Jackson felt a heartache as he saw all the stuff, she bought but he didn’t have the heart to scold her. He only sighed inwardly as they walked to the carriage pick up point.They sat in the carriage quietly on the way back. Mira gave Jackson the buns she bought for him and dozed off as she was really tired. Jackson’s lips curled up as he ate the buns his wife bought for him. He was really hungry as all he ate since morning was the half egg and slice of bread at breakfast. He woke her up when they reached the stop near their home. He carried all the items while Mira carried the basket with needles and threads from the corner shop.“Let me tell you an exciting news….” She paused as she remembered the money she spent and sighed “Actually there is one good news and one bad. Which do you want to hear first?”“Bad news.” Jackson pursed his lips. He didn’t want to hear as he thought she was going to tell him that she regretted her choice and wanted to go back on her word to live a good life
“You’re here.” Almera smiled as she saw Mira waiting at the door.“Um.” Mira nodded.Almera invited her into the office and poured a cup of tea.“No one else has come?” Mira looked around curiously. The last time she came. It was earlier than this but there was a doorman at the door and a few salespeople at the front.“Friday is a day everyone starts late.” Almera smiled amiably as she sipped her tea.“What brings you back so soon?”“I finished the work you gave me. So, I wanted to check if it meets your satisfaction, or you wanted me to change anything.”“Finished?” Almera hooked her eyebrows suspiciously.Mira quietly took the completed cloth and placed it on the table for Almera to inspect along with the unused thread “I didn’t use the brown as I changed my mind. The others are…” Mira paused as she smiled sheepishly “I didn’t know how much I would need so I unwound them for washing… so they look a bit unkempt, but I swear they are not dirty.” Mira completed awkwardly in a low voice
Mira proudly handed her pouch to Jack as soon as they reached home.“You should keep it.” Jack pressed it back into her hand. “It is the wife’s job to take care of these affairs.”“Really?” Mira asked skeptically.“That’s how my parents did it.” Jack shrugged as a matter of fact and then pulled his pockets inside out “I don’t have any money now. But when I do, it will be yours to keep.”“I made you a pauper, didn’t I?” Mira lowered her head guiltily. She knew he had to take out all his money and also take a loan to buy this place.“I think it is a good thing.” Jack held her waist with one hand and with the other, lifted her face with a cheeky smile “Don’t we have our love nest ready for us?”“You… you…” Mira pouted as she gently hit him with her fists on his chest.“Let’s make the most of it.” Jack chuckled as he lowered his head and captured her lips. He deepened the kiss and ravished her senses, riding the storm with her all the way from the front room to their bedroom. Jack pulled
“What were you doing?” Mira asked curiously as they sat for breakfast.“You’ll see …. Soon.” Jack smiled as he poured her hot water.“Alright.” Mira didn’t ask further. She would wait for him to show her.“What should we eat for dinner?” Mira pouted as he nibbled the meat bun in relish.“What do you want?” Jack raised his eyebrows.“Can we go fishing?” Mira asked with an expectant sparkle.“Um” Jack nodded.“Then you finish what you are doing, and I will prepare some stuff for the fish.” Mira cleared the table as she spoke.“Um” Jack nodded as he walked out the door.An hour later, Mira had finished the preparation and also packed a basket with dinner which was a pot of tea, boiled eggs and a few slices of bread when Jack walked in “Wife, come take a look.”Mira followed him curiously.In the second bedroom was a beautiful stand with the height of a slightly tall table, her slate frame resting on it in a perfect fit.“Good Lord.” Mira shrieked in excitement as she circled inspecting t
“Aunt, I am home.” Jack stood at the door and announced.Unlike the last time they came, everyone was home today except for uncle and second brother. Farm hands at the Slegh estate had to work 6 days a week. Second brother was working as the blacksmith’s apprentice and also had to work 6 days a week.Anne-Marie the youngest came running as she heard her favorite brother’s voice. She moved back shyly as she saw Mira. She knew this big sister didn’t like them. Mira smiled sweetly at the little girl, but it didn’t have much effect, the damage from her previous vicious behavior was too deep.“Come in… why are you standing there?” Oden pulled the door to open wider.“This will always be your home.” Oden added as he saw Jack’s hesitation. “You left on your own, no one sent you off.”Oden wasn’t wrong. It was Jack who insisted on moving and never came back. None of them had seen him these 3 months. Actually, that’s not right. Beth did tell them about Jack’s visit 5 days ago, but no one bough
“What is it?” Mira asked curiously once she couldn’t see the horse cart anymore.“Must be tools.” Jack guessed as he opened the sack.Sure enough, the sack had 4 spades of two different sizes each, 2 hoes, 2 rakes and a pitchfork.“This….” Mira had a conflicted expression as she looked at the items. This would cost more than 10 gold coins.“Like Dad said, we must repay this kindness with our actions.” Jack knew there was no point in being conflicted. He swore inwardly to return this kindness when he had the ability.“Umm.” Mira nodded with determination.“Wife, has the fish soup finished?” Jack asked with regret as he saw the empty bowls on the table.“No. I have left a tiny portion for you.” Mira giggled as she took the bowls to the kitchen to wash.She bought a bowl full of the last portion of the fish soup after washing the bowl
Jack walked around for a while before he returned back home. The walk cleared his head and there was a smile dancing on his lips as he entered. Mira was waiting anxiously, she kept pacing back and forth in the front room.“Jack” Mira’s voice was strained as she rushed to him. She was stepped back in confusion as she saw his smile. She knitted her brows with a pout.“Wife, you are right.” Jack chuckled as he gently knocked on her forehead.“I know I am right.” Mira pouted as she rubbed her forehead “What are you talking about now?”“That you were too stupid.” Jack chuckled as he embraced her.Mira pursed her lips into a resentful pout as she gently fisted on his chests.“Do you want to hear what I figured out?” Jack tapped her nose with an affectionate gaze.“Um.”“Do you remember saying that you thought I stormed out of the room because I overheard your conversation?”“Um…mm” Mira nodded confidently.“That’s why I said my love is too stupid.”“Huh??”“Think about it…. you told me what
The next few days were without events. Mira completed all the embroidery work that she had bought home by the time Jack returned home on Thursday.“I will come to the city with you tomorrow.” Mira informed Jack as they sat for supper.“So fast?” Jack raised his eyebrows “Didn’t your Madam give you 10 days?”“Um” Mira nodded “But I finished them early.”“Love don’t tire yourself. I will work harder.” Jack frowned. He knew she was straining herself too much.“Not hard.” Mira smiled “The stand you made for me is too good. I don’t get tired that easily. We need to pay our debts and get better.”“I will make those stands.” Jack pursed his lips “Let me do the hard work.”“We will work together.” Mira smiled sweetly as she leaned onto his shoulders.“Um” Jack nodded with determination. He would work harder so that his wife didn’t have to tire herself.“The seedlings have all grown.” Mira remembered as they laid down.“Um” Jack nodded. “I will go to Godfather’s to pick up the horses for ploug
After returning from the city, Mira got busy with completing her embroideries. First, she completed the work on Matthew’s coat and breeches. The breeches were simple with an inch wide embroidery on the knee bands. She did the same pattern for John and Harry using the same thread combination- silver and royal blue metallic threads to embroider a floral vine pattern along the front line, vents, collar, cuffs pockets and flaps of the navy-blue material and knee bands for the breeches. The same pattern was done for the three cravats on the portion of the cravat that would adorn the front of the knot.The silver blue material for the three waist coats was entirely covered by a small pattern called droguet using royal blue and aqua blue metallic threads.The only twist between the three sets were the flowers; this was the same as their female counterparts- Harry’s had magnolia flowers while Matthew’s were Fuchsia flowers; John’s were tulips.The pattern for Oden and Martin was the replica of
Martha and Sierra were next to enter, brightening Mira’s mood. She forgot all about the unpleasant lady. She started the conversation with the normal pleasantries while Jack sat back to give her space.“Can I ask if you know a Mr Baldos?” Mira asked feigning anxiety before hurriedly apologizing “I apologize if I offended you… but I can’t help asking since your name is Martha.”“You….. you….” Martha stuttered as she looked suspiciously with fear.“I mean no harm” Mira feigned regret “Baldos is a friend and I promised him to take care of his lady friend, but all I know of her is that her name is Martha.”“I have been asking this question to every Martha I meet since Baldos passed away.” Mira sighed.“No…. no… I … I didn’t…” Martha shook her head. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to offend anyone, especially if it was Baldos friend.“It’s okay.” Mira sighed regretfully “I will keep searching.”“No… no… I … I mean I am …” Martha explained looking uncomfortable. She didn’t know
“Since she like serving men poisoned with potions of seduction and lust, I think she should experience it at least once.” Mira pursed her lips and clenched her fists.“We will do as you say.” Jack agreed with a doting smile.“I think she should do it for a lifetime since she likes it so much.” Almera rolled her eyes.Thomas’s lips curled in an admiring arc. This was exactly what he wanted to do. They discussed what to do next before splitting up.Mira and Jack followed their original plan and went to the apartment area. Carl and Oden were waiting dutifully after the purchase was completed. They got on the carriage as they rode on to the apartment. Carl informed Jack of the owner’s interest in selling the remaining apartments. He also provided his view of business prospects and waited for Jack’s decision.“Cost?” Jack pursed his lips as he deliberated.“The current apartment was bought for 50 nuggets. The surrounding 4 apartments are also priced at the same value however if we are able
Mira entered space after everyone left for their day’s work. Today she had to finish the work for her mother and godmother. She didn’t have to think long for her mom and godmother’s pattern. For her mom’s cloth the pattern was the floral pattern of fuchsia flowers that were bright red with shades of a dark red and a shade of pink darker than the rosewood color for the inside bulb with hovering hummingbirds, the Fiery-throated hummingbird and the Crowned Woodnymph variety which were her mom’s favorite among all the hummingbirds.Mira finished the work on her mother’s cloth and stretched before leaving space. She didn’t want to worry Jack. She had learned her lesson yesterday. Harrison was dutifully waiting for her in the dining room wondering whether he should call her. A smile appeared on his face as she appeared as if his dilemma was resolved.Mira had a quick lunch after Harrison informed her that both her aunt and uncle had asked her not to wait for them at dinner as they would stop
“She must be working.” Jack shook his head helplessly and explained as he saw that the worry written all over Harrison’s face was genuine “She tends to forget time when she concentrates.”“Wife...” Jack called out as he knocked on the door.Mira had just completed Aunt Beth’s pattern when she heard Jack’s voice. She came out of space and opened the door happily only to see Jack frowning and Harrison’s anxious face. Seeing the light outside had faded, Mira blinked with a silly mischievous grin as realization hit her…. An entire day had passed!Jack really wanted to scold Mira, but he couldn’t say a word of reprimand as he saw her silly grin.“You are not allowed to do this.” Jack shook his head helplessly and spoke in a gentle tone as he pulled her into his embrace.“Um” Mira readily nodded.“Next time...” Jack tilted his head to look at Mira with a serious gaze; Mira didn’t let him continue. She jumped to cover his mouth and shook her head hurriedly “No next time….”“I … I will get the
Jack and Oden followed Carl the next day to familiarize themselves with the different businesses of the estate. Mira literally locked herself in her work room designing the dresses. She made an agreement with Almera to deliver the embroidered materials for the dresses of her mother, godmother, Aunty Beth and Anne-Marie first followed by the embroidered materials her father, godfather, Uncle John, Big Cousin and Cousin. The next batch would be for embroidered materials for Jack and Thomas; theirs would be the last.John busied himself with the cattle and rabbits while Anne-Marie spent all day with Dax. No one was happier than her. Beth wanted to make herself useful but there was nothing for her to do. The kitchen was basically manned by Harrison and the 2 maids. She wanted to find Mira and ask what she should do but Mira was nowhere to be found. She decided to harvest the spinach and other vegetables. John joined her once he finished his work with the cattle. They looked at each other a
The king’s men actions were swift. It took them a day to find the truth behind Jack’s drugging event and submit their report. Meanwhile, the Slegh’s gathered in the old master’s study to discuss counter measures. Old master Slegh rubbed his chest uncomfortably as he listened to his sons quibbling.“Father, the only solution is to give up on Lotta.” Cole decided to be the devil’s advocate. Cain frowned; It wasn’t that he had any love for the bastard, but his intuition told him that Lotta was just the tip of the iceberg.“What are your thoughts?” Old master Slegh looked towards Cain. Caster and Cole followed the old master’s gaze.“Somehow, I doubt that will be enough.” Cain shook his head as he slowly lifted his face “Father, do you think it’s old debts catching up with new ones?”“What old debts??” Old master Slegh furiously tapped his walking stick on the ground “Don’t speak carelessly.” His fury shut their mouths but not their doubts, which danced all over their faces in the form o
“Come... come… let’s talk inside.” Matthew invited everyone inside.“Dad…” Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests “Why are you here?”“Have you finished dinner?” Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.“Um” Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here.“It was …yumm…” Thomas rubbed his tummy with an exaggerated satisfied expression. Aldrin pursed his lips into a dissatisfied pout while everyone laughed, breaking the awkward situation.Jack invited everyone to take a seat while Mira and the ladies withdrew to the dining room. Orseus and Bernard came out and took their seats with faces full of jouissance, ready to watch the show. Almera stood at the doorway between the two rooms and repeated scrunching her face “Dad, why you here?”Cyrus sighed not knowing where to start.“It’s a long story.” Albert spoke in an unhurried tone as he couldn’t bear to see his father’s embarrassed face.“Start from the beginning.” Almera crossed her arms as
“Erm…. I have not seen them before, so I don’t know… but there was a man who was leaning back against the cart…” Ursula squinted as she tried to think back “He looked very miserable… like he was on his last leg….”“Can you try and think where he was hurt?” Orseus asked excitedly.Ursula pursed her lips downwards as she tried to think back “Not sure… but his shirt was dyed red…. The lady…. I mean Jack’s mom had a wound to the left side or may be right….” Ursula frowned “She had a wound that was oozing blood on one side… I remember because she was clutching this wound as she was urging me.”“Aunt, do you remember anything?” Jack turned towards Beth.Beth shrugged pursing her lips before whispering “It was a complete shock…. One minute we were happy and looking forward to the future… the next second everything came crumbling down.” No one thought more about Beth’s mumbling.“Ummm” Thomas hummed as he narrowed his eyes in thought “Looks like we have to unlearn everything we know and start