by Lynne, Karen
“Miss Clara, I shall have them back in a few hours.”
“Excellent, my lord.” She ducked her head, giving him a polite curtsy.
His little group followed him out into the sunlit afternoon where few clouds clutter the sky. The groom had roped the luncheon basket to the back of the carriage and stood at the horse's head. Colten lifted the girls one at a time into the carriage where they climbed onto the forward-facing seat. He jumped in and sat opposite. The girls waved enthusiastically to their nanny.
“Do you like Miss Clara?” Colton asked the girls.
They nodded. “Uncle Colton, will Miss Clara be our new ayah?” Annalynn asked.
“Ayah?” Colton’s brow wrinkled.
“It is what we called our nanny in India,” Lisabet informed him.
Colton smiled. “Yes, Miss Clara will be your new ayah.”
Annalynn and Lisabet laughed at his awkward pronunciation.
“Say a.yah.” Lisabet smiled.
Colton repeated. “a.yah.”
The girls giggled nodding their heads.
The ice had been broken, and they rode toward Fyne Court in comfortable silence, the girls watching the landscape.
* * *
Isabella looked in the mirror one last time tucking a stray hair in place. Her stomach had been jumping from excitement to nervousness all morning. She knew she was not breaking any rules of etiquette by accepting Lord Egerton's invitation to join his small family for a picnic, after all, his two young nieces would be with them. Susan and Eliza were busy with their little families, and duties at their estates, while Abby was preparing for her wedding. Isabella understood her friends could not spend days showing her the countryside, so Lord Egerton’s petition for her help was the perfect chance to see the sites.
Isabella had carefully picked a calico day dress that could withstand sitting on the ground and snuggling small girls. Mildred hadn’t said anything but Isabella knew it would take some cleaning to put her evening gown to rights after last night's dinner party.
“Miss Dalton.” A tap sounded at the door. “Your gentleman is here.” A maid informed her.
“I’ll be just a minute.” Isabella reached for her straw bonnet tying the ribbon loosely under her chin, she took one last look at her reflection then picked up her parasol and left.
Isabella found Lord Egerton waiting in the foyer gazing at the pictures hanging on the wall. He’d taken more care in his attire today. She admired his tall frame before Lord Egerton knew she was there. A gentleman with his refined looks and innate style, must have been the toast of London before being forced to come to the country and take up duties as his nieces ward. Isabella found herself quietly thanking her mother for the money spent on her wedding trousseau even though there had been no marriage.
Lord Egerton turned; an animated smile spread across his strong-featured face. His hair was styled to cover his injury, probably well earned in the war. Although not as dashing as James or William, he made her heartbeat increase.
“Miss Dalton, we are in luck. The sun is shining, and there is no rain in sight.” Lord Egerton offered his arm as she approached tucking her gloved hand into the crook of his elbow, he assisted her from the house.
“The furthest I have been from the coast is Bath, and there it rained at a moment's notice. I have never been this far inland so I will take you as the expert on the local weather.”
“Well then, I hope it doesn’t rain.” Lord Egerton steadied Isabella as she climbed the small step and seated herself between the girls.
“Miss Isabella, we are going to have a picnic in the woods.” Lisabet snuggled closer.
“Miss Clara said we get to eat on the ground, that is what a picnic is,” Annalynn informed.
Isabella looked to Lord Egerton; his brows rose in humor. The girls kept talking while they rode along the road that meandered through the earl’s property. Lord Egerton tirelessly answering their questions about the cattle, sheep, and goats roaming the fields. Animals that were so different from the tigers, elephants, and monkeys the girls were used to seeing. Isabella thought of the pet monkey they had to leave behind.
The carriage moved onto the main road as they left the earl’s land.
“I would like to take you to my estate. There is a hill shaded by a small wood that overlooks my family home. But I warn you it is not as well maintained as Bowood House.” Lord Egerton explained.
The carriage turned into a smaller lane with overgrown fields of colorful wildflowers dotting the grass while butterflies flitted from flower to flower. They stopped amongst some trees where the sun-dappled through the leaves, creating a cool spot to eat. Lord Egerton helped them down while the groom retrieved the basket. The girls took off running through the grass reaching for butterflies as the groom set out lunch.
Lord Egerton took Isabella’s hand and tucked it in his arm, guiding her toward the crest of the hill.
“You can see the house just at the top here.”
He was right; the home had a gothic feel. Nature was reclaiming it. Some overgrowth had been removed but toppled down stone walls surrounded wild gardens and vines covered decrepit outbuilding that might have once been stables.
“This is a result of a decade of neglect.” Lord Egerton’s shoulder slumped.
“Is that your house?” Lisabet asked halting in her play by Lord Egerton’s side.
“Yes, it is. See those men working? They are fixing it up for us. Your rooms will be ready the day after tomorrow.”
They turned and moved toward their lunch.
“Can we have a monkey?” Annalynn asked.
The girls sat down on the blanket. Isabella arranged her skirts and sat beside them.
“The girls had a pet monkey they left behind in India,” Isabella explained.
“His name was Button’s, but she could not come on the boat. Father said boats were not good for monkeys.” Annalynn took the sandwich Isabella handed her. She continued to set a plate before the girls and filled them with food while discreetly watching Lord Egerton’s reaction.
“We don’t have monkeys in England. Would you like a kitten?”
“Can we have a pony?” Lisabet asked. Her eyes were hopeful.
“And a kitten,” Annalynn asked.
Lord Egerton threw back his head and laughed. A deep rich masculine sound that made Isabella smile.
“I think we can buy a pony and find some kittens.” Lord Egerton accepted the plate of food Isabella handed him, giving her a wink.
“I think they are warming up to me.” He whispered.
Lord Egerton leaned back on his elbow, stretched out his legs, and placed his plate next to him. Isabella bit into the egg and cucumber sandwich. It tasted good. No one talked until the food was gone.
“Can we look for bugs?” Annalynn asked.
Lord Egerton laughed. “If you stay where I can see you.”
“We will,” Lisabet promised over her shoulder as she followed her sister into the meadow.
Isabella gathered up the remains of their lunch and returned it to the basket. The groom was leaning against a tree, watching the horses while he finished his meal packed by the cook.
“I think the girls are feeling more comfortable with you.” Isabella smiled.
“You were right, they are easy to love.” Lord Egerton studied her. “Thank you for coming with us today.”
Isabella found herself staring into his piercing brown eyes. Twitching her fingers in her lap to relieve the sudden tingling she could not explain, she turned to look at the girls picking flowers. “I have enjoyed this day. I wanted to get out and see the countryside, and you have given me that opportunity.”
Lord Egerton plucked a blade of foxtail and slid the stem between his teeth chewing the soft pulp. “Why have you come to Fyne Court?”
Isabella jerked her head back to look at him. She had not expected that question.
“I’m sorry,” he removed the blade of grass from his mouth tossing it away. “It is
none of my business.” He gave her a half smile.
“No, it’s of no consequence.” Isabella plucked a blade of grass and began wrapping it around her finger. “I have always done as my parents wished even though I have long reached my majority. My mother is overbearing, you see, and after meeting Abby I had hoped I could make a life of my own far away from my parents. But they had made a bargain with a man they wanted me to marry.” She gave Lord Egerton a weak smile.
“But you did not want to marry him?”
She shook her head. “He was much too old for me, and only wanted an heir. Fortunately, my brother helped me come here, where Abby told me Lady Susan would help.”
Lord Egerton nodded. “I have heard she offers help to many young ladies.”
The girls ran up to Isabella with a handful of wildflowers. “We picked these for you Miss Isabella.”
Isabella gathered them to her chest, lifting them to her nose inhaling their fragrance. “Thank you, they’re lovely.”
“It’s time we get Miss Isabella home.” Lord Egerton rose to his feet, giving the girls a twirl lifting them into the carriage. The air filled with squeals of laughter.
The drive back home went by too quickly as Isabella enjoy the happy chatter between Lord Egerton and the girls. They made plans to have a dinner party for their friends just like the one in the nursery of Sir William and Lady Eliza, where they practiced their manners. The girls were already telling Lord Egerton what they wanted to eat.
“I want some berry pies, just like the ones we had on our picnic,” Annalynn said.
The carriage stopped in the courtyard while the girls still talked about their party.
“I think we should go to town tomorrow where you can choose some bedcovers and things for your nursery. Maybe we can convince Miss Isabella to join us?”
The girls clapped their hands in delight. “Yes, Miss Isabella, you must come.” Lisabet cried happily.
Lord Egerton gave Isabella a sheepish grin. “I really could use your help. I have no idea how to furnish a nursery. I’ll take you all to the teahouse for luncheon, I hear they have the best puddings.” he coaxed.
Isabella relented as the girls continued to urge her. “Alright, I shall come.” Isabella shook her head.
Lord Egerton jumped from his seat and helped Isabella down, escorting her to the door. “Thank you, I really don’t know the first thing about what the girls shall need.”
He left her promising to return at eleven the next morning.
“Can we buy a pony?” Annalynn asked as the carriage pulled away.
“No, we have to build a stable or where will the pony live? but we can look for a kitten.” Lord Egerton suggested.
Isabella could hear Annalynn’s squeals as she closed the door behind her. She removed her bonnet when Mildred appeared from the parlor.
“A letter arrived for you, miss.” Mildred pointed to the side table against the wall.
Isabella reached for the letter.
“Mildred, I will read this in my room.”
“Very good, miss, I’ll bring you some freshwater.”
Isabella examined the paper as she climbed the stairs. She hoped it was from her brother for he promised to send word. The neat handwriting gave no clue but was franked by the magistrate in Bristol. There was no return mark only her name and the address to Fyne Court written across the front. Isabella laid her straw bonnet on the table and broke the seal sitting in a chair by the window. She quickly looked at the bottom of the page. It was Benjamin’s signature. Isabella relaxed and read the letter in her brother’s neat, concise handwriting. Eliza had written her Aunt Helena in Bristol informing her of Isabella’s safe arrival and asked her to get word to Benjamin. Her stomach knotted as she continued to read. Her mother had been livid when Isabella failed to show up at the church, leaving Mr. Stone at the altar. Benjamin feigned ignorance of her whereabouts when Isabella didn’t arrive. Mr. Stone returned to his home after half an hour, threatening a lawsuit for breach of contract.
She was not to worry her brother advise, Isabella had not signed any papers, but her mother had sent out investigators when she found Isabella’s trunks had not arrived at Mr. Stones house.
Benjamin would not write again for fear of her safety. Isabella ran her hand over her brother’s signature. It was the only letter she had from him, and it would probably be the last.
Mildred entered with fresh towels. “Did you have a good afternoon miss?”
“Oh yes, the countryside was beautiful and so much room to breathe. It’s so different from the bustle of Bristol.” Isabella folded Benjamin’s letter.
“I’m glad, miss, I can already see it in your face, not so much fear.” Mildred put the fresh towels away.
“Benjamin writes that my mother has sent out men to find me and warns me to be careful.” Isabella tucked his letter into a drawer in the small writing desk.
“That woman.” Mildred huffed. “She is the most cantankerous, mean-spirited person I have ever met. Pardon me, miss.”
Isabella laughed to relieve the tension. Whenever she thought of her mother, she felt stressed. “Do not apologize, I feel the same. Can I ask why you stayed?”
Mildred turned to her, giving Isabella a warm smile. “I stayed for you, miss. I could indeed have found a new position, for your mother had a miserly reputation. It was known she dismissed on a whim without even a reference.” Mildred waved her hand. “But when I saw how she treated you, her own daughter, I was determined to stay and see if I could help in some small way.”
Isabella’s eyes pooled. “You have Mildred. Besides Mrs. Notley, you were the only one I could trust to keep my confidence.”
“Well, you need not worry. You are secure here. The countess has hired men to guard the house. She is very mindful of the misses here at this place.” Mildred assured her.
Isabella wasn’t surprised at what the servants knew of the comings and goings of the household. That her mother had developed a reputation, she was sure.
“I shall be back to help you dress. I have been informed you are invited to dine with the countess and her family.”
Isabella decided to take a walk in the garden. She needed to think about what her brother had relayed in his letter. She needed to think about her future.
Chapter Eleven
Miss Clara met them at the door of Bowood House as soon as they entered. “We are going to town tomorrow,” Lisabet told miss Clara as they were led up the stairs.
“And uncle Colton is buying a pony.” Annalynn chimed in.
“Not until we built him a house.” Lisabet reminded her.
“But we get a kitten.” Annalynn bounced from stair to stair as Miss Clara held tight to her hand.
“It sounds like you had a fun day.” Susan’s brow raised as she watched the girls.
Colton laughed. “They are already planning a dinner party. I am sure your boys will be invited.”
“Would you like some tea before you leave?”
“No, Thank you. I have to get home. I still have a lot to finish, and I want to make sure the workers are on schedule. I’m taking the girls to town tomorrow to buy some things to furnish the nursery. Miss Dalton has agreed to help.” Colton chose to ignore Susan’s smug smile as he climbed into his carriage. Miss Dalton was only helping because he had no idea how to pick children's furnishings, and the girls liked her. She also fit comfortably on his arm and was very lovely to look upon.
Colton almost tripped over a stack of luggage when he entered his home. “What is this, Martin?”
“She claims to be your aunt, my lord.” His butler took his hat and gloves.
“We put her in the sitting-room and fed her my lord.”
“Thank you, Martin.” Colton moved to the sitting-room. What could his great aunt be doing here?
Colton paused before the door his hand hovering over the doorknob. He took a deep breath before entering.
“Colton, my dear boy. I am so glad you're here.” His aunt stepp
ed forward, kissing the air along both sides of his face before pulling away. “That butler of yours would not show me to my room, and the housekeeper was no better. They kept me in this room.” She ran her gloved finger along the mantle inspecting the dust, slapping her hands together.
His jaw clenched, closing his eyes, he took a breath. “Aunt Mary, why are you here?”
“Why am I here? My dear boy, I heard about your poor sister. So sad. When I heard you had her dear sweet girls I had to come, for I knew you would need me, being a bachelor with two young ladies. You are not married, are you?” Her brow wrinkled.
“No, aunt Mary, not yet.”
“Not yet? Are you betrothed?”
“Not yet.”
She gave him a confused look.
“I am soon to ask a young lady of my acquaintance. I feel the girls need a mother to guide them.” He lied.
“It appears I have come just in time. Aunt Mary looked around the room. This place is a shamble, how could you let it run down so?”
“I didn’t know. The caretaker was supposed to be managing the estate. Apparently, he spent his wages on drink and didn’t bother to work.” Colton closed his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “I have only just returned. The girls could not live in my rented London apartment.” He turned on his heel.
“I shall have a room made up for you.” Colton closed the door behind him.
“Martin, will you have the housekeeper make up a room for my aunt? As far away from mine as possible.”
“Very good, my lord.”
Colton retreated to his study, locking the door before slumping into a chair. Aunt Mary was going to complicate his life just when he felt he was making some headway.
* * *
Colton woke early to confer with the butler about aunt Mary before leaving for town. He needed to check with the workers on the progression of the repairs to the main wing of the house. The master bedchamber and nursery were complete. Colton just needed to furnish his niece's rooms. He wasn’t comfortable doing that without some feminine help. Colton was sure, Miss Dalton could advise him on what the girls would need. Digby suggested Colton hire a steward, it was a good idea, but he would wait until the girls were settled. He found his man in the kitchen directing the masons on repairing the chimney flue.
