The Gentle Wind's Caress Read Online Free Page B

her strength. She still couldn’t believe she was now married. Opening her eyes wide to keep alert, she surveyed the countryside as it opened up on both sides of the road. The higher they rose, the cooler the weather became and the bleaker their environment. This was moor country. The crisp autumn air awoke her senses. Her gaze lingered on the hues of the heather covered moor. How beautiful it is . Maybe being married and living in the country would be an enjoyable experience. Surely, nothing could be worse than living by Matron’s rules and spending her time hiding from Neville?
    Len slapped the reigns against the horse’s rump and grunted. One-handed he pulled out a small hipflask and unscrewed the top. He made gurgling sounds as the liquid went down his throat, as though he couldn’t take it in fast enough.
    Isabelle shivered. Drink was new to her. His loud belch made her jump, and she looked at him in rebuke. He clearly wasn’t used to being in a woman’s company, but she could teach him.
    Sighing, she lifted her chin and decided to learn more about this husband of hers. ‘So, Mr Farrell, have you always lived at your farm? I mean has your family always been there?’
    ‘Aye.’
    ‘Do you have many relatives living nearby?’
    ‘No.’
    This news saddened her. She had been looking forward to the company of female family members. Since losing her darling mother and sister, she had missed the closeness they shared. It would’ve been nice to share recipes and gossip with another woman.
    Hughie leant forward to address his new brother-in-law. ‘How many animals do you have, Mr Farrell.’
    ‘The both of yer can stop calling me Mr Farrell. Me name’s Len or just Farrell.’ He took another swig from his flask.
    Hughie grinned at Isabelle, excited to be on an adventure. ‘Well, Len, how many have you got?’
    ‘Enough to keep yer busy.’
    ‘What kind?’
    ‘Sheep.’
    The one-word answers soon quelled Hughie’s interest, and he leant back in his seat in a huff.
    Isabelle watched the passing scenery and tried to ignore the uneasiness that plagued her. She had asked to be married. This was what she wanted, so she’d better make the best of it. There was much she had to learn, Hughie too. There’d be adjustments on both sides. Farrell had never been married before, so sharing his house with strangers was bound to make him tetchy.
    All would be well though, in the end. They’d have a home, food and each other to care for. She was to be mistress of a house and farm. She’d have respect. Suddenly a thought entered her head. Did she have servants? Turning to Len she tried to keep the eagerness out of her voice. ‘Are there servants at your farm?’
    He stared at her for a half a minute, then, laughed so hard it made him cough. After he finished spluttering he gave her a quick look. ‘What do yer think I am? Gentry?’
    ‘Well no, not gentry.’ She frowned, not liking his ridicule. ‘So there is no one?’
    ‘Of course there isn’t. I ain’t medd of money.’
    ‘Is your farm not very big then?’
    ‘It’s big enough for your needs, madam. Now stop with the questions, me head’s fair thumping.’
    She looked at Hughie and managed a tight smile. Such an important day, and a very long day, made them all tired.
    The journey passed by in silence until Len cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. He turned the horse into Draper’s lane and they headed north. The landscape sloped downhill gently. He pointed to a depression in the land on his right that broke the pattern of undulating moors. ‘See that over there? That’s me farm. Meadow Farm it’s called. Further on this lane goes down to Hebden Water.’
    Isabelle gazed at the cluster of farm buildings hidden amongst a clump of trees a mile or so away. Meadow Farm was situated on a flat plateau inside the depression. Though they were high up, hills in the west rose again even higher. Down to their left, the land fell away at a gentle angle towards