Beneath the Dover Sky Read Free Page A

wouldn’t be surprised if they’re the ones poaching the swans and geese and deer. I’ve built that fence a foot or two higher on account of their general nastiness. Now to the west are the Knights—fine people, handsome daughters, no sons. That’s the fence we need to complete before the leaves turn in September or October.”
    Skitt pointed to a spot on the map. “What’s that?”
    “Grove of oak trees. None near as old as any in Lancashire.”
    “And that?”
    “An old well. We’ve boarded over the top so’s a child won’t fall in. The well’s dry.”
    “And this here?”
    “A cave. The Lord only knows how long that’s been there. Found an ancient yew bow in it fifteen years back. The sinew was gone—y’know, the bowstring—but the wood was sturdy enough. I have it in megroundskeeper’s hut if you’d like to see it. Now, by the Gillans’ property—Lad, lad, where’s your head at this time?”
    “It’s Cathy—I mean Lady Catherine.”
    Fairburn craned his neck. “Where?”
    “Coming up the slope from the swans.”
    Fairburn saw her. “Tall and dark. I remember her. How is she then?”
    “Why, for long stretches she’s right as rain. Then a black mood just takes over, and she’s down in the dumps for a good spell.”
    “A cruel fate, no mistake. So young and a widow with a young boy to raise. How old is he now?”
    “About fourteen months.”
    “Has she shown any interest in, well, meeting another man who can be a father to the lad and a good husband to her?”
    “They bring lords and dukes and whatnots ’round to Ashton Park on a regular basis to meet her. She’s taken no interest in any of them. Polite enough to ’em, she’s all of that, still a lady, but never encourages any of the men to call again.”
    They watched Catherine make her way towards them. Sean was asleep in her arms.
    Fairburn smoothed down his moustache quickly. “I don’t recall her being so comely.”
    “She’s lost a good deal of weight since her husband’s death. And she’s let her hair grow as long as the Thames. That’s what you notice.”
    “It’s glossy-black as a raven’s wing.”
    Skitt nodded. “Aye.”
    Catherine glanced up and saw them on the boulder. She flashed a smile. “Gentlemen, excuse me. I didn’t notice you there.”
    Skitt and Fairburn got to their feet and whipped the flat tweed caps from their heads.
    “Ma’am,” Fairburn greeted.
    “Lady Catherine,” said Skitt.
    “Oh Skitt, Lady Catherine—that’s too much for down here, isn’t it? We’re hundreds of miles from Ashton Park.”
    “It comes to you with your father’s title. It’s a question of respect. Imagine if your mother caught me calling you just plain Catherine.”
    “ Just plain Catherine? Now that does sound drab, doesn’t it?” She smiled at Fairburn. “Mum tells me this is your last summer with us.”
    Fairburn clutched at his cap in his hand. “That’s so, m’lady. I’ll be serving an English family in the south of France. Old friends of your father and mother, y’see, and in a bit of a bind for a competent groundskeeper.”
    “Well, you’ll certainly fit the bill. When do you take up your new post?”
    “In November, Lady Catherine. After I’ve set everything to rights at Dover Sky, and young Master Skitt here’s fairly squared away.”
    “I’m so glad we have you for a final summer.”
    “Thank you, m’lady. I’m grateful as well.”
    Catherine lifted Sean higher on her shoulder. “I’ll see you gentlemen later then. I’m just going to get my boy here to his bed.”
    Skitt reached out with his hands. “I can help you with him.”
    “Thank you, Skitt, but I can manage. Ta.”
    The two men watched her carry on up the slope towards the house.
    “How long do you reckon she’ll remain unwed?” asked Fairburn.
    “Not long,” responded Skitt. “You see she’s pleasant enough despite everything. Ah, to be a lord and win her hand…”
    Fairburn erupted in a laugh that sounded like