“Yes, indeed I have,” Josephine confirmed.
“You neglected to tell me how beautiful the landscape was here at Chescrown,” Mr. Greeves remarked to Mr. Tatham.
“Indeed,” Mr. Tatham eyed the younger man with suspicion.
Josephine blushed and ducked her head.
“I am glad to see that you have recovered from your incident in the pond, Miss Merton,” Mr. Tatham stated, turning his attention back to her.
“Yes, it was a bit frightening, but all is well now,” Josephine replied, recovering her composure.
“It is a great relief to us all that His Lordship was there to save you,” Mr. Tatham stated, smiling at her. He reached out and affectionately patted her hand.
One by one the remaining household staff joined them at the table until finally the cook and kitchen maids carried in the morning meal. The new footman ate with such enthusiasm that Josephine could not help but giggle at the sight. He groaned in pleasure and helped himself to three more helpings before he finally pushed back from the table. How the man kept a slender, muscular form with such an appetite, she could not fathom.
Owen Greeves arose and walked over to the cook giving her a kiss on the cheek. Josephine’s brow raised in surprise at such a display. Instead of smacking him for his impertinence the cook smiled. “Thank you, Auntie. It was wonderful as always.”
“Pshaw. Off with you, Nephew,” the cook patted his cheek and shooed him away.
“I did not know Mrs. Stone had family in the area,” Josephine noted quietly to Mr. Tatham.
“She doesn’t. Mr. Greeves is from Lancashire to the north, near the Irish Sea. He came here to be closer to his aunt after her husband died last month. Her sister sent him, and Mrs. Stone arranged for his employment here at Chescrown.” Mr. Tatham seemed to know everything about everyone. It was not that he intruded into other people’s business, but he listened when people spoke. He genuinely cared for others and showed it by being respectful of what they had to say.
“It is kind of him to care for her in such a way,” Josephine replied, viewing the footman with new eyes. Not only was he beautiful to behold, but he was caring as well. Half the maids at the table were staring at him in dazed delight. Josephine had only ever had eyes for Frederick. As lovely as Mr. Greeves was to gaze upon, he was not Frederick.
Josephine and Mr. Tatham arose from the table and walked out of the room together. “Be careful with that one, Miss Merton. I am not entirely sure I trust his intentions where you are concerned.”
“I am sure he is harmless, Mr. Tatham, but I will take your warning into consideration.” Josephine genuinely liked Mr. Tatham. She and Frederick had spent a great deal of time with him in the stables as children, and he had always been more than kind to them both.
“See that you do,” Mr. Tatham stated. “It would be most unfortunate if your reputation was compromised by such a flirtation. Many a lass has fallen for less than the charms God bestowed upon Mr. Greeves.”
Josephine smiled in amusement. “I assure you that I am safe from such temptations.”
“Ah, the young Marquess,” Mr. Tatham nodded knowingly.
“It will never come to pass. He has made his intentions on the matter quite clear,” Josephine replied. “It is time that I accepted that.”
“He cares for you deeply, but he has a strong sense of responsibility, which includes honoring the social strictures of his class,” Mr. Tatham attempted to explain Frederick’s viewpoint.
“I know his reasoning, and I respect it. I simply do not agree with it,” Josephine replied, shrugging her shoulders dismissively. “My feelings on the matter are insignificant. I have decided to take his advice and pursue more appropriate suitors.”
“I have my doubts as to anyone being a better match for His Lordship than you, my dear, or for yourself than the Marquess, but you are wise to adhere to his wishes on the matter. All the more reason to avoid Mr. Greeves,” Mr. Tatham advised.
Josephine nodded her head in acknowledgement. They parted ways, and she continued with her daily tasks. She encountered Owen Greeves periodically throughout her duties, and each time he would smile and make light conversation with her. She was flattered by his attentions, but she did not encourage him, bearing Mr. Tatham’s warnings in mind.
She missed Frederick and hoped he was successful in apprehending the poachers at Pentford. She intended to use his absence to allow her heart time to adjust. Frederick was among the very best of men. He would not be easy to replace in her affections. Josephine knew it would be difficult, but she owed it to herself to try.
Josephine finished the room she was cleaning and moved on to the Duchess’ drawing room. She was surprised to find her there as the Duchess would usually have been upstairs dressing for the evening meal. Instead, she was staring wistfully out of the window lost in thought. Josephine turned to leave so as not to interrupt her but found the way blocked by the butler, Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson pushed past Josephine and entered the drawing room. “A missive has arrived for you, Your Grace.” The butler handed the Duchess the letter and retreated from the room leaving the door open. The Duchess opened the letter, the color drained from her face, then she fainted dead away onto the floor.
Josephine dropped the cleaning supplies she was holding and rushed into the room. “Your Grace!”
Chapter 5
Frederick sat behind his desk in the library at Pentford writing a missive to the local magistrate about the incident in the forest when Mr. Tatham burst through the door, Mr. Hanson close on his heels. Frederick looked up startled. “Mr. Tatham?”
“It is your mother, Your Lordship. You are needed at Chescrown immediately.”
