North American Mother

Chapter 4

It took them about two weeks to make it to Boston by ship from Quebec City and once they made it Madeline and Matthieu were in awe of just how large the port had grown. It was easily twice as big as Quebec City and seemed less defended since there were no walls protecting it from attacks. Though both realized the city was more in the heart of an area where defense wasn't necessary since farms and towns had sprung up for miles around. Alfred told them that the nearest wilderness was actually several days journey from the city so attacks from the natives weren't something the people of boston needed to worry about.

Alfred led them from the dock to his house, excitedly telling them about Arthur and how he was sure he'd be happy to see the two of them. when they reached the house both Madeline and Matthieu took note that it was about the same size as its neighbors. It was still a nicely sized house but it was far from the mansion they had lived in with Francis. They went inside and Alfred called out for Arthur and received a response from the parlor.

"In here lad. I heard you were successful in finding your siblings."

The three enter into the parlor and Alfred presents Madeline and Matthieu to Arthur.

"My my, you've certainly grown since the last we met lad." He turns to inspect Madeline as she stands there in her fanciful french court dress. She had opted out of the corset as she had left her maids behind in Quebec when she had left with Alfred, the dress was still too much for her but she had no other clothes at the time. She had however braided her hair to keep it out of the way while they traveled south.

"Hmm, I can see Francis has continued to dress you in those court fashions of his. I'll call for a seamstress to make you some new clothes, something more appropriate for you and less flouncy. Matthew can have some of Alfred's old things for now, at least until we can get him some of his own."

The three hardly took notice in the slight change to Matthew's name, it wasn't that different, just barely enough to notice.

"Also, I am aware that Francis must not have had you do much work while you were with him. I know how he can be hiring servants to every little thing. However now that you are with me I expect you to do your part in keeping up the house. Madeline I would like you to help in the cooking and cleaning of the house. A young woman should know basic house care and I expect you to learn. Matthew, you will be helping Alfred with his chores, splitting wood, running to the market and making repairs to the house when needed. The people that I have hired to help you while I am away are not your servants. They are a pleasant young woman and her brother that will cook and tend to the horses, as I will be away most of the time due to business in England they will be your guardians when I am away. You are to listen to them when they ask something of you and help them when they need it. Have I made myself understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, well then I think perhaps I shall show you to your rooms. I've had a spare bed moved into Alfred's room for Matthew. Madeline will have her own room across the hall. My room is at the end of the hall across from my library and study. You are allowed free reign of the house I just ask that you be careful with some of the books as some are quite old and delicate."

Arthur has been leading them up the stairs as he speaks, showing them their rooms and the study. Matthew seems to love the room as Francis had always frowned on reading for anything other than business, thinking it a pastime not suited to those of their class. As such Matthew had never really seen books lining the walls in such a fashion and his siblings could tell he was going to put the room to good use.

the rest of the day was spent allowing Matthew and Madeline to settle in. A seamstress was called to fit Madeline for some clothes better suited to what she would be doing as well as more comfortable for her. She was told it would be a few days before she would have something ready for her, but Madeline didn't mind. She was already relieved upon finding out she would not need a stay or a corset. The next few days she spent simply cleaning up around the house as her court dress only got in the way of any attempts at cooking she tried. When her new clothes arrived she happily tossed out the flouncy court dress for the more relaxed linen dress she was given. Now dressed more comfortably and more practically Madeline began learning to cook. It wasn't so much that she didn't know how as Francis never allowed her near the kitchen and so she never learned how to use one. The woman in charge of their kitchen, Mary, was rather impressed by Madeline's quick learning curve when finally being introduced to the kitchen and its tools. She picked up how things worked easily and was soon able to be left to cook things on her own.