by Rose Pearson
Alice did not lose heart, tipping her head slightly and regarding Miss Smith carefully. It was clear that this young lady cared deeply for the girls in her charge, which she could not fault her for. “Then,” she suggested, calmly, “you must attend with her, Miss Smith.”
There was a short silence as Miss Smith’s eyes flared, clearly astonished at the suggestion.
“Oh, no, my lady,” Miss Sanders said, shaking her head. “I cannot allow you that, my lady. I require Miss Smith, you see. She is an integral part of the orphanage here and I cannot do without her.”
“Surely there must be someone else you can put in her place for a short few months,” Alice said, determined that, even if she had to use her position as the Duke’s sister in order to get both Elouise and Miss Smith to attend with her, she would. “After all, I cannot believe that you have these many girls and only one assistant!”
Miss Sanders opened her mouth to speak, only to close it again, as though she were aware she could not simply make an excuse.
“There is Helen,” Miss Smith said quietly, although her expression was rather doubtful. “She is fairly new, however, and would require additional training.”
Alice smiled, turning to Miss Sanders. “There, you see? There is no need for Miss Smith to remain if you have another young lady you can call on.”
Miss Sanders remained entirely silent, turning her sharp gaze onto Miss Smith, who held it steadily.
“It would give Helen more responsibility,” Miss Smith said quietly, clearly speaking to Miss Sanders. “And besides which, it would only be for a few months.”
Miss Sanders let out a long breath. “It is clear that you are rather interested in going, Laura.”
Miss Smith lifted her chin a notch, her eyes sharp. “It is Elouise that concerns me the most, Mary. I will do what I have to in order to ensure her happiness – and the success of Lady Alice’s endeavors, of course.”
Miss Sanders muttered something under her breath but then, with a heavy sigh, tried to put a smile on her face.
“Well, my lady, if this pleases you, then I shall have both Elouise and Miss Smith ready and prepared for departure later this evening,” she said, resigned to the fact that she was not to have her way.
Alice smiled, feeling as though she had finally hit upon something that might bring her brother out from his doldrums. “Wonderful,” she said, firmly. “I am sure that you will both do very well at the Royston estate.”
Miss Smith’s eyes flickered with interest. “The Royston estate?” she repeated, quietly. “Is that not some distance away?”
Nodding, Alice gave her a small smile. “It is some three days journey, I’m afraid, but it will give us time to talk and get to know one another a little better. I am sure that Elouise will do wonderfully and be very excited about the trip.”
Miss Smith, however, did not look as convinced as Alice felt but, at the very least, appeared to be quite content with the situation as it now stood.
“You are very kind to think of us, Lady Alice,” Miss Sanders murmured, with a small smile. “Miss Smith, you should go and prepare Elouise for what is to come. You must be ready to depart by five o’clock.”
“Of course.”
Miss Smith rose to her feet, turned towards Alice and gave another curtsy, a small smile on her face. “Until this evening, Lady Alice. And thank you.”
“No,” Alice murmured, as Miss Smith left the room. “Thank you, Miss Smith.”
4
Some three days later and Laura found herself wishing that the journey to the Royston Estate would come to a close. It was not that she was in any way homesick, or that she was eager to return to London, but rather that the somewhat cramped quarters of the carriage – as luxurious as it was – meant that she had very little room to move. The two overnight residences had been lovely, however, and even she had to admit that to be waited on in such an unusual manner was quite wonderful. She had not had to ask for anything, for every single thing that she would require had been presented to her. New gowns were brought for both herself and Elouise to change into on the final day of their travel, having been purchased by Lady Alice in London before they had quit the town. Lady Alice, in her kindness, had promised that they should both have a new wardrobe waiting for them once they had arrived at the estate.
Thankfully, Elouise had been pulled from her own misery by news that she was to have a short holiday in a Duke’s home and had become a whirlwind of giddy excitement the moment Laura had explained to her what was to occur. Almost everything seemed to add to her anticipation of reaching the estate, although Laura was always sure to warn her not to become used to such luxuries as they were currently receiving. She was, however, very glad to see the girl so delighted and happy, seeing a light in her eyes that had not been there before. Perhaps Miss Sanders had been correct in putting Elouise forward after all.
She herself had been rather unsure about it all, although the moment Lady Alice had suggested it, she had found herself caught up with the idea almost at once. It had been difficult to leave the orphanage and the girls behind, but the fact that Helen took her place brought her a good deal of relief. Helen was kind and gentle and would take very good care of the girls in her charge. She would protect them from Miss Sander’s abrasive nature. It was going to be a very unusual experience, residing in the Duke’s estate, and Laura allowed herself a little excitement at the thought. It would be an adventure, she was quite sure! She just hoped that Elouise’s presence would be able to bring the joy that Lady Alice felt was so necessary for her brother’s restoration.
In the back of her mind, Laura could not help but wonder what the Duke of Royston, might look like. From Lady Alice’s description, she thought he would have something of a dark, almost foreboding appearance, as though everything in this world brought him nothing but anger and frustration. He was, at least, a good and kind man, according to Lady Alice’s description, which meant that she was not at all fearful for either herself or Elouise’s safety. That was a relief, at least.
Lady Alice was a very warm-hearted young lady who clearly cared a good deal for her brother. Laura felt as though they had known one another for much longer than they had, given that they were able to converse easily about a good many things. It was not usual for such a refined lady to even converse with such lowly person as Laura knew herself to be but, then again, this was something of an unusual situation. Lady Alice had spoken more about her brother during their journey to his estate and Laura had felt herself grow with sympathy for both him and Lady Alice herself. It sounded as though His Grace had lost more than just his child and wife, but that he had lost something of himself in the midst of it all.
“Now, here we are!”
Lady Alice’s voice was somewhat shrill, betraying her relief at returning to the estate. Elouise, who had been chattering excitedly with both Lady Alice and Laura, now fell silent, her face almost pressed against the window of the carriage as she looked out. Laura allowed her to do so without reprimanding her, seeing the small smile on Lady Alice’s face as she watched Elouise.
“My goodness,” she murmured, as the estate came into view. “It is truly magnificent, Lady Alice.”
The manor house was bigger than anything Laura had ever seen. Its many windows, too many to count, shone in the sunshine, sparkling as they caught the light. The gardens were vast, spread out like a green carpet ahead of them, just waiting to be explored by an inquisitive child such as Elouise.
“It is a castle!” Elouise exclaimed, in a whisper. “A very, very big castle.”
Lady Alice chuckled. “I can see why you might think so, my dear, although it does not have the turrets that one would expect of a castle.”
Laura smiled as Lady Alice patted Elouise fondly on the shoulder, clearly quite taken with her already.
“And I am really to stay here?” Elouise asked, turning her face back to Lady Alice for a moment, her eyes wide with wonder.
Again, Lady Alice laughed softly
, her eyes delighted. “Of course, you are, my dear girl. You are already bringing me a good deal of happiness and I am quite sure that we will all be the better for having both you and Miss Smith here.”
“I do hope so,” Laura murmured aloud, catching Lady Alice’s eye. “Might I ask, Lady Alice, does the Duke know of your plan?”
Lady Alice hesitated for a moment, the light in her eyes fading. “No, he does not,” she said, slowly. “I will not pretend that he will be truly delighted with your presence here, Miss Smith, but I hope that in time, he will come to enjoy it.”
Laura nodded slowly, her eyes drifting towards Elouise who was still making all manner of exclamations.
“I will ensure that nothing cruel is said to Elouise, of course,” Lady Alice said firmly, as though she recognized Laura’s thoughts. “If he does not greet you warmly, however, do not allow it to torture your thoughts. He is, as I have said, in something of a dark place.”
Trying not to allow her sudden anxiety to fill her heart, Laura attempted to smile. “But of course,” she said, quickly. “I quite understand. Elouise will be overcome by it all, I am sure, and will most likely not notice a thing.”
There was no more time to say anything for the carriage now arrived at the top of the long drive, with a few footmen scrambling down the steps towards the carriage, ready to help her alight.
“My goodness,” Laura breathed, as the footman took her hand and helped her out of the carriage, her eyes caught by the magnificence of the manor house. “This is truly wonderful, Lady Alice.”
She smiled. “I am glad you think so. And what say you, Elouise? Do you think you will be happy to reside here with me for a time?”
Elouise had gone rather white, although a dazzling smile remained on her face. A little concerned that the child was to faint, having been overcome by the sight and sound of everything so wonderful, Laura put an arm around her shoulders.
“Thank you, Lady Alice,” Elouise whispered, her voice rather hoarse. “Yes, I will be very happy to stay here with you.”
“Alice? Is that you?”
Laura caught her breath as the voice of a gentleman reached her ears. He was striding towards them all, a tall, broad figure with dark eyes that lingered on her for a moment, sending flurries of anxiety into her belly.
“Ah, John,” Lady Alice said, putting a broad smile on her face as she turned towards her brother. “I do hope you have not been too melancholy whilst I have been away.”
He frowned, not even a hint of a smile on his face. “No,” he said, shortly. “I have had plenty to keep me occupied.”
“Very good,” Lady Alice said, with a warm smile. “May I present Miss Smith and her charge, Miss Elouise Drover.”
Laura kept her head up, her eyes fixed, as she looked into the Duke’s face, finding him to be a most intimidating creature. He was looking back at her with flat, brown eyes that held not even the faintest spark of light. His jaw was set, his thick eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown as he regarded her. She felt as though he was looking into her very soul, sending shudders all through her.
“Why are they here?”
His voice was low and grating, his expression nothing other than sheer disdain.
Lady Alice cleared her throat. “They are here as my guests.”
“And where did they come from?” the Duke asked, clearly angered with his sister. “I did not think that you passed the time with people of such a rank.”
Laura felt herself bristle at the Duke’s unkindness, keeping her arm around Elouise’s shoulders. Could the Duke not see that his sister was doing what she could to help him? Did he not look at Elouise and see that she was hanging on to his every word and could easily understand the disrespect coming from his mouth?
“I have chosen to take in Elouise for a time, John,” Lady Alice said clearly, her voice a little stern. “Miss Smith is here to ensure that she does as is expected, that is all.”
“And when do they return?”
Lady Alice paused and, from where she stood, Laura could see that she had curled one of her hands into a small fist. It was clear that she was frustrated with the Duke’s reaction, even though she had already warned Laura that he might behave in such a way.
“They will return with me when I go back to London for the Season,” she said, firmly. “Does that please you?”
“I am glad to make your acquaintance, your grace.”
Laura stepped forward, looking up at the Duke calmly as he let his eyes rest on hers again. She could see the way his eyes flickered, the way his lips tugged into a thin, tight line. He did not even consider answering her, for he turned on his heel and walked back into the house almost the moment he had finished speaking.
“Oh, dear,” Lady Alice sighed, shaking her head. “I did hope that he…..”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Lady Alice,” Laura said quickly, not wanting the lady to take on any kind of guilt. “You did warn me that the Duke might be less than pleased with our presence and it appears you were quite right.”
Lady Alice sighed again, her eyes filled with moisture. “You do not know how difficult it has been, Miss Smith. My brother has become a little more lost with every day that has passed, to the point that I have been quite unable to help him. I do not know what it is I ought to do. I did hope that even the sight of Elouise might bring a smile to his face but now he appears to be rather angry with me.” She shook her head again, pulling out a lace handkerchief and dabbing at her eyes. “I have very little idea of what else there is for me to do, Miss Smith, and so it seems we must persevere. Perhaps, in a few days’ time, he will be less inclined to turn away from you both without a word. In fact, I insist that you join us for dinner, although I suspect it will be a little late for Elouise. Regardless, she is to have the run of the house, aside from my brother’s quarters and his study. Her presence here should be felt, you understand. She is not to be hidden away.”
“I quite understand,” Laura replied, wishing she could bring Lady Alice a little more comfort. “You can trust me to do as you wish, my lady. I am sure that, in time, the Duke will be glad of what you have done for him. It is obvious that you care about him very much.”
There appeared a small smile on Lady Alice’s face, replacing the morose sadness that had been etched there only moments before. “Thank you, Miss Smith. You have been a wonderful companion thus far and, in fact, I have found my worries growing somewhat less whenever I speak to you. Even now, you have reassured me that my brother’s attitude will improve.”
Laura smiled, glad that she had been able to do so. “Of course, my lady,” she murmured, inclining her head.
“Are we to go inside now?”
Laura’s smile spread as she looked down at Elouise, who was clearly not put off by the Duke’s words in the least. Instead, she was still looking rather excited, her hand reaching for Laura’s as her eyes lingered on Lady Alice, a shy smile on her face.
“Of course, you must come inside,” Lady Alice exclaimed, laughing. “You have been waiting out here for much too long already. Thank you for your patience, Elouise.”
Elouise’s fingers tightened on Laura’s as she climbed the stone steps that led to the manor house, and Laura felt a swirl of excitement catch her by surprise. Despite the Duke’s unwelcoming manner, despite Lady Alice’s fears, Laura realized she was truly looking forward to her time at the Royston estate. It was more than she had ever allowed herself to dream of, being nothing more than a lowly young lady employed in the orphanage, and yet here she was, stepping into the biggest house she had ever seen.
“You have your own bedchamber next to one another, of course,” Lady Alice said, guiding them towards the staircase. “And there should be a bath drawn for each of you. A maid will attend you, Miss Smith, and there shall be another for you, Elouise.” She smiled as Elouise gasped in astonishment. “Then there shall be dinner for you, Elouise, with the maid assigned to you and with the company of Miss Smith also. Miss Smith, if you wo
uld care to join myself and the Duke for dinner, then I would be most glad of your company. There will be time for adequate preparation, of course, and the wardrobe in your bedchamber has all the necessary gowns and the like.” She waved a hand, as though this was all something Laura should have expected, as Elouise began to tug Laura up the stairs.
“Until this evening then, Miss Smith,” Lady Alice called, as they followed a maid up the stairs who was to show them to their rooms. “I am already looking forward to it.”
“As am I,” Laura replied, with as much honesty as she could muster.
5
“Elouise?”
Laura pushed open the bedchamber door to find Elouise still eating breakfast, her face lighting up when she saw Laura.
“Come in!” Elouise squeaked, trying to swallow her toast. “I slept a little later than I ought, Miss Smith, but the maid did not seem to mind.”
Laura smiled and sat down opposite her charge. “Of course. You are allowed to sleep for as long as you wish here, although I need not remind you that –”
“I shouldn’t become used to it,” Elouise said firmly, with a small shake of her head. “Yes, Miss Smith. So you have said on a number of occasions.”
Stifling her laugh, Laura kept her gaze steady. “That is because it is easy to become used to these luxuries,” she said, firmly. “I will admit that it’s wonderful to have breakfast brought to you, to enjoy all the wonderful delicacies that we have eaten lately, but we must remember where we have come from and where we are going back to.”
