Free Replenish the Earth by Anna Jacobs Page B

his books!’
    She bustled across the hallway and raised her hand to tap on a door. From inside the room came a scuffling sound. ‘There!’ she exclaimed, dignity forgotten. ‘If he hasn’t been an’ got up off his sofa again!’ She flung the door open. ‘I heard you, Parson! You've been walking around again! What did the doctor say about resting? How will you get better if you don’t do as you're told and rest! Now, here's Mistress Bedham come to see you,’ She straightened the blanket over his legs. ‘I’ll go and fetch your tea-tray.’ 
    Sarah looked across at Mr Rogers, longing to laugh, and he smiled at her conspiratorially. ‘I can’t call my soul my own,’ he murmured, ‘but she’s an excellent housekeeper and makes the most splendid scones and cakes.’
    ‘You’re fortunate in having such a loyal servant, sir.’
    ‘I am. The Lord has been truly kind to me. Mistress Jenks undoubtedly saved my life by her devoted nursing this winter. I’m well enough now to chafe at my bonds, but not well enough to be independent of her good offices. However, we mustn’t waste your time today in talking about me. First, let me welcome you to Broadhurst and tell you how happy I am to meet you, my dear. I’m only sorry that I wasn’t able to welcome you in person when you arrived.’
    Sarah fumbled in her muff. ‘I have here the deposition made to identify me, which you will wish to see.’
    ‘No, no, my dear! I really don’t . .. ’
    ‘I would prefer to show it to you, sir, in case anyone queries my right to Broadhurst. You are the proper person, I believe.’
    ‘Well, if you insist.’ He skimmed through the parchment rapidly, then returned it to her. ‘All in order, as I expected, my dear. Now, is there some way I can help you?’
    Sarah found herself telling him her whole story and asking for his advice.
    ‘Well, if your mind is set on staying, I see no reason why you should not do so, my dear. The Manor has been sadly neglected, both house and land - what land is left, that is - and I would be glad to see it kept from Sewell, even if you cannot maintain it all in good repair. He’s a harsh master, that man is, though I don’t like to speak ill of others. As for Will, he’s a good farmer and an honest man, and any advice he gives you about the Manor would be well worth following. I have to own to being a little prejudiced in his favour, though, for he is by way of being a protégé of mine.’
    The door banged open and Mistress Jenks marched in, carrying a large tray set with a snowy cloth. On it stood a silver chocolate pot and a plate of fluffy scones. ‘Now, you be sure to eat something, Parson,’ she scolded. ‘You won’t get any better if you make such poor meals as you have lately!’
    ‘Mistress Jenks - could we find a few of your delicious cakes or scones for Mistress Bedham to take with her, do you think? They’ll not have had the chance to do any baking yet at Broadhurst.’
    'Certainly, sir. That Mary Hames is no cook, though an honest body and a hard worker, and I respect her for keeping that son of hers off the parish. Yes, Parson, I’ll see to it at once.’
    As she left, Mr Rogers sighed and looked at the food. ‘I would be glad of a dish of chocolate, my dear, but I must confess that I don’t feel like eating.’
    So Sarah found herself joining the ranks of those who loved and bullied their impractical and absent-minded parson. ‘Just one scone. See, I’ll spread a little of this delicious-looking preserve on it for you and you can eat it quickly while I pour the chocolate. Then it’s over and done with, and I shan’t press you to eat any more.’
    Not for nothing had she nursed her mother over the last few months and learned how to coax a failing appetite.
    After a while she saw him looking tired, so took her leave.
    He clasped her hand in his for a moment. ‘It’s been a pleasure to meet you. You must come and visit me whenever you’re in the village and I shall