“Really? Why?”
“Recently, we had bad rains like this. And the field flooded much more than usual. Something to do with the course of the river changing and overflowing its banks, or something.” She shook her head. “And when that happened, the mill got flooded too. Had to stop for a few days to clean up the mess.”
“Oh dear. That’s not good.”
Elinor knew well that the mill was a valuable part of the Molliney estate, and furnished flour for a large number of customers. The profits from the sale of the flour went into the coffers of the Mollineys and then were put into an account used to keep the mill working. In addition, it supported the little village that had grown up in that area, housing many of the farmers and field workers who grew the wheat that the mill depended on.
Elinor’s Papa had explained it to her some years ago, when—to his surprise—she began asking intelligent questions about how her home functioned.
“I’m pleased with your interest, my dear,” he’d said. “It is good to see a young woman eager to learn about household management. Augurs well for your future husband.”
“I’d like to run my own house, Papa,” she’d answered, only to see him chuckle and pinch her cheek.
“And I’m sure you could, my sweet. But that’s what husbands are for.”
“Oh.” She’d thought about that. “I’d rather have a dog.”
She could still hear his laughter.
Dragging her thoughts back to the present, Elinor accepted the blue gown that Jane had finally selected, and finished her tea.
“Perhaps it will dry out enough for me to go outside,” she said hopefully. “I need some fresh air, and I don’t care if it’s damp.” She blinked. “Oh, are my old boots still in there somewhere, Jane?”
“Let me see…” The maid vanished, only to reappear in moments bearing a pair of obviously well-worn boots.
“Splendid. I think they’ll still fit, and they are certainly up for a walk over wet grass.”
Jane sighed. “Best I get out your oilskin coat, then, Miss Elinor. What you’ll do for a hat? Well, that’s beyond me.” She tutted as she laid out the rest of the garments Elinor would need. “Don’t see why you can’t stay indoors like a proper lady. Your Mama wouldn’t be out tramping through the wet.”
“I know. But I’m not Mama, I’m afraid. I never will be, Jane, so give up that hope.”
“You’re your own self, Miss Elinor. That’s more than good enough for all of us.” She gave her mistress a friendly hug withall the familiarity of a woman who had bathed her as a baby. “Now you come down whenever you’re ready, and have a bite of breakfast before even thinking of going outside, all right?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” grinned Elinor, curtseying.
“Cheeky,” scolded Jane with a chuckle.
*~~*~~*
While Elinor was rising and enjoying breakfast at Molliney Park, a couple of miles away her neighbour was sharing some of her frustrations at the miserable weather.
“I should check on the fields down by the stream,” Caleb muttered, slathering butter on toast. “This rain has to go somewhere, and I’d rather it not turn my best wheat field into a wheat lake.”
“Most wise, sir.” Deryn nodded. “It has a habit of meandering where it wills, of course. That is nature’s way. But thus far, the way the ground rises has kept most of the water within bounds.”
“Hmm.” He munched appreciatively. “Well, it bears watching, since if we run out of wheat, then the mill won’t be able to grind flour, and I shall be denied your wife’s truly magnificent fresh bread.”
“That certainly would never do, sir.”
“Deryn, I believe I observe a lump…” he leant forward, his eyes narrowed. “Yes, there is definitely a lump…which I surmise must be your tongue in your cheek.”
The man bit his lip against a laugh. “I shall convey your charming compliment to Mrs Deryn, sir. I know she will be delighted.”
“Right then.” Caleb polished off the last of his toast and pushed the plate aside. “I’d better dress for the state of the earth.Old breeches, and an oilskin, with one of my old thick shirts beneath. That should suffice.”
“Perhaps something in the way of a hat, sir?”
He shook his head. “It will only serve to keep water around my head. I’m better without one, I think.” He glanced at the window. “And if I’m aright, it looks as if the rain might be letting up a little.”
