by Lynne, Karen
“Clara, I will tuck them in. You may retire for the night.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Retrieving the book from the bookshelf Isabella sat beside Annalynn slipping off her slippers while the girl snuggled up close clutching her monkey. Lisabet hugged her pillow in the bed next to them as she thumbed through the pages.
“There are not many pictures in this story.”
“That’s alright. We like to hear the words.” Lisabet said.
“Yes.” Annalynn agreed. “Read us the story.”
Isabella began to read the story of a monkey, an elephant and a tiger in a faraway land called India. No wonder the girls wanted this book, it reminded them of home.
The girl's eyes were beginning to droop when Isabella finally closed the book. “I think that is enough for tonight. I will read some more tomorrow.” She closed the book and placed it on the night table.
Annalynn looked up and smiled, rubbing her tired eyes. “Miss Isabella, can I call you, mama?”
Isabella’s heart squeezed. “If you like.” She reached down and brushed a kiss on top of Annalynn’s head.
“Mama, when can we have a pony.” Annalynn’s innocent eyes watched her.
* * *
Colton stood at the door to the nursery, watching Isabella read to the girls. Her flaxen hair flowed over her shoulders, giving her the appearance of an angel. Her clear voice read the story of India. When she was done, he almost choked at Annalynn’s request to call her mama, but Isabella handled it well.
“Mama, when can we have a pony,” Annalynn asked.
“I ordered one, no, two from the fairies today.” Colton teased in his booming voice.
The girls jumped. “Uncle Colton!”
Isabella blushed and slipped off the bed, picking up the book and hugging it to her chest.
“If you are very good and go to sleep. Maybe the fairies will bring them tonight.” Colton tucked the cover under Annalynn’s chin, making sure the monkey was secure as well. He placed a kiss on her cheek, giving her a nuzzle.
Annalynn giggled. “Your whiskers tickle.”
Colton bent over, giving her another nuzzle before going over to Lisabet and kissing her goodnight with a cuddle. Lisabet wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek.
“We will go to sleep uncle Colton so the fairies will come.”
Colton turned toward Isabella. She stood by the shelf, still clutching the children’s book. He moved to her admiring her robe, the thin material shimmering in the light from the flickering oil lamp. It molded to her figure but kept her modesty. He reached for the book and placed it on the shelf then guided her out into the hall.
“Fairies?” She whispered, a smile tickling her face.
“Yes, and if your good they may bring something for you.” He teased.
She giggled. “Then I better go to bed.” She turned and headed for the stairs.
He followed, making sure she didn’t stumble in the dim light. Isabella stopped by her door and lifted her wide eyes, scouring his face. She raised her hand and touched his cheek sending sparks through him as she brushed his stubble.
“It's rough, I can see how it must tickle.” She dropped her hand.
Was he crazy? He thought as he leaned down and rubbed his whiskers against her cheek. She giggled and shrugged. If he kissed her now, he would never be able to stop, so he unwillingly pulled back. “Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning.”
Her hand rubbed her cheek as he retreated to his room, closing the door quickly, he leaned against it, his pulse raced. Stepping to the basin, he splashed cold water on his face.
Chapter Eighteen
The girls were so excited to go to the stables to see if the fairies had brought them a pony, they could hardly finish their breakfast. Aunt Mary had made an appearance and admonished the girls to settle down, her face growing red. Isabella could feel the tension reaching a point of explosion as aunt Mary began to rub her temples. She’d seen it in her mother many times.
Colton walked through the door, dressed in a warm greatcoat. His cheeks pink from the morning chill as the nights grew colder. “I have been to the stables.” He announced. “Indeed, the fairies have brought a surprise.” He removed his gloves and rubbed his hands together, increasing the girl's excitement causing Annalynn to jump up and down.
“Fairies! what kind of nonsense are you putting into their heads?” Aunt Mary bellowed.
The jumping stopped as the girls stared at aunt Mary.
Isabella quickly stood. “Clara, please take the girls to the nursery to get their coats. We will meet you downstairs, and have Ellie bring my wool cape, the one trimmed in fur,” Isabella took Colton’s arm and led him from the breakfast parlor.
“How very diplomatic of you Lady Egerton, you managed to avoid an outburst.” Colton teased.
They stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “Colton, I don’t understand why your aunt is still here. I thought she would move back to her home once you brought a wife here?” Isabella stood with her fists on her hips.
“Well, about that.” Colton rubbed his neck. “She has nowhere else to go.”
Isabella’s eyes widened as panic rose in her chest. The girls could be heard at the top of the stairs.
“I will tell you about it after dinner in my study.” He whispered.
Isabella bit her lip as the girls hit the last step. Colton retrieved her cape from Ellie and wrapped it around her shoulders. Isabella took his offered arm as the girls ran ahead, Clara trailing behind them.
Isabella tried to maintain charitable thoughts toward aunt Mary, but Colton’s aunt made it difficult. Were they to put up with her complaints and interfering for the rest of her life? She was old, but she could live for another ten years. Isabella groaned inwardly. Guilt flooded over her at the wish for aunt Mary's demise.
By the time Isabella and Colton stepped into the stable, the girls were peeking into a stall, a groom by their side.
“Uncle Colton, the fairies, brought two ponies,” Lisabet exclaimed.
“One for each of us.” Annalynn clapped her hands.
“Careful, listen to the groom. He will introduce you to your pony. Today you will learn how to care for them and tomorrow you can start your riding lessons.” Colton explained.
The animals were small but still towered over the girls. Isabella knew it wouldn’t be long before the girls grew into them.
“The fairies have brought you something as well.” Colton took Isabella’s hand and led her to a stall further down the aisle where a beautiful gray mare watched her approach.
“Colton, she’s lovely.” Isabella’s hands went to her mouth as her eyes pooled. She extended a hand to the mare's nose, letting the horse smell her scent.
“I thought you could ride to release some stress. Visit your friends, Susan and Eliza whenever you want.” He looked at his boot and kicked the ground. “Isabella, you’ve been such a sport with me and the girls, the dilapidated estate and my aunt. I know it hasn’t been easy. You and Mildred have done wonders these past weeks.” He took off his hat and ran his hand through his brown waves.
Colton cleared his throat. “I appreciate your hard work. You have been a good partner.” He slapped his hat across his leg. “I just wanted you to know. I’ll let you get acquainted.” He stepped away.
Isabella had turned her back, letting the horse nuzzle her hand, trying to get her emotions under control, not wanting Colton to see her tears as she heard him move toward the girls giving her some privacy.
She opened the gate and stepped into the stall, moving slowly, so the mare didn’t startle. Isabella ran her gloved hand across her moistened cheek.
“You're a pretty girl.” She spoke softly, running her hand down the mare’s neck as her withers rippled. The horse remained calm as Isabella inspected her.
No one had given her such a compliment or thought of her comfort. Every day, Colton surprised her with his gentle and unselfish manner toward her and his n
ieces. It was unusual in a gentleman of his rank.
Isabella sighed and committed to being more patient. She leaned in and inhaled the horse's scent. “We shall ride this afternoon when it’s warmer,” Isabella whispered.
Her husband left to attend to other business while the girls stayed to learn the feeding and care of their ponies. Clara had received a horse as well to ride with the girls during their lessons.
“I should like to ride this afternoon,” Isabella informed the stable master.
“Yes, my lady, I will have her ready for you.”
Isabella gave her mare one last stroke before returning to the house, Mildred would be waiting. She would need to have the girls measured for riding habits with split skirts. The girls shouldn’t be riding sidesaddle until they were older.
* * *
The morning proved tedious as Isabella moved through the tasks of the day. Her desire to test out the new mare kept her moving forward. She made an appointment for the next day to have the girls measured for their riding habits. The modiste would bring fabric samples. Isabella found the decorator in the great room perusing over paint samples. The workers had left for a meal break, her designer informed her, giving him a chance to show her their progress.
The wallpaper had arrived, and the workers would finish putting on touches of paint so the wallpaper could be hung that afternoon.
The decorator was local and recommended by Eliza. Tall and thin with balding hair, he listened to Isabella and had good taste. He managed the workers keeping them on schedule. Isabella preferred simple decor yet elegant befitting her husband rank, a place where she could breathe, unlike her mother who thought more was better, filling every nook and cranny until the rooms closed in around her.
The drapes would be hung at the end of the week, and then the furnishings would arrive.
Isabella hurried to her room, where she had ordered a small meal before her ride. Ellie finished arranging Isabella’s hair in an attractive knot at the back of her head, tendrils of curls fell around her face. Isabella took her hat and arranged it at an angle pinning it in place, turning her head from side to side checking for stray pins.
“Very lovely Ellie, thank you.” Isabella stood and retrieved her gloves.
Ellie curtsied. “My lady,” She suppressed a giggle as she cleaned up the extra pins and straighten the vanity.
Isabella smiled as she left the room. Ellie was performing her job well. A fast learner, she had a gentle hand in one so young. If she continued, Isabella would increase her wage at the next quarter.
Isabella heard aunt Mary’s voice as she neared the landing. She was talking with Mildred demanding something be done. Turning, she moved down the back stairs and slipped through the kitchen, causing the servants to stand.
“My lady.” The butler replied.
Isabella waved him to sit and slipped out the back door avoiding a confrontation. Relief flooded her as she suppressed a giggle.
It was like a game of cat and mouse, aunt Mary, the cat and Isabella, the mouse. With aunt Mary’s advanced age, she seldom left the house. If they finished the west wing and hired some extra staff, maybe aunt Mary would stay there.
“Have we resorted to sneaking out the back?” Colton's deep voice sounded from behind.
Isabella’s heart skipped, she turned. He had dismounted and walked to her side holding his horse's reins he fell in step beside her.
“I am not a coward, but it’s less stressful than confronting your aunt head-on.” She gave him a smile. “I don’t see you challenging her.”
“I have been taught to respect my elders.” He quipped back. “I thought I would ride with you this afternoon and show you the land.”
A comfortable warmth filled Isabella as Colton walk by her side. “I would like that.”
Her mare was already saddled when she stepped into the stable. Taking the reins, Isabella led her to a mounting block the grooms had set up.
“Let me.” Colton offered, cupping his hands.
She lifted her boot into his palms, and he lifted her easily into the saddle. Isabella raised her leg over the pommel, exposing her stocking above her boot. Colten quickly turned his back as she adjusted her skirts.
What was wrong with him? He was her husband after all. Irritation bubbled up inside as she followed Colton out of the yard, testing her mount before moving into a canter, her mare obeying her every command.
If only her husband would obey her every wish, Isabella thought to herself. The two of them spent the next hour crisscrossing the land, stopping at a small brook to give the horses a drink.
“As you can see, the tenant houses have fallen into such disrepair, they will have to come down.” Colton threw a stone into the brook.
Isabella stepped out into a clearing. A roofline could be seen above a small wooded area.
“What is that?” Isabella pointed toward the house.
Colton shaded his eyes as he looked in that direction. “That is the old dowager house. It hasn’t been used since my grandmother died.”
“Can we see it?” Curiosity spurred Isabella forward.
“Of course, it’s further than it looks, so let's ride.” Colton helped Isabella mount, keeping his eyes averted.
Annoyed once more, Isabella nudged her horse forward not waiting for him. She weaved her way through the woods and stopped in front of a stone manor house. Too big to be a cottage yet small enough to have a small staff and be comfortable.
Isabella dismounted and tied the reins to a branch making her way to the front door before Colton caught up with her.
“It's locked, but Mildred may have a key.” Colton swatted a vine out of the way.
She dropped her hand from the doorknob. Going to a window, she wiped the dirt with her hand, but it was too dark to see inside.
“It’s getting late, we should get back.” Colton walked toward the horses.
“So you think the foundation is sound?”
He helped her mount, his hands lingered on her waist a moment longer than necessary.
“I can send the architect over to inspect it.” He offered.
She nodded in confusion, he was giving mixed signals, one moment he stood too close, his touch lingering, and the next moment he turned away as if afraid to stay near her.
Chapter Nineteen
Lisabet and Annalynn talked through dinner about what they had learned and how you should care for ponies. Aunt Mary excused herself early, complaining of a headache. Clara came to retrieve the girls who filed past their uncle demanding a hug. After they had been tickled sufficiently, the laughing girls followed their nanny.
Isabella stood and walked past Colton laying her hand on his shoulder. He stiffened then looked up, relaxing he covered her hand with his.
“After I tuck the girls in for the night, I will meet you in your study,” Isabella said.
His brow raised.
“You were going to tell me about your aunt?” She reminded him.
He lowered his head nodding. “I remember.” He lifted her hand and place a kiss on her palm and then let go. “I will be there.”
Isabella left him, following Clara while the feel of his lips lingered as she rubbed her palm.
The girls were bathed, removing the smell of the barnyard and settled under their covers while Isabella retrieved their book. She continued to read the adventures in India for half an hour, then softly closed the door and found her husband in his study.
“You said aunt Mary has nowhere to go?” She sat in a cushioned chair by the crackling fire.
Colton straightened the papers he had been reading and stood, joining her by the hearth.
“I suspected something was wrong when Digby told me aunt Mary arrived with no maid in a hired carriage.” Colton sat in a chair facing Isabella.
Digby came in carrying a tray, with a steaming pot. He sat it on a small table and poured a cup, handing it to her husband
“Can I get you anything, my lady?” The valet asked.
“I am fine, Digby.” Isabella watched him leave.
The aroma of coffee lingered in the air. “If you drink that this late, you shall never sleep.” Isabella cocked her brow.
He took a sip then set the cup down. “That’s the point. I have so many papers to get through before I meet with the architect tomorrow, I shall be up most the night.”
“You better tell me about your aunt so you can get back to work.” Isabella removed her slippers and tucked her legs under her dress.
A slow smile crossed his face as he watched her get comfortable. “I had Digby investigate, and he found our suspicions were correct. Aunt Mary is destitute. She has outlived her funds and her son’s refuse to come to her aid. It seems she has burned some bridges with their wives.”
Isabella straightened. “That’s terrible, now she will have to live with us.”.
He laughed. “Terrible that aunt Mary’s sons have abandoned her or terrible that she will live with us?”
Isabella bit her bottom lip. “That she lives with us.” She dropped her head.
Colton laughed even louder. “At least you're honest. I see no way out as the poorhouse would kill her.”
Isabella couldn’t help her feelings. She had finally escaped her mother’s oppressive house. Isabella didn’t want to be a prisoner, skulking about the place looking around corners, trying to avoid a confrontation with Colton’s aunt for the rest of her life. She didn’t want that for the girls either. Isabella knew what it felt like to always be on guard. She pondered as a thought began to form.
“Colton, what if we fix the dowager house and hire a small staff? Your aunt could live there. We would be close if she were to need help and we would have our house back. I could share the household budget. I have plenty?”
Colton slapped his thigh. “Isabella, that is a great idea. Why didn’t I think of it?” He beamed. “We should hire a crew of workers just for her to boss around. Then if she isn’t happy, she can only blame herself.”
