~*~
Chapter Eighteen
Dover
Two days later
“My lady, Lord Dudley’s carriage and the Dormans’ carriage have arrived. There are two carriages and they each seat six people,” Garrett said, inclining his head. “I will alert the ladies and Lord Bridgewater.”
“Thank you, Dudley.” Bella peeked out the window of the parlor and saw William stepping down from the carriage. He looked so handsome in his buff-colored breeches and black jacket and a simple white shirt. She watched as he spoke to the duke and duchess in the second carriage. Seeing him turn back to the house, she eased the curtain back in place. She was looking forward to the fête—it was all the household had been chatting about for the past two days. Well, that and the treasure that Uncle Stephen and Michael had unearthed.
“Ah, Bella, there you are,” Uncle Stephen said, stepping from his study, his face lighting up as he straightened his waistcoat. “Just a reminder that I’ve invited the lovely Lady Rivers to accompany us.”
“Yes, I cannot wait to see her again to become further acquainted,” Bella said with a smile.
She’d noticed a difference in her uncle these last few days—since he’d made his decision to stop drinking. He seemed happier, calmer, and with a spring in his step, especially where the lovely widow was concerned. Yesterday morning, he had called a family meeting and shared a codicil of her father’s will with her and her grandmothers—announcing that her father had left the unentailed Bridgewater Manor to Bella, with her twenty-first birthday. What was even more noteworthy was that he declared that any mineral rights discovered on theproperty would also belong to Bella. Before this, Uncle Stephen had been quite evasive when it came to discussing anything about her father’s will—except anything having to do with his guardianship of her.
Grandmama had suggested that he have the family solicitors examine the map to determine its authenticity, and Uncle Stephen agreed. Bella’s twenty-first birthday would happen soon, but she planned to find a way to include her uncle in anything having to do with the potential copper operations. Yesterday afternoon, he had invited Lady Rivers over for tea to become better acquainted with the family—and in the case of Grandmama, to renew their acquaintance. Bella found the widow to be both spirited and kind. And it was clear—at least to the three women in the house—that Uncle Stephen was taken with Lady Rivers.
“Elizabeth lives close to where the fête is being held,” Stephen said. “Perhaps I should take my smaller carriage so I can stop by her home and pick her up on the way.”
“I won’t hear of it, Stephen,” William said as he and Michael stepped into the main hall. “Lucas and Harriett’s carriage is right behind mine and has plenty of room. It’s large and accommodating. It can comfortably seat six people.”
“I hope everyone is ready,” Grandmère said as she and Grandmama approached arm in arm.
“Wait. Lacey wants to come, too,” Michael said. The black dog padded up and gave a soft woof as she planted herself beside him. “Can she, William?” the little boy pleaded.
“Since the fête takes place outdoors, it should not be a problem—that is, if Lady Bella permits it.”
Michael beamed at Bella. “Can Lacey come with us, Bella?”
“I have no objection. If you keep up with her.” Bella opened a closet and withdrew a leather leash. “You must keepher on her leash and close to you. And if you need assistance with Lacey, ask one of us.” She smiled, handing the leash to Michael.
“I will. I promise,” he said, eagerly attaching the leash to Lacey’s collar. “You get to come, girl!”
Lacey gave an exuberant bark and wagged her tail.
“There’s a chill in the air today, my ladies,” Garrett said, handing Bella’s pelisse to William. The butler smiled at Bella and her grandmothers. “If you plan to be outside all day, you will all need your pelisses.”
Bella smiled at his thoughtfulness. He had always been more like a kindly older uncle or grandfather to her. Garrett had been in her father’s household for what seemed like forever. His kindness had been a true comfort after her father’s passing.
She couldn’t help but notice that Lacey continued acting somewhat aloof around Garrett. She noticed that the dog huffed as Garrett moved forward to assist Grandmama and Grandmère with their pelisses. With so much going on, she didn’t have a chance to speak to him about it. Surely they’d resolve it among themselves… at least, she hoped so.
With William’s assistance, Bella slid her arms into the sleeves of her pelisse and pulled on her gloves. “I don’t mind crisp weather, as long as it doesn’t rain.”
As soon as everyone was settled, the carriages lurched forward and headed toward town. The ladies took the first carriage, with William and Michael, and Uncle Stephen rode with the Dormans in the second carriage.
As they neared town, Bella noticed the Dormans’ carriage stopping in front of a beautiful, four-storied mansion. Surrounding it were smaller, yet elegant, townhouses. Two streets separated these homes from the more popular taverns and other places frequented by the locals, yet they were all close to the beach—a reminder of the size of the town. Uncle Stephenemerged from the carriage with a spring in his step and entered the mansion. This must be the residence of Lady Elizabeth Rivers. The countess had a beautiful home.
“I suppose he plans to walk into town with the widow. It’s a short distance, so it should be fine,” Grandmama said. “It’s nice to see my son finally more like himself.”
“He’s not angry or sad anymore,” Michael piped up as the carriages continued on their way. “So he can be happy.” The boy smiled at his grandmothers and Bella, before pasting his face against the glass, where he continued to gaze at the vast colorful tents and people.
“Michael, dear, I fear we will scatter eventually, but you need to stay with one of us,” Grandmère said as they alighted from the carriage after arriving. “Grandmama and I plan to visit our friend, Madame Vorest. You are welcome to come, of course,” she added.
“I would like that,” he said. “Can I tell her about the tweasure?”
They all looked at William. “Perhaps it would be better to keep that to ourselves for another day or two until we find out whether the map is real,” he said. “It’s with the solicitors right now being evaluated. For today, we should keep it to ourselves, until we know it’s legitimate.”
