He was still kneeling bedside his sister. 'She's play-acting to get rid of our grandmother, sweetheart. I'm not angered by these insults, just impressed by her being able to rescue the situation and allow us to be rid of her.' His whispered comment was enough to make the three of them relax. The older boy even managed a feeble smile.
'I'd forgotten just how obnoxious she was. Even our father who was an unpleasant man kept her apart from him,' Charlotte said quietly.
'We've so much to talk about, to catch up on, but all that can wait until you and the children are feeling more the thing. I see there are refreshments, but they remain untouched. I haven't eaten since dinner last night so forgive me if I pile my plate.'
He pointed to the table and was pleased to see his sister make her way to a chair. She moved slowly and painfully but at least she could move without assistance.
This was sufficient for the youngsters to follow him to the laden sideboard. There had been a table fetched in from somewhere which was laid with napery and the necessary cutlery. There was also a jug of freshly made lemonade, chocolate and coffee.
He spoke to the oldest boy; he'd no idea of his age or his name. 'I'm your Uncle James, would you care to introduce yourself and your siblings.'
'I'm Rupert, sixteen years of age, my brother's fourteen and called Jonathan, my sister Eloise was eight last week.'
'I'm delighted to welcome you to Avon Court. Once you've settled in and are familiar with your surroundings will be time enough to talk to your mother about your schooling.'
'Mama has been teaching us, but I know that our education has been poor,' Rupert said.
'I'm sure that with the proper support and tutors you and your brother will soon catch up.' He lowered his voice. 'What can I tempt my sister with?'
'We've had so little recently that I'm sure anything you take her will be well received.'
'Then I think for all of you it would be best if you ate sparingly but frequently at first.'
He put a small amount of food on a plate and was about to take it to Charlotte when he became aware that the footmen had come in. He handed them the plate and then picked up one for himself.
Instead of piling his plate as he would normally have done, he put just a single slice of ham instead of the half a dozen he'd been intending to take. He added few new potatoes bathed in butter and parsley, carrots and green beans.
He had coffee as did his sister, the children had lemonade. Once they were settled, he picked up his cutlery. Now was not the time for conversation. He deliberately ate slowly, took small mouthfuls guessing that the others would follow suit. However hungry they were gobbling down their food could make them unwell.
When he was confident they were eating and enjoying what they had he thought he'd explain how things were. Then he heard the unmistakable sound of someone approaching the drawing room. Colette was about to arrive, he'd quite forgotten about her; they should have waited.
'Devil take it, I'd forgotten about my second ward. Forgive me, I must greet her and apologise. Please continue with your meal I'll bring her in and introduce her.'
He strode across the hall and was just in time to greet her as she approached the door. He hadn't had time to really look at her in Bath. The girl wasn't as tall as Sofia but had the same striking appearance. She didn't look at all impressed by her surroundings or by him.
'Welcome to your new home. I apologise, but you're not the only arrivals today. My sister, nephews and niece have also come to live here.
'Why am I here? I don't know who you are. I was perfectly content being governess to two sweet girls and then this morning was rudely ejected from the house with no explanation.'
'I must apologise for that. I sent a letter to your employers explaining that I didn't know you'd been orphaned or that I was now responsible for you. Your older sister is here but is temporarily engaged elsewhere.'
Her frosty expression lightened and she almost smiled. 'She can hardly be here and elsewhere at the same time, sir. And my employers might know how I come to be at this magnificent place but you've yet to introduce yourself.'
James bowed deeply and this made her smile genuine. 'I am Lord James Richard Brotherton, Earl of Avon, at your service.'
'Ah, I now understand. Are we to reside here or is this just an interim arrangement?'
He thought this a strange question but answered it anyway. 'This is now your home, I am your legal guardian, and I'd like to introduce you to my sister and her children.' He paused and then decided to warn her what she would see.
'They've only just arrived and I've not seen nor heard from Charlotte since she left to marry Lord Upminster twenty years ago. When I heard that he was deceased I immediately sent a letter inviting her to live here. You will see from their appearance that they must have had the most appalling time but hopefully being here will soon rectify that.'
The girl didn't ask further questions which he appreciated. 'I understand, I'll proceed with care. I'm sharp set as I wasn't allowed a morsel of breakfast this morning. I'm hoping that those appetising smells wafting from your drawing room indicate that I am about to be fed.'
'Follow me, my dear, and you can help yourself. One thing more, could I ask you to be more frugal than you might like with your portions.'
Again, she appeared to understand the reason for this strange request and just nodded. This girl was as intelligent as Sofia, and he was looking forward to getting to know her better.
*
