayor of Harper."

"Your job is Sheriff ... if that's who you really are ... not ... not rearranging status."

"Have no fear Leeda, I am indeed the Sheriff and my brother is indeed the Guardian. However you are wrong that my job does not include rearranging status. Often times I run into ... issues ... that while they break no law outright they certainly destroy or have the potential to destroy the stability of this land. While the Guardian handles the authority of status - to give it or to take it away - one man alone should never have such power. James and I ... balance that power if you will ... through being Sheriff and Chancellor. Admittedly we cannot force life to be fair to everyone but we can see that justice is done as much as possible. Too many things were not adding up with your story, there was too much gossip going in every which direction and Ceena and Tonya didn't make matters any easier; I have discovered no outright lies but they certainly added their share of confusion. And then the money went missing. It could not be allowed to continue or fester. It is a matter of law and honor. Tomas is still consolidating his position as the new Guardian ... both with the Mayor's Council and with the Great Council itself. The review of the tax rolls and this situation gave him ... us ... a chance to show how we mean to start and go on. Status or not, all will at least have access to justice whether they want it or not."

Nastily I asked, "Well if you pretended to get the stuffing beat out of you to make your point, it was a silly bit of theatrics and completely unnecessary."

"No ... no that was real. It seems that I've pried open a lid on something that has even more stench to it than a little financial fraud. Which leads me to ask Widow ... could you be ready to leave by morning?"

Shocked I asked, "Excuse me?"

"I know I meant to give you another day but I have business to discuss with the Guardian and Chancellor but I don't feel comfortable having you follow of your own accord."

"I ... I suppose ..." I looked around thinking what could be left behind.

Something must have shown on my face because he said, "Easy there. I have hired some help and they should be here shortly if you agree. Tell the two girls what you wish packed and how and the two young men will load the trunks into the wagon I see you've pulled around for that purpose." When he saw me open my mouth on a protest he added, "I said I hired Widow Linder. Whatever the expense I'll pay if it gets me my way."

Flustered I said, "I need to speak with Nat."

"He is the one bringing the helpers. He will ride with us to the rail and while he goes west we will load onto the cars heading north."

"The rail?" I asked shocked. I'd only ridden it once and that was to visit my sister wives' relatives in Paduck.

"Aye."

"But ... but Nanny, and my fowl ..."

"Will be placed in a livestock car."

"Argh! Fine ... but ..."

"But what?"

"I don't even know where I will be staying when we arrive. I cannot go back to my old room. What if I go to the trouble of packing all this only ..."

"No, your old rooms are now occupied by my sisters. What James proposed, and Tomas has already agreed to, is the building that was being used by Widows Ceena and Tonya as the Dower House. They had it cleaned up and decorated and were living there before they became ill. It hasn't been opened since it was sealed at their deaths and will require cleaning. Tomas has also set a sum aside equal to what they received for redecorating and repairs as they become needed."

"The old overseers house? They had mentioned something about turning it into the Dower house as they said it had been used as such by other widows to the Guardians over the years."

The Sheriff laughed and then groaned at the pain he had caused himself. "Indeed. You are probably the youngest Dowager ever to live there."

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 11

"I warned you that your insistance on spending so much time on the platform would lead to this."

I shrugged while attempting to shake most of the coal dust from my hat and my hair. "I don't care. I was not going to sit and stitch while the world went by. I may never have the chance to do this again and don't want to miss anything."

"As you wish Widow."

I looked at the Sheriff and noticed he seemed a bit distracted. "You're as bad as Nat. I don't need a babysitter. If you have work to do or papers or just would like some other company beside my own I won't pitch a fit ... nor will I pitch over the railing. I'm perfectly capable of standing without someone standing over me."

"You do not care for my company do you?"

I looked at him. "Is the Sheriff asking or the man who wears the title?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that the one appears to feel compelled to be nice for some reason and the other may be nice but is not above using me for his own ends which makes me ... cautious. Both seem to be a bit silly on occasion and neither seem to consider that I may be concerned at what I will find when I return to Linderhall and how quickly I will need to make plans for when I leave there."

"You assume that you will leave."

I looked at him closely. "That statement could be perceived as a threat."

He sighed in frustration. "It was not meant as such. Must you be so suspicious?"

"I have found it healthier to be so."

"How so?"

"Let us just say, I do not like being used and certainly not for purposes I do not understand."

"You are still angry about the Waverly event."

"Not angry ... let us say disappointed. I thought I had left all that nonsense behind me. Now here I am returning to it. I agreed to come for Marta's sake, but I have no wish to play the politics game. I will not be used like that again. Do not expect me to attend events."

"You are family. Your presence will be expected."

"I am family only by marriage and barely that. I am much more comfortable below stairs and will keep to myself."

"People will talk."

I shrugged. "Let them. It's not like it wasn't that way before."

"Ceena and Tonya did not moderate it?"

I snorted. "Cenna and Tonya instigated most of it ... to keep me in my place."

The Sheriff was quiet for a moment then said, "We got off on the wrong foot. I have already said that the Waverly event did not go as I expected it to but you've never allowed me to explain why."

"No explanation is necessary. You expected me to ... to reveal something about myself, some inner flaw perhaps. You had some preconceived notions about my character or personality. You left me so that I'd have no protection and would have to fall back on what I knew best. And you thought then that you'd have me nailed down. Am I wrong?"

With pinched lips he muttered, "No. But ... damnation you are hardheaded. You have forced me to completely re-evaluate the whole of it that Tomas, James, and I spent long hours working out. And it does not reflect well on my family."

"What has your family do to with it? My husband was your father's cousin. Forgive me for being blunt but both are dead. I knew your father not at all and my husband barely any better. That is not family Sheriff ... that is an accident of birth and marriage, nothing else."

"We still have a duty to right some of the infernal ... damnation you are hardheaded."

I shook my head. "You are beginning to repeat yourself." I stepped to the basin of water set there for washing then turned to him and said, "I am going to help Mizz Marta get back on her feet. And because I feel some loyalty to those belowstairs that eased my life in the small ways they were able to. I am not going there with plans to stay Sheriff. I don't belong there."

"And just where do you imagine you belong? Harper?"

"Not Harper, not any longer. And where I will go after Linderhall I am not yet certain. Perhaps I have many places I have yet to go before I find where I belong. Who knows? Whatever or where ever ... it is not your problem, nor will I take any actions that would cause the Sheriff of Tentuckia to consider me his problem."

"What of Daren Linder then?"

I looked at him in surprise and then sighed before I started chuckling. "Oh Sheriff, you are good I will give you that but I have had the desire for romantic theatricals ground out of me. Go practice your play acting on someone else. You are merely bored. Once you get back to Linderhall there will be plenty for you to do."

The Sheriff tried to look offended but ended up smiling instead. "Well, it was worth a shot. Most sixteen year olds would have fallen for it. Nancee rather expected you to form an infatuation for me. But a word of warning, do not try any playacting of your own with my brothers for they are both married."

"Tell you sister Nancee she is giving you an undeserved oversized head. Besides, for all I know you are married though why you think I'd bother being concerned about it or the matrimonial status of your brothers is beyond me."

"Ceena and Tonya seemed to consider it important."

I snorted. "Ceena and Tonya could recite the genealogies of most of the old families in Tentuckia and many of the not so old families. Even some of the families in other regions. They kept volumes on the subject."

"You exaggerate."

"I assure you I do not. And when notices of births and marriages came in for recording they would not allow them to be filed until they had approved the entries. It was one of the few things our husband twitted them on."

A man I recognized as one of the Sheriff's outriders came into the rail car and said, "The conductor says there's a disturbance on the track up ahead."

The Sheriff became all business and snapped at me, "Stay inside the car." He left going forward to the engine.

In less than a minute the rail began to slow and then it jerked to a stop. I heard some shouting and then several men running to the front of the train. Less than a minute later the car door facing the back of the train opened and I turned to find a man rushing at me.

I dodged and as I did so I released the knife I carred in a sheath on my wrist. It was one my father had made for my mother and Nat had suggested after her death that I start carrying it, partly as a reminder and partly for my own protection since he was still working long hours in the church hospital. It wasn't a large knife by any means but it was sharp and when the man grabbed me and tried to pull me backwards out of the car I used it to stab the big artery in his leg. I stabbed twice more before he became smart enough to release me. I gasped for air from where I lay and watched him flail and pass out before he could get further than the rear platform.

My throat and neck were sore but not dangerously so. I turned sharply as I heard the other door open and a man step in with a revolver in one hand but not held aggressively in my direction. "Easy Widder Linder. I'm a friend."

I croaked, "Forgive me sir if I'm unwilling to take that chance."

"Aye ... there's some rough characters amongst us for true that have deep grudges against the Linder family and wouldn't mind taking what they can get from you over it. But that's not me. I've a message for yer." When he saw I was listening he said, "These new Linders ... they bain't be like the old ones that knew their place and kept to it. They be getting up in everybody's bidness. They be messing with things they have no bidness messing wiff. Mark my words, they'll use you like an old saddle and leave yer out in the wet and cold."

"Everyone uses everyone."

"Mayhap ... but there's ways and then there's ways."

"Agreed. But if you expect me to go from the frying pan to the fire ..."

The man gave a surprised chuff of laughter. "It'll be fun ter hear how yers makes out. That attitude ought to give 'em pause ... or mayhap they'll have ter lose a nose or finger 'fore they figure it out. You just mind yerself. Thems is gonna get lessoned for butting in where they don't belong. Yer give 'em the message."

At a noise the man rushed passed me, out the rear door, and off the train. Outside I could see men scrambling for the ditches as a repeater gun blasted the side of the train. Being no fool I ducked as well but must have struck my head on something because everything went black.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 12

"Damnation, where is that woman?!"

"Easy Dar, she is on her way."

"And how do you expect me to explain to Tomas if I can't even manage to fetch a small scrap of a woman without getting her killed?"

I blinked my eyes open and found that I was in the sleeping car and on the bench that served as a bed. "Are you always this quarrelsome?" I asked. "It is headache inducing."

I tried to sit up but the two men crowded me. "Back before I skewer you both. I've had enough of men and puzzles for one day thank you very much," I snapped looking around for my knife.

"Forget that fang you carried. I've put it up for safe keeping. I have no desire to be ... er ... skewered anytime soon. And why didn't I know you carried such?"

"Because you've got manners despite being the Sheriff and have some false idea that I'm fragile. I'm a Woodsman's daughter. You're lucky I don't carry an axe around to cleave the heads of those that annoy me. Now move. And who is he? Never mind, he's a relation to you, I can see it clear as day. An infernal Linder."

The man's eyebrows tried to climb into his hairline but the Sheriff just smiled. "Not a Linder ... a Nealy ... from my mother's side.That's the side I take after. This is my cousin Ronald Nealy and he is a regional guard."

"How do you do?" I said to the man. "I beg your pardon for my foul temper but I really dislike being attacked."

"Uh ... of course ... I assure you the feeling is mutual Widow Linder." Turning to the Sheriff he said, "I'll return in a moment."

After Guard Nealy left I said carefully, "Your brother is making enemies."

He caught my meaning immediately. "Why do say you that?"

"I was given a message to pass along."

Once I'd repeated exactly what the man had said several times the Sheriff fell silent and thoughtful. I told him, "The one thing I learned during my tenure as one of the Guardian's wives was that the status quo was all important. Anything ... or anyone ... that disturbed or threatened the status quo could create problems far larger than the act or person should have been able to. Trouble like that ... it was an unexpected consequence of my marriage and what irritated my husband most. I still don't understand all of it but it didn't all lie at the feet of Ceena and Tonya's prejudices against me."

The Sheriff reached over and locked the door of the compartment we were in then placed his finger over his lips before whispering, "I hesitate to ask but how much did you know of your husband's ... habits?"

Confused I said, "I'm not sure what you mean?"

"Did you ever notice him sipping from a small, filligree flask?"

"Oh, you mean his stomach medicine."

"Is that what he called it then?" I was confused once again and he looked at me so compassionately that I was ready to bolt from the room. "Widow ... Leeda ... what he sipped can be used as a medicine of sorts but he shouldn't have been taking it. It was an opiate blend ... highly addictive but because of how it is processed has far fewer side effects. It is the addictive part that is concerning however. His valet told us that he had a fresh flask of his 'tonic' made up every morning. One flask should have left him comatose. The fact that he drank a flask of it every day with no aparent behavioral afffects speaks of an addiction of long duration." Carefully he asked, "How ... how often did you ... were you in ... in your husband's bed chamber?"

I wanted to scratch his eyes out. "THAT is none of your business."

"That rarely is it?"

"You .... you ..."

"Don't hiss and growl at me Widow. I wouldn't embarrass us both if this wasn't important. I need to know."

"Twice," I spat.

"Twice a week? Twice a month?"

"Just twice you ... you awful ..."

The Sheriff leaned back like he was shocked but then the shock faded and he nodded like the knowledge fit some kind of puzzle. "You can throw something at me later or help my sisters make me miserable but we need to finish this discussion."

"Stuff your discussion sideways."

"I almost wish I could. It's as uncomfortable for me as for you I assure you. The ... er ... infrequency of your ... interaction ... with your husband is probably part of the reason why you didn't recognize the symptoms despite your training; overuse of it leads to infertility and ultimately impotence. Marta mentioned he was too fond of his stomach medicine but he kept his ingredients for it a state secret and she never could find out what it was. He was heavily addicted to what he kept in that flask. Our family apothecary says that it is a very expensive version of a drug that is uncommon ... or should be uncommon ... in our region. The Great Council keeps track of the trade for security reasons."

"Should they not be doing something about something so evil?"

"It is not the GC's place to prevent people from being addicts and idiots if they so choose. The GC gets involved if taxes aren't paid on imports or there are disagreements between regions but beyond that they merely organize the various militias to protect the foreign borders and promote trade agreements. They turn away or sink most of the illegal drug ships before they dock because they usually carry disease or promote slavery - not because of the drug itself - but smaller shipments come by way of smugglers. It is the Guardians who guard against rampant problems of addiction by making sure that if someone does choose to consume substances that they do not hold public office, nor inherit office while under an addiction, and that if they break any other laws while under the influence that there is a further penalty."

"In other words if they aren't breaking any laws they can be as addicted as they can get away with being but if they are addicted and break a law the punishment is that much greater."

"Aye. Exactly. Except add that poverty due to addiction is illegal to relieve with charity. Tentuckia's only problems for several generations has been the occasional batch of poisonous liquor and attempted incursions of savages from the border lands between regions. Plus the occasional internal struggle with the anarchists."

"And plagues."

"We all suffer from the plagues of our day Leeda, politics will not inherently protect anyone from a germ. Nor will it make anyone inherently more vulnerable."

"Fine," I said thinking about what else the man had said.

"You're still thinking. Did you leave something out?"

"It's nothing I did not already know, I just didn't expect to be so ... so bluntly warned of it."

"And that is?"

"That the Linder family will use me as much as they can get away with."

"What?!"

"Oh climb down out of the luggage rack and stop acting so outraged. We both know it is a true fact. You may not even set out to intentionally use me but you're a Linder just like all the others that have come before you and I begin to think it is in your blood as much as it was in theirs. You claim to have no talent or patience for politics but you really do quite well when you aren't trying to pass yourself off as some harmless, lovesick puppy."

"I never ... well, I suppose I did. But only for a moment and because I was desperate."

"Don't get that desperate again. You look ridiculous trying to look wholesome and innocent. If you had an eye patch or something similar you'd look like a river pirate."

"I believe you are trying to insult me."

"Not trying, doing. You simply aren't cooperating. Now leave and go about whatever it is that Sheriff's do when rails are attacked. I wish to clean up and I'm not about to do it in front of you."

He stood up and gave a small bow. "I've sent for someone to look after you and make sure you are not injured."

"No need. I prefer to tend to myself. It is unnerving to have another woman helping me dress and undress."

"Well then let the unnerving begin because at least this once you will accept the help. Your neck is turning the color of vomitted blackberries and you have red spots all over your face."

And so saying he turned and left. As soon as he closed the door I rushed to the small mirrored cabinet then nearly stomped my foot in exasperation. His description had been all too accurate.

 

[Mysty]

Wonderful chapters to wake up to! Thanks Kathy

 

[Hickory7]

Yes! Nice to drink coffee to. Thank You.