“Of course, my lady.”
“Thank you, Beacham.” She strode toward the end of the corridor at a quicker pace than normal. When she reached the children, she stopped. “I have to attend to a guest, but I will check the sky again after dinner to determine if we can see anything tonight.”
The two children nodded, smiles still on their faces from their races.
Quickly, she descended the staircase, holding on to the balustrade. When she reached the bottom, she paused and took a deep breath, patting at her hair, hoping it hadn’t come too loose. Holding her head up and her shoulders straight, she breezed into the room. “Baroness, what a lovely surprise.”
Prudence, the Baroness Watkins, sat on one of the pale-blue chairs, her sage-green day dress making it appear as if the chair were the flower and she the leaf. Her hair, liberally sprinkled with white, was pulled back in a tight bun as if she sought to erase the wrinkles in her face. Her brown eyes missed nothing, and she had a rather large nose, which she managed to look down, despite the fact she sat and Ellie still stood.
“I thought you might enjoy some company on such a dreary day. I believe the chill in the air could go right to one’s bones.”
Ellie sat in the chair adjacent to the older woman. “I haven’t been out today, more’s the pity. I do enjoy the fresh air.”
“You would not enjoy it out there today. There is a mist hanging in the air that is sure to bring sickness to those out in it.” The woman waved her hand and smiled. “But I am not here to discuss such a sad subject. Here you are, newly wedded and a dear neighbor. Do you find Hawthorne Park overwhelming? I’m not far if you need any advice.”
Ellie smiled, ignoring the subtle hint that she wasn’t quite able to handle the house. The woman was just being neighborly. “I admit to quite enjoying my new home. The servants are so good at what they do, the children are a joy, and my husband is a wonderful companion.” She felt a blush starting in her cheeks, but luckily a footman entered with tea service at just that moment.
Lady Watkins didn’t reply while the footman was in the room, but as soon as he left, she spoke. “I do hope the children are not too much trouble. Lady Ferncroft—I mean the late Lady Ferncroft, Dinah—said they could be ratheruntamed. Yes, I believe that was the word she used.”
Surprised, Ellie dropped the spoon she’d picked up. “Untamed? That is a rather odd description to use about one’s own children. I find them absolutely delightful. Sugar?”
“No, just black.”
She handed the woman her cup then proceeded to make her own. “Do you have children, Lady Watkins?”
“Indeed, I do. My eldest son is currently studying at Cambridge, my other two sons are at Eton, and my daughter is at a finishing school. They’ll all descend on me in a fortnight.” The baroness seemed to be proud and yet put upon at the same time.
“I’m sure you’re anticipating their arrival.” Ellie took a sip of her tea.
“The boys will go about hunting and visiting their friends, I’m sure. I will be sure to get my daughter to help with all theChristmastide preparations. I must say that I was surprised that you would be celebrating here.”
Ellie set down her cup. “Many people have been surprised. I can understand, since it’s not been celebrated here in generations, but I—” Voices in the entry had her pausing. She looked at Lady Watkins. “I do believe I have more guests.” Though Ellie found herself quite excited, Lady Watkins appeared much less so.
Ellie rose to greet her new guests.
Two ladies strolled through the doorway arm and arm, but they couldn’t have looked more different. Lady Saunders, a woman in her mid-thirties with very dark brown hair, wore a lovely blue day dress that complemented her blue eyes. Her companion, Lady Chelton, who was ten years younger and had golden-blonde hair and green eyes, wore a yellow day dress that complemented her hair.
“Lady Saunders. Lady Chelton. How wonderful to see you again.”
Both ladies smiled, and Lady Saunders held out her hands. “We couldn’t wait to see you. Lady Chelton wanted to come a fortnight ago, but I insisted that we wait to allow you to settle in. Last we saw you, you had yet to meet your tenants.”
Ellie smiled warmly at Lady Saunders, took her proffered hands, and squeezed. “I’m so pleased you have come.” She turned toward Lady Watkins. “As you can see, Lady Watkins thought as you did.”
The two younger ladies sat on the settee together, and once everyone had tea, Lady Chelton spoke. “Are you pleased with Hawthorne Park and all who reside on the estate?”
Ellie nodded. “I am. Our tenants are lovely people, and I was just telling Lady Watkins how much I’m enjoying the children. The staff have been almost as excited as I am about celebratingthe season. Mr. Beacham and Mrs. Torbett are truly expert and have the best dispositions.”
Though the younger ladies smiled, Lady Watkins’s brows drew together. “And what of your husband, Lord Ferncroft?”
Since she’d already told the woman she was quite pleased with Darius, Ellie had to assume the question was asked for the other ladies’ benefit. “I couldn’t be happier. I count myself very fortunate, for I did not meet my husband until I entered the church. He has been everything I had dreamed of and more.” She lifted her cup to take a sip, trying not to blush.
“I’m so relieved to hear that.” Lady Chelton smiled kindly. “Lord Ferncroft has always been so formal, and you seem very friendly, so I am pleased to hear that you two rub along nicely.”
“Humph.”
Ellie turned to Lady Watkins, who seemed to take issue with Lady Chelton’s words. “Do you not agree?”
“My dear, it is not for me to judge your happiness. I simply worry that you do not know all there is to know about him yet, since there was no courtship.”
