by Vikki Vaught
“Of course,” her sister-in-law replied. “Everything is already packed for our journey. I feel bad over the delay.” Looking over at Georgia, she added, “I know you’re anxious to return. Eight months is a long time to be away. And now, God alone knows how long this will delay us.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Georgia assured her. “Let us hope no one was hurt. Alex, did your steward say anything in his letter?”
“The letter didn’t go into anything specific. It mentioned extensive damage, and that I need to come right away. We will not know more until we arrive at Overton Park. I would think that if anyone had lost their life, he would have mentioned it in the letter. Listen, I’m going to the ship to talk to John personally and help get it underway. I shall return this evening, then we’ll leave at dawn tomorrow. I’m going to borrow one of Barrington’s mounts, so I can get to the estate faster. The rest of you can follow in the carriage at a more leisurely pace.”
Although Anissa looked worried, she gave Alex a reassuring smile. “We shall be ready. I’m sure you’re right. Mr. Rodgers would have told you if anyone had died or been seriously injured.”
Kathleen stood to leave. “I shall leave you to your packing. I’ll pray no one was seriously hurt. Since we are leaving in the morning as well, I need to make sure my maid has everything in order. It’s quite possible my husband’s estate may have been affected as well. Please let us know if you need anything. Since you’re leaving from Plymouth now, perhaps Andrew will bring me to see you off. Let me know when you plan to leave for Baltimore. I love all of you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
After more hugs and kisses, Kathleen made her way home. In the carriage, she had to wipe away moisture from the corner of her eyes. Emotions coursed through her. While the news of the storm was terrible, she felt worse over her family leaving without her. It would be at least four months before she would see Alex and his family. Anthony would change so much, and she would miss Melanie and Harry tremendously. Worse yet, it would be over a year before she saw her mother again.
She needed to go to her husband. There was a very real possibility his estate had been in the path of the storm as well. Thank goodness they were leaving in the morning.
Kathleen found Andrew in his study. She rushed to him, and he hugged her close. “What’s wrong, dearheart? You look troubled.”
She fisted her hands to control her emotions as she told him about the storm. “Have you heard anything from your steward? Could Grainger Hall be affected, do you think?”
It felt comforting to be in his strong arms. As he stroked her back, he told her, “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything from MacDonald. He’s my steward. We’ll have to wait until we arrive at the hall, unless I receive word tonight. At least we already planned to leave in the morning. Since we no longer need to be at the pier, we can get an earlier start. Why don’t you go upstairs and rest before dinner? I know you’re upset over your family leaving. A quiet evening will help you relax.”
Kathleen looked at him. “Oh, Andrew, it will be months before I see them again. I’m going to miss them, especially Mama. I think I will go upstairs. Once I’ve made sure Louise packed everything, I shall lie down and rest.” He kissed her forehead and released her. She gave him a tremulous smile, then went upstairs to her room.
The next morning saw them on their way. Dark clouds hung in the sky overhead, threatening a downpour. The rain arrived, and it made the journey tedious. After two very long days of travel, Kathleen was anxious to see Grainger Hall and hoped they made it there before the next storm broke. Although Andrew had told her a great deal, she wanted to see the estate for herself.
They had traveled through Dorchester, so they must be close because Andrew had said his estate was nearby. The place seemed to be a quaint seaside town. She looked forward to exploring it. As they rounded the bend, the carriage turned down a drive lined with majestic oak trees so large the branches spread over the drive.
Kathleen looked out the window, excitement filling her as the first sight of her new home came into view. The pale sandstone house looked magnificent and slightly overpowering. She had never expected to live in such an enormous place. It came close to rivaling Overton Park.
As the carriage pulled under the portico, Andrew asked, “What do you think? This isn’t the original house. My grandfather had this residence built forty-five years ago. He went on his grand tour and fell in love with neo-classical designs. John Carr and Robert Adams designed it.”
“It’s certainly beautiful. I love the four corner towers. Is this pink sandstone?” she asked with awe in her voice.
He smiled at her. “It is. Wait until you see the interior. Much of the plasterwork was done by Francesco Vassalli. Let us go inside out of this wind. I believe another storm is brewing.”
The Palladian doors opened and Masters came out. “Everything is ready for you, my lord.” He stepped aside for them to enter. She looked at the incredibly high ceiling in the entry hall, which was adorned with a breathtaking mural of cherubs and angels. She noticed the plasterwork Andrew had mentioned, and it was beyond anything she’d ever seen. It looked more ornate than Chilton House or Overton Park.
From what her husband had told her on their trip, his title was quite old, dating back to William the Conqueror. Throughout the centuries, the Grainger family had amassed a huge fortune, and Andrew had increased it even more since inheriting.
All the servants were lined up to meet her in the huge foyer, and there must be at least thirty employees on staff. Kathleen never thought she would be in charge of more than a few house servants. This felt very intimidating. As Andrew led her down the line, Masters introduced her to each person. No matter how hard she tried, she would never be able to remember everyone’s name. Once she had met the servants, the housekeeper offered to show her to her rooms.
Andrew spoke up. “That shan’t be necessary, Mrs. Mundy. I’ll show Lady Billingsley to her suite.” Offering his arm to her, he led her up the most ornate staircase she’d ever seen. Six people could easily walk abreast without ever touching. When they reached the top of the stairs, he turned right. They passed several rooms before reaching a set of double doors on the left. He opened one of them and stepped back, allowing Kathleen to enter before him. The chamber—obviously a sitting room of massive proportions—was much larger than the parlor in her home back in America, which she’d always viewed as quite spacious.
Andrew entered behind her. “My dear, this will be your sitting room.” Walking over to another set of double doors on the right, he opened them. “In here is your bedchamber. Let me show you around.”
They entered one of the most beautiful bedrooms she had ever seen. The walls were covered with pale green silk and ornate cream crown molding bordered the chamber. A mural graced the high ceiling. Lovely Chippendale furniture filled the room, very tastefully arranged. The large bed had a matching coverlet and canopy in cream embroidered satin. Dozens of pillows with lace and satin trim were arranged at the head of the bed. Two overstuffed chairs set facing the massive fireplace, and Kathleen could imagine curling up in one reading a good book on a cold winter’s night.
Her husband moved beside her. “I hope you like it. I had these rooms refurbished three years ago when I reached my majority. I’ve always found green a restful color. Let me show you your dressing room and bathing chamber. Then I’ll show you my apartment.”
Andrew’s bedchamber looked even larger than hers. It was also decorated in green, but a deeper shade—more masculine than her room—with a massive oak bed on a dais. Blood rushed to her core as she thought about making love in that big bed.
Then he opened the French doors, leading onto a balcony, which ran from his room all the way to her chamber. When she stepped outside, the vista of the sea captured her in its thrall. It was just as he had described, almost overpowering in its majesty. “Oh, my, this is wonderful. I can picture myself sitting here drinking my morning chocolate, listening to the wa
ves break against the cliffs.”
“I thought you would love it. This is my favorite spot. We shall enjoy it together. Of course, we’d better go back inside. That storm out to sea is fast approaching.”
After they came in from the balcony, he pulled her into his arms. “Why don’t we christen your new room?” Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her back to her bedchamber and dropped her amongst all the pillows. He fell beside her and gave her a fierce kiss, rousing her desire to fever pitch.
Andrew had their clothes off before she had a chance to catch her breath. Blazing a trail down her body, he nipped at her belly and licked her navel, nibbling his way down to the apex of her thighs. He spread her legs and sank between them, while licking that special place, which until recently she never realized existed. Desire raged through her, and her blood pulsed in her veins. She climbed higher and higher, ever reaching toward the heavens until she felt herself spiraling over the pinnacle and into nothingness.
As she floated down from heaven, Andrew thrust into her sheath, stroking in and out, over and over again, with each vigorous thrust going deeper and deeper, faster and faster. Trembling with need, she stroked his back, feeling the contour of his muscles rippling under her hands. Just touching him sent her spiraling out of control all over again. He nipped at her shoulders and her nails dug into his back as he made one final thrust and filled her with his essence, sending her over the cliff again.
Andrew’s arms collapsed, and he fell to the side, encircling her with his arms. She lay in stunned silence. The only sound…their ragged breathing. Her limbs trembled so badly she couldn’t move them. It had been the most earth shattering experience of her life, and her heart filled with tenderness for her husband, to the point it felt almost painful. Whether she wanted it or not, Andrew had stolen her heart.
The following morning, Andrew went with his steward to assess the damage from the storm last week and the one from the night before. At dinner that evening, he asked, “Are you settled in?”
Kathleen nodded as she spread her napkin across her lap. “Yes, Louise is a wonder. She had everything put in its proper place before noon. I spent the afternoon touring the rest of the house with Mrs. Mundy. I fell in love with the library. You have a marvelous collection of books.”
Andrew sat his wine glass down. “Unfortunately, I can’t take credit. My grandfather was the book collector. Did you have a chance to explore the gardens?”
“I did,” she replied. “The rose arbor is gorgeous. I’ve never seen so many varieties of roses. Did you see much damage from the storms?”
“While several trees fell, the damage to the Hall is minimal.”
Relieved at the news, she smiled. “How wonderful. I’m sure you’re quite relieved. Thank goodness the bad weather that hit Overton Park didn’t have the same impact on our estate.”
Perhaps that storm hadn’t been as severe as Alex’s steward had indicated. Kathleen hoped that was the case because her family was ready to return to Baltimore.
Andrew leaned back in his chair. “From what I gathered, the storm last week hit well west of Dorset. We experienced little more than heavy rain. The lost trees happened last night. With the ground still drenched and soggy from all the rain over the past week, the tree roots couldn’t hold.”
“Did the fallen trees damage any dwellings?” she asked.
“Fortunately, the trees missed the kennels. When I inspected them, Rolf let me know how happy he was to see me. One of my hounds had a litter of pups. Would you like to see them?”
Kathleen dropped her napkin beside her plate and pushed her seat away from the table. “May we go now? I can’t wait to meet Rolf and the rest of your menagerie.”
He laughed. “Of course, my sweet. We shall leave immediately.”
She grabbed his offered arm, and practically pulled him from the room in her enthusiasm. He led her outside and as they approached the kennels, she heard at least a dozen dogs barking and yapping. Once they made it to the pen, a huge dog perked up, wagging his tail and putting his giant paws on the fence as he barked his greeting.
Pointing her finger, she asked, “My goodness, what kind of dog is that?”
After removing his gloves, Andrew scratched his pet behind his ears. “How’s my big boy?” As he reached to tickle the dog’s throat, Rolf took his great big tongue and licked Andrew’s hand. “Now, now, Rolf. Stop.” The dog calmed immediately and looked at him with soulful eyes. “To answer your question, he’s an English Mastiff, and the most loyal dog in the world. Aren’t you, my lad?” The great beast’s flews turned up in a grin. “I’ve had him since I turned eighteen.”
Kathleen moved beside him and asked, “May I pet him?”
“Certainly.”
She reached out her hand and Rolf closed his eyes, clearly enjoying her attention, as she stroked his neck. “What a nice dog you are. I’m sure we shall get along splendidly.” She glanced at her husband. “He’s gorgeous. I love his sleek coat and fawn coloring. I’m sure his size makes it difficult to have him in the house.”
“He’s only allowed in my study while I work on my reports.” After patting Rolf’s head, he stepped back from the fence and offered her his arm. “Shall we go inside and see the pups?”
“Oh, I would love to see them.” They entered the shelter and a black and tan bloodhound lay in the straw with her pups snuggled against her. “Oh, they’re so cute. Do you think I can hold one?”
“I don’t see why not.” He reached down and picked up a red puppy. The little fellow tried to lick his face. Andrew pulled away as he handed her the pup.
Kathleen cradled the dog in her arms, murmuring, “Oh, you’re so sweet.” She looked over at him. “Isn’t it adorable? Is it a he or a she?”
He checked and told her the pup was female. “I promised you more than one pet, if I remember correctly. I know you’re quite attached to Silky, would you like to have her as well?”
“Could, I?” she asked.
“Of course.”
What piece of her heart hadn’t belonged to her husband flew into his keeping as warmth spread through her. He may have been the last man on earth she would have ever expected to love, but fate had a way of giving her exactly what she needed. She kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Andrew.”
He gave her a warm smile. “Anything for you, dearheart.”
Over the next few days, Kathleen settled into a pattern. In the morning she met with Mrs. Mundy, went over the menus, and discussed any issues that came up. She particularly enjoyed the cook, Mrs. Burton. She was a motherly old soul and cooked plain yet nourishing food. She preferred it over the rich sauces and gourmet selections Chef Marcel served. She also liked the housekeeper, a plump, little dumpling of a woman with a heart as big as the ocean. She was much easier to work with than Mrs. Elwood.
Most afternoons, Andrew took her driving around the estate where she met many of his tenant farmers and their wives and children. This country life appealed to Kathleen, and she wished they could live there all year. Of course, that wasn’t possible since her husband had many business interests in London, along with his duties in the House of Lords.
The cooler temperatures in Dorset took some adjustment, especially the wind coming off the ocean. It cut through her like a knife. Her long walks with Andrew after their evening meal were the highlight of her days. After they visited the kennels to see her puppy, Rosebud, they walked along the shore. He regaled her with amusing stories of growing up at Grainger Hall and shared that his earliest memories included Renwick as his best friend. She suspected he would have been a very lonely child without his friend.
Andrew came to her bed every night, spending most of the evening hours making love to her. He always told her how beautiful she was, holding her all night long in the safety of his arms. Their lovemaking had grown in intensity beyond what she could have ever imagined. Now that she had acknowledged her love for him in her heart, she felt even closer to him. While neither one of them mentioned love
, she felt his affection for her growing stronger each day.
A couple days later, Kathleen received a letter from her sister-in-law. The storm had caused a great deal of damage at Overton Park. Several of the outer buildings and quite a few of the tenants’ cottages needed extensive repairs. At least there was some good news. No one had been physically hurt by the storm. Anissa wrote that Alex expected the cleanup work to take at least a couple of weeks. They were now planning to leave from Plymouth on the seventeenth of June, as long as everything went well.
While dining that evening, she relayed the news to Andrew. “Do you think we could visit Overton Park before my family leaves for America?”
He leaned back in his chair. “I should be able to break away next Friday. We could go for the weekend. I know you want to see your family one more time before they leave. Oh, I received a note from Blythe. He’s invited us to a house party at the end of the month. I would like to go. Have you ever attended one before?”
“No, I haven’t,” she replied. “When would we leave? Oh, and where does Lord Blythe live? I don’t recall you ever mentioning it.”
He laid his napkin beside his plate. “He lives south of Salisbury, around forty-five miles from here. The house party starts on the thirtieth, and it will take a good part of the day to travel there. If we leave early that morning, we should arrive in time for the first night’s entertainment. I think you’ll enjoy seeing Salisbury. The city is located over the ancient site of Old Sarum, a settlement that dates back to the Iron Age. The original Salisbury Cathedral was built in 1220. A wealth of history is there. I’m sure Blythe will plan an excursion, since his estate is barely three miles away.”
A flicker of excitement raced through her. She found it astonishing that England could trace their heritage back so far. Jamestown, the first settlement in America, only went back to 1607.
“That sounds fascinating. I look forward to seeing Salisbury. How long will the house party last?”
“This one lasts three days. I’ve attended some that lasted a week or more. I personally prefer the shorter ones, unless a hunt is included. Since we’re finished with our meal, shall we go to the music room? I would enjoy hearing you play this evening.”