"So my child, what adventures did you go on today?" Gideon asks as Emmeline entered his chamber.

"Papa why are you still awake? Are you feeling all right?" Emmeline asks, walking to his bedside.

"I am fine my dear, but you have a glow about you. Did you have a pleasant evening?"

"I did, it was a lovely day. Matilda helped me bake bread for the deliveries for tomorrow. She will be staying with us in a few weeks with your permission. Her father must leave for town and needs a caretaker for her."

"Of course, how is Lord Hargrave? Since he kept you until late hour, is he in good health?"

"He is in fine health Papa."

"Then I must ask if I shall hear of your ruination soon."

"Oh no, he offered me a meal that was all. I believe it was as a 'thank you' for looking after Matilda."

"But you are getting paid, correct?"

"I am, I do not know what came over him to ask me for a meal but I assure you nothing improper happened. We spoke mainly of Matilda. You know how parents get after their child has been ill. Lord Hargrave is quite the attentive father."

"My dear, settle your nerves. I trust you to know what is proper. You just have an air about you that I have not seen in a while and I wished to know the cause of it. I am sure Lord Hargrave is the epitome of a gentleman. I shall confirm my theory when he drops his daughter off."

"Yes of course. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"Just a hug goodnight. I know you have a busy day tomorrow."

"Goodnight Papa." Emmeline says, hugging her father and snuffing out his bedside candle. Emmeline went into the kitchen and began preparing the supplies needed for her visitations the next day.  The visits always consisted of spiritual help from the local minister and her own medicinal healing.

After her bag was successfully packed she went into her room and dressed for bed, taking a moment to look in the small looking class. "What glow is Papa referring to?" She wondered, bringing her hand to her cheek, "I'm still the same girl I was before the arrival of Lord Hargrave and Matilda. Nothing in me has changed." She decided before going to sleep.

~

"Good morning Mr. Lucas, how is Harriet doing today?"

"She has not changed much since you last were here. The priest's son is visiting with her right now, a part of his training." An older man in his mid 60s responds.

"Reverend James is not in attendance today?"

"No, 'tis his boy that is with her now. Did he not tell you that?" The pair sits down at the kitchen table

"I was not made aware but I know Christopher and I am sure he is doing a fine job."

"So he has his seal of approval?" Mr. Lucas asks as Emmeline begins bustling about the kitchen.

"Do you think the Reverend would send someone he did not trust? You trust me because I am my mother's daughter."

"Ah yes, Eleanor was always good to us."

"She was indeed, to everyone she met. What can I do for you while Christopher is visiting with Harriet? Is your back still causing you aches?"

"Yes a bit I suppose. You wouldn't happen to have some of that tea you gave Harriet last month?"

"Of course, is  it working for you as well?"

"It makes sleeping easier yes."

"I shall leave you an extra parcel then. Is there anything else I can do for you before I start on the meal?"

"No, is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"I will be fine, thank you Mr. Lucas, why don't you go in and have a chat with Christopher and Harriet, I'm sure he could help ease your mind a bit."

"If you are certain." He replies hesitantly as he gets up to leave.

"Of course, it seems there are only a few things that need to be done. " Mr. Lucas goes into the bedroom and Emmeline goes back outside to work in the garden. She rids of some of the weeds and collects some of the summer vegetables she planted in spring.

"Enough for a meal for two." She mumbles to herself as she goes inside. She gets to work chopping up the celery and boiling the water. She makes a simple broth with the herbs and other things collected from the garden and within minutes the midday meal is done. She gets the bowls and takes the steaming soup into the bedroom.

"Harriet, 'tis me Emmeline, Eleanor and Gideon's daughter. Do you have enough energy to eat?" She asks the elderly woman.

"Yes, yes I will eat. Have you met Christopher? The priest sent him."

"We are well acquainted ma'am. We met at Mooreland Park. You know the duke is back, right?"

"Are you the duke's son? I don't believe he's much older than Emmeline here. I can't imagine him having a son your age."

"No, I'm the cook's son. My mother has been working for the Hargrave family for as long as I can remember. My father is the minister for the chapel on his estate. I am a stablehand at Mooreland Park. I am very fortunate, for Lord Daniel has allowed me to serve in my father's place when he is unable to tend to certain matters. I will attend University as soon as I am able to become a proper clergyman."

"What a noble pursuit. You and Emmeline here are much the same in your service, following in your parents' footsteps."

"Ah but my work is nothing compared to that of Miss. Somers'. She prepared you a wonderful meal and has kept your home and garden clean."

"Mr. Ellis you are too kind. I am but a worldly servant, you good sir hold the compassion of the Lord in your heart and share in such an empathetic way. Oh dear, I am so sorry Mr. Lucas, Miss. Harriet. I must be on my way. I promised I would deliver Mrs. O'Malley's salve by the morrow and it is nearing sunset." Emmeline says, rising quickly and brushing down her skirt.

"I must be on my way as well. I am to visit with the Bateman family before I can return home. May I pray with you before I go?"

"Of course my boy, Emmeline can you spare a minute?" She nods and every bows their heads.

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

"Thank you for allowing us to come into your home this day." Emmeline says as she and Christopher exit the room.

"It is my understanding that the Bateman residence is near the O'Malley's may I accompany you as you ride? I fear I may lose my way without a guide."

"Of course. Will you be able to find your way home from the Bateman home though? I fear my path home does not cross Mooreland Park's."

"I will."

~

"Oh Emmy my dear it's been far too long, far too long since I've seen you. I believe it was at the Wilbourn's ball when last we spoke but you were hardly there a minute before rushing off to help the Earl. He's a fine young gentleman isn't he? I've never met the gentleman but I've heard you've become a friend to his daughter after you looked after her. I heard that from Mrs. Stintson but you can hardly trust a thing that comes from her mouth. She's quite the gossip you know. My dear you cannot run away like that and not come tell me you are alright. You do not know what is has done to my nerves."

"I am sorry Mrs. O'Malley, I have been quite busy since the night of the ball. I promise you I shall try to come visit more. I did bring your salve and other goods as you wished."

"My dear salves and teas cannot make up for your absence. I insist you come for dinner soon. In fact why don't you come next week? It is Susanna's birthday and I cannot afford a true party but seeing you will make her extremely happy."

"I would love too, it's Wednesday correct?"

"Yes, please do come. She is in town with her father for a few days but she will be home by Sunday."

"I will, and I am sorry that I must keep this visit short, I promised my father would be home for supper."

"Of course my dear. I will see you Wednesday."

"Goodnight Mrs. Ellis." Emmeline says, pulling the woman into a tight hug.

_____________________________________________________________

Hi Guys! Sorry it took so long for me to update! I was finishing up my spring semester at university and didn't have as much time to write but I am home now so I should be on a more regular writing schedule.