by Vikki Vaught
“It is. What a coincidence,” he replied. “Perhaps she has your Miss Tillman as an instructor.
I’ll ask her in my next letter. I’m hoping she’ll calm down as she matures.” He stretched. “It’s been a long day. Shall we go to bed?” His cheeks flushed. “Separate beds, of course…just as I promised.”
Over the next four days, they talked a great deal. By the time they arrived at Collingswood Hall, Helen had relaxed completely. At last, the carriage turned onto a tree-lined drive, and a sprawling old Manor house came into view. The architecture of the two wings was slightly different than the main section, so she imagined they were added at different times. The house overlooked the sea, and it was a breathtaking sight. Now that she’d seen it, she understood why he loved living close to the water so much.
She examined the front of the residence and noticed dirty windows. Although the front lawn was freshly cut, the landscaping was sparse. Overall, it had a run-down look. She hoped the inside was in better order. Once the carriage drew to a halt, the door opened, and a tall, older man rushed out as her husband helped her out.
“Welcome home, my lord. The countess’s bedchamber has been prepared as you requested.” The harried man rushed on. “We have a little problem. The nurse has left us, so your daughters are getting into mischief. Several more of the staff have also resigned, and others are threatening to leave if your daughters can’t be controlled.”
Taken aback by this information, Helen frowned at her husband. He flashed her a nervous smile. “I believe I mentioned my daughters are a bit of a handful. Countess, this is Wells. He’s been with my family for as long as I can remember. If you need anything, ask him.” Matthew returned his attention to the butler. “Where are my daughters? I want to introduce them to my wife.”
“They were in the nursery with Mary,” he replied, his tone a trifle testy, “but she was having a difficult time keeping them there. I pray she’s kept them from any more mischief.”
He turned to her and offered his arm. “Let me show you to your rooms, and after you’ve freshened up, I will introduce you to my daughters.”
Her husband led her into a dark, gloomy foyer. The table by the door was covered with an inch of dust. Who was the housekeeper? Normally, the woman should be waiting to escort guests to their rooms. At least, that was the way it was done in most grand houses.
Matthew escorted her upstairs, and they entered her bedchamber. It was dark as well. The faded blue velvet curtains did not allow much sunlight inside. In fact, the entire room looked dismal. At least someone had attempted to clean, although it still smelled musty and damp. The faded counterpane on the bed might have been royal blue at one time. The dark mahogany furniture was too heavy and masculine for her taste. This would be the first room she changed. She would become melancholy if she remained in this chamber for long.
He glanced at her. “This chamber hasn’t been used since my mother died. Please feel free to redecorate. A sitting room and dressing area are attached. My room is on the other side of the sitting room.” He bowed. “Excuse me. I shall return once I’ve located my daughters.”
After he left, Helen looked around and wanted to cry. The part of the house she’d seen so far were in a terrible state of disrepair. Why was the house in such bad shape? The housekeeper needed a dressing down.
Sally bustled into the room. “Oh, my lady, I’ll have this room put to rights immediately, and I’ll unpack. I’ve asked for water, so hopefully that will be here soon. I had a hard time finding anyone willing to help. There doesn’t seem to be much staff.”
“I appreciate your assistance.” Disillusioned, Helen sighed. “Can we find one of my day dresses so I can change? Lord Collingswood will be returning shortly. He’s supposed to introduce me to his daughters. Evidently, they tend to disappear quite often.”
What have I gotten myself into?
CHAPTER 8
July 1820
Helen heard another knock, and a young girl, who could not be more than twelve, entered carrying a pitcher. “Thank you for bringing the water. Please, what is your name and position in this house?”
The young girl bobbed a curtsey. “Me name’s Dottie, milady. I’m th’ upstairs maid. Since some o’ th’ rest o’ th’ staff quit, I’ve been helpin’ downstairs as well. Please let me know if there’s anythin’ else ye’ll be wantin’, and I’ll be gettin’ it fer ye.”
Helen was enthralled by the quaint way Dottie spoke. “Excellent. I’ll let you know if I need anything else. It certainly sounds like you have quite a bit of work, so I’ll let you return to your duties. Thank you again for your help. I’m sure we’ll have additional staff in the very near future.”
Sally had located her deep blue day dress, and she changed after she had washed away her travel dirt. She sat at the dressing table, and her maid pulled her shoulder-length hair into a neat chignon at the base of her neck, although the bothersome shorter strands would not be contained. She hoped the earl had located his daughters. It certainly appeared that the little girls were mischief-makers.
Matthew returned looking exasperated. “I’ve found my daughters. Please come with me so I can introduce you.”
He offered her his arm and led her upstairs. When she entered the nursery, she found another poorly-kept apartment. The grimy windows made the space dark and dreary. Changing this room must be first; children needed cheerful surroundings even more than she.
Then Helen saw his daughters—my goodness, they were identical. Long, dark brown hair, badly in need of a brush, floated around their shoulders. Big, chocolate brown eyes and pink cheeks, along with dirt on their button noses, gave them an impish appearance. They were dressed alike in pale blue dresses with what should have been white pinafores. Their stockings were torn, dirty, and falling around their ankles.
Her husband turned, and a grimace marred his face. “Sorry. They were playing in the garden when I found them. I didn’t have a chance to have them tidied up. Let me introduce you to Christina and Catherine.” He turned to his daughters. “Come meet your new mother.”
She looked at the girls and wondered how she would ever tell them apart. They looked at her like she was bitter medicine they must swallow. She knelt to be at eye level. “It’s very nice to meet you. Since you both look alike, I need your assistance. Which of you is Christina?”
The girls looked at her, then pointed to each other and chimed in unison, “She’s Christina.”
Another pained expression flitted across Matthew’s face. “That’s not nice, young ladies,” he admonished. Although his tone came out sharp, she understood his frustration. “I know they’re hard to tell apart. I suppose it doesn’t help they’re dressed the same. Christina has a small birthmark on her hand.” He looked at the little girl closest to him. “Christina, show Helen your right hand.” With a belligerent expression marring her cute little face, she shook her head defiantly. “Christina, come here. Now, show your new mother your hand.”
Both little girls ran across the room, shouting, “We don’t want a mother. We can take care of ourselves. All we need is each other.”
Apparently, these little girls did not know their manners. Words failed her. What could she say to earn their trust? The earl did not seem to have any control over them. No, perhaps that was too harsh based on a first impression. She should give him the benefit of the doubt.
Another young girl hurried forward and dropped a curtsey as she sucked in a breath. “I’m Mary, milady. I’ve been tryin’ to watch these little ladies, but they keep runnin’ off. I’ll get them cleaned up right away.” She took each of the girls by the hand and led them through a door. That was probably where the children slept.
The tips of his ears turned red. “That did not go as I intended. Once they know you they will warm up to you, I’m sure. Unfortunately, I’ve had difficulties keeping a nurse. They’re a little unmanageable, but basically sweet little girls.” He held out his arm. “Wells has tea laid out in the drawing room.”
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The tea tray sitting on a scarred and dusty table, held two chipped cups, and a badly tarnished silver service. The sandwiches were made with stale bread, and the biscuits were hard.
As she poured, she glared at him. “I want to see the housekeeper and the rest of the staff. It’s important I meet with them and begin to learn their names. I assume you will want me to take over your household.”
Relief flashed across his face. “Oh, yes…please take over. Unfortunately, I don’t have a housekeeper. She quit shortly after I left, and I haven’t found a replacement yet.”
“I see. Who else is on staff?” she inquired, feeling as if she’d walked into a mouse trap.
“Normally, there are two upstairs maids and two down, and there’s Cook in the kitchen, and she has two helpers.” He wiped his brow. “Wells told me the two downstairs maids walked out yesterday. Mary’s supposed to be an upstairs maid, and Dottie is the other one. I can introduce you to Cook and her helpers. Presently, we don’t have any footmen because they left last week.”
Helen narrowed her eyes as she looked directly into his. “Why do you have so much trouble keeping help? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Matthew shuffled his feet. “The girls tend to pull pranks on the maids. Just harmless things, but they end up quitting anyway. From what Wells said, the footmen left to pursue their fortunes in Plymouth. I know this looks bad. I promise we’ll find new staff soon. I’m confident you’ll work wonders with my daughters. Once you have them behaving, we shan’t lose any more employees.”
A vise clamped around her chest. Did he think she could work miracles? One would be needed to teach those little girls to behave.
The earl continued, “I’ll contact the agency in Plymouth tomorrow. We should have a full staff by next week. Let me introduce you to the kitchen servants. Cook has been at the hall since I was a child.”
He escorted her to the kitchen and made the introductions. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” While the cook seemed pleasant, it was evident to her she felt overworked. The two kitchen helpers, Suzie and Sarah, were thirteen years old. She addressed the cook. “We will meet in the morning after breakfast to discuss changes. I’m sure it’s difficult without a housekeeper. We shall hire one next week.” She smiled. “I appreciate your assistance between now and then.”
Cook curtsied. “O’ course, milady. I’ll be happy t’ help. I’ve been tryin’ t’ keep ever’thin’ t’gether. It be hard with no one in charge, with th’ maids quittin’ and all.”
“We’ll work together to get everything in order.” Exuding confidence she did not feel, she added, “I shall see you in the morning.”
After they left the kitchen, her husband gave her a tour of the house. He showed her the library, which had floor-to-ceiling bookcases lining the walls, although, everything was so dusty she could not even see the titles. The books were not in order either.
There was a ballroom, a music room, and his study on the first floor, along with the two drawing rooms and a morning parlor. All the chambers needed a good cleaning and were very dated. She definitely wanted to change them.
Matthew led her through the bedchambers on the second floor; there were six of them, plus the family apartments. All needed to be redecorated. There were more bedrooms on the floor with the nursery as well. Then the servants slept in the attic.
When they finished the tour, he said, “I’m confident that in your capable hands, the house will be in order in no time.”
While Helen appreciated his vote of confidence, she had a great deal of work to do. Although daunting, this was what she’d been trained for, and she relished the challenge. “I noticed most of the house hasn’t been updated in years. Didn’t your late wife make any changes?”
The earl tugged on his neck cloth. “Belinda…was delicate. My father arranged my marriage when I was one and twenty…my late wife was only seventeen. She conceived soon after. The doctor restricted her to her bed in the third month of her confinement.”
“Ah, that explains why she didn’t make any changes. The house doesn’t look like it’s been touched in twenty years.”
“My mother was the last to decorate it,” he explained, “and that was well over seventeen years ago. After her death, my father didn’t see the need, so he never changed anything. When he died last year, the rest of the estate was run down. I’ve concentrated on managing that first, before I worried about the interior of the house.”
“I can understand that had to be a priority for you,” she agreed.
“Now you can understand why I needed a wife.” He hung his head. “I supposed I should have been more forthcoming concerning what you would face.” He hesitated. “I didn’t want to scare you off.”
Placing her hands on her hips, she scowled at him. “You could have at least prepared me on our trip here so it was not so shocking. Have you gotten the estate turned around?”
He gave her a quick nod. “The home farm and the tenants are now producing much better. The income is more than enough to give us a comfortable living. With your dowry things can change around here.” He sent pleading eyes her way. “I don’t want you to think I considered that when I asked you to marry me, although, it will allow us to have a few luxuries I might not have been able to afford.”
On the way to their rooms, Helen remarked, “I’m glad my dowry will help. Even though you said I could spend whatever I want to redecorate, I’ll be careful. The house is strongly built, so we shan’t need to spend money on the structure. New wallpaper and fabrics will make a huge difference. I’ve always enjoyed decorating, so it will be fun.”
“Please don’t worry about the cost of repairs.” He chuckled. “Oh, and I’m glad you see it as fun, because to me it looks like a lot of work.”
Grinning, she told him, “I see it as a challenge.”
They reached her door. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted you as my wife.” He stepped closer. “I know my children are unruly, but I’m sure you can take them in hand. Please help them. I do realize it’s asking a lot.”
“It may take a while, but I’m up to the task.” She gazed into his earnest eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. “I’m happy we talked. I hope we can do this every day, because I’m committed to making our marriage work.”
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You’re the most understanding woman in the world.” He stepped back. “I need to meet with my steward so I shall see you at dinner.”
After he turned and walked away, she stepped into her bedchamber. While she appreciated his confidence in her abilities, she was still irritated he had not prepared her for the disorder of his household. She rubbed her temple. A headache was coming on. Refusing to let it bring her low, she spent the next couple of hours organizing her plans for the house before dressing for dinner.
The evening meal went better than their tea. The food was plain, but nourishing. Over a tasty blackberry tart for dessert, she shared some of the plans she’d made, and he agreed to everything she suggested.
Since it had been a long day, Helen retired to her bedchamber after dinner. As she turned to go upstairs, he called after her, “I shall see you in the morning. Good night, my dear.”
* * * *
When Matthew went into his study, he poured a large snifter of brandy, and sat at his desk. He had married an incredible woman. Between the problems with the servants, and his daughters being perfectly horrible to her, other women would have run screaming from the house, but not Helen. He certainly prayed she could do something with Christina and Catherine, because they were completely out of control. They did not listen to him at all, and this problem with keeping a nurse troubled him.
Marrying Helen was the best decision he’d ever made. Now he could concentrate on getting Collingswood Hall in good shape. He’d made progress this past year, but there was still so much to do.
He leaned against his chair. He hoped his wife would feel she knew him well enough to let him into her bed in the no
t too distant future. He was not used to being without a woman. Her beauty stirred his blood. Every time they accidentally touched, his loins tightened. Even though he wanted her greatly, he did not regret doing the gentlemanly thing by offering to wait.
The time they took getting to know each other would be worth it. Matthew wanted her to be a willing partner in his bed, not a compliant one. They had the rest of their lives to be together, so a few weeks would not hurt him. As the clock struck twelve, he made his way to his empty bed.
The next morning, Matthew left a message for Helen, letting her know he’d be out a good part of the day and could miss dinner. He had to see his mistress and let her know of his change in circumstances. Cecilia’s house was on the far side of the village, so it would take him over an hour to get there. Since she would be angry, he wanted to give himself plenty of time. He dreaded the confrontation, but it could not be avoided.
When Matthew arrived, he found his mistress alone. Clearly overjoyed to see him, she kissed him passionately before he could stop her. She was such a desirable woman with her jet-black hair and violet eyes and a mouth that begged to be kissed, but it would not be fair to his wife or honorable to respond, so he controlled his urges.
She ground her pelvis against him and almost purred. When her hand reached for him, he stepped back to avoid her greedy fingers, not meeting her eyes.
Cecilia looked at him, clearly bewildered by his reaction. “Why aren’t you kissing me?”
He heard the hurt in her voice, and he hated to cause her pain. Even though their liaison had only been sexual, they had been together for three years. It was understandable she had grown fond of him. He was fond of her as well.
Oh, God, why did I not break it off before I went to London?
“Haven’t you missed me?” she asked. “You’ve been away for almost three months, and I’ve missed you desperately.” Her tone became strident. “Why are you being so cold?” Her eyes drew together. “Did something happen in London?”
