The Life and Times Of Ralf Wylde! Part 4

The Life and Times Of Ralf Wylde! Chapter 4


At Castle Dargan, Lord Vincent has hired Rachael Smith, one of the peasant women from Willow Creek to be his live-in housekeeper.


"I've never in my whole life seen such a huge place", she said.
"It's actually rather small for a castle", he said.


After showing her the rest of the castle, Lord Vincent showed her to a beautifully furnished bedroom.
"This room, a small setting room and toilet are for your use", he said, "There's some clothes in the trunk at the foot of the bed that should fit you."
"Are you sure the owner won't mind me wearing her clothes?", asked Rachael.
"I'm sure. Join me in the kitchen when you've finished changing", he said.


After she changed into one of the dresses from the trunk, Rachael joined Lord Vincent in the kitchen.
"This is delicious. You're a very good cook", she said.
"I learned out of neccessity", he said.


After they had finished supper, Rachael joined Lord Vincent in the livingroom.
"How long have you been a widow?", he asked.
"My husband Aaron died nearly two years ago", she said.
"Did you have childern with him?", he asked.
"I have two daughters who live in the village", she said.
"Will they be alright without you there?", he asked.
"Beautrix and Alyson are quite capable of looking after themselves."


"Lord Vincent, I do need to ask if I'm able to have Sundays off? I'd like to be able to visit my daughters", she said.
"Of course", he said.


"Thank you for supper and a lovely evening", said Rachael, "I'll have your breakfast ready in the morning when you get up."
"Yes, I'll see you then", he said, "Goodnight, Rachael."


"Goodnight Lord Vincent!", she called as she was leaving the room.


Rachael was soon sound asleep on the unusually soft comfortable bed.


Vincent thought about his conversation with Rachael. She had been a widow long enough to be pass mourning her husband and just long enough to be wanting male companionship.


Lord Vincent went upstairs to the family crypt. He stood before the portraits and urns of his parents and mourned.


Then he stood in front of the portrait of a beautiful fair haired woman and began to cry.


"I know I promised, but I can't do this anymore", he cried, "An eternity is an awfully long time.".


Meanwhile over at Willow Creek, Ralf had returned home and Sarah was waiting for him.


"Do you feel like posing for your portrait now?", she asked.
"Yes, if that's what you want", he said.


Ralf stood and posed for Sarah. The picture on the canvas was a remarkable likeness of him.


Sarah had painted longer than she should and was getting tired.
"I think I'll have a nap before supper", she said, "I'll paint some more tomorrow."
"Have a good rest my love", said Ralf.


Anne and Jonathan Fenton were on their way over. Anne had gotten in the habit of cooking supper for the Wylde family along with her own.
"Jonathan I have something to tell you", said Anne.
"You look serious. What is it you want to tell me?", he said.
"We're going to be having us another little mouth to feed", she said.
"A baby?", he asked.
"Yes a baby. What else would you think", she said.


"I hope this one is a son", he said as he rubbed Anne's belly.
"Anne was releaved that Jonathan was happy about the baby.


Anne prepared supper for the two families and they all gathered around the table.
"Me and Anne have a bit of news to share. We're going to have a baby", said Jonathan.


"I'm happy for you both. I would like to have another baby if my health would permit", said Sarah.


"At least you were able to give Ralf two healthy sons. I hope this baby will be a male. I think every man should have a son", she said.


"I'm looking forward to having a little brother or sister. I can get some practice before I have a baby of my own", said Olivia.


"You best be finding yourself a husband first", said Ralf.
"I've found him, he just doesn't know it yet", she said.


"I'm going on to bed", said Sarah.
"I'll be in later. I got to check on the animals", said Ralf.


"I'll check on them. You go on in with Sarah", said Jonathan.


When Anne was alone with Ralf, she whispered in his ear, "You do realize this baby might be yours. Don't you?"



To be continued . . .