“Why on earth would she return?” her mother asked. “She married a lord. Granted, it’s only a Scottish title, but, nonetheless, she’s a Lady.”
“If her marriage is an unhappy one,” Amanda said, “where could she come but back to London? After all, we’re the only family she has left. What other recourse would she have?”
“She wouldn’t think of doing so,” her mother said, but her expression left no doubt the idea was worrisome.
“Unless, of course, Mother, you’ve already instructed her such behavior would not be tolerated.” She settled in next to her mother, smoothed her gloved hands over her skirt, and frowned at the maid who tripped over her own feet. “Which I’m sure you did.”
“Of course,” her mother said. A moment later, her mother spoke again. “Do you think she truly would? Return to London? How utterly shocking that would be.”
She only glanced at her mother and smiled weakly. “Veronica has already behaved in quite a shocking manner. To return home ...” She withdrew her handkerchief and pressed it to her mouth as if she couldn’t quite manage the rest of the words.
“A few weeks would not be too intrusive,” the Countess of Conley said. “After that, a young couple should be receivingvisitors. Even an American and a Scot should know how to comport themselves.”
Amanda sat back, pleased. Her financial problems might soon be solved.
Thunder raged and bellowed against the walls of Doncaster Hall. Rain sheeted the glass, added weight to the leaves until the branches of the trees hung low. No soft and gentle downpour here. This was the land of God’s tantrums.
Veronica stood at the window of her bedroom, studying the dark gray sky, her mind filled with thoughts of Montgomery.
She hadn’t seen him since he’d left her earlier. Was she supposed to go in search of him? Was she supposed to wait meekly until he noticed her again?
After yesterday, she’d thought they were to be husband and wife. After being abandoned for the day, his behavior mirroring their departure from London, she had the suspicion that being Montgomery’s wife would not be a simple matter.
Was she supposed to go to him with her daily decisions? Her mother had always gone to her father, but in a spirit of cooperation rather than submission. Aunt Lilly’s behavior around Uncle Bertrand had been different. She handled most things unless a domestic crisis erupted. Then Uncle Bertrand’s word always took precedence. His decision was law.
Thunder rumbled again, announcing the arrival of a firestorm of lightning. She moved back from the window, standing in the middle of her new room.
She felt as if all her emotions had been contained in a leather cup and spilled on a tabletop. She could find sadness well enough because it was larger than the other pieces. Excitement? That, too. Confusion was there, as well as uncertainty, and gratitude. She was, above all, conscious of her overwhelminggood fortune. Her husband was handsome, titled, and rich, and could bring her passion and pleasure so effortlessly it had felt like magic.
Turning, she studied the three trunks in the corner and sighed. She needed to unpack. The sooner she began, the sooner she’d finish.
She was halfway done with the first trunk when a knock on the door interrupted her.
Mrs. Brody stood at the door, accompanied by two maids.
“Your Ladyship,” Mrs. Brody said, bobbing a curtsy, “I’ve brought you Millicent and Elspeth. They’re both good girls, good workers, and have a wish to advance themselves in the world. You’ve the choice of either one.”
Before she could speak, Mrs. Brody drew both girls into the room. “For your maid, Lady Fairfax. Your lady’s maid. His Lordship said you’d no time to hire someone in London. I’m certain either girl would do well for you. You’ve only to interview them yourself. And if neither of them pleases you,” she said, eyeing both girls severely, “then I can certainly find other candidates for the position.”
She drew Elspeth forward. The girl had light brown hair, soft blue eyes, and a shy smile. She looked down at the floor when Mrs. Brody introduced her.
“Elspeth has been with us for a year now, and has served as the upstairs maid. I’d trust her with any of the finer furnishings in Doncaster Hall. In addition, she’s shown great talent in removing stains and arranging flowers.”
Millicent was strikingly lovely, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a wide mouth that would have been more attractive had it been arranged in a smile. At the moment, however, it was curved into an expression reminding Veronica too much of Amanda’s sneer. Although Millicent was a young girl, lines were already forming above the bridge of her nose and beside her mouth,giving her the look of someone who disliked most of what she saw.
Millicent, who’d not appeared happy during the recital of Elspeth’s talents, didn’t wait for Mrs. Brody to introduce her.
“I’ve been here five years, Lady Fairfax. I began in the kitchens, then the laundry. I was a downstairs maid for a year before Mrs. Brody promoted me to the upstairs position. I’m in charge of caring for the public rooms, Your Ladyship. I’m quite good at hair, as well,” she said, eyeing Veronica’s hair with some disdain.
Elspeth still had not spoken. Her hands were clasped in front of her, and her gaze was on the carpet rather than staring defiantly forward.
Veronica instantly knew why she’d been given the choice. Mrs. Brody evidently did not want any more problems with Millicent than she’d already suffered. Veronica couldn’t help wonder if the girl’s transfer from position to position was due to Millicent’s growing abilities or simply because she’d made everyone in her vicinity miserable.
She smiled at both girls. “I’m sure you can understand how difficult this choice is for me,” she said. “Just as I’m certain both of you would be excellent in the position. However, there can only be one person serving as my maid.” She glanced at Elspeth. “I could very much use your help.”
The girl looked at her finally, and smiled, a particularly sweet expression. Millicent, on the other hand, frowned at both Veronica and Mrs. Brody, turned on her heel, and left the room before another word was spoken.
Mrs. Brody looked relieved.
