Always Come Home (Emerson 1)

by Maureen Driscoll

  “I think so, too!” said Letty. “But I did not know he could knit. Because that’s what Rose and I did.”

  “Unfortunately, I lack that skill,” said Colin, grateful for Ava’s intervention. He suspected Rose seized onto the idea to help him, as well. “But there are other attributes I could put to good use in such an endeavor.”

  “Really?” said an excited Letty. “Like what?”

  Colin realized he’d spoken too soon. Most of the skills he possessed would be best used in either a gaming hell or a bedchamber. He had a gentleman’s education and wholeheartedly lacked a tradesman’s skills. “Well, I could…”

  “Sing a song?” suggested Ava hopefully.

  “That doesn’t seem like much of a present,” said Colin.

  “But Lady Rosemary and I have already admitted to a lack of skill in that area. You might be our only source of entertainment.”

  “Unfortunately, lack of musical skill runs in the family.”

  “Perhaps you could draw a picture?”

  “Not if you want it to resemble anything.”

  “What about writing a story?”

  Colin was about to object again, though he realized his options were becoming limited. Perhaps he could teach the girls to play faro, after all.

  “Colin, writing a story is a lovely idea,” said Rose. “I remember when you would tell me stories in the nursery. I especially liked the ones you made up.”

  “They were but children’s stories.”

  “I’m a child,” said Letty. “I would love to hear one of your stories.”

  “As would I,” said Rose. “Miss Conway has hit upon a marvelous suggestion. You should write a story to tell us on Christmas Day. You can think of one as we cut greenery in the forest tomorrow.”

  “We are going on a forest expedition tomorrow?” asked Colin.

  “Of course. How else can we decorate? I wanted to have the house done for you upon your arrival, but we have been busier than I anticipated. We can spend the morning in the woods cutting greenery, then you can write in the afternoon as the rest of us decorate. It shall be so much fun, do you not agree, Miss Conway?”

  “I am sure you will have a splendid day.”

  “Oh, do not think to exclude yourself,” said Colin. “After all, Miss Conway, it was your idea that we make our presents. If we are doing this, then surely you are, too.”

  Before Ava could object, Letty spoke up. “Please, Miss Conway! It will be ever so much fun.”

  “Very well,” said Ava. “I look forward to it.”

  Colin turned to his new cook. “Maude, I hate to ask, but did you see anything in the larder that might do for Christmas dinner?”

  “I am afraid there is not much, milord. Though Victor and I have given it some thought.”

  The valet spoke up. “If those are your woods, my lord, I would like to go shooting. I was thinking we might have a few game hens.”

  “An excellent idea,” said Colin. “Although we should probably coordinate your outing in the woods for a time that does not coincide with ours. I would hate to return home only to be shot the next day.”

  “That would be terrible!” said Letty.

  Colin smiled at his sister. “Fortunately Stemple is an excellent shot and I have not angered him overly much as his employer. Is that not right, Stemple?”

  “Not overly much, my lord.”

  Rose giggled. “Since our credit has been restored in the village, I believe we shall have a truly delicious feast, which will be most welcome after my rather feeble attempts in the kitchen.”

  “I love your cooking,” asserted Letty again.

  “Thank you, dear. But I suspect we shall be much indebted to Maude and Stemple before long.”

  “I believe this will be a most memorable Christmas,” said Colin, who couldn’t quite keep his eyes off Ava.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  At the end of the meal, Rose showed Ava to her bedchamber.

  “Is there no nursery?” asked Ava.

  “There was never a need for one since this is the dower house. There are just the eight bedchambers on this floor. Colin, of course, has the main suite. Letty’s room is down the hall and will have a grand view of the garden once spring comes. And I am at the end.”

  “Which view do you have?”

  “Nothing to speak of,” said Rose turning away. “I was thinking you might like to have this bedchamber.” She opened the door to a room not two doors down from the master suite.

  “This looks a bit grand for a governess,” said Ava, as she looked at the charming room with yellow wallpaper. “I can sleep in the servants’ quarters. Or, at the very least, I should be closer to Letty.”

  “I believe Letty enjoys feeling like she is on her own, though she is close enough to me that I would hear her call out in the night. I hope you will enjoy this room, though we must give it a thorough airing. The house has been unused for quite some time. I apologize that we were not prepared for your arrival.”

  “Lady Rosemary, I am a completely unexpected addition to your household, and a servant at that. And this is a lovely room. The nicest I have ever had.”

  “Please call me Rose.”

  “While I appreciate that very much, your sister has been on the receiving end of some rather abhorrent rudeness. I should like to call her Lady Leticia, so it would be odd for me to call you anything other than Lady Rosemary.”

  “Thank you for your kindness toward Letty. And you are right about her treatment from others. Very well, we shall do it that way, except for when you and I are alone. Then I shall be Rose. I will not take no for an answer.”

  “And I will be Ava. I look forward to our outing in the woods tomorrow. It has been quite some time since I was able to gather greenery for Christmas. It will be a treat.”

  “I am glad you think so, Ava.”

  Then the girl impulsively hugged her before departing.

  There was no fire in the hearth and Ava suspected there was little fuel to waste. Fortunately, there were several blankets on her bed. Though she’d be living in an earl’s household, she’d best find a way to make do with less.

  Ava still found it hard to believe how much her life had changed in the past few days. She had a new position – though it paid nothing. But she already liked Rose and Letty very much. She would be a good teacher to Letty and a confidant to Rose. She imagined Rose’s life had been a rather lonely one in the country, caring for her sister and without the funds to travel. But both girls were extremely good-natured, much like their brother Colin.

  Colin. Or, as she must refer to him now that he was her employer, the Earl of Ridgeway. She was immensely relieved to have a new position, especially since she was not at all sure that Viscount Clayton would make good on his promise to send her the wages he owed her. But it would be a challenge to live in the same household as Colin – Lord Ridgeway – and not develop feelings for him. Or, more accurately, to not see her feelings deepen.

  There was some consolation to the fact that he would likely have to return to London soon to continue his search for a wealthy bride. She would remain in the country with his sisters. And, perhaps, by the time he returned with the lucky woman in tow, Ava would have found another position elsewhere.

  But in the meantime, she would be spending Christmas with him. And she could not help the smile that came to her at the very thought.

  *

  It was such a relief that Colin was finally home, thought Rose as she made her way to her room. The last few months had been difficult due to their dire financial straits. She was opposed to Colin selling himself in marriage and had been particularly keen to do her part to help wipe out their father’s debts by leasing the manor. She hoped it would be enough to dissuade Colin from making a disastrous marriage.

  She was almost nineteen and knew enough of the world to realize how important love was. Her elder sister Winifred never spoke of her marriage but Rose did not think it was a happy one. How could it be? Their fathe
r had arranged it when Win was barely eighteen. While Win might have welcomed it as an escape from the old earl at the time, six years later it appeared she was in a prison almost as bad as the one she’d left. But it was hard to know since she saw Win so infrequently and received letters from her only sporadically.

  Rose dearly wanted Colin to marry for love. She knew he was giving little thought to that, but he should. They would find a way out of their financial troubles without his sacrificing himself. They were already on their way, were they not?

  She thought about his interaction with Ava. There was something between them, whether or not they themselves recognized it. It was one of the reasons Rose had so readily accepted the idea of hiring Ava as a governess. Rose knew she had no need of one – she was, after all, almost nineteen. But with Ava in the house and so close at hand, who knew what might happen between her and Colin?

  Rose grabbed a quilt from the bed and wrapped it around her, then sat in the wingback chair that was positioned in front of the window. This was the smallest bedchamber in the house. But it did have one thing to recommend it: an excellent view of Castle Bancroft. Rose settled into the chair and thought about the castle’s residents. Well, mostly one resident. She wasn’t even sure if he’d arrived for the holidays, though he was due any day. And he would likely be gone again as soon as he was able. If she were lucky, perhaps she’d catch a glimpse of him in the village.

  She laughed. She was being extremely foolish. The man wasn’t even aware of her existence – not as a woman, at any rate. She was simply Colin and James’s younger sister to the great marquess. She knew she had to get over her girlish infatuation sooner or later

  But it wouldn’t be tonight.

  *

  The enormity of Colin’s challenges was slowly becoming clear to him. The dower house was ice cold and dark. After living in his small rooms in London for so long, he’d forgotten what was required to heat and light a home as large as this, though it paled in comparison to the manor. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about that monstrosity of a house for now. However, he would have to take stock of their basic supplies the next day, for he couldn’t have his sisters – or anyone else – starving on Christmas Eve. Or on any day, for that matter. Thank God he’d brought Stemple, for he knew his capable valet would be an enormous help with the challenges ahead.

  He made his way to the kitchen, where he found Maude and Stemple finishing the dishes. From the looks of it, they were having more fun doing that chore than he’d had in two months of London balls. Hell, he wasn’t sure he’d had that much fun in years.

  He cleared his throat to announce his arrival. Unfortunately, he startled Maude so much she almost dropped the dish she was holding. But Stemple reached over to save it, brushing his hands against hers. If Colin wasn’t mistaken, Maude blushed.

  “Good evening, milord,” said Maude as she bobbed a curtsey and quickly dried her hands. “Do you need something?”

  “I wanted to thank you for doing such a superb job in preparing dinner, especially since I have a feeling the larder had little to offer. I also wanted to make sure you and Stemple are settled in your rooms. Stemple, I trust you have already been your usual efficient self?”

  “I do not know about that, my lord, but I can show you what I’ve found so far.” The three of them went through a short hallway to the servants’ quarters while Stemple explained. “There are a few servants’ rooms in the attic, but it appears that the quarters for the cook, butler and housekeeper are down here. I believe this one was used by the cook.” He pushed open the door to the room closest to the kitchen. Though small, it opened into a sitting room, with an adjoining bedchamber.

  Colin looked at the room, which appeared to be fairly clean, though it contained little furniture. Had it always been this way? He’d never spent time in the servants’ quarters checking on their comfort before. It had always been someone else’s job.

  “Do you like this room Maude? Or would you prefer the housekeeper’s suite?”

  “Milord, I couldn’t take that room. Where would the housekeeper sleep?”

  “Maude, there is no housekeeper. And there may not be one anytime soon. If there is to be one advantage to working here now without wages, I daresay it should be to pick your room. Which one would you like?”

  “The cook’s room is grand enough,” she said. “I’ve never had a bedchamber to myself before and it even has its own sitting room. Are you sure this is just for me?”

  “I am quite certain of it.”

  In the end, Maude thought it would be most practical to be close to the kitchen, so she chose that room. Colin made a note to himself to find a small table and chairs to move into her sitting room. The least he could do was make her comfortable. He already felt guilty enough not paying her.

  The butler’s suite, while still small, was twice the size of Maude’s. The girl seemed astounded by the grandeur of it, making Colin wonder about the condition of Clayton’s servants’ quarters. Even Stemple was walking about the room reverently.

  “But my lord, since I am your valet, would it not be better for me to sleep in your dressing room?”

  “You deserve the extra space down here with all the additional duties I am afraid will be coming your way. I will make do as well as possible without you up there.” Besides, if he ever did have the good fortune to find Ava in his bedchamber, it wouldn’t do to have Stemple in the next room.

  He stopped himself right there. He could never have Ava in his bedchamber and there was no use thinking it would happen. He was roused from his unsettling thoughts by Maude.

  “So, Vic…I mean, Mr. Stemple will be sleeping down the hall from me?” she all but squeaked.

  Colin blinked. “Is that a problem?”

  Maude reddened. “In Lord Clayton’s house, the male servants are on different floors from the women.”

  “I can certainly sleep in his lordship’s dressing room, if it will put your mind at ease,” said Stemple quietly.

  “No, I didn’t mean that!” said Maude. “You should have the butler’s suite. I can sleep in the attic.”

  Stemple looked extremely disappointed. Colin could not blame the man. He certainly wouldn’t want Ava trying to distance herself from him. And he was fairly surprised Maude was doing so, since it seemed she was as interested in Stemple as the valet was in her. “Maude,” he asked gently, “would you feel unsafe with Stemple sleeping down the hall?”

  “Of course not! He would never harm me, nor any woman. And, truth be told, I would feel safer having him near me. You never know when a bloke will try to break into the house.”

  “Then what is your concern?”

  “Well, it’s not quite proper, is it? I wouldn’t want you or the ladies to get the wrong impression of me, sleeping on the same floor as an unmarried man.”

  “Maude, I can assure you that the only impression any of us have of you is that you are an excellent cook and already a valued member of our staff. But the choice is up to you.”

  In the end, Maude said she would like to remain in the cook’s suite and that Stemple should take the butler’s quarters. She blushed so much when she said so that Colin was reassured that Stemple had already won the lady’s heart.

  At least that was going well. What wasn’t so hopeful was his perusal of the larder. Colin gave Stemple and Maude the last of the coins he’d acquired from Clayton to replenish their supplies in the village. He knew the two servants would do their best, but as Colin climbed the stairs to the family wing, he was overcome with worry.

  Circumstances were so much worse than he’d thought. Thank God Rose had rented out the manor house. But what would have happened to his sisters had his return been delayed even more? The girls had been living alone with no servants, with little food and precious little heat. He hated to leave them again, but he would have to set off for London early in the new year. And this time he had to find a rich bride. There was no other choice.

  He was so lost in thought that
he didn’t know how he found himself at Ava’s door until he got there. His fear for his family was almost overpowering. And while she could do little to help, he knew he’d feel better just seeing her one last time that night. Besides, he hadn’t even checked to see if she needed anything, had he? No one had. He would be a negligent host by not checking on her, even though he knew he was her employer and not her host. Nevertheless, he wanted to be polite.

  He knocked on her door.

  A moment later, it was opened by Ava, wrapped in a practical dressing gown. Her hair was already braided for the night. How he wanted to undo the plait and run his hands through…

  “My lord?” she asked. “Is something amiss?”

  “No, Miss Conway, I just wanted to make sure you were settled in. Is everything to your liking?” He peered behind her, trying to get a glance of the room. He vaguely remembered it from his time exploring the dower house as a child.

  “It is lovely,” she said, pulling her dressing gown tighter.

  “Are you cold? I can bring more wood for your fire.”

  She shook her head. “I am quite well, and have enough quilts on the bed to withstand the coldest of nights.” She hesitated a moment. “Are you well, my lord? You look….” She bit her lip.

  “Yes, Miss Conway? I am all aflutter wondering how I look from your vantage point.”

  “You look tired, my lord. And not just from the journey.”

  Her earnest observation caught him off guard. He’d wanted to flirt with her, to perhaps coax a kiss out of her, as ill-advised as that was. Any other woman of his acquaintance, any lady he’d flirted with, any mistress he’d ever had would have known how to play this little game. She would have told him he looked handsome or in need or naughty or some other stupid thing. But Miss Conway had avoided the trivial and moved straight to the heart of the matter.

  He looked tired. And not just from the journey. In truth he was very tired. He was tired of the responsibility that seemed so overwhelming at times. He was tired of failing. He wanted to wake up in a world where all those problems had been solved. Refreshed, able to start anew with a fresh slate.