“Yes, dear, we’re nearly there,” Caitria said, adjusting the child’s bonnet which had gone askew during her excited bouncing.
Julian, seated across from Courtney, glanced out the window with interest. “The place has good bones, though it’s clear it’s been neglected. I’m curious to hear what Mr. Roberts has already assessed.”
“I’m just looking forward to a proper walk after being cooped up in this carriage,” Serena remarked, smoothing her skirts. As Courtney’s companion and chaperone for the visit, she had borne the journey with remarkable patience.
As they pulled to a stop before the house, Lucien stepped forward to open the carriage door himself, his smile warm as he greeted them. “Welcome to Dorset,” he said, his voice carrying that slight Irish lilt that still startled her occasionally. “I hope the journey wasn’t too taxing?”
“It was worth every bump in the road,” Courtney replied, allowing her hand to linger in his as he helped her descend. “The estate looks almost the same.”
It was a slight exaggeration. Up close, she could see how the years of neglect had taken their toll. The gravel drive was overgrown with weeds, the fountain in the center courtyard was dry, and several shutters hung askew. But the bones of the place remained sound, and she could see the potential for restoration.
Julian followed, then helped Caitria down with Ava-Marie practically leaping out after her, while Serena descended last with the dignified air of someone determined to maintain decorum, despite the journey’s difficulties.
Mr. Roberts stepped forward, a stocky man with the weathered complexion of someone who spent much of his life outdoors. “Welcome to Danvers Hall, my lady, Lord and Lady Montague,” he said with a slight bow to Courtney, Serena and Julian. “I’ve been familiarizing myself with the property these past few days.”
“Mr. Roberts has been invaluable,” Lucien added. “His knowledge of estate management is impressive. We’ve already identified several areas for immediate improvement.”
Julian nodded appreciatively. “I’d be very interested to hear your assessment, Mr. Roberts. Perhaps I can provide advice to Lucien if he requires it.”
“Of course, my lord,” Mr. Roberts replied. “I’ve prepared some notes on the tenant farms and the southern fields that I believe will interest Lord Furoe. A second opinion never hurts.”
Ava-Marie tugged at Lucien’s coat. “Papa, you promised to show me the sea! Can we go now, please?”
Lucien bent to kiss the top of her head. “Soon, darling. First, we must let everyone settle in. The journey has been long.”
“I’ll take her to wash up and change,” Caitria offered. “Perhaps Lady Serena and Lady Courtney would like to rest as well?”
“An excellent suggestion,” Lucien agreed. “The housekeeper has prepared rooms for everyone. Meanwhile, Lord Milburn, if you’d care to join Mr. Roberts and me for a brief tour of the immediate grounds?”
“I would indeed,” Julian replied with enthusiasm. “I’m particularly interested in seeing what stock you have on the property.”
As the men prepared to depart on their inspection, Courtney exchanged a warm glance with Lucien. “Don’t keep my brother too long,” she said lightly. “We’ve been promised a view of the sea, after all.”
“I wouldn’t dream of disappointing you,” Lucien replied, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment longer than was strictly proper. “We’ll return shortly.”
The small party separated, with the ladies and Ava-Marie being led inside by the housekeeper while the men strode off toward the fields, already deep in conversation about crop rotation and soil quality.
Inside, the huge hall was cool and dim after the bright sunshine, the familiar scent of beeswax and lavender bringing a rush of memories. Courtney paused in the entrance hall, overwhelmed for a moment by the sense of the past pressing in around her. This was where she and Lucien had danced duringthe midsummer party, where he had first told her he loved her, where they had planned their future together.
“Lady Courtney?” Serena’s voice gently pulled her back to the present. “I hope it’s not too overwhelming for you?”
“It’s only happy memories,” Courtney assured her, gathering herself. “Just taking in the familiar surroundings. It’s been some time since I visited.”
Ava-Marie looked around with undisguised curiosity, her bright eyes taking in the portrait gallery that lined the staircase. “Who are all these people, Lady Courtney? Are they Papa’s family?”
“Yes, they are,” Courtney replied, leading the child toward the stairs. “That’s your grandfather when he was young, and next to him is your grandmother. And there—” she pointed to a portrait of a young, dark-haired woman, “is your aunt Lauren when she was just sixteen.”
“She’s pretty,” Ava-Marie observed, then wrinkled her nose. “The house smells funny. Like old books.”
Courtney laughed softly. “That’s because there are a great many old books here. Perhaps Caitria can show you the library after you’ve rested.” She didn’t want to have to tell Ava-Marie that the house had all but virtually been shut up and servants released due to finances.
“Oh yes, please!” Ava-Marie’s enthusiasm was immediate. “Papa says I can learn to read properly now that we’re settled. Can you help teach me, Lady Courtney?”
The simple question touched Courtney deeply. “I would be honored to help you learn to read, Ava-Marie. The library here has some wonderful books for children that I think you’ll enjoy.” She wondered if Caitria could read. Perhaps she could teach them both.
The housekeeper led them to their rooms, which had been prepared with evident care despite the manor’s general state ofdisrepair. Lucien had obviously hired more staff with some of the money Rockwell had loaned him. Courtney’s chamber was exactly as she remembered it from her last visit. The same blue and cream wallpaper, the same view of the gardens and, beyond them, the glittering expanse of the sea. And, as usual, she was placed just down the hall from Lucien’s rooms. How convenient.
Once alone, she moved to the window, drinking in the familiar vista. How many times had she stood at this very window, watching for Lucien to return from one of his rides? How many dreams had she woven here, imagining their future together in this house?
