Page 28 of Regency in Color

“There is a seamstress and tailor shop,” Vivian said pointing. “Interesting.”

“The White Elk” tavern commanded one corner of the square, across from it a church.

They arrived in front of a wooden two-story house and Thomas brought the horses to a stop. When he opened the door, Vivian leaned forward. “What are their names again?”

“Constable McAllister and his wife Ann,” he replied in a flat tone. Vivian must have noted Thomas’ lack of inflection because she gave him a puzzled look. “You don’t care for them. You must tell me why.”

Thomas shrugged. “The man doesn’t matter to me one way or another.”

At his lack of further explanation, Vivian sighed. She took Mary’s hand. “Time to meet Ann McAllister.”

Mary slid a look to Thomas, as he helped them from the carriage, his gaze forward, not making eye contact. When his hand cupped her elbow, it was a light and fleeting touch.

Her mistress looked to Thomas once again. “Alexander tells me you wish to meet with the priest today. Just ensure you are back here in a couple of hours.”

Thomas nodded. “Yes Ma’am. I must also purchase items for Moira.”

“Very well,” Vivian replied. “We will be about the village square shops.”

* * *

The constable’s wife,Ann was a thin woman, who wore her dull brown hair pulled back in a rather austere style. It was hard to tell the woman’s age, but since there was no gray in her hair, Mary guessed she was younger than she appeared. Along with her, were two women. Both of them seemed older, but again, it was hard to tell by their dull dresses and lack of enthusiasm.

Mary felt sorry for Vivian having to spend time with the drab women, as she was led to the kitchen where she was to wait. A plump woman welcomed her introducing herself as Donalda. “I am so glad to see new people arrive and live at the estate. It has stood empty for so long.” Donalda slid a cup in front of Mary. “Drink please.”

It was hot cider, rather sweet and delicious. “What is this? I must get the ingredients to Moira,” Mary exclaimed.

“Honey and winterberries,” Donalda said. “There is a beekeeper just outside the village. His honey is in high demand, because of its delicious sweetness. Ensure that you and your mistress send your coachman to fetch some. Hammond, the beekeeper, is a rather unpleasant man. It’s best to not expose yourself to his sour disposition.”

Just then a young woman entered. Her gaze swept over Mary and she went to a cupboard without speaking.

Donalda studied the younger woman for a beat. “Nettie this is Mary, she…”

“I know who she is,” Nettie interrupted and looked to Mary. “I’ve never seen anyone like you before.”

It was not the first time someone deemed themselves above her, because of her mixed heritage. Instead of a reply, Mary turned her attention back to Donalda. “Is there anything I can help you with, while I wait. I do not wish to interrupt your work.”

Donalda glared at Netty and pointed to a tray set up. “It’s ready for you to take,” she told the sullen girl, who picked it up and hurried out.

“She was taken in by the Constable and his wife after her parents died. She’s never been a pleasant one,” Donalda told Mary. “Best to give her wide berth.”

A pattern was emerging. Seemed Donalda excelled in seeing who to avoid. “Have you lived here long?”

“My entire life. My husband works at the mill, my daughter, who walked you back here, and I have worked for the family for many years.”

When Donalda’s daughter came for her an hour later, Mary has been helping the cook make bread. Time had passed rather quickly, but obviously not for her mistress because Vivian practically raced from the house.

Vivian looked around. The carriage remained, but Thomas was not there. “I need fresh air. We should walk about a bit.”

“The visit was shorter than I expected,” Mary said.

Vivian shuddered. “It seemed never ending to me. The conversation was stilted and awkward. Almost as if they measured every word, careful about what to share. Strange really.”

“I was given dire warnings to stay away from a beekeeper and the constable’s wife’s maid, Nettie.”

They chuckled.

The walk into the village square was short, and Mary was thankful for the opportunity to see everything the village had to offer.