As they turned into the drive of Myercroft, he said, “Ulric has been here for three days, and there is no knowing quite how he will take your arrival. Will you allow me to take the lead in dealing with him?”
She agreed to it, and leant forward to catch the first glimpse of the house. Having only visited the stables before, she had notyet seen the front façade in its full glory from the carriage drive. It was a fine house, it was true, not as large as the Priory but with greater symmetry and well maintained. The hedge surrounding the turning circle was neatly trimmed, the drive free of weeds and the windows sparkled in the autumn sunshine.
Servants emerged at once to attend to them, followed by three people whom Tess had no difficulty in identifying as Sir Ernest and Lady Peterson, and Miss Peterson. Lady Peterson was as plump as her daughter, whereas Sir Ernest was thin to the point of emaciation. The ladies were dressed in the latest modes, but his coat was of the full-skirted style fashionable twenty years earlier and he wore the sort of wig that made him look like an attorney.
They smiled and were perfectly amiable to Tess, however, displaying no resentment at the disruption her coming heralded. Lady Peterson and her daughter both accompanied Tess to her room, a charmingly appointed chamber overlooking the terrace and pleasure grounds full of pleasantly winding paths.
“Your garden is enticing me out of doors,” Tess said. “So many charming walks! Would it be very rude of me to wish to explore at once?”
“You couldn’t have paid me a greater compliment,” Lady Peterson said, her face lighting up. “The garden is my passion, I confess, and I spend many happy hours out there, winter and summer alike. I’ll fetch my cloak and bonnet, and we may take a turn together. Fanny, will you join us? Your father will be entertaining Lord Tarvin in the library if you prefer to stay close to a fire.”
“I’ll come with you,” she said. “We could walk past the stables if you wish to see Ulric, Miss Nicholson.”
Mindful of Edward’s words, Tess said, “I shall see him later. The garden first, if you please.”
Miss Peterson looked disapproving at this casual disregard for Tess’s betrothed, but she and her mother were soon equipped with warm outdoor clothing, and leading the way to the garden.
Lady Peterson had not exaggerated in saying that the garden was her passion. She could name every plant, and recite its history, what it offered of flower or fruit and the best season for each. Even the pests to which each was prone, and the remedy thereof, she knew and was happy to describe, until Tess’s head was spinning. They walked about here and there, and eventually came to the furthermost point of the flower garden, which ended in a low wall with a gate set in it, providing access to the meadow beyond.
A horseman could be seen cantering across it, heading at first directly towards the stables, but seeing their party, he diverted and rode directly towards them. Tess knew with a sinking feeling that she was about to meet her betrothed again, and without Edward’s reassuring company.
“Fanny!” Ulric shouted across when he was still some distance away. Then, as he drew near, he wheeled the horse and leapt from the saddle. “Lady Peterson! Fine day!” He glanced at Tess, looked slightly puzzled, and then turned back to Fanny. “Fine day, Fanny. Good riding day.”
“Every day is a good riding day to you, Ulric. Here is Miss Nicholson come to see you. She is to stay at Myercroft for a while, too, remember?”
Again, he turned bemused eyes on Tess.
“Good day, Cousin Ulric.” She curtsied. “I am come to talk about our wedding, as I am sure your mama explained.”
“Wedding…”
“Your wedding to Miss Nicholson, Ulric,” Fanny said. “Once you’re married, you’ll be able to live at Myercroft all the time and think how pleasant that will be.”
His frown lifted. “Like to live at Myercroft.”
“Of course you would,” Fanny said.
“Like to live at Myercroft,” he said again. “Always good dinners here. Like to play Beat the Knave with you, Fanny. I like that game.”
“And so do I, Ulric, but I shan’t be here once you are married to Miss Nicholson.”
The frown returned. “You going away, Fanny? Don’t want you to go away.”
Fanny threw Tess a sideways glance, as if to say,‘You see what disruption you are causing?’But she only said quietly, “Not for a while yet. We can still play Beat the Knave.”
“You will have to teach me how to play the game,” Tess said brightly. “Perhaps you can show me after dinner tonight.”
His frown deepened. “You staying for dinner? Why?”
“I am staying at Myercroft for a few days just like you, Ulric,” Tess said evenly. “We can talk about our wedding, and you can show me around the house.”
He smiled. “Show you around the house, cousin. Fine house, Myercroft.”
“I can see that it is,” Tess said. “Enjoy your ride, Ulric. I shall see you at dinner, if not before.”
He nodded, remounted and rode off. Tess heaved a sigh of relief to have brushed through the first meeting without disaster.
“He has forgotten all about me,” she said, with a quick laugh. “What a set-down for me!”
