“Go ahead,” said Jeremy. “You brought it up.”
“Well, raspberry day is special here, because as you know we are famous for our berries.” Evan lifted his chin in pride. “And rightfully so.”
“Agreed wholeheartedly,” Gwyneth applauded lightly.
“Anyway, sometime in the distant past, it became a tradition that everyone in the Wolfbridge area, tenants, farmers and residents of Wolfbridge, would gather in one of the fruit fields and weed the rows until the field was done. That field would then be the best producing one of all of them, because of the attention lavished on it by so many people. It was felt that the other fields would do their best to match or beat this field and thus show that they were deserving of such recognition as well.” He grinned. “Every year, a different one is chosen. And honestly? That field always yields the best of the harvest.”
“What a lovely thought,” said Gwyneth. “These kinds of country traditions make places so much richer, I believe.”
“It’s always at the same time of year, of course, but the weather plays a large role.” Jeremy continued the story. “Doing it in the rain is no fun, so the first really wonderful and warm day, like today, is perfect.”
“And we all help. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun. Some of the farmer’s wives will bring food for lunch and at the end of the day we all take a well-earned swim in the jelly pool.”
“Er…” Gwyneth looked at him. “A jelly pool? Evan, what on earth is a jelly pool?”
He laughed back at her, his eyes warm with affection. “There are various spots around the fields where water pools during the winter months. It helps with irrigation, so we always make sure they’re fresh and available for the spring plantings. The one near the fruit fields is quite large and not too deep. The sluice won’t be opened until high summer or when it’s needed, so right now, it is the perfect spot for a swim.”
“Goodness,” she leaned back. “It sounds wonderful.”
“I’ll be happy to take you out this afternoon so that you can watch, my Lady.” Giles spoke quietly from the far end of the table.
“Oh, but…”
“You’re doing so well, Ma’am. But you are not yet ready to spend the day bent over in the fields pulling weeds under a hot sun.”
“But…”
“Giles is right, my Lady.” Gabriel touched her hand. “You’ve a little way to go yet before trying such things. Do what you can, right now, not what you want.”
“A wise sentiment,” said Royce. “We’ll welcome you this afternoon if you don’t mind us all hot and probably sweaty from our endeavours.”
Gwyneth managed to refrain from licking her lips. The thought of her gentlemen all hot and sweaty might well make her hot and sweaty right there at the breakfast table. She glanced around. How very blessed she was to have such a wonderful collection of handsome faces greeting her every morning.
“I suppose you’re right,” she said sadly. “But you can be assured I will be there as soon as Giles gives me permission. This is clearly a part of Wolfbridge’s traditions. I don’t want to miss it, since I am now to be a part of the Manor myself.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t, Ma’am. But there are some matters I’d like to discuss with you about Wolfbridge itself, so this will be an ideal time for us to have a few moments to ourselves.”
“As you wish,” she nodded, wondering if there could possibly be any more surprises in store for her.
After the gentlemen had left, Giles led her into the Rose room, and seated her by the window.
“Firstly, my Lady, let me say how happy I am that you have recovered from your ordeal so well. Regaining your health was the very first and most important goal, and nothing could make us happier than seeing you now, your cheeks full of colour, your body restored to normal and becoming in truth the Lady of the Manor.” He smiled. “I know you still tire easily, but that will diminish as time passes. You are indeed recovered, and for that we are all profoundly thankful.”
She gulped, not quite sure how to respond. She couldn’t thank him for the compliments, since she’d done nothing…they’d done it all and without them…well, it didn’t bear thinking about.
However, it seemed no response was expected, since he walked to a corner of the room and reached for a slender volume, bound in leather. Bringing it over to the small table next to her, he opened it to reveal one folded piece of paper. Looking more closely, she realised it was parchment, and probably very old.
“This is traditionally shown to the Ladies of Wolfbridge when they are ready to take up their full duties. It was written long ago by the first Lady, but her words still hold true today, as do her dictates.” He placed the paper on the table. “I’m going to leave you to read this. If you have questions, I will try to answer them later.” He put the leather volume to one side. “When you are finished, would you return the note to its place? As you can imagine, it is most important we keep it secure for the Ladies who will follow in your footsteps.”
She nodded, grasping the important of the document. “I understand, Giles.” She touched the paper with a finger. “I wonder if she sat in this room to write it, all those decades ago…”
“It is possible. A pleasant thought, Ma’am. But I fear we can never know exactly where she wrote it. Only that she did and we are grateful for it.”
“Indeed.” Gwyneth looked up. “Thank you.”
He dipped his head with a smile and departed, the door closing firmly behind him, and leaving Gwyneth to stare at the letter she had to read. Was she curious? Yes. Perhaps a little afraid, as well. But until she read it, she’d never know exactly what it said.
Squaring her shoulders, she took the paper in hand and unfolded it.
