Desperate for a cup of tea, she sat down and explained about Aunt Gertrude.
Robert leaned back in his chair and nodded. “You will notice how smoothly the house is now run. The housekeeper I engaged, Mrs. Smythe, is most efficient.”
“I have met her.” Why had Robert, who never took an interest in such things, taken the matter in his hands with such urgency?
“Has Edward also returned home?” he asked, studying her.
Laura stared at him. “You knew Edward was in London?”
“He came to see me before he left. He wished to advise me of his intention to court you. Thought it the correct thing to do, as I’m your guardian.”
Edward was always so careful not to offend. What had passed between them about her? “You are not my guardian, Robert. I am two years older than you. And my own woman.”
He scowled. “That blasted book by Mary Wollstonecraft. You should never have read it. There are murmurs about women’s dissatisfaction reported in the newspapers. Why should women be unhappy to have men in charge? We shoulder all the responsibility.” He leaned forward. “Let’s not argue anymore. I have met someone.”
So it had happened. She hadn’t thought it would be so soon. “That’s splendid, Robert. Tell me all about her. Where did you meet?”
“Bart Wilson dragged me to an assembly dance. Miss Aurelia Laverty is the sweetest girl, Laura. I know you will like her.”
So this had prompted the necessity for a housekeeper. They would soon entertain the Lavertys. “I have not heard of the family. But as you love Aurelia, I’m sure I will too. Have you made wedding plans?”
“I’ve not yet proposed. Mr. Laverty is a wealthy gentleman, so I must have something to offer. Our revenue has increased since I hired more workers. New spring plantings and improvements to the tenant farms. And I took out a small loan to broaden my investments.”
She stilled. “Oh?”
He scowled. “Must you always think the worst of me? The bank. Not a shylock. It is perfectly legal. I dealt through Father’s broker.”
“I can only take you at your word, Robert.”
He flushed. “Well, you will revise your poor opinion of me when you see how prosperous we become.”
As if it were just about money. Relieved and hopeful, Laura pushed back her chair and stood. “I need to wash off the travel dust and change my gown. Please tell me more about it at dinner.”
Laura climbed the stairs to her bedchamber. Robert seemed determined to make amends and improve Longworth after his experience at Beechley Park. Longworth could soon have a new mistress. Would they like each other? Or would the new Lady Netterfield want her gone?
Another reason to accept Edward should he propose. She drooped with tiredness but laughed when a furry, dark body leaped out and tangled in her skirts. “There you are, my pet.” She scooped Tibby up in her arms and rubbed the soft fur against her cheek.
*
According to Redfern,two members of staff, as well as Redfern himself, had been at Beechley Park since Brendan had been a child. Mrs. Wilson, formerly a kitchen maid and now a cook, assisting his chef, Arnaud, and Fenchurch, the head gardener. Pratchett, the gamekeeper, had passed away several years ago. And now his young son, John, had stepped in to admirably take it over.
When his investigation failed to point to any member of the staff, he felt restless and sleep eluded him. A usual occurrence since Laura’s lighthearted spirit had vanished from Beechley Park and from him. He missed her. Her lovely face filling his thoughts, he gave up trying to rest and remained in the library until late, a book in front of him he failed to read. He rose, stretched, and strolled about the long room, which caused Hunter’s ears to twitch, although the dog didn’t wake. In the cloudless sky outside the tall windows, the light from a full, yellow moon painted the gardens.
Brendan recited a favorite poem from the mystic poet, Rumi, causing Hunter to raise his head.
“Escape from the black cloud that surrounds you.
Then you will see your own light as radiant as the full moon.”
While Brendan considered whether Rumi’s message was even possible, the wavering light from a lantern appeared. It brought him closer to the window. A housemaid’s white mobcap peeked above a hedge, moving along at a slow pace. She left the gardens and appeared in the drive. Brendan idly watched her making her way, the lantern held high. He expected her to be on her way to the stables to see one of the staff, but she crossed the drive and disappeared into the woods.
“What the devil?” Brendan left the library, closing the door smartly behind him before Hunter joined him. Outraged woofs followed him as he ran down the corridor. He ordered the sleepy footman to stay put and bolted out into the cool night and across the lawn, following the girl. When he entered the woods, he saw the fiery light of her lantern move in among the trees ahead of him. She had quickened her pace. But he knew where she went. There was only one place which lay in that direction.
Brendan now followed more leisurely so she wouldn’t spot him, cautious of his footing with no light to guide him except intermittent moonlight through the trees.
He reached the clearing and hung back. Ahead of him, the maid stood before the cottage. When she knocked, welcoming candlelight flooded out as the gamekeeper’s door opened to admit her.
Once the door had closed, Brendan picked his way across the leaf- and twig-strewn ground to the timber cottage. Outside, a row of pelts had been strung up on a line. Smoke wafted from the chimney.
