“I don’t know about all of that.”
“Look, you can’t let someone like your mother drag you down. We’re going to work on everything before the first ball. By the time it comes around, you’re going to be more confident,” Daphne said.
“I appreciate you taking this task on.”
“You’re Arthur and Roxanne’s cousin. How could I not?”
Harriet said nothing. She finished her cup of tea and sandwiches before eating the cake. After one bite she sighed. It was heavenly. “You must have a very talented pastry chef.”
“She’s good, isn’t she. Myrtle is the daughter of the last pastry chef. It seems to run in the family.”
Placing the empty plate on table, Harriet sat back, contented.
“Would you like me to show you to your room?”
“Please. I didn’t bring a maid. Mother’s never thought I needed one until I was older.”
“I’ll talk to the housekeeper and see who she thinks would be a good fit for you.”
Harriet nodded. “Please, don’t go to any trouble. I know how to manage on my own.”
“I’m sure you can, but you shouldn’t.”
Daphne stood up and Harriet followed suit. “Come, I’m sure you’d like to settle in.”
“Yes, I didn’t realize I was tired.”
“Take off your shoes and lie down for a while. No one will disturb you,”
“Thank you,” Harriet replied, following her host across the hallway to the stairs leading to the family bed chambers. The house was exquisitely decorated with some of the wall covering looking brand new. Her mother had mentioned Lady Daphne was quietly redecorating and updating the house slowly. Whatever the outcome, the finished look was going to be beyond expectations.
“The house looks magnificent,” Harriet said.
“Thank you. The country estate is going through a similar transformation. I can’t wait to see the end results.”
Daphne stopped in front of a dark-stained oak door and opened it. Harriet crossed the threshold and walked to the center of the room. The walls were a warm and inviting shade of periwinkle with white trim work. She walked around the room taking in the ambiance. Going to the windows, she saw that the room faced out onto the gardens which were in full bloom.
“I’ll go speak with the housekeeper about assigning a girl and getting you settled in. If you need anything, just use the bell pull in the corner.”
“Thank you, and I must apologize for my mother’s rude behavior,” Harriet said.
“No need to apologize for her. I have the feeling we’re going to get along famously.”
“I hope so,” Harriet replied.
Daphne smiled. “We will. I’ll leave you to settle in.”
“Thank you.”
As Daphne was about to leave the room, a knock on the door to the dressing and bathing area caught her attention. “Enter.”
The door opened and in walked her housekeeper and a young girl whose mother had worked for Arthur’s family until herdeath last year. She had been assigned as a chamber maid and was quite efficient at her job.
“I apologize for the interruption,” the older lady said. “I noticed the Lady Harriet came with no lady’s maid, so I thought Miss Rex would be perfect for the job.”
“Your timing couldn’t be better,” Daphne said. “I was just coming to speak with you about the situation, and you’re right; Miss Rex would be ideal.”
“I’m glad you approve,” her housekeeper replied.
