He closed his eyes and pictured her as he’d last seen her, holding court among her friends. If he could just hold on to her, maybe there was a chance at life.
Chapter Seventeen
December 22, Winter Solstice and St. Thomas Day
“Ellie, is theremore food?” Georgie breezed into the entryway. “There’s at least another dozen coming up the drive.”
Ellie’s chest tightened with compassion for all the widows in the area. She’d always been pleased to give to the widows on St. Thomas Day back at home, but around Hawthorne Park, there were so many more. The war had taken a toll. “Yes, there is.” She looked at her butler. “Beacham?”
“I’ll have it brought out at once, my lady.”
As he strode off, Georgie smiled at her. “If you like, I can spell you for a while.”
Though she knew Georgie was perfectly capable of directing the staff, Ellie simply preferred to do it herself. But she also liked meeting the women who had lost their husbands and still managed to carry on. “No need. I will join you.” She moved to the wall by the door and lifted her pelisse from its hook.
Beacham reappeared with a footman in tow carrying twelve bags of food and cooked wheat. Immediately, he stepped up and helped Ellie on with her pelisse.
“Thank you, Beacham. Tell Mrs. Torbett if any more widows arrive after we give these bags away, she can hand them out. I will entrust you with the coins to be sure each widow receives some.”
“Do you not wish to rest now, my lady? I’m quite sure Mrs. Torbett is capable of taking care of everyone.”
Ellie smiled, pleased that her butler was concerned. “Not yet. I do so enjoy the smiles on their faces. While my mother enjoys planning charitable events, I’ve always preferred to help directly and meet those I can benefit.”
Without another word about it, she headed back outside with Georgie, the footman carrying the sustenance.
“Ah, here she is now, the Lady Ferncroft with more food.” Rose gestured toward Ellie as she descended the five steps to where Rose and Sophie stood.
It was lovely to see how easily Sophie interacted with the women. Was it that they were women or that they were in unfortunate circumstances? She had a feeling it was the latter. “Ladies, please, we have a bag for each of you. Do come over and take one.”
The three women who had been speaking to Rose and Sophie came toward her. Each took a bag then thanked her warmly. No sooner had they left than two more approached Rose and Sophie, who gave out the coins. When the last bag of food was given, Ellie looked toward the end of the long drive and could see more ladies entering. “Let us repair to the house. My servants will take our places.”
Sophie and Rose joined her and Georgie as they climbed the steps.
Rose looked toward the sky. “I wonder if you would have had so many women arrive if it hadn’t dawned such a bright, sunny day.”
“I’m sure that helped, and it’s not too cold today either. I’m just thrilled that the vicar and Mrs. Gerey let as many people know as possible.”
Georgie raced up the steps to the top. “Is she a neighbor?”
Ellie shook her head. “No, she’s one of our tenants. She would know more widows than my neighbors, I’m sure.”
Sophie spoke from behind her. “Do you have nice ladies nearby that can be your friends now?”
Ellie stopped on the landing and faced Sophie. “You are such a dear to think of me. Yes. There are two ladies I’ve met that I think could be very good friends. And then there is the dragon.”
Rose’s blue eyes lit with curiosity. “Is she old and wrinkled, with a long, sharp nose and bad breath?”
Ellie laughed.
“No, you goose. She must have three heads, claws for hands, and scales for skin.” Georgie punctuated her comment by curling her fingers into claws.
Sophie shook her head. “She must be a very unhappy woman.”
“I believe you’re right, Sophie.” Ellie could always count on Sophie’s observations. “I fear she is only happy when the unfortunate tidings of others reaches her ears.” They’d all met ladies like the Baroness Watkins. “Now, let us repair to my glass terrace upstairs and enjoy the sun from there.”
“And marzipan,” Georgie grinned while taking off her coat as she walked through the door.
“Yes, I will have marzipan sent up.” Georgie opened her mouth to speak, but Ellie held her hand up. “I’ve already informed Cook that you will need a couple dozen to take with you on your way home tomorrow.”
