Page 10 of Adeline

George glanced over his shoulder and back to the waiting women. “He, ah, well…he be have’n work ta see ta in the stables. I be certain he’ll join ye for a meal in an hour’s time. He likely be make’n certain your servant and horses find dry accommodations.”

Peculiar since the earl had told her a meal would be prepared for her. Could it be the man avoided her? And why would the lord of the manor have business to attend to in the stables in the midst of a gale? She tamped down the unease that coursed through her. This was one night…in a strange home…with an unusually mysterious lord. Besides, Adeline would keep Poppy at her side. Certainly, her most trusted maid wouldn’t allow anything untoward to occur.

A gust of wind wailed through the covered alcove where she stood, whipping her damp cloak and skirt about her ankles as the cold burrowed through her many layers of clothing. Perhaps it didn’t matter what Lord Ailesbury’s plan was, only that she and Poppy were delivered to a warm, dry room before the weather gave them the sickness.

She hurried after the butler, Abbington, into the foyer. The warmth hit her square in the face as she crossed the threshold, yet Adeline pulled to a halt, causing Poppy to slam into the back of her when they came face-to-face with a line of perfectly groomed and outfitted servants, each with a welcoming smile and a kind greeting.

A tall, rail-thin woman, her eyes wide with what appeared to be shock—or possibly apprehension—stepped forward from the group of gathered servants. Her lack of cleaning rag or duster, plus her pristine uniform indicated that the older woman held some elevated position among the other staff.

The butler stepped forward, joining Adeline, Poppy, and the older woman. “Mrs. Hutchins is Lord Ailesbury’s housekeeper. Mrs. Hutchins, may I introduce Miss Adeline Price. My lord would like her shown to a room and a meal delivered, followed by a hot bath, if she so chooses.”

“Of course, Abbington,” the woman scuffed. “I know how ta do me job, even if’n it has been a bit.”

Adeline glanced over at Poppy, who stood not beside Adeline but a step behind her. They shared a look and a shrug.

“Emily, fetch Miss Adeline her meal and meet us in the lavender room.” The entire gathering drew in a deep breath. “And the rest of ye, best be get’n back ta ye chores.”

The servants scattered in every direction, and within a moment that only left the housekeeper, Adeline, and Poppy.

“This way, miss.” The older woman didn’t wait for Adeline to respond but started up the grand staircase, giving her no other option but to follow—and follow quickly. The woman moved fast for her advanced age, her rounded bum shifting from side to side as she climbed the stairs. “Ye room be just down this hall, miss. We be happy ta have ye.”

A large set of double doors lay at the end of the hall, but the housekeeper stopped before reaching them and turned to a single wooden door instead. Mrs. Hutchins flipped the latch and pushed the door wide. It was difficult for Adeline to remove her stare from the imposing double doors at the end of the all, despite the housekeeper’s attempt to gain her attention once more.

“Ye be comfortable here.” She gestured for Adeline to enter. “Ye things be brought straight away, miss.”

“Thank you,” Adeline mumbled, stepping into the room.

There was not a speck of dust anywhere, yet the furnishings and draperies appeared to be decades old. The sconces on the walls were already lit, and the drapes were pulled back, giving her a view of the storm beyond. Could it be that Lord Ailesbury kept this room ready in case a guest happened upon Faversham Abbey?

“This room is lovely, Mrs. Hutchins.”

“I be tell’n the master ye said so.” Mrs. Hutchins rocked back on her heels, a satisfied smile upon her lips and her hands clasped before her. The woman obviously took pride in her household. “Here be ye meal.”

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and Emily hurried into the room, placing the silver tray on a low table not far from the roaring hearth.

“Anything else, Mrs. Hutchins?” The young maid kept her eyes on Adeline as she spoke.

“That be all,” Mrs. Hutchins said, glancing over at Poppy. “Please show Miss Adeline’s maid to the kitchens for her meal.”

“Of course.” Emily curtseyed to Adeline and waved for Poppy to follow her.

The two young women departed the room, leaving Adeline alone with Mrs. Hutchins.

Adeline wandered to the bank of windows taking up the far wall and glanced out as a streak of lightning lit the sky, causing her to step back in alarm.

“Worst storm these parts be see’n in many a year,” Mrs. Hutchins called from the door. “But Faversham Abbey be solid. Don’t ye be worry’n ‘bout that.”

Adeline stepped forward once more, but did not train her sights on the storm overhead but rather what lay below. Lanterns illuminated the stable yard, the doors thrown open wide as she spotted a hooded figure striding toward the house.

Lord Ailesbury. It had to be him, but his hood made it impossible to tell.

Within the blink of an eye, he was gone, and Adeline wondered if he’d been there at all.

“Lord Ailesbury was very kind to offer us shelter.”

“He be a kind and generous man, ta be sure.” The housekeeper had moved toward the large bed and straightened the coverlet before hurrying over to the low table to remove the cover from Adeline’s meal. “We don’t be see’n many visitors this far from the main road.”

“But you had this room prepared…” Adeline ran her hand down the drapes, noting the frayed edges, even though they smelled freshly laundered. “After being stuck in the storm, I am overjoyed to find a warm room.”