The Silver Stirrup

“How you can have your husband’s bastard in the house with Eddie.” Zia snatched up her hat from the dresser as Amy slumped onto the table. At her call Mrs Lucas came rolling in and then seeing Mrs Amy Barter she said, “I’ll fetch the smelling salts.” Amy had just recovered as Seth came in saying, “Hello Tilly” and he gave her a friendly slap on her behind. He said, “You ready then luv?” before taking in the faces of the sister’s. Seth suppressed a smile as Zia rammed her favourite blue hat on her head. She had a black smudge on her nose and chin. He thought she looked adorable. Seth knew it was time to go. He held her coat as she thrust her arms in to the sleeves. “Sorry couldn’t make you a cup of tea Mr Barter,” apologised Tilly. “Kettle were stone cold weren’t it Mrs Barter.” Amy’s normally ruddy complexion was deathly white and his wife with two red spots on her cheeks told him she was upset. Mrs Lucas stood by still clutching the smelling salts. Before Seth could ask what was the matter, Duchess roared, “Get out!” and both knew as they left she wouldn’t be going anywhere that day. They left her to the mercy of Charlie. Seth and Zia were both silent as they set out for home, each with their own thoughts as Dandy trotted along. Then, as they drew nearer home, quietly Zia asked, “Did you learn anything from Charlie?” “What, about Mill Farm,” he was like a clam as usual, “He was more concerned how we will fair financially if this threatened war comes.” Zia was sorting though what Amy had said, wondering which bits she could tell Seth. She’d have to tell him Sarah might be in big trouble or Amy would go blustering down to Bulls Eye Farm upsetting Sarah, whether it was true or not, what should she do? Dandy turned in at the gateway of Luckwell and Seth drew him to a halt, the spot where Barney stopped with Beatty. The nut bushes and shrubs hid them from the house before the bend in the farm track took them to the yard. Putting his arm around his wife’s slender waist, Seth drew her towards him on the seat. “Do you want to tell me what that sister of yours said to upset you?” Swallowing hard Zia decided to think over most of their quarrel and tell Seth later, so now she said, “I’ll tell you later, but I’m worried about Sarah.” She saw the muscle on his jaw tighten but as simply as possible told him that Amy had hinted the poor young woman might have to sell out. “Let’s talk later Seth, give it some thought.” He held her tight for a moment and whispered, “Bless you”. He set Dandy off to walk the few yards to the house. Henry was walking across the yard and stopped to assist his Mother off the trap step. He sensed his parents were worried, or had they had a tiff? They weren’t their usual selves. Henry followed his Mother into the little kitchen, put his arm around her shoulder and tried to appear lighthearted. “Whose chimney have you been sweeping Ma?” Smiling down at her he turned towards the mirror over the sink where the men shaved. Henry, her eldest stood tall and handsome behind her, his warm hands on her shoulders as she saw herself framed in the mirror, black smudges on her face, hat awry and stray tendrils of hair curling on to her cheeks. Normally she would have laughed at the spectacle she made but Henry’s tender caring manner made the tears blur the reflection in the frame. She would see it forever; it was Henry’s gesture that brought the mist to her eyes. Frank often spanked her bottom playfully, put an arm around her waist and a quick kiss on the cheek but Henry, never. Then still holding her he gave her shoulder a squeeze. “What’s the matter Ma?” After she brushed away her tears she told Henry what Amy had said about Sarah’s troubles but she couldn’t tell him Amy’s other remarks. “Don’t worry, it’s probably gossip, Alex heard old George in the Gander last night saying she was having bad luck, same as Alex did and went home with a tale to his parents. You leave it to me, I know you won’t want Dad to go down to start the tongues wagging, I’ll think up some excuse to go the Bull’s Eye in the morning to find out how the land lies.” “Oh! thank you son.” Zia removed her hat, smiling up at Henry. Their Henry, she couldn’t believe he could be so kind and tender and to protect his Father. He was the one who could never forgive his Father’s lapse and he never showed any love. Her heart sang despite the turmoil in her mind about her sister.