“If the descriptions made by Mr Haskings are correct, sir, I’m sure it will. But I would enjoy the chance to see the animals, if you wouldn’t mind?”
“I’d be pleased to show you.” He let a wry grin twist his lips. “You’ll need boots.”
“Perhaps this should wait until tomorrow, Piers,” said his father. “You’ve forgotten we have guests visiting this evening.”
“Damn.” He ran a hand through his hair. “My apologies, Miss Nightingale. I had indeed forgotten.”
She shook her head. “Please don’t distress yourself. I am a little tired after everything that’s happened recently, and as you pointed out, I have no boots. If we could postpone our outdoor research until another day I would be grateful.”
He nodded as they all turned to leave the room. “Very well. And allow me to compliment you on what I perceive to be a comprehensive grasp of matters I’d not expected you to understand.”
“You are very kind,” she smiled. “Thank you.”
“You will be well cared for, Miss Nightingale. I have asked Thompkins to stand as your maid, and young Ben will perform footman duties. It’s good training for both of them, and I believe they will meet your needs.”
Jessie smiled her thanks. “You are also too kind, Sir Gerald. I am very grateful for your courteous attentions.” Dropping a curtsey to both men, she turned toward the corridor leading out of Crawford Hall. “Allow me to wish you both a good evening.”
Piers watched her as she walked steadily past the hallway windows and out the door.
“I think she’ll do,” said his father, veering away to the stairs. “Best get yourself cleaned up, son. Miss Fernside will be arriving before long.”
“As will her mama, her aunt, and whatever that other gentleman is. Mr Botham, I think his name was.”
“Ah, yes.”
Piers sighed. “Don’t expect me to charm them, Father. And don’t expect me to pay overt attentions to Miss Fernside. She’s a nice enough girl, I’m sure. But she chatters. A lot.”
“Most women do, you know.”
“But not all.” Piers’ thoughts stayed with that swaying body he’d just watched leave the house. By God, Jessie had one fiercely brilliant mind, and she didn’t chatter. She also had one delectably beautiful bottom.
*~~*~~*
There was a touch of excitement in the air, decided Jessie as Thompkins laid out the small table for the evening meal.
“I found another gown that will definitely fit you, Miss Jessie,” said the girl as she carefully placed china and silverware in front of the single chair. “It’s upstairs. And Cook has sent a lovely soup and some veal pie. She’s made a lot of them and some other things for tonight’s dinner party, so she hopes this is all right for you?”
“Of course,” Jessie smiled and sipped her glass of sherry by the fire. The cottage might be small, but there was always a space where a bottle of sherry would be quite at home.
“It sounds as if Crawford Hall is looking forward to the evening’s visitors. Tell me about them, if you would? I know nobody hereabouts and would like to at least place the names…”
Nothing loth, Thompkins smiled as she folded napkins. “It’s the Fernsides, Miss, and their relative who lives with them. Mrs Fernside is a widow, and her daughter Arabella is of an age, you know…marriageable.”
“Ah,” Jessie nodded wisely.
“So she, her mama and her aunt like to visit here, since they live on t’other side of the village in a nice house, but nothing to compare to Crawford Hall of course.”
Jessie hid her grin at the pride in the young girl’s voice. “Do you think they’re looking for a match with Mr Crawford?”
Thompkins snorted. “Well, who wouldn’t, Miss?”
“True.”
“Lovely country house, handsome gentleman, good income ’tis said…what’s not to like?”
“And Miss Fernside? Does she endorse this plan for her future?”
“Dunno, Miss, to be honest. She’s a chatterer, for sure, but doesn’t seem to be attracted to Mr Piers, even though her mama seems to be throwing her at him.” She frowned. “Bit of a puzzle, that one.” She shook her head. “But that Mr Botham who comes with ‘em? Urgh.” Her mouth turned down. “He’s not a true gentleman, if you’ll pardon my saying so. We gotta watch ourselves around him.”
