About The Hollow Ground – Episode 18
About The Hollow Ground by Pamela Kavanagh
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Daniel’s knowledge of business matters was limited, his interest even less so, but he managed to look engrossed.
“A bailiff, like Tom Dewes at Vinewood?” he said. “I believe my father took him on after he left your late father’s employ. Papa speaks highly of Dewes.”
“He seemed capable enough, as I remember. Merriman could be a suitable replacement.”
“What?” The word was barked out forcefully. “A man you know nothing of, appearing like a vagrant at your door? He could be a crook! I should think very seriously before offering this fellow the position.”
With that, Daniel held his tongue. He had not liked the way the man appeared to be worming his way into the farm and, more to the point, into the owner’s life.
He had sown the seeds of doubt. Let that suffice for now.
He shifted the talk to other matters and the drive continued amicably.
When they drew into the forecourt at Cross Lanes, Daniel was pleased to note his companion looked less strained than when they had set off. His satisfaction mounted when she agreed to come out again.
He was altogether taken with Nan Vessey. True, she had a stubborn streak, but that was added interest.
The idea of being master of his own domain had transformed his views on matrimony. If he played his cards right, he would have Nan accepting his hand before the summer’s end.
Daniel could hardly believe the pleasure he felt at the prospect.
* * * *
“Good trip out?” Mercy asked her mistress with a familiarity that was not lost on Nan.
She was not averse to the maid’s attitude. Given that they were together for the greater part of the time, a direct approach was to be expected.
There were occasions when Mercy showed an illuminating insight into human nature that Nan’s sheltered upbringing had not equipped her for, and which she found beneficial.
“Extremely,” Nan replied, removing her bonnet.
She had entered the kitchen to the homely smell of freshly pressed linen. While she was out Mercy had made the most of the fine weather and tackled the laundry, which had soon dried in the warm air.
The maid was now engaged in running the smoothing iron over a stiffly starched petticoat.
Nan watched her, reflective. It had been a relief to get away from the farm for a while, and she had found Daniel’s company agreeable.
There had been the awkward moment over the mourner in the churchyard, but apart from that she had no complaints.
He was widely travelled and educated – to her mind, he was a veritable man of the world.
Which brought her to Daniel’s unfavourable assessment of Piers.
“Am I right to trust him?” Nan murmured to herself.
Mercy looked up, her face red with effort.
“Trust who, mistress? Master Harrison?”
“No, of course not.”
Mercy sniffed.
“I wunna blame you. Him’s gentry. Or reckons to be. They’re a jumped-up lot, them Harrisons. He’s on the make, if you ask me.”
“Which I haven’t,” Nan said in swift reproof.
Seeing the girl recoil, Nan softened.
“In fact, I was speaking of Merriman.”
“Lor’, that’s a different kettle o’ fish altogether. There’s a fellow I’d trust wi’ me own life!”
A nod to endorse her statement, and Mercy renewed her labours with the smoothing iron.
Nan made her way up the back stairs to change her clothes, her mind still occupied with Merriman.
Charlotte would be of the same opinion as Mercy as to his character, while Daniel had the same wariness as she over the stranger in their midst.
For all his potential and ability, Merriman was a stranger, and Daniel’s doubts had served to increase her own considerably.
