AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“They’ve explained the tithes and boundaries?”
“No, but my father intends to take care of that tomorrow. Perhaps I’m better off working the land first.”
Mac swallowed another drink of tea before putting his cup down and rearranging Liam on his lap. “Let me see what I can pull together. I’m sure a few local men wouldn’t mind helping, and we can get your land ready much faster with a group of us than you can on your own.”
“I have my frien—my cousin, Roger, as well.” William took another swallow of tea, hoping his mistake hadn’t been noticed. “Together I think we can manage. But I will never reject extra help.”
“My papa is very strong,” James said, nodding to emphasize his words. “He was in the royal navy, so he knows quite a lot about everything. My grandfather, too.”
William’s gaze flicked to Mac, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. His nearest neighbor was a navy man? That was not good. Not good at all. “Your grandfather too, eh?” he asked, hoping James would freely offer more information.
“Captain Sheffield,” James said proudly. “He’s in Algiers now, but he visits when he can.”
“I’m sure he misses you when he’s away,” William said, though his mind was whirring faster than a spinning wheel. Did Father know about this connection? Surely the Mackenzies hadn’t been at Camden Court long enough to be familiar with his family. “James mentioned that this house was empty before you moved here?” he said, hoping to gather more information.
Mac nodded. “It sat vacant for a few years, but we snapped it up and filled the hearths with fire again. It hasn’t been too drafty, despite the sea being so near.”
Mrs. Mackenzie came into the small sitting room, her eyebrows drawn in concern. She cast a strained smile at William before settling her attention on her husband. “I fear we ought to send for the doctor.”
Pippa set her cup on the table. “Is Elinor truly hurt?”
“She may have broken a bone. I cannot tell, but her arm is tender to the touch and is beginning to swell.”
Pippa and Mac stood in unison, Pippa’s hand resting on her heart. “Oh, Mabel. I feel terrible. I shouldn’t have assumed she was well.”
Mrs. Mackenzie shook her head. “You couldn’t have known. Mac, will you ride to Dr. Garvey?”
“Straight away.”
Mrs. Mackenzie glanced at the tea platter. “Forgive me, Mr. Blakemore. I’m afraid I haven’t been the greatest hostess today.”
“Pippa has done a fine job of it in your stead,” Mac said, taking his wife’s hand and squeezing her fingers. He passed Liam into her arms and bent to kiss her on the cheek before striding from the room.
William watched James slip another slice of cake onto his plate when no one was looking. He froze when he caught William’s eye, but William winked at the boy, and a guilty, wide smile fell over his face.
Liam whined, and Mrs. Mackenzie bounced him on her hip, her worried gaze resting on the ceiling.
“Give Liam here,” Pippa said, approaching with her arms out.
“No, he needs to nap. I’ll take him up to Hope. You’ll see to our guest?”
Pippa nodded, but William stood. “I believe it is past time I am on my way. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”
Mrs. Mackenzie smiled warmly at him. She was a lovely, taller version of Pippa, and William liked her welcoming, affectionate presence.
She reminded him of his own mother, of the way she kept her house running like a tight ship but always had a pleasant smile and a warm biscuit to sneak into his eager hands. He slid the memories away and tucked them into the back of his mind.
“You are most welcome here any time, Mr. Blakemore. I cannot thank you enough for responding to my darling Elinor’s shrieking. I’m certain we are fortunate for gaining such a gallant neighbor.”
He dipped in a bow, for words seemed to completely flee his dry mouth. Would Mrs. Mackenzie feel so fortunate to learn that William’s father planned to bring smuggling to their shores? He swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Most people approved of smuggling, even participated in it, for they appreciated the affordable tea, sugar, and brandy it provided them. But a navy man? Surely this family was the exception.
Pippa walked William to the front door as Mrs. Mackenzie escaped up the stairs and James remained in the sitting room with his third—or fourth, perhaps—slice of cake. A groove lined the space between her brows, and William itched to smooth it away.
“I have never known a person to die from a broken arm,” he said softly.
Pippa glanced up quickly, her mouth parting in surprise. “I’m not worried about that. I only feel guilty.”
“You needn’t. You couldn’t have known she was hurt.”
