Mrs. Jerrison chatted as they drove down the lane. “The tenants will welcome a visit. The late Lord Harrison would visit his tenants at least once a month, and they’ll be happy that you’re continuing that tradition.”
“I’m afraid I don’t remember all their names. I assume some of the ones I knew as a boy have since moved on. The funeral, when I was introduced to most of them, was a blur.”
“I can help you with that. Would you also like to know a little bit about the families?”
“Yes. That would be very helpful.”
As the wagon driver made steady progress toward the tenant cottages, Mrs. Jerrison told him of the different families and their challenges.
The Smithfield cottage was the first one they visited. Noah took the time to look around the property and inspect the cottage’s roof, which looked sound.
Mrs. Smithfield opened the door with an infant girl in her arms and a young boy clinging to her skirts as Noah jumped down from the wagon.
“Good day, Mrs. Smithfield.”
She curtseyed as best she could. “Lord Harrison, it’s an honor to welcome you to our home. Would you care for some tea?”
“No, thank you,” Noah said, retrieving the basket from the wagon bed. “I’m making the rounds to visit all the tenants.” He handed her the basket full of fresh bread and other foodstuffs. “Mrs. Jerrison has put together baskets for everyone.”
A tear rolled down Mrs. Smithfield’s face as she took the basket. “Thank you ever so much. This is quite welcome. The baby has been quite fussy, and I’ve not had a chance to make today’s bread.”
“Mrs. Smithfield, please don’t hesitate to send word if you’re in need of anything in the future. I want to make sure all the tenants are well cared for. It’ll be no trouble to send more foodstuff if you need them.”
As they talked, a man of about five and thirty came around the corner of the house. “Millie, I hope you’ve made lunch. I’m famished.”
“Thomas, my dear, Lord Harrison has come to call,” Mrs. Smithfield said.
Thomas stopped short as he realized they had company. “Lord Harrison, welcome,” he said, pulling off his hat.
Noah walked to Thomas and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Thomas.”
Thomas grasped it in a strong handshake. “My lord, we were all shocked and devastated to learn about your family.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say. I was telling your wife that if there’s anything you require, be sure to send word to the manor house,” Noah said.
Thomas’s two sons came around the corner of the house. They didn’t immediately see Noah and were bickering amongst themselves.
“It’s my turn first,” the oldest boy of two and ten said.
Thomas quickly stepped between them. “Boys, Lord Harrison has come to pay a call. Mind your manners. My lord, my sons—Thomas, John,—and that’s George clinging to my wife’s skirts. My daughter’s name is Margaret.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, but I’m afraid I must go. There are many more baskets to deliver today.”
“Thank you again for the basket, my lord,” Mrs. Smithfield said. “It’s very much appreciated.”
“Yes, thank you, Lord Harrison,” Thomas said.
“My pleasure. Good day,” Noah said and climbed back in the wagon.
As the wagon moved on, Mrs. Jerrison told him about the different families on the estate. “Currently, there are eighteen families tilling the land,” she said.
“I see. Are all the cottages occupied then? I remember there being twenty when I was younger.”
Mrs. Jerrison shook her head. “You’re correct. There are two cottages on the outer edge of the property that are vacant. That land doesn’t produce well, and those families have moved on.”
“I see. Are there any other uses for that land?”
“That I do not know, my lord.”
