Chapter 14

Spring was around the corner, and the incessant rain finally eased as the weather began to change. Blacky seemed comfortable enough in his temporary home. The healthy cows enjoyed the lush grass of the changing season and were rapidly gaining weight. In a month Herdsman Searl would return, and the big bull would be taken away. He would be missed.

All was well in Odo's and Charlotte's world. With spring only days away, they began making earnest plans for their wedding celebration. The two were well-liked in Mellester Village and the feast that was being planned would be an event to be talked of for years. Even Gerald, normally stoic and reserved, was excited and offered to lend a hand and relieve the burden a little.

Odo heard no more about the offer to buy his land, and he hoped it would remain that way.

Steward Baldric Bigge returned to Ridgley Manor and diligently reported to his lord what he'd discovered about the poor state of affairs in Mellester. Sir Hyde Fortescue was alarmed and genuinely concerned after learning of the accident that befell his steward, Baldric's daughter and the man-at-arms. The poor soldier would forever be a cripple, but neither Steward Baldric nor his daughter Ivy showed any lasting effects of their injury. Sir Hyde was genuinely fond of his steward and the little girl, and he expressed his apologies for insisting they visit Mellester in such foul weather.

"If it weren't for the good nature of a young local herdsman, I suspect Ivy may not have survived," Baldric told.

"Then I hope ye rewarded him," Sir Hyde said.

"Milord, the young herdsman would not accept recompense."

"Then God worked through the young man, and we are fortunate to receive His blessings and have Ivy with us today," Sir Hyde concluded.

Steward Baldric continued with his assessment of Mellester and went to some lengths to describe the lack of available resources for making improvements which could generate additional revenue.

"Lord Mellester is overspending and the people are overtaxed," tut-tutted Steward Baldric. "However, milord, there is one opportunity at Mellester that could benefit Ridgley Manor, and even other manors in the area."

Sir Hyde was curious. "Go on," he nodded.

"It is the River Eks, milord. At a particular place, the river narrows and drops. It is a dangerous place for locals - in fact, the villagers told me that Lord William almost perished there some years ago. They call it Falls Ende, and it is a perfect location to build a gristmill."

Lord Ridgley was very interested, as he had no suitable places on his land where a mill could be built. Mellester, he knew, was a central location, and if such a mill were built, it would be advantageous to many. "I agree, and now I need to convince Lord Mellester of this."

"Milord," exclaimed Steward Baldric with some concern, "Sir Wystan has no money to build such a mill, and he is already indebted to ye."

"Worry not Baldric, and allow me to dwell on this," offered Sir Hyde. "There may be a solution yet."

Deciding he needed a word with the young lord, Sir Hyde sent Steward Baldric back to Mellester Manor with an invitation for Sir Wystan to attend a small feast.

Pleasantly taken back by the invitation, Sir Wystan had no hesitation and eagerly agreed. It was seldom that he was invited to social gatherings by neighbouring lords. Perhaps things were finally looking up, or so he hoped.

In addition to delivering the invitation, Steward Baldric was required to learn more about Mellester's state of affairs and offer suggestions on how to reduce debt and unnecessary spending. Sir Wystan claimed that times were difficult and took no responsibility for his ill-advised and frivolous squanderings. One idea Steward Baldric formally put forth to improve the manor's revenue was to construct a gristmill. An idea he'd spoken to Reeve Merick about previously. "A local mill would generate substantial income and also be useful to other manors in the area," suggested Baldric to Mellester's lord. Steward Alard nodded in support.

Although he felt it was a good idea, Sir Wystan knew he didn't have the money for such an expensive venture, it was something he could ill afford. "I have no interest in a stupid mill," he told Steward Baldric with typical petulance. "Our villeins and freemen are lazy and unproductive, this is the reason why Mellester is suffering through a difficult period, but it's only a temporary setback!" He grabbed his goblet from the table and stormed off leaving his steward alone to discuss the manor's pecuniary matters with Steward Baldric.

On conclusion of his task at Mellester, Steward Baldric returned home to Ridgley Manor and reported all he'd learned. "Sir Wystan believes ye will understand that Mellester is faring rather well, uh, taking the difficult times into consideration, milord," offered Steward Baldric struggling to maintain a straight face.

"Is that so?" mocked Sir Hyde.