But Beatrix was a staunch person who rarely gave in to darker sorts of feelings. Her philosophy was trusting and uncomplicated: she believed that a great power silently turned all things to good, and that you should behave yourself and never mind the rest. Of course, she wasn’t above taking a hand herself when there was something she could do to help. But for the most part, her practical turn of mind encouraged her to behave as though things would turn out well and trust that they would and leave the problem or the challenge or the dilemma to sort itself out. Then she could be surprised and pleased when it did, when what she dreamt of turned out right in the end. And if it didn’t—well, it wasn’t meant to be, that’s all.

It had been that way when she had lost Norman. She had feared, deep in her heart, that she would never again be happy. But she had believed and trusted, and now, to her surprise, just six years later, she found herself busy and content with her books and her farm and her animals here in this little Lake District village. And to her great delight, she had found another man who loved her and whom she could love, perhaps even more deeply and truly than she had loved Norman so long ago. The letter from London was lead in her pocket and the thought of what was happening at Bolton Gardens was an ominous cloud over her head, but she reminded herself that if she could only believe and trust, things would turn out well.

So she resolutely turned her attention away from the letter to the sun-brightened landscape around her. “Isn’t the countryside beautiful, Rascal?” she asked, making her voice as light and cheerful as she could. “It’s such a wonderful day. I want to go for a long, long walk!” But a few minutes later, to her surprise, she found that she couldn’t quite keep her attention from the letter. So she spoke about it to Rascal, and in a few moments, had spilled out the whole story, from the moment of the engagement to her efforts to keep it secret to receiving Bertram’s letter. She felt she had to tell someone, and who better than Rascal?

Rascal had been aware of the engagement for some time, of course. Animals always know a great deal more about human affairs than we give them credit for. But he wasn’t about to let Miss Potter know that he was already in on the secret.

“I’m delighted,” he said firmly, when he had listened to the whole thing. As of course he truly was, for he loved Miss Potter with all his heart and was a great fan of Mr. Heelis, who always seemed to find a bit of biscuit in his pocket for his four-footed friends. “I’m sorry to hear that your parents have learnt your secret. But it was bound to come out sooner or later, wasn’t it?”

Beatrix sighed. Now that she thought about it, she was surprised that the news of her engagement hadn’t leaked out sooner. Villages were horrible places for gossip, and she and Mr. Heelis had been together as often as they could. They pretended that they were just going about the country in search of property, but someone must have seen them and thought otherwise.

“But what am I going to tell my parents?” she wondered aloud. “What am I going to tell them?”

“Whatever you decide,” Rascal said in a comforting tone, “I’m sure it will be the right thing. Just trust your heart, and you’ll be fine.” He leapt up and nipped gently at her sleeve. “Now, then, shall we go for our walk? It’s such a beautiful morning. I will follow you wherever you like and we will make a grand time of it, just you and I. Lead on, dear Miss Potter. Lead on!”

So, cheered by the little dog’s friendship and encouragement, Beatrix led on. The north wind was blustery and chill, and the trees in Penny Woods and along Claife Heights had not yet put on their springtime dresses. But the sun was bright with the promise of April, not many days away, and the grass was green and sweet-smelling. The new lambs frolicked joyfully around their mothers, who watched with patient forbearance and now and then reminded their young charges not to venture too far. In the hedges, the robins were singing as gaily as if the warm days were already here and it was time to think about mates and babies and blossoms and worms. Spring in the Land Between the Lakes is a magical time, and it didn’t take long for that magic to lift and lighten Beatrix’s spirit.

The path that she and Rascal were following led away from the village, eastward across the meadows, to the rocky ford across Wilfin Beck. The name itself says what it is, for the word wilfin means “willow” and a beck is a stream. Even though (in the grand scheme of things) it is only an insignificant little beck, Wilfin feels very proud of itself and its willows as it wends its way across the greensward. I don’t wonder at that, for small as it may be, the beck is very beautiful. In the winter, it is sometimes frozen and quiet, glassy with ice and sparkling with diamonds of frost. And in the summer, when there is less rain, the water may move slowly, loitering along like a sluggish schoolboy. But in the spring, oh, in the early spring the beck brims bank-to-bank with the clearest, purest, sweetest snow-water from the higher fells, some of which are often still white with snow in March, even though the land below is emerald green.

This morning, the beck was in a mood to make sure that all this fresh, lovely water flowed as fast as it could into Windermere, and south right through the lake to the River Leven, under Newby Bridge and past the lovely white cottages of Greenodd and into Morecambe Bay and finally out into the broad, blue Irish Sea, a journey that takes a great deal more time to make than for me to tell you about it. But if you think this lovely adventure has ended when Wilfin’s water is lost in the vastness of the salty ocean, you must think again, for the sun on the sea is warm and inviting and pulls the water up to itself, into the highest atmosphere, where each drop lives in the clouds until the perfect moment, when it falls once again onto the higher fells, onto Crinkles Crag and Bow Fell and High Raise, and onto the lower fells, too, onto Latterbarrow and Claife Heights and then into the myriad rivulets that hurry down to Wilfin Beck and its willows and the green grass of the Land Between the Lakes.

Beatrix was reflecting on this wonderful cycle of nature as she lifted her woolen skirt and stepped from rock to mossy rock across the beck, whilst the dippers and wagtails and water-ouzels, splashing and chirping in the shallows, cheered her on. It was comforting, somehow, to know that all the life around her was part of a larger pattern, in which even the smallest drop of water, the least lichen and liverwort, and the slightest water-ouzel had its great and important and even magnificent role to play. It helped her to believe and trust that her own life would turn out as it was meant to do, no matter how dark it might seem at the moment.

It was in this more optimistic frame of mind that Beatrix looked across the meadow and realized that she had reached a fork in the path. One way led north into the higher fells, in the direction of Latterbarrow, where there were no houses and no people, only a great stone cairn standing guard at its lonely post and a splendid western view of the Coniston mountains and the Kentmere fells beyond. Oh, and from Latterbarrow a path went on to Windermere and Wray Castle, that huge, ugly pile of rock where her family had stayed one holiday long ago, when she was sixteen. Should she go that way, and visit Wray, and spend the day poking around her past?

But the other, nearer path led to the vicarage. This, of course, was where Reverend Sackett lived—the same Reverend Sackett who was pledged to marry her friend Grace Lythecoe sometime next month, if nothing intervened. At the distant sight of its gray stone walls, its gables and steeply pitched slate roofs, Beatrix discovered that her question was answered. She had not consciously chosen to come this way, but now that she had, she knew why. She would have a sit-down chat with Mrs. Thompson, the vicar’s cook-housekeeper, who was destined to be replaced when the vicar and Mrs. Lythecoe were married. Mrs. Thompson was said to listen at doors. If she knew or suspected that she was facing imminent discharge, she would have a very good reason to wish that the marriage would not take place, and (although one did not like to think of it) the motivation to write those ugly letters.

But although Beatrix had met Mrs. Thompson on one or two occasions, she didn’t really know the woman and felt that she couldn’t just go barging in on such a slight acquaintance. She needed an excuse for her visit, like the tablecloth she had taken to Matilda Crook for mending. What could it be?

And then, as she asked herself this question, she realized that she was very thirsty, and thought that no excuse could be better than the truth. She looked down at the little dog. “Rascal, do you suppose you could occupy yourself for a while? I am going to drop in on Mrs. Thompson at the vicarage.”

“Of course,” Rascal agreed cheerily. “I’ll just pop out to the barn and see if Cyril is around.” Cyril was the shaggy old sheepdog who had lived at the vicarage for longer than Rascal could remember. “The dear fellow is really rather lonely. He doesn’t get out much these days, and I like to drop in and bring him up to date on the news whenever I’m in the neighborhood.”

A few minutes later, Beatrix was ringing the bell at the vicarage’s tradesman’s entrance, around the back of the large house, near the kitchen. The bell was answered by a meek-looking young girl in a white apron and cap. She admitted Beatrix to the downstairs back hall and summoned Mrs. Thompson, a tall, angular woman with sharp elbows, gray hair skinned back in a bun, and dark eyes deep-set in a thin, sallow face. Beatrix always thought of a stork when she saw Mrs. Thompson, not so much because of the way she looked as because of the stiff, ungainly way she moved, as if she were picking her way amongst the reeds along the lake shore.

“It’s Miss Potter come callin’, mum,” said the girl with a quick bob, and vanished.

“Oh, Miss Potter!” cried Mrs. Thompson, wringing her hands in consternation. “My goodness, Miss Potter! Oh, dear, dear, dear, I’m verra sorry—t’ vicar is out for t’ mornin’. But whyever didn’t tha knock at t’ front door?”

The real answer was that Beatrix didn’t want to talk to the vicar and was glad that he was out. But she could hardly say that. Instead, she uttered another truth, just as it popped into her mind.

“Because I’m really rather muddy.” She looked ruefully down at her brown boots, which were indeed muddy after crossing Wilfin Beck. “I went out for a walk this morning and have come farther than I meant. I’m so thirsty, and when I saw that I was nearby, I thought I would impose upon you for a cup of water. I’m sorry to trouble you, but would you be so kind?”

“Oh, it’s no trouble, no trouble at all, Miss Potter!” Mrs. Thompson exclaimed. “I’m glad for t’ comp’ny, I am.” In fact, her sallow cheeks had become quite pink with pleasure and she was wreathed in smiles. “Dost tha mind t’ kitchen? Nay? Then do come in for a bit of a rest, an’ we’ll have a cup of tea. T’ kettle’s on. It woan’t take a moment. An’ p’rhaps tha wudst like a bite, as well? T’ scones for t’ vicar’s tea have just come out of t’ oven.”

Well. I must admit to being a little surprised, now that we have met Mrs. Thompson. With everything that has been said of her, I have been expecting a dark-featured person, sullen and disagreeable and exceedingly ill-tempered, who might begrudge even so much as a cup of water to a thirsty caller, and who might be capable of writing nasty letters in an attempt to hold on to her employment.

But even though she might not be the best housekeeper and cook in the world, and although she may occasionally apply her ear to a door, it appears that Mrs. Thompson is, after all, a pleasant person. In fact, it is entirely possible that she (like Cyril the sheepdog, out in the barn) is really rather lonely, for the vicarage is out of the way and if she wants to see anyone—her cousin Agnes Llewellyn, for instance, to whom she is very close—it is something of a walk. The vicar is busy about his duties all day and with his books all evening, and the only other persons she is likely to see on a regular basis are the butcher in Far Sawrey, the tweeny and upstairs maid, and old Mr. Biddle, the gardener who comes twice a week. Upon reflection, I am not surprised that she is delighted to see Miss Potter, who is after all the most famous resident of Sawrey, Near and Far—and here she is, come to beg a cup of water!

The vicarage kitchen was quite large, for it had originally been built for a vicar who had a substantial family and quite a few servants to feed. It was located in the basement, as many kitchens were in those days, to keep the smells of cooking from the more delicate noses of those upstairs. It had a stone floor, a high ceiling and tall windows, a monstrous black iron range, a long pine worktable, and heavy oak dressers full of pots and pans and serving dishes. There was a smaller table, spread with a cloth, beside a window. Beatrix, sensing that her visit was rather an occasion for Mrs. Thompson, allowed herself to be seated there. It wasn’t long before napkins and china plates and silver were laid and tea was poured and a plate of scones was set out. These proved rather crusty and a challenge to chew (as we have heard, Mrs. Thompson is really not a very good cook), but Beatrix made the effort, even managing, truthfully, to compliment the cook.

“My, these scones are quite something,” she said in an admiring tone.

“I’m so glad tha likest them,” Mrs. Thompson replied, beaming. “Scones are a specialty o’ mine.” She paused, obviously hungry for gossip. “Tha’rt in t’ village for a time, Miss Potter?”

“I’m not sure,” Beatrix said, thinking of the letter in her pocket. “I may need to go back to London on a family matter.” But Bertram had said that it would be better for her to stay away until her parents were calmer, and perhaps he was right—she certainly hoped so. “In any event,” she added, “I hope to be here for the vicar’s wedding.” She stepped into her subject bravely, with both feet, watching Mrs. Thompson carefully for any sign of displeasure or vexation. “I’m sure it will be an occasion to be remembered. Don’t you agree?”

Mrs. Thompson sighed gustily. “Ah, t’ weddin’.” She rolled her eyes with exaggerated feeling. “ ’Twill not be a fancy weddin’, I understand. But t’ whole parish has been asked to t’ ceremony. And t’ reception’s to be here at t’ vicarage.”

“Oh, dear,” Beatrix said sympathetically. “I’m sure it will be a great deal of work for you. But I know you will manage.”

“Oh, ’t won’t be me by m’self,” Mrs. Thompson said with a wave of her hand. “Sarah Barwick from t’ bakery is helpin’ out, and Mrs. Kittredge’s cook from Raven Hall. T’ vicar wanted to be sure that I had plenty of help wi’ t’ cookin’.” Another deep sigh. “Such a kind man, he is.”

Beatrix nodded, thinking that the vicar had likely asked Sarah and the Raven Hall cook to help out in order to avoid serving scones like the one on her plate, which she hadn’t quite finished. But of course she didn’t say that. Instead, she said, “Oh, he is indeed. A very kind man. You must be pleased that he is finding happiness so late in life. And pleased for Mrs. Lythecoe, too.” She paused and looked around. “I understand that she lived here in this very house when her first husband was the vicar, many years ago.”

“Aye, that she did.” Mrs. Thompson picked up the teapot. “An’ didst tha know that t’ vicar and Mrs. Lythecoe’s first husband were cousins?”

“I’ve heard that,” Beatrix said noncommittally.

“O’ course, it doan’t perturb me none,” Mrs. Thompson said pragmatically, “although it be a bodderment to some. Bertha Stubbs is up in arms.” She picked up the pot. “Another cuppa?”

“Please,” Beatrix said, and held out her cup. “Mrs. Stubbs doesn’t like it?”

“Not a whit.” Mrs. Thompson poured. “Says it’s a sin. Says somebody ought to’ve said so when t’ banns was read out.”

Beatrix phrased her question delicately. “Does Mrs. Stubbs plan to do anything to try to prevent it?”

“Oh, I doubt it.” Mrs. Thompson put down the pot. “Bertha’s a good’un for talk, but when it comes down to doin’, mappen not so much.” She shook her head. “Anyway, wot could she do? T’ weddin’s set.”

“It would be terrible if something should happen to endanger the vicar’s happiness,” Beatrix said firmly.

“Oh, aye,” Mrs. Thompson replied with genuine feeling. “Truly, Miss Potter, I am happy for t’ dear, sweet vicar. An’ I’m sure Mrs. Lythecoe will do her verra best to make him happy.” She gave a mournful sniff. “ ’Tis a tragedy that I woan’t be here to do for t’ two of ’em.”

“Won’t be here?” Beatrix asked in some surprise. “You’re . . . leaving?” Grace had particularly said that (even though she had discussed the matter with Mrs. Belcher) the vicar had not yet given Mrs. Thompson her notice.

“Aye. I’m leavin’, and verra sorry to say so.” She sighed heavily. “’ Tis mi mum, poor ol’ dear. She lives in Ambleside, all by her lone self, an’ I’m her only daughter. She’s been askin’ an’ wantin’ me to come an’ live with her. I’ve kept puttin’ her off and puttin’ her off, ’cause I truly love our vicar and felt it was mi duty to stand by him and be sure he was well fed and looked after.”

She cast a slantwise look at Beatrix, who murmured, “Very commendable, Mrs. Thompson.”

Mrs. Thompson looked gratified. “But I can’t put Mum off any longer. She’s gettin’ on in years an’ needs me t’ do her cookin’ an’ laund’rin’ an’ cleanin’. I’m that worrit about her, truly I am. So I’ve wrote an’ told her I’m comin’ to live with her, just as soon as t’ weddin’ takes place.” She lowered her voice, speaking anxiously. “I haven’t told t’ vicar yet, Miss Potter, so I hope tha woan’t go an’ say anything to him—or to noboddy else. I made up my mind only this mornin’, y’see. Mr. Biddle took t’ letter to t’ post just before tha knocked at t’ door. So it’s fresh in mi thoughts.”

“Oh, dear Mrs. Thompson,” Beatrix said, “I am truly sorry to hear about your mother. Of course you must do whatever you feel is right.” She smiled a little, thinking of her own situation. “It is not always convenient for daughters to do what their mothers want or feel they need, but there is duty to be considered.”

“Ah, duty,” said Mrs. Thompson, shaking her sadly. “I’ve been a martyr to duty my whole life, Miss Potter. First ’twas Mr. Thompson’s mum, and then Mr. Thompson hisself, both in poor health ’til they died. I did my duty by them two, an’ then by mi mum for a while, and then I came here when t’ dear vicar asked me, near nine years ago. I’ve loved ev’ry minute of t’ work here, an’ am that sorry to leave.” She bit her lip and the tears welled in her eyes. “But yes, tha’rt right. We must do wot we must, Miss Potter, like it or not.”

Deeply touched, Beatrix put her hand over Mrs. Thompson’s hand and pressed it. “You are a good daughter, Mrs. Thompson. I’m sure the vicar will miss you dreadfully. And of course, I won’t repeat a word of this to him. Not a word. I promise.”

She did not promise, however, that she wouldn’t say a word to Mrs. Lythecoe. In fact, she had already decided to stop at Rose Cottage on her way back to Hill Top. It would very much relieve Grace’s mind to know that there would not be a confrontation over Mrs. Thompson’s leaving.

“Thanks,” Mrs. Thompson said mistily, and wiped her eyes with the corner of her apron. “I’ve been wrackin’ my poor brain to think of someone t’ dear vicar might get on with after I’m gone, an’ I think I’ve thought of someone. Mrs. Lythecoe—that is, Mrs. Sackett-to-be—might like to have her, too, since t’ two of ’em know one another quite well.”

“Oh, really?” Beatrix asked, hardly daring to hope. “Who?”

“Mrs. Belcher,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Maggie Belcher. She lives over in Kendal now, but she had t’ post here at t’ vicarage some years back. She’s a dear person, an’ a verra good housekeeper. Keeps things neat as a pin, she does.” She smiled a little. “O’ course, her scones aren’t quite up to mine an’ I can’t recommend her steak an’ kidney pie, which is t’ vicar’s favorite. But then—” She gave a rueful shrug, as if to say that one couldn’t be all things to all people, and the vicar and his new bride would just have to endure steak and kidney pie and scones of a lesser quality.

Beatrix allowed herself a private smile. Sometimes, if one leaves well enough alone, things really do sort themselves out. It was looking as though there would be no difficulty here at the vicarage. Mrs. Thompson would depart for Ambleside to do her duty, Mrs. Belcher would take her place, and Reverend Sackett and the new Mrs. Sackett would live happily ever after.

Or would they? As Beatrix left, she thought that she rather liked Mrs. Thompson (and so do I, although I am glad I didn’t have to eat any of those scones, which look like small brown rocks laid on the plate). She was relieved to know that the housekeeper had nothing to do with the poisoned pen letters, for Mrs. Thompson obviously had no motive to write such things, and her high regard for the vicar would surely not allow her to speak ill of him in any way.

But if Mrs. Thompson didn’t write those letters, who did? she wondered.

And how would she ever find out?