Both women straightened and smoothed their skirts.
The butler bowed, presented the tray to Elizabeth, where she saw an envelope laying on it. She picked it up and thanked him. She stared at the missive in her hands in silence until Jane could wait no longer. “Who is it from?”
“It is from Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth opened the note and read it. “She was inspired by our walk in Hyde Park and invited us to a picnic. All of us, including the whole Gardiner family. Georgiana writes, she hopes I attend despite my mourning. I am to think of it as a meal for sustenance and it will mainly be my own family anyway.”
“How lovely,” cried Jane. “Our cousins will get their outing sooner than planned.”
Chapter 29
The day of the picnic Elizabeth and Jane relaxed and had a leisurely morning. Alex had been up early with Dorothy, who planned on putting him down to nap in time to wake for their outing.
Elizabeth and Jane had taken on Lucy as their lady’s maid. The maid radiated excitement as she styled the sisters’ hair that day.
Watching her pin up Jane’s hair, Elizabeth was impressed. “You have a deft hand. Might you be interested in a permanent position of lady’s maid?”
Lucy stared at her in shock, until she began babbling. “Yes, ma’am. I have wanted it for so long and I learn all the newest fashions whenever I have the time. The viscountess had insisted her lady’s maid be French. Mostly, Jolie kept her distance, but she did show me a trick or two when she had the time, or when I was available to assist her with her work.”
“Do you think you can manage even my unruly curls?” Jane’s arrangement was elegantly done, but her hair always had been more easily tamed. Elizabeth exchanged seats with her sister. “Is there a maid you might recommend for my sister?”
If it was possible the servant grew even more excited “Oh, yes ma’am, my sister Harriet. She is currently working at anotherhouse but is also hoping to engage as a lady’s maid. There are no places for her there.”
“Jane? Shall we set up an interview?”
Jane tried to demur, but Elizabeth insisted. “You reminded me of the importance of delegating. I believe this is one of those times.” Her eyes twinkled, though her expression remained serious. “We cannot expect to be concerned about our toilette when the demands of Society increase.”
“Thank you. My sister will be pleased as punch.”
“We make no promises. Jane will meet her and see how they get on.”
“Of course, ma’am.”
“Very good. Now, let’s tame my hair for the great outdoors. I shall change my dress when the Gardiners arrive.”
Ablutions complete, she stepped out of her room and caught the eye of the guard at the end of the hallway. “How are you, Jax?”
“All is well, ma’am.”
“Is everything settled for later today?”
“Aye. Toms and the lads’ll take good care of you. We have plenty of men to watch over you both at the park.”
“Thank you. That is reassuring.” As she made her way down to the main floor, she contemplated the idiosyncrasies of names used by Dumfries’s men. Each one was known for a shortened version of their surname. His explanation was sound. The short names were both efficient and protected the privacy of his men and their families.
Thus far she had met Jax, Toms, Sarge, Wit, Andy, Dub, Bear and Little, although he was so large it would not surprise her if that was a sardonic moniker. Many of the men never crossed her path, as their jobs were to patrol around the property. Even their uniform was intriguing. Not quite a livery, but not strictly military either. The clothes were dark in colour, the cut more utilitarian than fashionable. The men all moved in comfort, not restricted by fabric or fit.
She continued her ruminations as she descended. Mr Graham responded to her letter about the investigation. They had no new information or leads. He could not even say if they believed thethreat had passed since the motive was unknown. After checking again, he confirmed there were no other possible heirs. The only conclusion was revenge or personal vendetta.
Does that mean my Alex remains at risk for being a Carrington, or was he safe, and the deaths of the Earl and viscount appeased the killer’s motivation?
I suppose I could ask Mr Darcy to recommend an investigator. On top of suggesting a man of business, or an overseer of the estates. I should just ask him to purchase all the garish items waiting to be sold to provide the money required to pay for everything.She huffed to herself only half amused by her train of thought.
He is such a good man. I should hate to lose his friendship by imposing on his kindness. No, I shall strive to continue as I have done. Well, perhaps a recommendation for a trustworthy steward-overseer. Looking through all the estate papers has taken too much of my time, with little to show for it. I have barely managed to spend time with Alex, aside from his feedings.
She arrived at the large drawing room, to find Jane, Alex and Dorothy already there. “My, do not you all look very fine, indeed.”
“As do you, Lizzy. Though I look forward to seeing you in a new gown when our aunt arrives. It will be nice to see you in something other than severe black.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It shall be nice to not appear so sombre. Though I imagine I shall grow tired of half mourning colours by the time another six months go by.”
