Brewer's Tale, The by Karen Brooks Read Free Book Online

other sundries were bought when needed. Occasionally, small amounts went to the thatcher, farrier, cooper, cobbler and all other manner of trades for repairs to and replacements of objects I had taken for granted. Then there was the servants’ wages …
    To ensure we maintained the household, even at the most basic of levels, more income was required. If we re-established the vegetable garden, planted some more trees in the orchard and started making our own ale again, we could make some savings. Wood could be collected from the forest, coal we’d have to ration. Mother’s and Father’s clothes could be recut for Karel and Betje and shoes patched; apart from mourning clothes, I could make do. I drank in all this information like a thirsty pilgrim. There was still some produce awaiting sale in the shop; but I no longer had the rights to it.
    I closed the pages we’d been studying, and tied the boards protecting them together. We sat companionably, staring at the flames. The office looked quite welcoming in its cheerful light, the halo of the candle we’d lit possessing an unearthly quality; the lamp aglow.
    â€˜I feel most foolish. I’d no idea the house cost so much to run. And please don’t even think it,’ I shook a finger in his direction. ‘No-one will be asked to leave. Not yet. Not ever if I can help it.’ I sighed and threw my hands up in the air. ‘What do we do now, Adam?’
    He looked at me sadly. ‘Pray for a miracle, Mistress Anneke. Pray.’
    â€˜Well, then,’ I said, slapping my thighs and rising. ‘Let’s make a start on that, shall we?’

FOUR

    ELMHAM LENN
    After the Nones of October
    The year of Our Lord 1405 in the sixth year of the reign of Henry IV
    O ver the next few days, Hiske took every opportunity to remind me of my situation and to refresh her offer of employment. Doreen had taken to putting on airs, earning a scolding from Saskia and Blanche. Unperturbed, the cocky girl raised her chin and strode off with the confidence of one who knew her place would soon be higher than those to whom she currently answered. From the looks that were exchanged, so did Blanche and Saskia.
    To make matters worse, five days after the news of Father’s death and our changed circumstances, Master Makejoy returned with another letter from Lord Rainford. Passing it to me, Master Makejoy waited while I read the contents. Quite simply, it was a notice to quit the premises. We’d four weeks. The housekeeper, steward and cook were invited to remain for the new tenant, while the rest of the servants would be paid a small sum and given ‘goodly references as they deserve’, from his lordship. There was no mention of the twins or me. It was as if we didn’t exist.
    I sat staring at the letter, arms loose by my sides. My mind refused to still as a thousand thoughts flew around like caged birds. I could not capture one. My stomach churned. Four weeks.
    Master Makejoy rested a hand on my shoulder. ‘Our offer still stands, Mistress Sheldrake. Myself and Mistress Jabben, soon to be Mistress Makejoy, would make you most welcome.’
    I gave a deep sigh. ‘I’m sure that you would treat your servants very nicely, Master Makejoy —’
    Puzzled by my tone and words, Master Makejoy shook his head. ‘You’d be no servant.’
    I didn’t correct him, but continued. ‘Only, it’s difficult for me to consider such a reduction in circumstances when I’ve been accustomed to a very different life. You can understand that, can you not?’
    â€˜I do understand, Mistress Sheldrake, I do indeed. You’ve also enjoyed the help of your good cousin for many years, so it wouldn’t be so strange, surely, if this was to continue longer? Is it not time for you to repay your debt to her?’ When I didn’t reply, he coughed into his fist. ‘Forgive me for saying so, but those who have no