Marcus went over to admire the tapestry his mother had been working on and compared the stitches with other quilts. He could see it was a work of beauty.
“This is exquisite, those colors go together perfectly,” Marcus said.
His mother laughed again. “Many years’ experience, sitting next to your grandmother. This is one of her patterns. Look here is a unicorn, in the forest, searching for a maiden.”
“Grandmother was a wise woman,” Marcus said quietly. “We’re all searching for something.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with the cook about the menus for the rest of the week,” his mother said, and she left the room with a scent of violets wafting around her.
“If you find a bride like your mother, then you’ll be doing well my boy,” said his father.
Marcus nodded his agreement, “One in a million. However, that doesn’t mean I agree to find a bride, just that I am prepared to look.”
“That’s a start. That’s all that’s needed. I have every confidence that you will find someone when you least expect it,” his father said, full of confidence.
Chapter 3
“We’re almost there,” Olivia called to Ellen. “Look, I can see the lodge on the hillside.” For the first time since leaving London she saw hills and a lake glistening in the distance.
“It’s such beautiful countryside in Buckinghamshire,” said Ellen, peering out of the window.
“The hills and valleys make such a difference,” agreed Olivia. “I love Silverton estate, but our part of Bedfordshire is such a flat landscape, it’s like another world.”
“I do look forward to seeing Silverton Hall, as soon as the rebuild is completed in the spring. I miss seeing my parents and their cottage on the estate, but they’ve written to say the restoration looks almost complete,” said Ellen.
Olivia felt a brief pang of anxiety at the thought of a return to Silverton, but noticed with relief the feeling was only fleeting. Time was healing her emotional, if not her physical scars. She would find strength to cope with the return to her childhood home.
The carriage creaked and groaned along the road as the driver slowed the pace of the horses and waved at the lodge keeper. They followed the long, winding drive to the doors of Leighton Manor.
The carriage halted in front of a mellow, half-timber framed, manor house with mullioned windows shining brightly in the sunshine.
I like the look of Leighton Manor. The cream walls, against the oak beams and red tiles roof give it a warmth,Olivia thought before sighing deeply, wriggling her stiff shoulders after the long drive into Buckinghamshire.I’ve escaped from London and the cold, austere Swanbourne. Just breathing in the country air is so reviving.
Olivia heard a shout of welcome as her friend raced toward the carriage to greet her.
Marianne might have become Lady Leighton, Viscountess of Leighton, but she never stood on ceremony with her best friend. In those dark days three years ago, when Olivia had lost her family, and then Jonathan, it had been Marianne who had stayed with her and helped her realize that there could be a future, even if it was different to the one she had always dreamed about.
“Olivia, Olivia,” she heard Marianne’s lovely, soprano voice calling in greeting. A footman came forward to put out steps to help them dismount from the carriage and onto the drive. The moment she was out of the barouche Olivia found herself embraced in her friend's arms.
“And Ellen,” added Marianne, remembering her friend’s maid, and greeting her warmly. “Come inside. I’ve asked Parker to set up tea in the orangery. Oh, and Ellen, Cook has a warm fire and a meal ready for you. I’m so glad you are here Olivia. I’ve missed you so much!”
Once again Olivia felt that warm embrace of friendship and affection and was thankful she was lucky enough to have such a wonderful friend.
Marianne took her arm and led her into the hall of this ancient Medieval manor house. Olivia drew a breath as she saw the inside of Leighton Manor for the first time. The original carved oak paneling in the hall was exquisite, with a minstrel’s gallery rising above it.
“You’re a real lady now, living in this most beautiful place,” Olivia told her friend.
“I know, I’m so lucky to have found Christopher. A year ago I thought I was almost on the shelf. Mama was quite despairing of my ever finding a husband. Then, one evening at Vauxhall Gardens our eyes met while listening to an orchestral recital and I’ve never looked back.”
“You look truly happy,” said Olivia, delighted for her friend.
“I am. I never believed in love at first sight, but it happened for me and my dear Viscount Leighton.” Marianne looked around and spoke briefly to Mr. Parker, the butler, who stood discretely awaiting her instructions.
“Parker, please arrange for Lady Olivia to be shown to her room and then we shall take tea in the orangery.” Marianne turned to Olivia, “The orangery is in the new wing of the house added by Christopher’s grandmother. You’ll love it, it overlooks the original herb knot garden, and there is a view down the valley. I want you to love Leighton and visit me often.”
“Marianne, I would visit you wherever you lived,” Olivia said, laughing, her blue eyes twinkling. “However, I admit I am more than happy to visit you here at Leighton Manor. It might possibly become my favorite place in England.”
After Olivia had been shown to her room by a housemaid, she splashed water on her face and then sat briefly on the carved oak four poster bed with its lavishly decorated brocade curtains all around it. There was an autumn chill in the air and a log fire was blazing cheerfully in the hearth.
