“I’m glad you think so, Ma’am. Now,” he reached her side. “How may I be of assistance?”
She led the way into the Rose room and turned to face him from in front of the desk. “I am wondering about the maids I see now and again.” She leaned back against the sturdy piece and folded her arms beneath her breasts.
“Yes?” Giles raised a polite eyebrow.
“The ones doing the cleaning? Laundry as well, probably.”
“I am familiar with their duties, Ma’am.”
“Well then. Who are they? Why don’t they live here at the Manor? Wheredothey live?”
“They are residents of the cottages on the far side of the stables, my Lady.”
Adalyn thought for a moment. “I believe I’ve seen them…”
“You’ve been busy settling in,” remarked Giles. “But yes, I think a tour of the estate might be in order soon.”
“Oh, I would like that.” She glanced out of the window to see a brisk breeze with some sunlight. “Would today be possible?”
“I don’t see why not. Daniel would be your best choice for a companion, since he’s very knowledgeable about the land, the tenants and so on.”
“So the maids are my tenants?” She pursued the question uppermost on her mind.
He nodded. “Yes. From time to time we are notified of families who need some kind of assistance, for various reasons. Those cottages are reserved specifically for such cases, with the understanding that the residents will work for Wolfbridge Manor. In return, they are not assessed any rent and are allotted a share of the crops and livestock. It has turned out to be an admirable arrangement; over the past years we’ve had skilled workers, maids and several excellent seamstresses.”
“Daniel did mention some of this. How many cottages are occupied at the moment?”
“I believe ten out of the dozen available, but I will have to ask him for the actual figures.”
Adalyn nodded. “I see I have much to learn, Giles. And instead of lazing away the days with books, which I confess has been a wonderful interlude, I should be finding my way around Wolfbridge and meeting more of the residents.”
“That would indeed be meritorious, my Lady. And yes, you are correct. Today would be a good day to begin your life as the true mistress of Wolfbridge Manor.”
His eyes creased into a warm smile and Adalyn experienced the comfort of knowing she had such a man to do her bidding.
She was nervous, apprehensive about her new position, and terrified that those she met would know her for the timid woman she felt herself to be. But the magnitude of the gift the universe had seen fit to bestow upon her—Wolfbridge—warranted a reciprocal gesture on her part. So she would tuck her fears away into her pockets and do her best to be the Lady of Wolfbridge.
Seeing Daniel awaiting her in the hall helped her steel herself.
“You are ready to tour your estate, my Lady. I could not be more pleased.” He held out her warmest coat. “You will need a muffler and gloves, too, I’m thinking. The sun is bright, but it is certainly not spring yet.”
“I agree,” she answered, reaching into a small cabinet and retrieving her bonnet. “Will we take the carriage?”
“I think the gig will work better for this journey.”
“We have a gig as well as a carriage?”
“We do.” He assisted her, buttoning the soft leather around her wrists with care. “It only requires one horse and can handle the muddiest of lanes.”
“Here, my Lady,” Jeremy hurried down the grand staircase with what looked like a large white cat in his hands. “This will be of use, I believe.”
“Oh.” She took what turned out to be a muff and stroked the fur. “How lovely. Thank you, Jeremy.”
He smiled. “’Twas tucked away in a cupboard. I thought it a shame not to use it and today is just the day.”
“Indeed,” she smiled back. “I shall be delightfully warm with this.” She turned to Daniel. “I believe I’m ready…” The last was said with a slight quaver of nerves.
“Your tenants will be thrilled to meet you, my Lady,” reassured Jeremy. He glanced at Daniel. “Take care of her.”
