Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 1)

by Kinslow, Nanette

  “I’m ready,” she announced firmly.

  Timothy chuckled and led the petite girl into his home.

  The kitchen was in chaos and Timothy was instantly assaulted by a rotund and frantic cook, two gentlemen who Rebecca thought might be butlers, and several young girls in starched, white aprons. Mark was hugging the cook and grinning broadly and, although the woman was obviously quite distracted, she held her arm about his shoulder in an affectionate manner while firing objections at Timothy feverishly.

  Overwhelmed by the onslaught, the girl tried to listen and understand the complaints, which seemed to be focused on Miss Octavia’s menu choices and the gathering being only hours away. Timothy turned briskly and headed back out to the buggy. He crossed the yard and headed for the stables and the cook turned to Rebecca expectantly.

  Mark jumped in, introducing Rebecca excitedly to the staff. “I found her all tied up in a shack by the cabin and she’s been living at the cabin and she can cook and read really well and…”

  Elgerson’s head cook peered at Rebecca suspiciously, certain that the girl was older than she looked in the strange clothing.

  “Very nice to meet you, Miss. Welcome to Stavewood,” the younger of the two butlers bowed slightly.

  “Thank you, sir,” the young woman replied properly, appreciating the man’s fine manners.

  “Please excuse us, Miss,” the stout head cook apologized. Once hearing Rebecca’s manner of speaking she was certain there was much more to the young lady than met the eye.

  “In all the commotion we have completely forgotten our manners. I am Birget, head cook and this is Gebhard…”

  Rebecca nodded at each of the staff in the kitchen, certain she would need more than one meeting to memorize all of the names. Although numbering more, by several, than the staff once kept by her family, it was obvious they were facing a crisis and Rebecca inquired as to what the commotion had been about.

  “Miss Octavia is throwing this party tonight and has provided us with a very bad menu. I can’t see how she expects us to entertain so many guests with this!” The cook pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her large apron and handed it to the young woman. Scrawled on the sheet were a strange list of what Rebecca supposed were ingredients. She peered at the paper, puzzled.

  “This is the menu?” she asked of the cook.

  “I don’t know what it is, but I do know we are hours away from a house full of people with no menu at all!” The anxious cook wrung her hands frantically.

  “Well, it’s apparent that you cannot possibly work from that!” Rebecca handed the paper back to the woman. “I suppose we’ll have to provide a menu of our own. If you wouldn’t mind terribly, perhaps I could help?”

  Birget nodded eagerly. “If you can plan a menu. Yes!”

  Rebecca instructed the cook that she would need to see the pantries and assess the contents of the larder and perhaps the wines.

  Requesting paper to make notes and complete a list, Rebecca planned the evening’s menu, discussing the number of people expected and how the food would be served and presented. She found the cook attentive and capable and in a short time the two women returned from the pantries with an arrangement.

  Mark gave her a brief tour of the public areas of the home, while Rebecca made suggestions for arranging the food tables to the butler and his assistants. Rebecca wished she had time to tour the magnificent home with fewer distractions.

  She fell easily into instructing the staff amid the chaos. Having been brought up in an affluent household arranging a large gathering fell comfortably into the skills that she possessed. She delegated tasks without hesitation and her natural command in the midst of the disorder was readily accepted and appreciated by the overwhelmed employees.

  When Timothy returned from unloading the buggy he sent two maids upstairs with armloads of wrapped bundles. He found his kitchen buzzing with organized activity, and left for a quick ride to the sheriff’s home. Content and relieved that the household had somehow overcome whatever their emergency was, the big man felt free to continue his errands.

  He never saw Rebecca and wondered where she had gotten to, assuming she had found a place to make herself scarce while she waited for him to send up her packages of clothing. He returned to the house, instructed one of the maids to prepare a room for the girl and help her in whatever she needed and rode out.

  Rebecca had discarded her cap and piled her hair onto her head. Then, donning an apron, she stood in the corner of the colossal kitchen instructing the cook which herbs she’d like used to crust the rack of lamb for part of the main course. She saw Timothy come into the kitchen twice, speak briefly to the maids and leave quickly, relieved that he did not see her with her hair disheveled and covered in the herb rub.

  The counters of the gleaming kitchen soon were filled with steaming tureens of wild boar soup and platters of smoked trout. Crisped onions encircled the cold goose liver platter and the crusted rack of lamb was roasting nicely amid mounds of golden potatoes.

  For dessert, Rebecca had instructed the cook to prepare a chestnut mousse with a rum scented chocolate sauce. The two women readily exchanged ideas and experience openly, while discussing how to best prepare and present each dish.

  Although many of the foods were unusual to Rebecca, she reasoned that taking a basic approach and combining it with her knowledge and love of cooking, each recipe should be enjoyable to the guests. Refined by the accomplished experience and suggestions of Birget, the menu was varied and generous, and Rebecca was pleased with their combined planning.

  Chapter Seventeen

  By shortly past six, the prepared food began to emerge from huge ovens, filling the house with an appetizing aroma. The staff buzzed with excitement, proud in their accomplishments and Rebecca went to check on Mark and the butler’s arrangement of the long serving tables. The boy had convinced the men to pull out the decorations the family had kept stored and they had adorned the stairway and overhead chandeliers with garlands and ribbons. She set the two young maids to laying out the delicate lace table linens she discovered in the butler’s pantry and asked Mark where she might find a place to clean up.

  Mark led her up the grand oak staircase to a cozy room upstairs, saying it was hers and leaving the girl to dress for the party.

  Rebecca surveyed the lovely room, its rich woodwork and enclosed fireplace radiating warmth into the surroundings. The setting sun cast soft, filtered light through the lace curtains and Rebecca admired the fine, solid furniture and thickly padded carpets. Piled on the bed was a generous collection of carefully wrapped parcels and boxes, one of which the young woman hoped was her gown for the evening. She began to carefully inspect the contents of the packages. The smaller of the packages was filled with the finest lingerie, lace-trimmed camisoles and fine, silk stockings. There were corsets and petticoats of delicate, rustling silk. Larger bundles contained gowns and day dresses, delicate footwear emerged from boxes as well as a deliciously feathered bonnet. Rebecca was overcome with the beauty, quality and amount of clothing.

  It was apparent from his generosity that Timothy was a very successful man, but she had never expected, or was sure she even wanted such an extravagant collection of clothing. When she opened the largest of the bundles Rebecca gasped in awe. The emerald gown was the finest piece she had ever seen.

  With mutton sleeves at the upper arms and a fitted bodice that dipped at the waist in a deep point to a full gathered skirt, the fine velvet shimmered in the sunlight. The bodice was embroidered with a gentle, raised leaf pattern, as were the lower, fitted sections of the sleeves. A deeper, emerald braiding adorned the edges of the sleeves and trimmed the neckline, which was cut to curve gently across the bust. Braiding secured the bodice in a crisscross of lacing, parting slightly to reveal a slim opening. The heavy fabric was draped luxuriously across the bed as Rebecca laid out the dress, overcome with emotion.

  A soft tapping at the door pulled her away from the overwhelming collection an
d she opened it to find a young girl in a smart, black uniform.

  “Pardon me, Miss,” the girl bowed slightly, a bit surprised at Rebecca’s appearance. “I’ve been instructed to help you dress.”

  Rebecca was thrilled to hear the girl’s gracious offer, and was thrilled for a female’s assistance. She quickly beckoned the girl into the room.

  “Hello!” Rebecca took her hand excitedly. “How relieved I am to have your help!”

  Rebecca showed the girl the beautiful garments and the young maid helped her by running a bath and gathering the articles Rebecca would require for her preparation. She left briefly but returned with a hairbrush, hairpins, and colognes. She hung the gowns in the large wardrobe and filled the drawers of the bureau with lingerie, while Rebecca languished in the generous bath.

  When Rebecca had finished her bath, the young maid brushed out her hair and deftly arranged it in a soft twist, fashioned high against Rebecca’s head. The girl had gathered flowers from a centerpiece while collecting the bath articles and suggested that the delicate leaves and tiny, white flowers might adorn Rebecca’s hair nicely. She wove the stems in stylishly, the soft flowers beautifully contrasting with Rebecca’s dark, sable hair.

  Rebecca slipped into the sheer undergarments and tried to ignore the continuing ache in her side while the maid laced her corset.

  As she fashioned the back of Rebecca’s gown the young woman gasped.

  “Oh, Miss! How beautiful you look!”

  Rebecca studied her reflection in the tall mirror, astounded by her own image. Helping the boy at the cabin had given her a healthy appetite, and hearty meals had filled out her figure. Her bust swelled against the well-fitted bodice provocatively, the narrow opening of the lacing divulging an enticing view of her cleavage. Her slim waist, encased securely in her corset, set off her softly rounded hips, the full gathering of the skirt accentuating her curved derriere. Clear skies and bright sunlight had given her complexion a warm blush and her hair, sleek and shining encircled her delicate features elegantly and softly swept across her forehead, entirely concealing her fading scar.

  Rebecca took a deep breath, suddenly apprehensive over the large group of people expected to attend the gathering. Although sure that her appearance was more than acceptable, and actually quite pleasing to her, she knew that someone would inquire as to her identity and she worried over how believable her story would be.

  The young maid excused herself, complimenting Rebecca profusely and assuring her that she would be the most beautiful woman at the party. Rebecca took one last look at herself in the tall mirror, placing a touch of the delicious, lavender cologne behind each ear, before going downstairs to make a final check on the dinner preparations.

  The delicate, new slippers on her slender feet were a drastic change from the heavy boots she had become accustomed to and she tiptoed along the hall carefully. Stepping onto the first step on the long staircase, she descended with care, familiarizing herself with the dainty footwear. Rebecca looked up as the front door opened abruptly and Timothy burst into the foyer hurriedly.

  Timothy Elgerson stopped briskly in his rush to dress at the late hour and stared, astonished, at Rebecca on the stairs. At first he did not recognize the stunning woman. This vision he thought, must be a guest that had arrived early. He was sure he had never laid eyes on her before, but then, as Rebecca stepped closer and he met her eyes, they filled with warmth and appreciation. In a rush of recognition he froze.

  Rebecca’s emerald eyes locked with his own, her look tentative and engaging, and he saw a transformation he found unbelievable. Her astounding beauty unsettled him as his mind raced with a rush of memories of his dealings with the girl. Rebecca was most definitely no child and, as she stood before him eye to eye near the bottom of the steps, Timothy felt his heart pounding in his chest.

  The deep green of her familiar stare penetrated his and he examined the girl slowly, drinking in the view of her. Her slender outline stood in anticipation before him, her full breasts rising and falling slowly as Rebecca tensely awaited a reaction from the man. Compelled to approach her and react impulsively to his overwhelming desire to take her into his arms, Elgerson cleared his throat hoarsely and attempted to gather his senses.

  “Rebecca,” was the only word that escaped his lips.

  “Timothy, how can I possibly thank you? The gown, everything… it is all so beautiful!” Her smile was warm and genuine as she stood anxiously, studying his face openly.

  Birget bounded from the doorway in search of Rebecca and stood between the two of them looking appreciatively at the young woman.

  “Why Miss, you look most beautiful!” she grinned.

  Elgerson pulled his hat from his head, twisting the brim in his big hands with a slow nod.

  “You had better change, sir,” the ample-bodied cook suggested. “The guests will be arriving shortly and you’ll need to dress!” She chuckled. “We can’t go about the place looking like that with the young Miss being so beautiful, now can we?” She toddled off, smiling to herself and returning to her bustling kitchen.

  “Rebecca, you look very beautiful, very beautiful indeed,” Timothy blushed. He walked slowly past the girl and ascended the steps briskly.

  Rebecca puzzled at the man’s reaction, uncertain about the stunned look upon his face. She wanted to thank him profusely, but didn’t seem to be able to find the right words. She felt that she must find a way to thank him for his generosity. She turned towards the dining room vowing to find the means to show him.

  Timothy rushed into his room and threw his hat and duster onto the chair. He hurried through a bath, lathering his thick hair briskly and then combing it smoothly down against his head. He contemplated trimming back his beard, noticing that it had become more unruly than he had realized and then decided a full shave might be more appropriate. He cut into the mass with sharp scissors and began to lather up his chin.

  Mark called from the doorway and, once beckoned into the room, was thrilled to find the man preparing to shave. He thought better about bringing up the fact that he had not seen his father clean shaven since his mother’s death, choosing instead to ask if his choice of clothing was appropriate and how late he may be allowed to remain at the party.

  Timothy accepted that the boy could stay up much later this time than the normal hour and sent Mark downstairs to keep an eye out for Octavia.

  Elgerson finished trimming his remaining moustache and chose a fitted, black velvet jacket over a silk shirt with a crisp, high collar. His dark slacks fit his narrow waist fashionably and he set aside his high stacked boots for a low, black leather dress shoe. He rummaged through his drawer impatiently for the wide black ribbon he once used to contain his long mass of hair, as he heard the guests beginning to arrive. He tied up his hair quickly and checked his appearance in the mirror, surprised at how much younger his shaven face appeared, and how thin he had become since last taking time to study his own reflection.

  Satisfied with the transformation, he headed down the hall to begin greeting his guests. He listened to the voices in the foyer, but did not hear that of Octavia and wondered where the woman could be.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Rebecca had done a final check of the dinner preparations, pleased with the tantalizing spread and well-organized presentation by the staff but uncertain where she should go. The sounds of the four piece band tuning in the far ballroom increased her indecision and she returned to the foyer to wait for Timothy, hoping he might tell her where she ought to be when guests began to arrive.

  Gebhard began opening the wide oak door, bowing and collecting coats and capes and greeting the guests efficiently. Rebecca stood at the bottom of the stairs, smiling nervously, attempting to appear gracious and introducing herself as a friend of Timothy’s while trying to avoid the guests’ questions. She began to adjust to her situation easily in the crowd of first arrivals, amiably welcoming them and directing Gebhard confidently.

  When Timothy arrived
at the landing he had Mark beside him and watched Rebecca for a moment as she welcomed guests into the home. The boy was anxious and eyed his father curiously as Timothy watched Rebecca unseen from the upper corridor.

  Moving gracefully amid the steady stream of arriving guests, Rebecca greeted each one warmly, complimenting both the men and women genuinely. Her stylish gown swayed along the smooth oak floors, complimenting her stunning beauty. She glided elegantly in the midst of the partiers and the highly appreciative glances of the arriving men were not overlooked during Timothy’s observation of the girl.

  The foyer emptied, momentarily, as the newly arrived guests milled towards the sounds of music on the night air and the enticing aromas wafting from the main dining room. Rebecca took an obvious deep breath and looked up, composing herself for the next onslaught of callers.

  The bell rang again, the door pulled open by the butler and the foyer again filled with guests.

  Mark pulled anxiously at his father’s sleeve and Timothy advanced to the stairs. The upturned faces of the group announced his appearance and Rebecca turned to see Timothy Elgerson descending the massive staircase.

  Rebecca knew him more by instinct than by immediate recognition. She knew those fine shoulders, straight and broad beneath his freshly shaved neck, his face sober and handsomely masculine, and his warm brown eyes meeting her briefly in a deliberate glance. As he stepped to her side she felt her breath quicken, her diminutive height affording the man a provocative view of her décolletage, and he stood stiffly and straightened his fitted jacket.

  “Timothy,” Rebecca whispered discreetly, as he gave her a side long look, “it would appear that underneath all of that hair you have been concealing a very handsome man.”

  A bit flustered by the girl’s obvious pleasure, he smiled. “Perhaps, Madam, we have both had much we have been hiding.”