The Great Alder Inn

Chapter 7

Ervyn liked the trip but was grateful when they reached home. Home. Isn't it odd that he has come to see this dusty house in a corner of the world as his safe haven. As his home. He checked on mother first. The kids rushed off to wash themselves and Lennox was out in the field.

"How was the travel, son?"

"It was good mother. I am sure your grandson

"Grandchildren"

"Grandchildren will soon regale you with the stories," said Ervyn, feeling a tightness in his throat as he hugged mom who hugged him back.

"Go on, go rest. You look tired," she said.

Ervyn nodded. He went and dragged his husband to bed. The man did take a nap after much badgering.

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"Why didn't you tell me before I paid the full amount for the estate? Mathilda, your daughter is like my sister. You should have said something. Let me see what I can do," said Lennox. Ervyn walked into the dining room hearing this.

"What's going on?"

Mathilda looked down.

"The blacksmith's boy asked Fiona's hand in marriage. She is telling me now. She didn't even set a dowry for her. Felippe didn't think he should tell me either. I don't understand why my family want to hide things from me," snapped Lennox.

"You are already doing so much for us- started Mathilda.

"Enough with that talk. Wait here both of you. No arguements," said Ervyn and went to their room. He took a box and came back to the hall. He handed over the box to Lennox.

"It's my pearls and some gems. You sell them. We can use some for Fiona's dowry and the rest on the farm," said Ervyn.

"No. I will arrange-

"I said take it," said Ervyn, wanting no arguments. Mathilda was sobbing.

"And you will stop sobbing now. In this dreary part of the world how will they live without some sort of financial assistance?," said Ervyn.

"Go to the city and sell it," he told Lennox who sighed and nodded. He opened the box.

"We don't need to sell all of this. Don't you think your children will want a part of something you held dear," asked Lennox.
Ervyn was silent for a moment and nodded. Mathilda thanked them and left.

"I will buy you better jewels when we can afford them," said Lennox.

Ervyn looked at him a little fondly.

"I don't need them. What I need is shoes I can wear in the farm, have my house dusted and furnished properly, have my children grow up with everything, keep our family. I don't need that Ruby or the Sapphires or the Pearls. I have more of them. I will keep that as a last resort for us should we lose everything," said Ervyn.

"Then it's better if I buy you more so we will have more to sell," said Lennox. Ervyn glared at him and gently pushed him out of the house.

"Better be back home early. Take Gavin with you or someone. Don't go alone," said Ervyn.

"I will take Gavin. You will manage the Inn?"

"I will. I have two little helpers. We will be fine. I know you trust Gavin but maybe not tell him why you are going," said Ervyn.

Lennox gave a small nod.

Ervyn found himself checking the pathway leading to the Inn from city after noon. The children were doing their best in helping out. They closed the Inn by around 9 in the night and retired to their home. It was early in the morning that a knock woke up Ervyn. He rushed outside. Mathilda and Olivia had also come down hearing the sound.