There’d be no benefit from going over that, so as theybegan their meal, she said, “Do you realize that we’ve not spent a Sunday at the Abbey? How does it go?”
“The chaplain conducts a service in the dowager’s boudoir. The senior servants attend. After one such service, I chose Beecham Dab instead.”
“I’d forgotten the chaplain. Where does he live?”
“In a house in Stuckle, close by the ancient chapel. He conducts a service there for the Stuckle people and is well regarded.”
“So even he avoids the Abbey. Things will have to change.” Kitty rang for the next course. “There’s some hope for Isabella. She’s not immune to the enticements of the world, and she asked me to buy her some new novels.”
“Will they improve her temperament?”
“I chose them carefully. Not all are Gothic horrors.”
They went silent as Edward brought in portions of roast duck in sauce and side dishes. When he’d left she said, “It’s not yet a full week since we married. Isn’t that extraordinary?”
“Do you regret our lost honeymoon?”
“Not at all.” She ate some of the tender duck, comparing it to the inedible beef. “So delicious. What is a honeymoon, after all? If it’s for enjoyment, I’ve enjoyed the past days more for being here. If it’s for increased ease with each other, I suspect that’s also better for being away from the Abbey.”
“Despite the plots and connivances?”
“Because of them, most likely. I don’t think I’m made for a tranquil life.”
“Nor am I, but there are times for tranquillity.”
The look in his eyes told her he was thinking of the night. She smiled to show she echoed it.
In due course, at a proper time, they retired for the night, and if their explorations were not entirely tranquil, they were slow and gentle in parts. Braydon surprised Kittywith some soft laughter at one point, so that she woke in the middle of the night with tears dampening her pillow. It had come upon her, not as an explosion but as a powerful wave, that she loved him. She’d known she admired him, delighted in him, desired him, and enjoyed him. But enhancing everything now was that insane magic the poets tried to capture, and that had eluded Dorothy, despite her best intentions. Romantic love, which brought passions, addictions, and even tragedy, but, if blessed, was the most delicious delight.
Yet soon they must part.
Many loving couples spend time apart,she reminded herself,especially if the husband is a soldier, sailor, or merchant.Dorothy hadn’t found it odd that her husband had to spend stretches of time away from home.
Men came to Town for Parliament and didn’t always bring their wives and families. Many wives preferred to spend spring in the countryside, especially if their children were young. Perhaps a honeymoon was designed to wear out the first mania so that married lovers could resume a normal life.
Very well. She would not be manic. She must return to the Abbey soon, so on the next day, she must attend to Abbey business more seriously.
She breakfasted with Braydon, but when he went out to visit Sussex, she sat to make lists of what she needed to buy or order. She took the list to Henry for advice, and she suggested a few additions.
But then Henry said, “I was thinking this would be a good opportunity for you to interview some lady’s maids, dear. You might not be back in Town until the spring.”
Kitty wanted to protest, but Henry had only been on loan to her.
“Miss Ecclestall must be missing you,” she said.
“She is, but I miss her and Lady Sophonisbe, and my family thereabouts. I’d like to be home for Christmas.”
“You have family? You’ve never mentioned them.”
“Two brothers and a sister, and many nieces and nephews.”
“Then of course you must go home,” Kitty said, hoping her good cheer was convincing. “How do we go about hiring a new maid?”
“There are agencies. You could write to ask them to arrange interviews in the next day or two.”
“Very well. But you must assist me to make the right choice.”
“Of course, dear. I won’t leave until I’m sure you have the right person.”
