“I suppose it’s not surprising, given that the south of England is rich in such things,” she mused.
“You have an interest in that period of history?”
“The Druids? Archaeologists believe they were the original builders…and yes. I find it fascinating.” She leaned against Daniel a little, relishing his warmth and solidarity. “Who were they? Why did they build such extraordinary edifices? And how was it accomplished?” She chuckled. “In my imagination, I can see many tired workers pulling massive keystones across that hill, can’t you?”
“You have an inquiring and imaginative mind, Adalyn,” he approved.
“I hope so,” she agreed. “I have never really been allowed to express my thoughts, or my interests. Certainly not my imagination.”
“What else do you imagine?”
She felt him pull her a little closer and gladly tucked herself into his side. “So many silly things.”
“Such as?” His voice was teasing. “Tell me two of them.”
She thought for a few moments. “I always wished for a home of my own.” She glanced up at him with a smile. “That wish has come true, hasn’t it? And beyond anything I ever shaped in my imagination.”
He smiled back. “Sometimes dreams do come true.”
“I hope so.”
“That was one. You must tell me one more.”
“You will think me a foolish girl.”
“Never.” He tightened his arm around hers.
“I tried so many times to imagine what it would be like to be loved.” Her voice had fallen to the merest whisper. “I’d hoped marriage might provide an answer.”
“It didn’t?”
“On the contrary. I’m not sure I ever want to experience such things again. The pain—the bruises—” she turned and hid her face in Daniel’s sleeve.
“Adalyn,” he murmured, concern in his voice.
“Enough.” She pulled herself together. “Please forget I said anything. A moment of weakness.”
He simply gazed at her, his face full of some emotion she could not define.
“Now, it is time to move on.” She disentangled herself from his arm and rose. “I am looking forward to the rest of the tour.”
“Of course.”
And the moment was gone, both parties resuming their friendly chatter as they continued on their journey around the Wolfbridge estate.
There were more fields, the same fields from a different perspective, and finally, when Adalyn realised she’d seen enough of the fields, they trotted down a lane that led to the tenant cottages.
The sound of the gig and the clop of the hoofbeats brought more than a few residents to their windows.
Adalyn smiled and nodded as curtains were drawn back, and smoke from the chimneys trailed with the wind over the thatched roofs.
Halfway down the lane, they came to a halt. “Here we are. Mrs. Barnsley is most definitely the person to visit first.” Daniel helped Adalyn to the ground. “She knows everyone, and has been here the longest.”
“I hope she likes me.” Adalyn straightened her skirts with nervous hands.
“How could she not?” Daniel held out his arm with a warm smile. “Let’s go and find out.”
~~~~~
Adalyn wasn’t given the chance to worry very much, since the front door to the cottage opened almost as soon as she’d set foot on the lane.
“Here y’are then. Come inside. ’Tis mighty cold fer a little one like you.” The encouraging words came from a woman filling the doorway with her presence. A pristine white cap topped a round and rosy face, creased with smiles. “I’m Ada Barnsley, Ma’am, and yer welcome in my house.” She curtseyed, a rippling and courteous move that made Adalyn smile.
“Thank you, Mrs. Barnsley. You are very kind. It is indeed brisk today.” Adalyn walked up the short front path, noting the well-tended plants to either side. Tucked away for the winter, of course, but she’d wager that in the spring the colours would burst forth.
“Daniel, come right in too. Yer knows yer always got a cuppa waitin’ fer yer.” Mrs. Barnsley grinned, revealing one or two gaps where teeth were no longer present.
To Adalyn’s surprise, the cottage was very cosy, with a well-worn carpet covering the stone floor and several chairs arranged around the fireplace. A good blaze radiated heat, and she found herself unwinding her muffler within moments.
“Jes’ put yer things on the table there, m’Lady.” Mrs. Barnsley pointed to one side of the front door. “I doubt yer’ll need yer gloves an’ such. Got a few pies in the oven, an’ that warms things up right quick.” She walked across the room. “Will yer come into the kitchen then? Or would yer wait here fer me to make tea?”
“Oh please, I’d love to see your kitchen. It’s so comfortable and homely here. And larger than I’d expected from the outside.” Adalyn followed the woman through into the kitchen, where pots and pans glowed from a rack on the wall, and a well-scrubbed table ran the length of the room. Cupboards with shining wood doors held china, and Mrs. Barnsley opened one to remove teacups and saucers.
“I’ve a pot steeping.” She grinned at Adalyn. “A little bird told me yer might be stoppin’ by.”
Adalyn grinned back. “And would that little bird be named Jeremy or Trick?”
“Ah, now, that would be tellin’.”
Daniel pulled out a chair and Adalyn sat, already relaxed and enjoying herself. “Very well then, I will simply say thank you to the little bird and thank you to yourself for a very welcome cup of tea.”
“Er, any chance of those pies being close to done, dear Mrs. B.?” Daniel looked hopeful.
“Evan not feedin’ yer right, then, lad?” She glanced at him with a quirked eyebrow. “Yer don’t look like yer starvin’ ter me.”
“Always room for something from your kitchen, Mrs. B. You know that,” begged Daniel, turning to Adalyn. “Evan is a constant visitor. He thinks sooner or later Mrs. B. will reveal the recipe for her pastry, not to mention her gooseberry pie, which is known throughout the county.”
“Oh, go on with yer, lad.” Mrs.
