Jocelyn cried out with excitement as she saw the tower of Belvedere Abbey. “It’s said that the view from the tower is the best in the county and that’s why they called it Belvedere. It used to be a monastery in Medieval days, I believe,” she said.
“There are lots of legends in this land. You’ll love the story about Lady Matilda and her Plantagenet King,” Olivia informed her.
“And somewhere deep in that forest you had a magical day with your own handsome prince,” Jocelyn teased Olivia.
“Jocelyn, no, you must never mention that. Certainly not while we are staying at Belvedere Abbey,” demanded Olivia.
When the carriage pulled into the circular driveway in front of the Abbey, Olivia took a sharp inward breath. She was certainly in uncharted waters now.
They were bundled into the house, under the cover of an umbrella, as a light drizzle fell. Olivia held Marguerite close to her as they climbed the steps leading up to the main door.
Once inside the house she saw Marcus standing in the great hall with a woman, whom she guessed must be his mother, the Duchess of Hargrove.
The woman stepped forward to greet them. “Welcome to our home. We’re delighted to have you here at the Abbey. I’m the Duchess of Hargrove, Marcus’ mother.”
Olivia’s gaze rose up to the huge, vaulted ceiling, and the oak paneling which must have been there since the Middle Ages. The sound of their voices echoed around the room, and it really did resemble a fairytale setting.
The Duchess bent over to look at Marguerite and comment on the little dog’s beautiful face. “I believe you have met my son’s dog, Hera. She’s here somewhere. We let the dogs stay in the house and not the stable. That’s never been our custom at the Abbey.
“Now, Mrs. Kirkland, our housekeeper, will show you to your rooms. You’re on the second floor, and in the morning you should have a view of the lake. Your maid will be in the other wing, and I’ll ask Mrs. Kirkland to make sure she knows where everything is. It won’t be that dissimilar to your own household I’m sure,” the duchess reassured them.
Olivia felt at ease with Marcus’ mother. She had greeted them warmly and even though the duchess must know about the gossip, and the possibility of marriage, she showed no sign of this.
“Now, my dears, I’m hoping that after you’ve refreshed yourselves that you will feel able to join us for supper. The duke is resting but is looking forward to meeting you later.”
Olivia assured her that they would be happy to join the family for dinner. They had made the right decision, coming here.
The duke was clearly delighted to meet them and began to tell them about the history of the house. Jocelyn asked him about the legend of Lady Matilda, and he insisted on taking her to see a painting of this mysterious scene in the woods close to the Abbey. Jocelyn gave Olivia a knowing look at that point as if to say that there were more modern adventures in the Hargrove Forest.
So far, Olivia had only spoken briefly with Marcus, when he had assured her he was pleased to see her, and he was sorry for the anxiety and distress which she must have felt during the last week.
Now he spoke to Jocelyn and Olivia. “I’d be delighted to take you both on a tour of the Hargrove estate in the morning. I believe you both ride?”
They both assured him they could.
“I’d join you, but I have an appointment in the village in the morning,” said the duchess. “Let’s hope for a sunny morning. There’s nothing better than a ride around the estate. Marcus, you must take them into the woods and down to the lake.”
“Of course, Mama,” he agreed. At that moment his eyes met Olivia’s and she felt hot, then cold, then hot again as she felt sensations of fire then ice and fire once more.
Oh no. It’s happening again, shethought.Why does Marcus always have this effect on me? I must get a grip.If I am to stay here, then I must maintain control of my emotions.
***
Next morning did indeed dawn bright and clear. The sun was shining, and the early morning mist broke into strands like ribbons and floated away into the blue sky.
Ellen came to dress Olivia’s hair and to tell her that Jocelyn felt very tired. “She fears that she may be coming down with a chill. She doesn’t feel up to a ride around the estate, My Lady.”
“Oh, poor Jocelyn. Should I stay in case she needs me?” asked Olivia.
“I’m here and can tend to her. There is no need for you to stay, and I believe it would distress her to know you had called off your tour of the estate for her. I think she is exhausted and needs a rest, that’s all,” said Ellen reassuringly.
Ellen helped Olivia dress in her riding habit of green velvet with a hat with matching green feather.
“You look lovely, my Lady,” said Ellen. “You have a glow around you. If I didn’t know otherwise, then I’d say you were in love.”
Ignoring Ellen’s comment, Olivia said, “I’ll leave Marguerite with Jocelyn, that will help cheer her up.”
The horses were saddled and waiting for them in the stable courtyard.
