The Dowager Countess (The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor Book 2)

by Sahara Kelly

  “I didn’t mistake it, Giles, I can assure you. Thank God for Jeremy and the tea tray. He arrived just as the Baron had fallen to his knees in front of me.”

  Giles closed the door and they both turned away as Jeremy walked toward them. “Yes, I heard. And yes he was. Down on his knees, the usual thing.” His lips turned down in disgust. “The man was here all of fifteen minutes and then there he was, offering Lady Gwyneth his hand and whatever else…”

  Gwyneth turned to Giles. “I think we can safely say that Jeremy didn’t like him, either.”

  Giles chuckled. “Indeed, Ma’am.”

  Jeremy wasn’t smiling. “I know him, Giles. Or I think I do. Or perhaps he reminds me of someone. I wish I could place it. But I know, deep inside, that he is familiar. And it’s bothering me…”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “I cannot say I’m pleased at the notion of Baron Randschen living next door,” Gwyneth observed over breakfast a few days later.

  “I’ve heard nothing about any purchase,” commented Giles, “and the Baron left Little Maddington not long after showing up here.”

  “He’s not renewed his offer, then?” Royce reached for toast as he asked Gwyneth the question.

  “Thank God, no.” She shuddered over her teacup. “I wasn’t looking forward to refusing him. There’s something about his manner. He threatens without seeming to.”

  “I agree,” said Jeremy. “It’s as if there’s some sort of menace surrounding that man.” He frowned. “I just wish I knew where I’d seen him before, and I’ve racked my brains, but it is still a question to which I have no answer.”

  “Well, I will reiterate one thing. I do not like him. He made my skin crawl when he visited Kilham, and he still makes my skin crawl. There’s something…unhealthy about the way he looks at me. And I cannot rid myself of the notion that every word is rehearsed. He’s like…oh I don’t know. A snake coiled beneath a bush, perhaps. Harmless unless you go too near.” She sighed.

  Evan sat beside Gwyneth, toast already buttered on his plate. “Set all thoughts of him aside, my Lady. It is spring, the land is coming to life, and today is going to be raspberry day.” He reached for the jam. “Oh, good. I did remember to put the right jam here. Blackberry would never do.”

  Gwyneth looked at him with curiosity. “What is raspberry day?”

  “I was about to ask the same thing,” added Gabriel.

  Evan and Jeremy grinned at each other.

  “Go ahead,” said Jeremy. “You brought it up.”

  “Well, raspberry day is special here, because as you know we are famous for our berries.” Evan lifted his chin in pride. “And rightfully so.”

  “Agreed wholeheartedly,” Gwyneth applauded lightly.

  “Anyway, sometime in the distant past, it became a tradition that everyone in the Wolfbridge area, tenants, farmers and residents of Wolfbridge, would gather in one of the fruit fields and weed the rows until the field was done. That field would then be the best producing one of all of them, because of the attention lavished on it by so many people. It was felt that the other fields would do their best to match or beat this field and thus show that they were deserving of such recognition as well.” He grinned. “Every year, a different one is chosen. And honestly? That field always yields the best of the harvest.”

  “What a lovely thought,” said Gwyneth. “These kinds of country traditions make places so much richer, I believe.”

  “It’s always at the same time of year, of course, but the weather plays a large role.” Jeremy continued the story. “Doing it in the rain is no fun, so the first really wonderful and warm day, like today, is perfect.”

  “And we all help. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun. Some of the farmer’s wives will bring food for lunch and at the end of the day we all take a well-earned swim in the jelly pool.”

  “Er…” Gwyneth looked at him. “A jelly pool? Evan, what on earth is a jelly pool?”

  He laughed back at her, his eyes warm with affection. “There are various spots around the fields where water pools during the winter months. It helps with irrigation, so we always make sure they’re fresh and available for the spring plantings. The one near the fruit fields is quite large and not too deep. The sluice won’t be opened until high summer or when it’s needed, so right now, it is the perfect spot for a swim.”

  “Goodness,” she leaned back. “It sounds wonderful.”

  “I’ll be happy to take you out this afternoon so that you can watch, my Lady.” Giles spoke quietly from the far end of the table.

  “Oh, but…”

  “You’re doing so well, Ma’am. But you are not yet ready to spend the day bent over in the fields pulling weeds under a hot sun.”

  “But…”

  “Giles is right, my Lady.” Gabriel touched her hand. “You’ve a little way to go yet before trying such things. Do what you can, right now, not what you want.”

  “A wise sentiment,” said Royce. “We’ll welcome you this afternoon if you don’t mind us all hot and probably sweaty from our endeavours.”

  Gwyneth managed to refrain from licking her lips. The thought of her gentlemen all hot and sweaty might well make her hot and sweaty right there at the breakfast table. She glanced around. How very blessed she was to have such a wonderful collection of handsome faces greeting her every morning.

  “I suppose you’re right,” she said sadly. “But you can be assured I will be there as soon as Giles gives me permission. This is clearly a part of Wolfbridge’s traditions. I don’t want to miss it, since I am now to be a part of the Manor myself.”

  “I’ll make sure you don’t, Ma’am. But there are some matters I’d like to discuss with you about Wolfbridge itself, so this will be an ideal time for us to have a few moments to ourselves.”

  “As you wish,” she nodded, wondering if there could possibly be any more surprises in store for her.

  After the gentlemen had left, Giles led her into the Rose room, and seated her by the window.

  “Firstly, my Lady, let me say how happy I am that you have recovered from your ordeal so well. Regaining your health was the very first and most important goal, and nothing could make us happier than seeing you now, your cheeks full of colour, your body restored to normal and becoming in truth the Lady of the Manor.” He smiled. “I know you still tire easily, but that will diminish as time passes. You are indeed recovered, and for that we are all profoundly thankful.”

  She gulped, not quite sure how to respond. She couldn’t thank him for the compliments, since she’d done nothing…they’d done it all and without them…well, it didn’t bear thinking about.

  However, it seemed no response was expected, since he walked to a corner of the room and reached for a slender volume, bound in leather. Bringing it over to the small table next to her, he opened it to reveal one folded piece of paper. Looking more closely, she realised it was parchment, and probably very old.

  “This is traditionally shown to the Ladies of Wolfbridge when they are ready to take up their full duties. It was written long ago by the first Lady, but her words still hold true today, as do her dictates.” He placed the paper on the table. “I’m going to leave you to read this. If you have questions, I will try to answer them later.” He put the leather volume to one side. “When you are finished, would you return the note to its place? As you can imagine, it is most important we keep it secure for the Ladies who will follow in your footsteps.”

  She nodded, grasping the important of the document. “I understand, Giles.” She touched the paper with a finger. “I wonder if she sat in this room to write it, all those decades ago…”

  “It is possible. A pleasant thought, Ma’am. But I fear we can never know exactly where she wrote it. Only that she did and we are grateful for it.”

  “Indeed.” Gwyneth looked up. “Thank you.”

  He dipped his head with a smile and departed, the door closing firmly behind him, and leaving Gwyneth to stare at the letter she had to read. Wa
s she curious? Yes. Perhaps a little afraid, as well. But until she read it, she’d never know exactly what it said.

  Squaring her shoulders, she took the paper in hand and unfolded it.

  “To thee, dear lady, who now hath attained the title of Lady of Wolfbridge, I send greetings.

  Thou doubtless now find thyself much at ease within these walls, tended by the gentlemen selected for their roles with great acuity and deliberation. Thou willst have learned to love Wolfbridge as did I, and also to love these gentlemen who care for naught but thy happiness. Such is their desire to serve, thou shouldst allow liberties and chances for them to show many affections for thy person. For thus are they rewarded for their constancy.

  Choose not one too soon, dear friend, but explore each as a new treasure, and with the eagerness of a pirate seeking gold. Let thy heart be thy guide. Love knoweth no bounds, or restrictions to a single mate if more than one catches thine eye. I shall speak no more of this since thy heart must perchance already be of warm disposition toward thy gentlemen. I ask only thou accept such attentions and derive thy pleasure vastly. Wolfbridge shall demand no less than complete and utter devotion to the happiness of all who reside within. None shall be female, for they are a detraction from the true fulfilment of life. Keep to this vow and thou shalt know great joy. Fail and thou shalt know pain, such as I have experienced. Learn from my errors, Lady. Do not stray from this dictate.

  In time, thou wilt doubtless find one gentleman above all others to thy liking. When this doth occur, thou art free to wed, and may do so with the good wishes of Wolfbridge and those who remain within. Marriage, no matter to whom, will mean thy resignation of the title and thy departure from Wolfbridge Manor. It will always welcome thy presence as a guest, but must be now endowed to the next mistress when she is discovered.

  Inasmuch as the property boundaries are declared—the Manor must remain intact. Sell not, nor barter, nor trade acreage, for this property is deeded in its entirety to the future and those Ladies of Wolfbridge yet to come. Any attempt or avowal to part with any land shall render thy presence untenable. No matter the occurrence, the land is all and must never be diminished by even one rod. Do what is needed to ensure it ever remains thus.

  Do good works, Lady of Wolfbridge. Fill thy heart with warmth and joy, and thy mind with the will to help others as thou hast been helped. Continue the tradition of rendering aid without thought of recompense, and seek out those who will benefit from such attentions. Trust thy gentlemen, love them, give them thy heart and allow them to do likewise.

  I envy thee and wish thee all the joy that has been my share and more. May thee find thy life enriched and enlightened by thy time as Lady of Wolfbridge.

  With affection,

  Yrs,

  Aphrodite Wolfbridge”

  Gwyneth read it through more than once, pausing after each reading to absorb more of the facts and the implications. She could not help but wonder about Aphrodite Wolfbridge, and the pain she spoke of so briefly. Had all the Wolfbridge women been wounded by men? And if so, why would a place such as this, peopled only by men, be their sanctuary? It was a bit of a puzzle, but one Gwyneth discovered she was most interested in solving.

  *~~*~~*

  Giles helped Gwyneth into the gig, making sure she had her parasol and her bonnet. The sun was surprisingly strong for April, and it was indeed the perfect day to venture into the fields surrounding the Manor. He’d studied her face as she left the Rose room and seen a mixture of interest and confusion. Which was as it should be.

  Lady Aphrodite had done her job.

  In silence, they drove down the lanes toward the fields, and within moments, the sound of voices calling gaily to other voices interrupted the afternoon air.

  It was indeed balmy, the sky clear but for a few puffy clouds, and the breeze—what little there was—quite pleasant on the skin. A good crowd had mixed amongst the growing raspberry bushes, and a little noise of pleasure emanated from the woman beside him as she first saw the field in its entirety.

  Most of the rows had already been cleared and less than a quarter remained. Children ran up and down with baskets, letting their family fill them with weeds, then hurrying to the ends of the rows to empty the greens into large bins that would be taken to the various farms and used for either feed or fertiliser.

  Giles knew that leaves and other rubbish would get added to some of them, turning them into rich and productive soil for gardens. Nothing went to waste in the country if at all possible, and with the newest agricultural developments creeping inexorably into even the most remote corners of England, yields were going to increase significantly. Which meant more work, and more food…hopefully all would benefit.

  He would encourage Lady Gwyneth to make sure that her tenants received an adequate piece of that enlarged pie.

  “Oh look, there. Our gentlemen,” she pointed at a row. “Goodness, they’re working hard and fast, aren’t they?” She threw Giles a quick smile then turned back to watch. “They must be so hot…”

  Noting that they wore their shirts—a wise precaution against the sun that others had not taken—he nodded. “I’m sure they are. But they won’t burn their skin. Some of these other lads are going to feel a mite uncomfortable tomorrow.”

  Gwyneth shook her head. “But this is a chance for them to show off their manly forms, Giles. And look at the appreciative audience…”

  He looked and realised she was right. Although the young women also plucked weeds from the rows, there appeared to be more in certain places than others. A quick examination showed shirtless and well-muscled young men receiving most of the attention.

  He sighed.

  “It bothers you?” Gwyneth had noticed his sigh.

  “Not at all,” he grinned. “Especially when I can remember a few of my own experiences with raw, sunburned skin.”

  “Heartless, Giles. Just heartless,” laughed Gwyneth.

  He helped her down from the gig, crossing with her to the lowest point of the field. There were a few trees there, marking the boundaries, and also several willows, clearly enjoying their proximity to the pond beneath.

  It had probably begun life as a swampy patch that gathered the runoff from the fields, but some enterprising mind had hollowed it out, deepened it and created a real-life pond. A few rocks edged it here and there, adding interest and a place to sit and dip one’s feet if one was so inclined. A little wooden walkway offered easy access for those wishing to jump in.

  Instead of a stagnant and weedy puddle, it was now a healthy and thriving feature of the fields, contributing to the irrigation and watering of quite a large area. A pump stood nearby in a lean-to, sheltered from the elements, ready to perform its duties as an irrigation manager when the time came to water dry fields.

  Gwyneth surveyed the area and nodded. “An excellent example of man using nature for his own benefit without destroying it,” she commented.

  Surprised, Giles settled her on a bench and made sure the sun was kept away from her face. “Undoubtedly it is. And you put it very well indeed.”

  She glanced at him. “I was the Countess of Kilham for seven years, Giles. I didn’t spend all that time knitting.”

  “I never imagined you did.”

  “Thank you for that. But I must stress that I took on a lot of the responsibilities for Kilham Abbey. I instigated several improvements that were most successful.” She paused. “At least I thought so.”

  “I’m sure they were,” he said approvingly. “And I look forward to hearing your thoughts as to the Manor and what you might suggest here.”

  “In spite of Royce?” She smiled as she spoke.

  “He’ll listen. He may not like what he hears, but he’ll listen.” Giles looked at the men, bent over between the bushes. “They’ll all listen, my Lady. Make sure they hear what you want them to hear.”

  “Obscure but profound,” she quipped. “I must take a few moments to fully comprehend the meaning of your words.”

  “
You’ve not mentioned the Wolfbridge letter…” Giles hesitated. He’d like to get her response, but then again, it was something personal between Ladies of Wolfbridge. He wasn’t sure if it was his place to ask.

  She thought for a few moments, her eyes on the fields. “She must have been a quite amazing woman of great strength and determination. And she must have been very badly hurt.”

  “In both regards not unlike yourself, Lady Gwyneth.”

  She turned at that. “I would aspire to her convictions. I’m not sure I could be that strong, and my hurt is of a different nature.”

  Giles agreed with her. “Yes, you’re right.” He shrugged. “But being Lady of Wolfbridge seems to lead to a better and more complete understanding of not only oneself, but of the nature of one’s interactions with others.”

  “Bringing light into shadows?”

  He nodded. “Exactly.” His gaze followed hers to where the gentlemen worked, calling to each other, chatting with those around them, and clearly enjoying the afternoon. “They can bring light, Lady Gwyneth. If you let them.”

  “I’m beginning to understand that,” she answered. “Although a little afraid of it, if you must know.”

  “Quite natural. Perhaps small steps at first. Something that appeals yet does not inspire apprehension…” Giles hoped she understood his implications. Wolfbridge was indeed about bringing light to those shadowy places that lurked within so many people.

  But it couldn’t happen in isolation. It needed the touch of others. The affection of others. The love of others. Only then would the shadows be banished and the light of true realisation shine from within. There were four men waiting to do their Lady’s bidding. All she had to do was ask.

  He couldn’t tell her who to ask, or what to ask for—those were entirely up to her. But now that she was almost well, it was time for her to fully understand what her gentlemen could do for her and what they could be to her.