“Is there word of a famine, ma’am?” Cook asked.
“It is not so much that there is word as it seems the cold will be severe this year,” Gemma replied and noticed that cook’s eyes had glazed over. “Winter has been harsh in other parts of the world, it stands to reason that when our time comes, it will be just as harsh.”
Cook seemed to understand this more and left to stir the pots and put more logs on the fire that burned red-hot in the wood stove.
I must be certain the children are warm enough and that their wood stored up will be enough,Gemma thought as shefolded the list she and Cook had made and put it in the inside pocket of her coat. The wind had started to blow an icy chill after she had been out in the fields with her father earlier. The temperature had dropped noticeably and had given Gemma the resolve to prepare better for the coming cold.
Gemma went to the main house to retrieve the knitted clothing she and her mother had made the children. The very thought of the children not being warm enough was too much for her to stand, she had to be sure they would not get sick. She packed their clothes with care into a basket and added a few dolls and teddy bears she had made for them.
No child should go without their very own toy,Gemma thought.
She left to go see the children the moment she was satisfied with the basket she had packed.
I should be able to visit for a while before it is time for Lothar to call. That is if he does call.Gemma wished she could forget about the man. She was almost equally as annoyed by him as she was missing him.
Gemma found the children all playing outside. They ran to her when Tess was once again the first one to see her. Gemma put the basket down knowing she would soon end up wrestled to the ground by their hugs.
“Good morning!” Gemma said as they surrounded her.
“Did you bring more sweets?” Tess asked.
“Now, now children. Let Miss Gemma breathe.” Simone said as she came over to give Gemma a brief embrace as well.
“How are you?” Gemma asked Simone.
“Enjoying what seems to be a fading sun. Otherwise we are well, how are you, ma’ am?” Simone replied.
“I am well, thank you and I did, in fact bring sweets,” Gemma replied with a grin.
“The children will be glad to hear that, ma’am.” Simone said.
“Do you think they would be glad to visit us at the estate.” Simone’s eyes went wide, and she smiled a bright smile.
“Oh they would absolutely love that, ma’am!” Simone exclaimed.
“Really? Are you sure?” Gemma asked, her voice edged with doubt.
“Oh, yes ma’am. They have been speaking about wanting to see where you live for the longest time now. I think they are curious… as children are, ma’am.” Simone explained.
“I am happy to hear that. My mother misses the children and has wanted to see them. She has difficulty with her knees and at times she can barely move her hands,” Gemma said, as she fought an unexpected tightness in her throat. She had always loved her mother deeply, now that she seemed to be getting weaker, it stung a little longer to think of the fact that her mother was getting frail.
“I am so sorry to hear that, ma’am. My father had the same issues with his joints. I remember days he could barely move.” Simone responded quietly.
“It is a cruel thing, illness and age,” Gemma said, feeling rather saddened.
“Shall we go in with the children, ma’am? It seems the wind has become even colder.” Simone asked.
“It is a good thing that I have brought warm clothes with me for the children,” Gemma said, feeling uplifted.
“I do not know what we would do without you, ma’am,” Simone said as she went about getting the children together from their various play areas.
Gemma marveled at how easily Simone was able to calmly call the children to stop play.
“Now children do not sound so disheartened. Miss Gemma and her mother have been kind enough to make you all lovely new clothes.” Simone said and returned their smiles and giggles of excitement.
“They are warm I am sure, let us see how they fit,” Gemma said, as she handed each child their own parcel. Each child took their time in opening theirs, all except for Tess who tore the brown paper to pieces in her pursuit of her gift.
“It is pink!” Tess exclaimed as she lifted the knitted bunny rabbit to her face.
