Priscilla thought for a moment or two. “Truly, m’Lady, I’m not sure. But I think I’ve heard that it means fair family, although I’m not certain. My family has only been in this area for a couple o’ generations, and we’re not too good with the Welsh words.”
“I can see where it would take at least that long to learn to speak it fluently,” mused Elinor, gazing from the window at the wet greenery that seemed to cover the entire world. “But let us hope that this journey is indeed to a fair family.”
Silence fell, and within half an hour or so, the forest thinned enough for Elinor to see some hills between its trunks. Thecarriage slowed, and she glanced across Priscilla to see where they were headed.
And caught her breath in a silent gasp.
Tylwyth Teg Abbey wasbeautiful.
Grey stone walls rose above a gravel driveway, and the entrance, instead of being the grandiose-marble stairs sort of thing, remained comfortably at ground level, enclosed by a couple of columns either side, supporting a roof which would shelter arrivals from the weather. A most sensible arrangement, thought Elinor.
The trees suddenly fell away, and as they turned toward the driveway, both women in the carriage sucked in breaths of wonder at the panoply of fields and hills that spread before the house.
“Oh my,” blinked Priscilla, her eyes wide. “That’s just the prettiest view I ever did see.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Elinor turned to catch another glimpse of the house. Their path would bring them to the fountain, which dominated the forecourt, a simple but elegant arrangement of carved stone bowls catching water and sending it to the large pool built to catch it.
“I’ll wager that is glorious in the sunshine,” she said softly.
The square and solid house approached rapidly, and before she knew it, Elinor was being handed out of the carriage by an extremely dapper gentleman.
“Good afternoon, Lady Molliney, and welcome to Tylwyth Teg Abbey. I trust your journey was pleasant?”
“Indeed it was, thank you.” She allowed him to take her hand and help her down from the carriage.
“I am Deryn, my Lady, Sir Caleb’s butler. He has asked that I take you through to his parlour, where tea will be served shortly.”
“Thank you again, that would be lovely. My maid…”
“Will be well taken care of, I can assure you.” He smiled at the girl as she gave a little jump from the step of the carriage to the gravel. “I believe our Jenny Jamison is eager to say hallo, miss.”
Obviously in awe of his elegance and style, she bobbed a curtsy and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Very well then. Please come inside.”
Deryn stood back, waiting for the two of them to enter, then Elinor heard the door close behind them. They were in a lovely hall, with elegant furniture and a spiralling pattern of wooden tiles on the floor that was truly amazing.
But before she could take it all in, a bundle of black hair and legs came flying through a door with a loud and excited bark.
And knocked Elinor clean off her feet.
Chapter Seven
“Good Lord.” Caleb came running into the hall as Deryn bent down to offer a hand to Elinor.
“Are you hurt, my Lady?” The butler’s voice shook a little as he helped her rise to her feet, and Priscilla backed away, eyes wide.
“Lady Elinor, I am so very sorry,” Caleb glared at Carrádog. “What is the matter with you? I should put you outside right now.”
“Oh no, please don’t…” Elinor returned to the floor, this time on purpose, crouching down beside the panting pup, and rubbing his head and ears energetically. In response to which, his amber eyes closed, and the distinct sound of a moan of pleasure echoed around the hall.
“What a good boy,” she said, still fussing with him. “Such a good guard dog. And I’m happy to see you looking so well and so happy.”
Her praise received a hearty lick of her hand in return.
“Umm…” she bit her lip against a laugh. “Well thank you, but don’t do that again. You’ll ruin my gloves if you do.”
Caleb could have sworn the dog chuckled at her. But he obviously caught the drift of her words, since he merely dropped his hindquarters to the hall floor and gazed at her.
