“Take heed, Alis…” It was too late. His friend, unaware of the muddy conditions in the country, jumped out with vigor and landed directly in a puddle, sending muddy water into the air and onto both of their trousers.
“My trousers! I soaked them all night to get them to fit in such a manner. Now they’re ruined.”
Daniel could not help but grin in spite of himself. “If only you had another two or three pairs hidden in your portmanteau. Ah, but wait. You do. I saw your dear mother pack them herself. All while grunting under her breath about how scandalous today’s fashion is.”
“Just because I have brought extra does not mean I wish for the ones I’m presently wearing to be caked with mud. But I guess that was to be expected. Given that this is the countryside, after all. I assume one of your maids will be able to remedy this unfortunate situation.” It was clear from his tone that he would rather have nothing but stale bread and water for a week than find himself held captive in the countryside. Daniel shook his head and slapped him on the back.
“Welcome to Oxfordshire, Mr. Mavis. Your adventures are just beginning.”
The two walked towards the manor house when the large wooden front door opened. Broward, the family’s longtime butler, stood on the doorstep and smiled widely. Daniel remembered him from his childhood days. He was a cheerful fellow, always a smile on his face. He had always been his favorite among the servants.
Not that many were left these days. After his parent’s tragic deaths, many servants departed. The tragedy and stigma of working in Carlton Manor was too much for many of them. A sentiment Daniel understood better than anyone. After Daniel moved to the Duke’s estate across the woods, there was no need for a large number of servants anyhow, and Mr. Scott maintained only the most necessary of employees.
“My Lord, it has been too long!”The butler exclaimed as they made their way into the house. He glanced at Alistair and then back at Daniel.
“It is good to see you, too. It has been a long time, indeed. This is my good friend, Mr. Alistair Mavis. Future Baron Fernley.”
The butler bowed. “A pleasure, Mr. Mavis. Shall I have the footman bring your belongings to your chambers, My Lord?”
He nodded and then walked toward the grand staircase in the middle of the hall, passing a footman and two maids.Daniel frowned, aside from the butler, he recognized nobody. When were they hired on? Were they here last time he came? He wasn’t even sure about that.
I must admit I have grown complacent about this estate. I’ve relied entirely on Mr. Scott’s wise counsel and now I fear I will be lost without it.
His chamber, as well as Alistair’s, was located on the second floor. He remembered the view of the forest behind was splendid, but it didn’t fill him with anticipation now. This place was not a home. Or rather, he was a stranger in his own home. Just being in the building made him shudder.
Beside him, however, Alistair could not wipe the look of amazement from his face. From an outsider’s point of view, it was a beautiful building. The exterior was built in the Tudor style. The many rectangular windows gave the interior a light, warm atmosphere when the weather was nice, but a gloomy one when it was dreary, as it was today. Bay windows could be found interspersed throughout, and the roof was a sight to be seen with its intricate gables.
His mother, the late Countess, was fond of tapestry and Greek statues. As such, she had installed statues of the Greek gods in the hall as well as in the garden. Tapestry collected from around the world hung in the entryway and well as along the halls. Paintings upon paintings of deceased relatives, as well as kings and queens, could be found between the tapestries.
To him it was nothing but a place filled with dreadful memories. For the sake of his friend, he pushed those away.
“Perhaps when you have changed, we can take a light meal and then ride out? I suggest a riding habit, instead of another pair of trousers, as I fear they will fare no better in the conditions outside.”
Alistair cringed. “I am only glad to have brought a collection of different options. Now, I shall meet you here in a few moments and perhaps you can show me more of this wonderland you’ve kept hidden from me. For you may not enjoy it, but I at least find myself fascinated. If only it were located on the outskirts of London, instead of Banbury.”
He said the name of the nearest large town as though it burnt his mouth, but Daniel did not really hear him anymore. At the end of the hall he’d spotted something that triggered his memory once more and he excused himself, letting his friend explore his chambers.
* * *
Daniel stood in front of his mother’s chamber, just two doors removed from his own. It looked like it always did when she was alive. Strange to think it had been so many years. Bracing himself, he entered the room and walked to her armoire, instantly recoiling when he opened it. Inside were her gowns, all still lined up neatly. They shimmered golden and silver, for those were her favorite colors. A faint scent of lavender and rose wavered out of the armoire.
Was it her scent? I cannot remember what she smelled like. I can hardly remember her face. If not for the paintings in the house I would not know what she looked like at all, I fear. Nor my father, although I care little about him.
He sat in the chair by her fireplace and looked into the empty space where a fire roared at all times when he was a child.
“Her ladyship enjoyed a well-laid fire, even on the hottest of days.” He turned in surprise at the sound of a voice and found himself face to face with Broward. He jumped up from the seat, feeling caught out, as thought he was still a child. Seeing his alarm, the butler stepped back. “I apologize, My Lord. I did not mean to intrude. I walk around the estate twice a day to ensure everything is as it should be. Given that there are usually so few people, Mr. Scott thought it prudent.”
“I am glad to hear it, Broward.” He paused and looked at the man, one of the few who remembered his mother at all. “And you are correct. She was fond of a fire, even in the summer when it was hot outside. She was always cold.”
“And yet, she had the kindest, warmest heart. The Countess was well loved, Lord Carlton.”
He flinched slightly at the title and forced a smile of appreciation upon his face. “That is kind of you to say, Broward.”
“It is only the truth. She is missed by those who remember her. Just as Mr. Scott will be missed.”
The mention of the departed steward caused Daniel to exhale with exasperation. “Indeed, he will be. An excellent steward he was.” He looked up, embarrassed to have to admit the following truth. “I have not an inkling of an idea how to replace him.”
Broward crossed his arms behind his back and pushed out his chest before replying. “He was capable, that much is sure. His are grand shoes to fill. Although, if I may be so forward, might I suggest something?”
