Page 38 of The Mad Marchams

Mabel was pleased Cheryl was so enthusiastic. It was a great indication of her willingness and efficiency.

Outside, she didn’t return to the table right away and instead explored the garden. There were several shade trees and some flowering shrubs Mabel couldn’t identify. She wandered down to where a narrow stream bubbled its way through a series of rocks and dips.

“That’s Marcham Brook,” a voice said from behind her.

She turned to see Freddy. He smiled and joined her at the stream’s edge.

“It’s very cute,” Mabel said.

“It gets much wider when it goes through the estate. In fact, one of my ancestors diverted most of it into his garden without consulting the villagers or the farmers. Caused a bit of a stink.”

“Typical,” Mabel murmured. “No wonder we threw you out.”

“Can’t disagree with you there.” He glanced up the slope where Felicity and Lady Marcham were chatting away under a large, striped umbrella. “It’s good of you to bring my grandmother and sister out with you.”

“I hardly brought them. They are quite capable of motion by themselves. I just tagged along because they had errands to run in the village.”

“Where’s Viz?”

“He’s gone up to London to visit his bank.”

“Ah.” Freddy poked the toe of his welly at some weeds. “He’s really serious about this, isn’t he?”

“Yes, of course he is. When will you believe that?”

“When he sticks around for more than a month.” Freddy shrugged. “His visits are usually very fleeting.”

“Maybe you should give him a chance and show him some support or something.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Family life rarely is, but he has so many people against him on his plans to bail out the hall. It would be nice if at least his brother supported him.” Mabel hesitated and then decided to keep going. “We all make mistakes, Freddy. Colin seems to be trying to learn from his and move on.”

“He asked me to look into making the home farm organic and a real supplier of all the fruit and veg for the house and village.”

“That sounds awesome.” Mabel started walking back up the slope toward the table.

“Yes, I’m really keen on getting it going.”

Freddy still sounded doubtful. Mabel wondered what Colin would have to do to convince his brother to trust him again.

“Will you join us for lunch?” Mabel asked.

“I’ve already eaten, but I’ll get myself a pint and come and sit with you.” Freddy paused. “You’re good for him, you know.”

“Maybe because I don’t judge him by his past?”

“It’s hard to let go of the past, especially when you grow up surrounded by it.” Freddy replied.

Mabel had no answer for that and smiled as they approached the table. “Look who I found in the creek.”

“I think you mean stream, but whatever.” Freddy grinned at his sister. “I hope you’ve got me an enormous birthday present, Flicka?”

“I… haven’t, I mean of course I have, but…” Felicity’s stricken gaze strayed to Mabel, who shook her head. “Don’t be silly, Freddy.”

“Anyone want another drink?” No one did so he sauntered off toward the pub, hands in his pockets.

Cheryl emerged from the kitchen door carrying a loaded tray. “Here you go, ladies. Eat up,” she said as she set it on the table.