For the remainder of the day, she shadowed Mrs. Abbott for hours, following her from the kitchens to the linen closets, to the long hallways. It was perhaps not the most traditional introduction to a home for a duchess, but Penelope did not care much about maintaining tradition to begin with.
She tried to commit each instruction to memory: how many footmen served on which floors, which bells summoned which servant, which room would be for what sort of social visit. If she was being honest, it all sounded rather exhausting.
By mid-afternoon, she was in need of a break, but too stubborn to admit that.
Mrs. Abbott, however, proved more introspective than she let on.
“Your Grace,” she offered, softly. “We have had quite a long day, mulling about indoors. Perhaps it would do some good to go outside for a while.”
Penelope jumped at the opportunity. “I think that will be a wise idea.”
It would give her a chance to visit the gardens, which she had not seen so far. The estate was so large, it felt as though it would take weeks just to get acquainted with it all.
“The grounds span about five acres,” Mrs. Abbott said as they descended the back steps.
Penelope nodded, her eyes moving over the gravel paths and flowering hedges.
“This is the east garden,” Mrs. Abbott continued. “Most everything here blooms in spring. His Grace has ensured that all manner of flowers are planted here, and that they are well taken care of.”
Penelope’s gaze lingered on the flowers. For a moment, she tried to imagine Alexander tending to them or taking a moment to smell them.
The image was a contrast to the perception she had formed of him in her head, but it was an endearing thought, regardless.
“Does anyone come out here often?”
The housekeeper hesitated before replying. “Not often. Lady Odette used to visit the gardens frequently when she was younger. Now she prefers the stables. His Grace rarely walks the grounds.”
“Right. Shall we head towards the stables?” Penelope asked, and Mrs. Abbott quietly led her there. That was when she saw her.
Odette stood just outside one of the stalls, gently brushing the mane of a large mare. It was the first time Penelope was seeing her after their first meeting.
“She spends a great deal of time here,” Mrs. Abbott said quietly beside her. “More than anywhere else in the entire estate.”
Penelope nodded, and decided that it was a good opportunity to make herself known.
She stepped forward cautiously. “Good day , Odette.”
The girl glanced up for the briefest moment, but made no move to respond. Instead, she simply returned her attention to the mare, brushing with quiet focus as if Penelope was not even there.
Strange.
“That’s a beautiful horse. Is she yours?” Penelope tried once again.
The young girl said nothing, deliberately acting as though she had not heard her.
Penelope’s shoulders stiffened. She had never imagined herself particularly good with children, but this was something else entirely.
“Mrs. Abbott,” Odette spoke finally, “I do not wish to be interrupted.”
“Yes, my lady. We were only here to see the stables.”
Mrs. Abbott offered a sympathetic smile and gently began to lead the duchess out of the stables.
“She’ll come round,” she said, “The child has had more change in the past few years than most do in a lifetime.”
Penelope nodded in agreement, but made no effort to move away.
“I wish to stay here for a while,” she informed the housekeeper. She took a slow step back and watched as Odette continued her work, completely undisturbed.
