Obviously the sooner he was away from the temptations of Miss Sophia Barlow the better, he thought as he took the Duchess' arm. Intending to greet the housekeeper and other servants who had been left in Yorkshire, and were now lined up on the circular path where the carriages stopped, before he accompanied his mother into the house.
Meanwhile the footman, Jimmy Wilson, had left Sophia to her own devices. With her smile and delightful voice thanking him, as he turned away from her, since he did have duties to attend to. She had noticed Florence behind Cynthia, so went to stand next to her. To wait with the other London servants, and follow them inside through the rear entrance, if the Duchess didn't need her once she had gone inside with the Duke. The ladies' maid whispered to her that this had been a family tradition for many years. Dating back to before her time and the late Duke of Carlfield, the present Duke's father, who had decided that their return from the London season should in the future be done like this.
As soon as Edward and his mother had gone through the great door into the hall, Jenkins passed a sealed letter to him which was marked urgent. Meanwhile the Duchess who had wanted Sophia to stay with her was introducing her new companion to thehousekeeper, Mrs Agnes Pender. The Duke glanced at them. Delighted to see that Sophia was back where she belonged at the Duchess' side, and wouldn't come to any harm there. Immediately he informed Cynthia that he regretfully had a business matter he needed to attend to in his study.
A few moments later Edward was seated in the leather armchair behind a very large desk, similar to the one he had in London, reading the contents of the letter he had received. The frown had returned to his face. It was from Lord Watson who wished to inform him that his sister had fallen ill, and he had been obliged to go to her. For that reason he had no choice other than to postpone their business transaction in Paris.
Edward groaned. This meant that he would have to stay at Carlfield House. Conversely he was also well aware that his mother would be very happy to hear that he wasn’t going away after all. All the trouble he had gone to in finding her a new companion so quickly had been unnecessary! Nevertheless the Duke didn't feel as disappointed as he believed he should be, and realised then that he was secretly relieved. Giving him time to make doubly sure that his mother settled in properly, and dare he admit it even if only to himself, to be near Sophia? Whatever her secret might be. While he was in residence at the house, nothing would harm either of them. He could say that for certain.
Chapter 14
After the Duchess had shown Sophia her upstairs sitting room and bedchamber, she asked Florence to take her to the room further along the corridor which had been set aside for her. It wasn't the one Ruth had slept in, but another which had recently been decorated so was fresh and new. It also had a much better view of the gardens which she thought Sophia would appreciate following their conversation during the journey from London. Cynthia said then that she would like to rest before dinner, and was happy for Sophia to spend the time acclimatising herself with the ways of the house.
Sophia followed Florence eagerly into the room which the Duchess had decided she should have, and was stunned by how lovely it was. Her first thought was that it was far too grand for her, but Florence seemed at ease so she assumed that she would get used to its opulence in time. She hurried across the carpet to the window, and was delighted to discover that it overlooked the rear gardens which were even more beautiful than those at the front of the house. She could also see part of the farmland belonging to the Carlfield estate, and the tenants' cottages some distance away.
All of which was explained to her in great detail by Florence, much to Sophia's pleasure. Having only lived all of her life in London, with its grime and fog coming in from the river along with the crowds, street sellers, and vagrants this was a very different world to the one she had left behind. Florence told her that the majority of the servants who worked at the house, also had families who were the Duke's tenants. Except for Mrs Pender, the housekeeper, but she had been with the family for many years. Her father had farmed for the Duke's father in his day, and when her husband had died she had been taken on as the housekeeper. Florence smiled then, and said her own parents and siblings also lived on the Carlfield estate. Sophia shouldn't worry about anything, as his Lordship and Lady Cynthia were both very kind, and charitable people. Treating their servants exceptionally well, unlike some others she had heard about.
All of it was like a dream come true for Sophia. Not only had she escaped from Lucas, and an unhappy marriage to Lord Dilley, but had found the most wonderful place to live which she hadn't even realised existed. She could even hear the birds singing when she threw open the window, which she did as soon as Florence had gone to arrange for her bags to be brought upstairs.
Sophia was equally delighted with her lace bedspread, the soft mattress and the fact that she had more than one pillow which she had at home in London. However an unexpected lump came to her throat when she recalled her old room, which she probably would never see again. But she was soon distracted by the looking glass, a highly polished wardrobe, and bookshelves which she immediately in her excitement hoped she might fill with books from the library downstairs. The Duchess had assured her earlier that it was well stocked with old, and new ones which she could read whenever she wished to. Although Sophia's heart naturally began to ache again for Owen and Hannah, she knew just how fortunate she truly was. There was even a delicately painted watercolour of the loveliest vase of spring flowers hanging above her bed.
She pulled off her shawl which the Duchess had given to her in the carriage and she had forgotten was still around her shoulders, followed by her shoes, and threw herself backwards onto the bed in the most unladylike manner. Making her giggle, as she was thrown upwards again once the mattress responded to her weight. Bouncing her up and down three or four times until she was satisfied, and had noticed the paper and pen left for her on top of a writing slope in the corner. She stood up quickly, and went to them. Remembering her solemn promise to Hannah that she would write to her, and that she would in turn tell Owen her news.
The problem was Sophia didn't really know where to begin. There was so much to tell them, but she did have some time to herself now to at least make a start on it. She wouldn't see Lady Cynthia again until just before dinner, after she had dressed, but which she assumed Florence would help her to do. So far as she was aware they didn't have guests this evening so it would be aninformal affair, with only the Duchess and her dining together. Making it unnecessary for her to change into a formal gown.
She presumed too that she wouldn't see Edward again until after he had returned from France. Not knowing anything about the letter he had received, and sudden change of plan. Her heart sank when she thought of not seeing him for weeks, but there was little point in being upset about it. There was nothing she could do or say which would change anything. She needed to concentrate on making Lady Cynthia happy with what she did for her, and try to learn as quickly as possible how she liked things done.
In the end she decided to simply write a short note to Hannah telling her that she had arrived safely, every kindness was being shown to her, and that she hoped Owen and she were well. Adding that she would write again soon once she had settled in. She had just put the letter inside the envelope which had also been left next to the paper, carefully writing her best friend's name and address on it, when she heard a light tapping on the bedchamber door.
Much to her surprise after she called out to come in, a sixteen year old girl entered, and introduced herself as Effie. She said that she had previously been assigned to Ruth, and was learning from Florence how to be a ladies' maid. The Duchess had told the housekeeper that she was to look after Miss Barlow now if that was alright with her.
Effie was closely followed by one of the footmen who was carrying Sophia's bags, and grinned at them both before he put them down on the floor next to the bed. When he had gone Effie said, confidentially, "don't you mind any of the footmen or grooms, Miss. If you have any trouble with them you tell me, and I'll see that it's sorted out for you. That's what I'm here for, to make everything nice for you, so that all you have to think about is looking after her Ladyship. I'll fetch your tea in the morning, and make sure the housemaid brings you enough hot water to wash in, then takes the bowl away to empty it afterwards," she said, going on to recite as much as she could remember about her duties.
When Sophia asked, Effie said that she had been at Carlfield house for two years. Previously helping her mother with the younger children in their family. Her father was the Duke's tenant, and lived in one of the houses Miss Sophia would be able to see from her window. She admitted then to being very grateful to have been able to stay on the estate near them, since so many others weren't as fortunate. Also to have the opportunity to train, under Florence's guidance, as a ladies' maid. She said in earnest that she didn't want to make any mistakes, and risk losing such a good position. Her face had crumpled as if she was about to cry, and she asked Sophia if she had any complaints to tell her about them first. Giving her the chance to set things right before matters escalated to Mrs Pender's ears.
Sophia spoke kindly to her, and said that she most certainly didn't have any intention of complaining. She was delighted to have a ladies' maid, which she hadn't expected at all, and the pair of them would get on perfectly fine together.
After that Effie began to unpack Sophia's bags, and asked when the rest of her clothes would be arriving. Quickly changing the subject when Sophia told her that this was all she had. Effie continued silently putting away her shoes, evening bags, and the few hair ornaments she had along with her underwear. When she couldn't see anything else that needed to be done she stood waiting patiently next to the door. Until Sophia realised that she had to tell her that she would no longer be needed for anything else.
Sophia took the opportunity to ask her more about the arrangements for dinner, and Effie told her that she could always be guided by the clock outside on the landing. Since the house was run at regular times, when she heard the clock strike half past five, she would need to go to her Ladyship's sitting room. Effie would however come back before that, to help Sophia dress. Regarding the letter to Hannah she could either give it to her now, or leave it on the hall table where Jenkins would ask one of the footmen to put it with the other letters for the mail coach. Effie had hesitated at that point and told her that she hoped Miss Barlow didn't think she was being too bold but Jimmy, the footman who helped herdown from his Lordship's carriage, had taken quite a shine to her. Making Sophia blush, and both of them laugh.
When Effie was downstairs again Florence asked her how she had coped with looking after Miss Barlow, and Effie whispered confidentially to her that she didn't have a lot to do. Since there hadn't been very many clothes to put away, and more weren't expected to be delivered. Florence was shocked by this, especially since she understood from her Ladyship that Miss Barlow had been a debutante and presented to the Queen of all things, so she thought at first that Effie was telling tales. Until the girl became quite upset about her accusations, and she believed her.
Florence knew she would have to warn the Duchess that her companion most likely didn't have enough day dresses and ball gowns for the number of social occasions she would be expected to attend in Yorkshire, which would be a disgrace in her opinion, and set the ladies of the ton talking about it.
Later that evening, after Sophia had changed into one of her less formal gowns and Effie styled her hair simply, she knocked politely on the door of the Duchess' bedchamber. So that she could accompany Cynthia downstairs to dinner. Sophia still had mixed feelings about the Duke's absence, and was beginning to realise how much she would miss him. Especially after them being in such close proximity inside the carriage for the last three days. She had become used to the thrill of being in his company. A part of her also objected strongly now to the fact that she had only just found a gentleman whom she liked a lot, and he had been taken from her almost immediately. Even though nothing could possibly have come of it!
Her thoughts were still in turmoil as she followed Lady Cynthia down the main staircase, and it came as quite a shock when she saw that Edward was waiting in the hall for them. Feeling her knees trembling under her gown Sophia curtseyed politely to him. While her cheeks were on fire from the blush which seeing him unexpectedly had caused.
The Duchess turned to her straight away, and said, "I have an apology to make, Sophia. Ned is going to dine with us. He won't be going away after all, and I foolishly forgot to mention it earlier."
Although Ned and Sophia both wondered why the Duchess was going to the trouble of apologising to a servant, neither of them saw the twinkle in her eye. After she noticed, with delight, the effect which seeing each other again had on both of them it was plain to see the pleasure on their faces. Making her hope that it wouldn't be long before they admitted their obvious attraction to each other.
Quite ignoring the fact that this still didn't mean Ned and Sophia would agree with her, the Duchess remained undeterred, firmly believing in love at first sight between whoever it might be, and that nature should be allowed to take its course. Moreover, what on earth was the point in Ned working so hard to become as rich as he was, unless he could have exactly what he wanted in life? She was also absolutely certain by now that this was a romance with Miss Sophia Barlow.
Cynthia Carlisle knew in truth how lonely her son was, because of all that business with Joey and Felicity, also that he could be quite stubborn. Consequently she hadn't been entirely convinced when he said that he would begin looking for a wife, that he was ready to do it. So it was her place as his mama to make him see sense, and this was what she fully intended to do. Sophia was beautiful, good natured, educated and well mannered without fault. The Duchess of Carlfield knew in her own heart that she had the makings of becoming the daughter-in-law she had always wanted. All she had to do now was get Ned to agree, and see what she was able to, that they were falling in love with each other.
Without knowing any of this was going through his mother's thoughts, the Duke took her arm to escort her into the supper room, and Sophia walked behind them. Taking a seat next to the Duchess she didn’t fail to notice that Edward seemed to be a little upset, and her first thought was that Lucas had found her. Until she reminded herself that this was highly unlikely, at least not so soon after she had left London. Cynthia however asked Edward ifhe was alright, because he had that awful frown on his face. Unknown to her he was trying hard not to look at Sophia, or think again of how beautiful she looked tonight sitting next to his mother. He simply said that he was disappointed to have lost the opportunity of going into business with Lord Watson, and hoped that it was only a temporary setback. The Duchess responded by saying that only time would tell, so he might as well lighten his mood, and enjoy his favourite dinner which Cook had made especially for him.
