ChapterTwo
Jessie found herself admiring the facade of Crawford Hall.
Neat, elegantly finished, but not overwhelming. This was obviously a house that was well cared-for, and the plants were trimmed, the trees just behind were flaunting their autumn colours, and the brickwork echoed that glow as a brief glimpse of sun illuminated everything.
“I hope you like it,” said Sir Gerald as he helped her down.
“It’s lovely,” she answered. “And welcoming.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He led her up the stairs and into a foyer that held two servants, one obviously the butler and another a maid, both with surprised expressions on their faces.
“James, this is Miss Nightingale. She will be staying with us and taking over the position of estate manager.”
The butler’s eyes widened and his throat moved convulsively for a moment before his training took over. “Ah. Of course, sir. Thompkins will take care of the…er…young lady.” He beckoned to the waiting maid, who also looked quite stunned. “Show Miss Nightingale to the Spring room and see that it she’s made comfortable.”
“Yes sir,” the girl bobbed a curtsey. “This way, Miss.” She turned to go up the staircase which led off the hall and up into a gallery of sorts. Jessie assumed the bedrooms for guests were arranged off those corridors, and the servants would have their domain above on the other floors.
“Go along and make yourself at home, Miss Nightingale,” said Sir Gerald. “We’ll meet in an hour or so in the library.” He turned. “That room there.” A half-open door revealed massive bookshelves.
“As you wish, Sir Gerald. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Dipping her head, she followed the maid, noting the spotless bannister and equally spotless carpeting. She felt almost grubby as she stepped upward, thankful that at least her shoes no longer squelched.
“Here we are, Miss,” said Thompkins, stopping in front of a large door. “’Tis a lovely room. I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I shall,” smiled Jessie. “And I’m fairly sure you’re wondering what on earth I’m doing here.”
“Not at all, Miss. If Sir Gerald says you’re to be the estate manager, then that’s what you’ll be.” She nodded her head decisively. “He’s a good master in a good house. He may do a few things that are out of the ordinary, but he’s well liked hereabouts.” She pulled back curtains, letting the light into a delightful room that was doubtless assigned to favoured female guests.
Jessie swallowed. “Thompkins, I have no baggage, other than my bundle. Nor do I have clothes to change into. It’s a long story, but sadly I am at a bit of a loss…”
“Never you worry, Miss. There’s always a dress or two here. Mrs Chalmers, Sir Gerald’s daughter, likes to leave them here for when she visits, in case she needs an extra change.”
“Oh, but I couldn’t…”
“Sir Gerald would expect you to, Miss. That’s why he suggested this room.” She smiled. “He’s a kind man and I’m sure he wouldn’t dream of mentioning anything like clothing to a guest. He’d leave that up to me. And it looks like you’re not far off Mrs Chalmers in size.”
Jessie sighed. “It would be nice to change out of these damp garments, I’ll confess.”
“Hot water’ll be here in a tick, Miss. We’ll have you tidied up in next to no time.”
Surrendering to the inevitable, Jessie allowed Thompkins to assist her in her toilette, enjoying the attentions and the hot water.
A charming dress was fetched and whisked over Jessie’s head, which—with a tuck here and there and a pin or two—was pronounced an excellent fit.
Slippers were also presented, a little loose but with a bit of tightening served their purpose. Thompkins insisted Jessie sit before the vanity, and for the first time in years she found herself enjoying the luxury of having someone else brush her hair.
“Thank you, Thompkins,” she breathed, staring at her reflection. “You’ve worked miracles.”
The girl grinned. “No such thing, Miss. Just needed a good brushing and the right pins.”
Whatever she’d needed, the result was astounding.
When her hair had been smoothed and pinned into a simple knot at the back of her neck, she noticed there was a bit of a shine to it, and a few loose ends tumbled free around her ears. The soft rose of the dress and the matching lace trim both contributed to turning her complexion a creamy white, rather than the wan shade of what she thought of as pale grey. Used to seeing that in the tiny cracked mirror she’d been using, this reflection was completely unexpected.
“Goodness, is that me?”
Thompkins chuckled. “Yes indeed, Miss. And I expect Sir Gerald will be waiting, so you’d best hurry along.”
