“Hmm.” Paul followed the conversational train. “You’ll need me gone, then.”
“Probably best. Not that I’m kicking you out, of course…”
“Of course not. Besides I don’t actually live here, although it might seem that way…”
“Thank you for the great things you’ve done while I was gone. I believe I forgot to say that earlier.”
Paul glanced at him. “What things?”
“I don’t know. Henry mentioned them. Thought I should thank you for them.”
“You’re rambling, James.”
“Damn brandy.”
“It wouldn’t have anything to do with the thought of a night with Letitia?”
James gave Paul a look which should have shrivelled him in his chair and singed the upholstery at the same time.
“Ah. Forget I asked.” Paul grinned. “Oh, while we’re talking about women, you should know that Miss Harry favoured me with her story.”
“Really?”
“Awful things women have to put up with.”
“I can’t argue with you on that,” said James. “She’s quite charming in her own way, isn’t she? She’s good for Letitia.”
“She is indeed charming.”
James raised an eyebrow. “Developing an interest there, old lad?”
“I don’t know. Possibly. Maybe.” He paused. “I’m not sure.”
James raised his snifter and squinted at Paul through the bowl. “And that, my friend, sums up the state of affairs for us gentlemen when we allow ladies to become important in our lives.”
“Bloody hell.”
“Couldn’t have put it better myself.”
*~~*~~*
Harriet and Letitia had managed to keep themselves occupied with their day-to-day routines, while awaiting word that James had returned to FitzArden Hall.
For Letitia, it was difficult, since now that she had set a course, she was eager to pursue it. When the morning post failed to reveal a note from him, her day seemed a little darker. Many times it actuallywasdarker, since November was settling in to be a damp, cold and rainy month, requiring more fires, candles lit much earlier and stout boots.
Ridlington Chase wasn’t known for its efficient use of firewood, so a decision was made to restrict winter access to those rooms which could be used without the need to shove something into a window frame to keep it closed, or buy new, heavy draperies to keep out the drafts.
Edmund hated to do it, since restoring the house was one of his goals and he feared a harsh winter might set those plans back.
But they all agreed it was the sensible course of action, and Letitia volunteered herself and Harriet to mastermind the project. It gave her something to do, and kept both their minds focused on an important task.
The topmost floors of the central wing were as snug as they could be; housing as they did the current limited staff of the Chase. Beneath them were a couple of habitable rooms—one that Chidwell used as an office, reserving the other for a housekeeper, when such a person could be hired.
Beneath that lay the bedchambers of the family; all in relatively acceptable shape now, after Edmund and Rosaline had ordered new windows, and sealed up the mouse holes in the wainscoting.
The house itself had been in deplorable condition, but slowly it was coming back to life. The east wing was still off limits, with flooring that might fail and staircases that were less than reliable.
The west wing was getting more attention, and several of the ground floor rooms were now in use. It was where Rosaline’s small study was tucked beside the parlours, and Edmund’s larger domain took up a quarter of the wing’s floor space.
