He paused just inside the door leading to the terrace as the voices of his mother and Caroline drifted toward him and marched to his mother’s sitting room where the topic of conversation brought a return of his irritation.
How could he have not realized that there was no housekeeper at Wyndview Farm, well, other than Caroline, apparently? He should have noted the absence of one within his first day of being in residence, yet he hadn’t.
It angered Sterling that his family, no, his mother, had been taking advantage of Caroline. Unlike many vineyard owners in the Cape Colony, his family did not participate in the distasteful practice of using slaves for reasons that came to light back to the early seventeen hundreds, yet apparently his mother had no difficulty allowing Caroline to work positions without pay and it would stop now. Further, he knew of no person who would be willing to take a position and not ask for wages. With regard to her being a companion, he assumed it was more of a convenience and maybe Caroline enjoyed his mother’s company, but to perform the duties of the housekeeper without compensation was beyond his understanding.
It was also suspicious. He had entire families of fathers, wives, sons, and daughters working on his estates in England, and they each received wages. So, why didn’t Caroline want the same, especially since she had a daughter to support? If she had her own funds, she would never have returned to Wyndview Farm, therefore, why would she decline wages?
“Is there anything in particular you would like on the menu for the coming week, Lord Wyndham?” Caroline asked.
“Oddly, I cannot think of a thing and leave all menu plans to you, Mrs. Sutcliffe.”
“Is there anything that you do not like. If so, I will make certain that it is not served.”
“There is not a food that I do not like…well, of what I have tasted to date, and will sample anything Cook decides to serve.”
Caroline gave a nod. “Very good. Then I shall excuse myself to meet with Cook.”
Sterling watched her leave, her dark hair pinned at the back of her head, styled for efficiency and to be out of the way, different than the dark curls that had brushed her neck the evening before.
Her mood and demeanor were also different. Last night, she’d been a widow at a ball, engaging in conversations not only with him, which he had enjoyed very much, but with gentlemen and military men and she had danced. However, today, she was restrained and respectful, much like his housekeeper in Southampton.
He frowned. Caroline was much like a chameleon who changed its colors depending on its environment. While he had enjoyed studying them when he was a boy, Sterling was certain that he did not like the shifts in Caroline and he couldn’t help but wonder what else she hid from him and when that change would come about.
“A moment,” Sterling called, hurrying after Caroline before he caught up to her as she neared the dining room. “I had hoped to speak with your father this morning. Do you know where he might be?”
She stiffened, her spine straightening, before she turned to face him.
Another shift. Was it fear or concern? And if so, why?
“I was to believe that you were going to wait to discuss the estate until after the harvest.”
“That is my intention, however there is no reason why I cannot tour the estate now.”
“I could show you, Lord Wyndham. I know it well and have spent many hours walking the land.”
“I believe you have a menu to plan,” he reminded her. “Therefore,please direct me to your father, if you know where he might be.”
Caroline drew in a shaky breath.
He had asked a simple question and her answer should be either to tell him where her father was or say that she did not know, yet he sensed that she was reluctant to provide him with the information he requested.
“Is there something you are trying to keep from me, Mrs. Sutcliffe?”
She blinked and then her brown eyes grew wide. “I…um…no, of course not,” she finally managed to answer. “I am simply not certain. My father is likely studying the grapes for ripeness, but as your vineyard is large, I do not know exactly where he might be.”
Sterling suspected that she was not being fully truthful, but what could she possibly have to lie about?
In time he would determine the source of his concern, but other important matters required his attention.
“That is all you needed to say, Mrs. Sutcliffe. I will search for him myself.”
*
After Caroline metwith Cook and the menu was planned, more elaborate now that Wyndham was in residence, she sent a maid and footman into town so they could visit the market and shops to obtain the items Cook would need.
She then returned to her home to find Beatrix helping Livia with her reading.
Caroline did not interrupt, satisfied that all was well, then left again. This time she walked to the small rise that looked out over the rows of grapevines. Worry ate at her but there was little she could do, nor could she control what her father might say. She could only hope that William was near and could answer the more specific questions.
