Maggie's Child by Glynis Smy Page A

be the carriage but I prefer the cart for daily journeys.’ He strode over to the other side of the barn as he spoke. Maggie had no time to reply or refuse. She was grateful, but was concerned he would tease her too much and she would let her guard down.
    ‘It’s very good of the master, but I will make my own way home, thank you.’
    She walked out of the yard and along the narrow road. She heard the clip of the horse’s hooves behind her.
    ‘Do you want me to lose my job?’ Dukes called down to her from the cart. Maggie kept walking.
    ‘If I offended you, I apologise. I promise I will not speak ill of Jacob Sawbury, or of babies, of which I know nothing. Now if you want me to go hungry and penniless, keep walking. If not, please clamber up so I can get you home.’
    Maggie agreed to the ride home, but she barely spoke. Dukes gave a whistle or and instruction to his horse on the odd occasion, but aside from that, there was little conversation between them. At the end of the lane, she relented. Manners were something she prided herself upon.
    ‘Thank you kindly for seeing me home. My legs appreciate the ride.’
    ‘Welcome. I will wait in this spot each morning at the seventh hour. Goodnight, Mrs Sawbury.’ Dukes spoke in a stilted manner and Maggie regretted being off hand with him earlier.
    ‘Again, thank you.’ She walked away, hoping the ride in the morning would be less tense.
    Snores greeted her when she entered the farmhouse. Jacob drunk and asleep could not have been a better end to what Maggie considered one of the best days of her life. Rather than ruin the feeling, she slept in the kitchen and rose early.
     
     
     

Chapter 8
     
    Refreshed and ready for the new day, Maggie ate before her husband rose and raced through her chores. When she returned from egg collecting, Jacob could be heard grunting his way around the room.
    ‘Where the ruddy hell have you been? Been out all night, have you?’
    ‘Morning, husband. You were sleeping well last night and I didn’t want to disturb you. I slept down here. My chores are done. It is uncomfortable sleeping by the fire but you sounded peaceful after your hard working day. You deserved to be left in peace.’ Maggie made it sound as if she was put out. That way, she knew he would not continue the conversation. If he felt for one moment she had suffered in any way, he would be content.
    Without looking up at her, he slopped creamed oats into a bowl and sat at the table.
    ‘Did your job properly, did you? They want you back?’ He slurped his way through his breakfast.
    ‘Yes. It all went very well. I see you have found your breakfast.’ Maggie had no time for Jacob and his manners, and did not want to enter into a lengthy conversation with him. ‘If you will excuse me, I do not wish to be late with my last chore, nor the Arlington’s. I ate earlier. There is a lunch pail prepared for you by the door. Have a good day, husband.’
    ‘You are running a bit late. Half past the hour of seven was agreed for you to start. It will take you past that if you are walking and I’ll be darned if I am taking your sorry carcass. I will give you a hiding however if you lose that job. So get out now.’ His voice rose and Maggie gave a shake of her head.
    ‘The family have arranged daily transport for me. It means I can leave later and spend more time preparing your food for the day. There is a nice bacon and egg pie for you today. I know you enjoy them.’ Again Maggie resented having to pacify the man she married but needs must to keep his temper at bay.
    ‘Uh? Yes, go and earn your keep, you lazy mare.’
    Maggie left him belching and she sent up a silent prayer of thanks for her job at the Arlington home.
    During the week, her routine had improved with the assistance of Dukes and his ride home. For two days, they travelled in each other’s company with only a few words spoken. The words they had spoken on her first night had added a tension between them. On the