by Karen Lynne
“Excellent sir, I will have it ready by the time you leave.”
Digby left, giving Colton a chance to catch a moment alone. He looked around the kitchen, which seemed reasonably clean; he threw the dirty cloth on the sideboard and pumped the water. After a few cranks water flushed through. The men had worked on priming the pump, and he was relieved it still worked. Freshwater ran over Colton’s hands only after a few cranks of the handle. He turned and walked to the linen closet, retrieving a clean towel, he walked past the larder while drying his hands. Retracing his steps, Colton entered the room, taking mental stock of the supplies. He would need to order some food to hold them over until the cook arrived and a new stove was delivered.
The housekeeper said a cook and two scullery maids would be arriving tomorrow along with two upstairs maids. It would be hectic with his nieces coming the same day. Thank heavens for Clara, who would keep them occupied. Colton never noticed the work and management it took to run a household. He had a new appreciation for his mother.
The rest of the morning went smoothly. A crew of workers were plastering the front sitting-room, the groundskeepers were making headway in the yard where a small area for the kitchen garden had been cleared. Ivy had been pulled off the west wing exposing some cracks in the stonework. Colton made a note to remember to hire the steward by next week. Digby had gone above his duties without complaint. Colton would be sure to add a bonus in his quarterly pay.
Colton climbed the back stairs, he just had time to wash up and change.
“I have your lists, my lord.” Digby brushed his coat.
“Is my aunt about yet?” Colton tied his cravat preferring to do it himself. He sat, reaching for his newly shined boots.
“Your aunt is complaining her room is too cramped and overlooks the inner court. She has demanded breakfast in her room.” Digby handed Colton the boot horn.
Colton adjusted the boot, and it slid in easily. “I see no problem; her lady's maid should be able to accommodate her mistress. But there is no other room available at present, besides if my aunt gets too comfortable, she will never leave.”
“I am afraid your aunt has no lady’s maid.” Digby assisted Colton with his coat. “She came with only a small amount of luggage and arrived in a hired hackney, my lord.”
A hired hackney, and no lady's maid? That did not bode well. His aunt was usually very extravagant in her tastes. Colton’s stomach churned.
“Digby, see what you can find out about my aunt’s circumstances.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Discreetly Digby.”
“Of course, my lord.”
His valet handed him a few pieces of paper with the list of needed supplies. Colton folded the papers and tucked them safely into his coat pocket. He was glad his aunt was in her room, avoiding any encounter.
Colton breathed a sigh when he cleared his land and turned onto the main road. His driver had taken one of the men’s wagon into town so they could bring some supplies back while the rest would be delivered.
Lord Egerton arrived early with Lisabet and Annalynn already perched in the carriage. A tickle crawled up Isabella’s arm as lord Egerton gripped her hand firmly to assist her. Her heart fluttered as she sat between the girls.
“My driver is meeting us in town with a wagon to carry supplies home.” Lord Egerton explained as he began to retract the step and climb into the driver's seat.
“Can I ride up front with you, uncle Colton?” Lisabet asked.
“You may.” Lord Egerton reached for her as she stood and swung her up to the seat, causing Lisabet to giggle.
“Me too.” Annalynn cried.
“Well, now.” Lord Egerton raised his foot and rested it on the step, leaning forward. He leaned his elbow on his leg, cocking his hat. “Why don’t we let your sister ride to town upfront while you keep Miss Dalton company.” He gave Isabella a conspiratorial wink causing her stomach to flutter. “Then you may ride with me on the way back, and Lisabet will guard our packages with Miss Dalton.”
Annalynn’s smile stretched across her face as she clapped. “Then it will be my turn?”
“Yes, on the way home.” Lord Egerton straightened his hat and put the step up. Climbing up onto the seat next to Lisabet, he reined the horses to move forward. Isabella admired the view trying to get her stomach to settle. By the way the girls responded to Lord Egerton, he was undoubtedly winning them over. If Isabella weren’t careful, he would win her over, and that could break her heart.
Lord Egerton drove through the main street of town navigating through hordes of wagons, carriages, and men on horseback trying to get to the same place at once, it seemed to Isabella. The carriage pulled up to the coaching inn, where a groom took the leads. With Lord Egerton’s help, they were soon walking toward the shops.
“I should think the Bazaar will have most of what we need.” Said Lord Egerton.
They entered a large building with skylights illuminating the shops of every kind. Not as large as the Corn Exchange in Bristol, but very impressive for a country town Isabella thought.
Lord Egerton handed her a list. “If you will take the girls, I need to purchase a new stove for the kitchen and some food supplies before the cook arrives tomorrow. I will meet you in the candy store in one hour. Charge them to me and have them delivered to my estate.”
“You want me to buy these without you?” Isabella balked.
Lord Egerton leaned in and whispered. “I am not sure how to shop for young girls, and I thought since you're a… you know, a lady, you would know.” His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a chill down her spine.
Isabella moved away slightly; a smile spread on her lips. “I would be happy to help.” She looked at the girls, “Shall we go shopping.”
“Yes, Yes.” The girls exclaimed.
Lord Egerton handed Isabella a small bag. “Here is some money for the small incidentals. Charge the larger items to my account.” He tipped his hat to Lisabet and Annalynn. “I shall see you in an hour.” He turned and left them standing.
Isabella felt the weight of the coins before dropping them into her reticule. No one had given her money and trusted her to shop, her heart soared at the possibilities. Reaching for the girl's hands, they moved into the Bazaar. “Annalynn, you promise to stay by my side, so you do not get lost.”
“I promise.” Annalynn’s head bobbed, her eyes wide at the sights.
Tightening her grip on the girls, Isabella moved to the directory in the middle of the mall. Perusing the list, she matched it to the shops they would need to visit. Reaching for the girls, she turned and bumped a gentleman. “Pardon.” He ducked his head and moved away. A chill crept up her arms, an eerie feeling. Isabella watched him walk away.
“Miss Isabella.” The girls tugged her out of her thoughts.
“Shall we pick some coverlets and linen for your beds?” Isabella watched the man with his worn hat, and a dull black coat, disappear into the crowd.
Chapter Twelve
The girls sat at a table licking hard candy sticks while they waited for Lord Egerton. It had been a pleasant hour shopping with the girls. Isabella let them choose the colors for their room, something she had never been allowed. Isabella had only gotten items on the list, careful not to take advantage of Lord Egerton's generosity.
Lord Egerton appeared, standing over the table, two packages tucked under his arm. “Did you get your shopping done?”
The girls nodded. “We bought some books.” Lisabet held up her package.
“What did you buy?” Annalynn pointed to her uncles’ bundles.
“It’s a surprise you will have to wait until tomorrow.”
“Oh.” Annalynn groaned.
Lord Egerton laughed, making Isabella smile.
“Shall we get some luncheon before we return home?” Their uncle suggested.
“Then I can sit with you, uncle Colton?” Annalynn asked.
“Yes.” Lord Egerton offered Isabella his arm, and the girls
walked beside them as they enter the street.
Isabella caught a glimpse of the stranger with the worn hat leaning on a lamppost across the street. He quickly turned when she noticed him and moved out of sight. The ominous feeling returned. Could he be someone her mother hired to find her? Her stomach tightened; she wasn’t safe here.
The girls enjoyed their luncheon and chatted happily about the new rooms they would have. Their uncle would be bringing them home the next day, but Isabella’s worry dimmed the outing she had so enjoyed a few hours before. When Lord Egerton left her at Fyne Court, she hurried to find Mildred.
She found Mrs. Baxter in the kitchen, but no Mildred.
“Mrs. Baxter, have you seen Mildred?”
“Yes, miss, she is in the garden with the ladies.” Mrs. Baxter wiped her hands on her apron.
“Thank you.” Isabella hurried to the backyard.
Mildred was helping to serve tea and biscuits to the young ladies, directing the younger maids. “Mildred,” Isabella whispered as she came alongside her maid. “I need to talk to you, it’s urgent.”
“Yes, miss, I will meet you in your room shortly.”
Isabella turned and hurried into the house. She tossed her hat on the bed and removed her gloves. What could Isabella do? She hadn’t forgotten her mother locking her away, with no one to help. At least Isabella felt that way at the time. She feared if her mother found her, she would be trapped for good. Her mother was a shrewd woman and did not like to be crossed. It was true Isabella was of age. But what did that matter to a girl of no means to support herself?
Isabella wrung her hands as she paced the room, only growing more agitated as she waited. The door opened, and Mildred was there.
“Mildred, a man was following me today in town. I just know my mother sent him.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t one of the men sent to guard you?”
“I don’t think so, I bumped into him, and he ducked his head and left quickly like he didn’t want me to see him.” Isabella began to pace again. “And I saw him again as we came out of the bazaar. He was watching from across the street, and when he saw me looking, he left again. It gave me a bad feeling as if he was waiting for a chance to grab me or worse, maybe he is to report my whereabouts to my mother.” Isabella stopped and pleaded. “What are we going to do? I have nowhere else to run.” Isabella’s voice cracked.
“Miss Isabella, you need to calm yourself, panicking will not help. You will only do something rash that may put you in more danger. I will get word to Lady Susan.”
Yes, Isabella calmed, she would talk to Lady Susan.
The supplies had started arriving yesterday evening, and the maids were working hard this morning to get the rooms in place. Colton’s aunt had complained about the workers in the sitting room and all the dust from the plaster. Even though sheets had been draped against the doors, dust hung in the air. It was a small inconvenience that had to be endured if the house was to become livable, he explained. Colton’s nerves were wearing thin by the time he left to retrieve his nieces. He was thankful for the small reprieve from the noise and the constant fluttering of his aunt. Would he survive adding two young children to the mix?
The new cook took charge of the kitchen and scullery maids like a drillmaster. The housekeeper had the upstairs maids put to work the minute they stepped into the house. He would be hiring a steward next week he reminded himself, and then things would settle down. The butler worked with Digby, so he didn’t have to worry about that quarter. The new footmen helped where they were needed with no complaints. If the female staff would just do likewise, he could return to some semblance of normal. He hadn’t even had a chance to inspect the dowager house, making a note to investigate it next week.
The girls circled around him when he entered Bowood house. Miss Clara tried to calm them, but he held up his hand. “Are you ready to see your new home?”
“Yes.” His nieces squealed in unison.
Colton lifted one girl on each arm and carried them outside. The footmen loaded the trunks while Miss Clara followed them. Colton placed the girls in the carriage and helped Miss Clara, who sat between her charges on the bench. With everything loaded and tied down, Colton sat facing his wards.
“Do we get to see our surprise now?” Annalynn asked.
“Annalynn!” Miss Clara admonished.
Colton laughed at Annalynn’s childlike exuberance.
“Yes, Annalynn, you and your sister will get your surprise, but you will have to wait till we arrive home.”
The house was quiet when Colton enter the foyer, noise from the sitting room had ceased. He stepped to the door and pushed. Empty, except for the draped furnishings.
“Your aunt asked the workers to stop, the noise was fraying her nerves.” The butler informed him. “She was quite insistent.”
Annalynn and Lisabet had pushed their way into the room and stared, watching Colton’s discussion. He would have said more, but with two sets of young ears listening, he thought better of it.
“Would you let the housekeeper know, Miss Clara and the girls have arrived?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Girls, your surprise is in your room. The housekeeper will show you and Miss Clara the way. You must tell me about it at dinner.” The girls happily followed him back to the foyer, where Miss Clara was talking to the housekeeper.
“We have a surprise in our room,” Annalynn announced.
“Shall we go see?” Miss Clara reached for Annalynn’s hand, and they followed the housekeeper up the stairs.
“Miss Clara?” The nanny turned.
“The girls will be dining with me at six.” Colton smiled.
“Yes, my lord.” She gave a slight nod.
Chapter Thirteen
It had only been three days, and aunt Mary had managed to alienate the female staff ending with the housekeeper quitting this morning as she walked out the door. Thankful for Clara, who didn’t seem the least bit bothered by his aunts demands. She kept the girls clear of aunt Mary as best she could. Dinner that first night had not gone well. When his aunt Mary realized his nieces were children and not the young lady’s, she imagined, her enthusiasm to mother them vanished. He was thankful to get away from the chaos for the evening as he handed the reins to the groom and entered Bowood House. Giving his hat and coat to the butler, he made his way to the sitting-room on his own. James and Lady Susan welcomed him as he entered the room.
“Tell us how are the girls, did they settle well?” Susan asked.
James handed him a glass, and he took a chair by the fireplace. It had started to get colder at night as the summer waned into fall. Colton closed his eyes for a moment soaking in the warmth of the fire.
“That bad?” William asked
Colton chuckled as he opened his eyes to see four pairs of eyes, watching him with concern. “The girls are fine,” Colton remembered how excited they were with their rooms. Lisabet received a doll and Annalynn a stuffed monkey which she refused to leave. Annalynn even brought it to dinner, insisting her pet have a chair of its own. She named the toy Buttons two.
“It’s my aunt Mary. The housekeeper left today, and we haven’t had any workers in the house for the past three days because of the noise. I am at my wit's end.”
Susan and Eliza looked at each other a knowing smile on their lips.
“Have you thought of taking a wife?” Susan asked.
Colton groaned.
“We have already suggested it,” William replied.
“I do not see how taking a wife will fix my problem. It just seems like another complication. Besides, I have not been courting anyone. You cannot just find a wife like that.”
Eliza and Susan smiled while William and James laughed.
“What?”
“Perhaps you can. We find husbands for our girls at Fyne Court.” Susan explained.
“I thought some of them were escaping arranged marriages.” Colton was confused.
“Some of them are, b
ut we provide a better choice. The couples have to agree, of course. It has to be beneficial for both.” Eliza said. “Some of our ladies prefer to find a safe position as a governess or lady's companion, and we help there as well.”
Colton wondered, was miss Isabella looking to marry as well? She said she left because of a disagreeable arrangement.
“Is Miss Dalton seeking a husband?”
Susan and Eliza looked at one another again. “We haven’t discussed it with her. She did say she thought a man was following her the other day while she was shopping with your nieces, and it was confirmed that a man was asking about her in town.”
Colton became alarmed. “Is she in danger?”
“No, we have set watchmen on the property, and the town people are aware of Fyne Court. Anyone asking will get no help there.” Said James.
“Colton, the ladies, will be at the ball this Friday at the assembly room in town, why don’t you attend and get acquainted,” Susan suggested.
“It will be a great night of entertainment if nothing else and give you rest from your estate for the evening,” William said.
“I will think about it.” Colton did not want to make a commitment. He wasn’t sure how he would make it through another week, he didn’t want to think about the weekend.
His friends changed the subject, and the rest of the evening was peaceful with conversations of livestock and tenants. Lady Susan entertained them with music on the harp and ended the evening, giving Colton a lot to think about.
His mind kept returning to Miss Dalton. If someone was looking for her, she could be in danger. His stomach contracted at the thought. Lisabet and Annalynn liked her very much. A plan began to form in his mind. He would call on her tomorrow.