“After they arrive, you must come to dine with us,” Cassie said.
“I would like that. I shall look forward to the invitation,” he said, formally with a bow. He turned to Lakehurst and his sister. “Lord Lakehurst, Lady Guinevere,” he said, bowing deeply, “I look forward to seeing you again in the future.”
“Of course,” Lakehurst said. He motioned to Carlyle to bring the Reverend Fortesque’s horse back.
Carlyle brought the reverend’s glossy, dark brown horse out of the stable and led him to the mounting block near the castle entrance. He held the horse steady as Mr. Fortesque swung his leg over his saddle and settled in his stirrups.
The horse was a beautiful animal, Lakehurst thought, studying his conformation. He stepped up beside Cassie and Gwinnie onto the flat stone slab stoop before the great castle oak door. He wondered how the reverend came by such a fine animal on a clergy salary. A gift, perhaps?
Standing with Gwinnie and Cassie, they waved congenially after the reverend as he rode off.
“So what do you think that was all about?” Lakehurst said out of the side of his mouth as he continued to smile at the reverend when he turned to wave at them.
“I have not the slightest idea; however, I should tell you the reverend is not an innocent in Richard’s former games. Once he arrived in the village, he became a frequent guest,” Cassie said grimly. Smiling and waving as well.
“I’d guess he is into it up to that fancy waistcoat he wears,” Gwinnie said brightly. “Interesting days ahead.”
Cassie shuddered. “I hate to think of the ramifications of our thoughts.”
“Then don’t, at least not yet. We shouldn’t make assumptions,” Lakehurst said.
Gwinnie laughed. “You already have, so don’t get all sanctimonious on us now! Well, I’ve more work to do. There is a parlor I am claiming for my music practice room. I’m cleaning it to make it usable. I’ll see you at luncheon.”
* * *
By the endof the day when the wagons left, all the workers had committed to returning the next day, and four had agreed to become house staff through the month of July. With the staff they were expecting from Malmsby House, they should be well acquitted for the arrival of their guests. Throughout the day, more foodstuffs and supplies arrived from their orders placed the previous day. The big, delightful surprise was the milk cow and dairymaid who came together. They were effectively leasing the cow and the services of the dairymaid for the duration of their stay at Baydon. The cow was a good producer, too. They might even have a surplus, depending on the milk and butter needs of the guests.
Cassie collapsed into a chair in the front parlor. Lakehurst brought her a small glass of sherry. “Thank you,” she said softly. She balanced the glass in her hand on the sofa arm as she leaned her head back for a moment and closed her eyes. In the silence, the first she’d been able to listen to all day, she heard the soft strains of a violin. She smiled.
Gwinnie.
She raised her head. “Where do you think she is? It sounds too far away to be the parlor she intends to make her music room while she is here.”
“I think she is playing into the wind,” Lakehurst said softly as he listened.
“From the ramparts?”
“Yes. But don’t worry, she won’t be up there long. Her stomach will have her coming down. She is so active that if she missed meals, she could easily die of starvation.”
Cassie laughed.
“How do you feel about all we have accomplished today?” she asked him.
“I feel good about it. I do wonder what Mr. Tidemark will say about all the funds we have promised.”
“I know it is odd, but I don’t care. This is my son’s property, and Edmund has let it go to near ruin. I shall take his mismanagement to court if need be.”
“You do realize they will not give you the purse strings. They will pass them on to another man,” Lakehurst said.
She made a face. “Yes, I do know. Truthfully, I would prefer Mr. Stillworth was in charge of the marquessate.”
“Your husband’s cousin?”
“Yes. They were good friends and went into business ventures together.”
“Like the tea growing in India.”
“Yes, just like that.”
