by Tamara Gill
The passage was wide, the parquetry floor in need of a little wax, but certainly nothing a little hard toil wouldn’t bring up to snuff. At the end of the hall was a large window giving them a view of the north-facing vista and turning left they finally made the grand ballroom.
Her mama was right, of course, the room was the best she’d seen so far, and reasonably unscathed from lack of care. It was beyond perfect, with the Jacobean fireplace center in the room and the musical galley above, so no floor space was lost to the hired entertainment. It was in one word, lovely.
The walls were covered in yellow silk damask with a floral motif for decoration. It opened the room and somehow made it look larger than it was.
“I do believe this is Kester House’s finest room, do you not agree?” said Arndel, pride coloring his words.
“It’s a beautiful room,” Victoria said, walking farther into the space and looking about, taking in the whole area.
The ballroom was long and narrow and would be perfect for dancing, while still allowing room for those who liked to socialize but not partake in any activity. Already she could envision a ball here, matrons looking over their charges at either end, while others danced the night away under the chandeliers.
Alice caught his lordship’s eye, hoping he would ask her to dance on the night of the ball at their estate. A taller than average woman, she would fit perfectly in his arms. What wonderfully strong-looking shoulders he seemed to have—ideal for waltzing, for holding a woman close.
Victoria mentioned the lighting, and Alice looked up, inspecting the four massive chandeliers that ran the length of the room. She couldn’t really see if any needed repair as white sheeting was tied around each one, keeping the dust at bay. At least the late viscount had thought to do that, before he left for London and forgot all about his estate.
His lordship joined Victoria, who was inspecting one of the two fireplaces and he laughed, a deep, gravelly sound she’d like to hear more often. Fluttering took flight in her belly and heat rose on her cheeks when he smiled. That it was aimed at her sister wasn’t what she wanted, but then, if Lord Arndel’s heart turned in her sibling’s direction and not hers, she would be happy for both of them.
She would never begrudge Victoria happiness, not even if the gentleman was someone she herself had feelings for. Not that she had any grand, earth-moving emotions toward his lordship, but there was certainly something between them whenever she looked at him, a nervous buzz in her blood that left her breathless and a little muddled. But of course, it could all be she and his lordship might feel nothing at all.
Alice paced to the windows and raised the sash, welcoming the breeze against her skin, cooling her a little on this hot day. How absurd that seeing her sister gain some attention caused her to feel jealous. For that was exactly what it was that had raised its pointy dagger in her mind. Maybe the heat was addling her mind. It was quite hot in here, after all.
“Does the room meet your standards?”
His knowing grin made her warm yet again, and she leaned against the windowsill, needing all the cool air she could catch. Her mama watched them a moment, before joining Victoria. “The ballroom, although in need of a good clean and polish, is gorgeous. What a gem you have here, Lord Arndel.”
He looked about, and pride shone in his eyes. “I think so, too. I plan to look after the home much better than the late viscount. The legacy I leave to my children will be better than what was left me.”
“Since you’ve already started renovating the estate, I’m certain you will meet all the standards you have set against yourself.”
He frowned. “How do you mean?”
Alice gestured toward the roof. “By the builders you’ve already hired to fix Kester House up. That’s what I meant.”
His lordship blushed, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. “Of course,” he blustered. “You must think me a gentleman without wits. Maybe I should get some fresh air to stop my muddling mind.”
“You may share my window, my lord.” It was very forward of Alice, but right now she couldn’t think of anything nicer than to share a window with him.
He stalked toward her, his absentmindedness soon forgotten as he headed in her direction. Never had Alice reacted to a man in this way. Even now, her heart beat too fast in her chest and the butterflies fluttered about in her belly.
He came up beside Alice and leaned against the window surround. Arndel caught her eye, and the look he bestowed upon her left her hot and flustered. Was she imagining his flirting with her sister? The darkening of his blue orbs that watched her with such intensity left her in no doubt he was as attracted to her as she was to him.
How very delicious.
“I do hope that in time I shall have the estate back to its rightful beauty. I know there are certain elements of it now that are shockingly ill kept, but I’m looking to remedy that soon.”
Without thought, Alice touched his lordship’s arm, the muscular strength beneath her gloves making her breath hitch. My, oh my, he feels lovely. “Once the roof is repaired you’ll be able to start on the inside of the property, and no doubt you’ll find that everything will fall into place. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen. We have faith in you, Lord Arndel that you will set this place to rights.”
He chuckled. “I thank you, my lady.”
“My dears, we have kept his lordship long enough. It is time to take our leave.” The duchess gestured for Victoria to follow and reluctantly Alice turned to Lord Arndel. “Thank you for showing us your home today. I know it was an impromptu visit, so I hope you’re not too cross with us.”
“Never.” He smiled. “Now, if you follow me, I’ll see you out.”
They walked in silence toward the foyer, and again, Alice couldn’t help but see his lordship’s fine behind. It was probably a blessing that the Season was about to commence. If her reactions toward Arndel were any indication, she was long past due finding a partner in life.
Her sister chuckled and Alice realized she’d noticed her fixation on the gentleman’s nether regions. “Behave Alice, or Mother will notice and we’ll both be scolded.”
Alice shushed her, unable to stop the grin from forming on her lips. “Be quiet or they’ll both hear you.”
Her sibling merely grinned and, thankfully, the front door came into view. Freedom beckoned away from his lordship’s perfect derriere and not a moment too soon. One day her ogling of him would be caught by the man himself, and then she would have reason to blush.
…
The next day, Alice submersed herself in doing her rounds of Ashford’s poor. A job she would miss, if she truly meant the words she’d spoken to her mama, and marry by the coming Season’s end. But then, wherever her husband’s estate was located would surely have people in need, so she wouldn’t have to give up her charitable pursuits.
She walked down an alley between terraced houses, distraught by their weathered appearance. The decayed wooden walls, plaster and windows broken, and rushes missing from their roofs allowed the elements to penetrate the cottages, leaving those huddled within cold and miserable.
Even from the outside, Alice could see that the walls were moldy and the whole area was not fit to live in, nevertheless to raise a family. Rubbish piled up in some parts of the road, in some areas as high as the ground floor windows. The dirt-lined streets and footpaths would be a sodden muddy track come winter and none of it was acceptable.
Alice waved to Benny, the boy who now worked at Lord Arndel’s estate. Every week since she’d taken over this role from her mama, the little boy had waited on the street to meet her before his employ. He was the sweetest little man, and she was beyond thrilled he’d found a job that helped contribute funds to his mother’s household.
Tony, her groom, stood only a few feet away as she knocked on Mrs. Davy’s door. And within the customary two minutes it opened and the village’s former and converted lady-bird—as her mother would say—welcomed her inside.
On it went for the next few hours. Alice handed out food parcels, tended as best she could to their concerns and worries, and helped out with menial tasks that some of the tenants could no longer handle. Her attendance at their homes was only of short duration, but it was better than nothing at all, and as much as sometimes the visits were sad and upsetting, Alice always returned home feeling as if she’d accomplished something of import. Not just another day sitting at home sewing or learning how to paint. How boring.
Then finally, the family she always left for last, as it gave her the opportunity to stay and chat. After the unexpected death of Bess’s husband the year before, the family had fallen on hard times, but with Alice’s support, the family of three had survived and their future was looking positive once again.
“Lady Alice, we’re so glad you’ve come. I thought ye’d never get here, as ye took longer than ye did last week.”
Alice took Benny’s hand, letting him lead her inside. “I’m sorry I’m late. Today was busier than normal. And I have not forgot, for I have a gift for you. It’s not every day a young man has his birthday.” She smiled and watched as Benny’s eyes alighted with excitement.
“I’m nine tomorrow, my lady. And soon I’ll be old enough to start courting ye. Will ye wait for me?”
Alice ruffled his hair, never had she known anyone as sweet and honest as this little person. “By the time you’re old enough to marry, dear sir, I’ll be old and gray. Much too old for you. I’m sure you can do much better than me,” she said, smiling at Bess and taking a seat at the kitchen table.
Alice passed the food hamper to Rose, Bess’s eldest daughter. The young woman smiled in delight at seeing the small cake Alice had brought for the family. “I had Cook bake a cake for Benny’s birthday. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh, Lady Alice, you’re so kind. I don’t know what we’d do without you,” Bess said, her eyes filling with tears. Alice clasped her hand, squeezing it a little.
“No more Lady Alice when we’re alone. Just Alice will be fine.”
Bess nodded, blushing a little at her kindness. Benny squealed with joy at the sight of the vanilla cake with chocolate icing.
“As I won’t see you tomorrow, Benny, I hope you have a very happy birthday and enjoy your day immensely.”
“Oh, I will, miss. For guess what? I get to help saddle up Lord Arndel’s horse and possibly take it out for a ride on the morrow. He never lets anyone ride the stallion, and he’s a beauty, miss. I would think he would rival any of the duke’s cattle to be sure.”
Alice started, reminded anew of the stallion everyone, including her sister, was gushing about. “I have not seen this horse. You do not mean the brown gelding he rides all the time?”
Benny shook his head, frowning. “No, he has the stallion stabled up most of the time. You should see the beast. At least sixteen and a half hands, to be sure. In the dark he’s monstrous looking and can have a temper.”
Alice thanked Bess, as she placed a steaming cup of tea and some biscuits before her.
“Well, you just be careful, my boy,” said Bess. “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’ll not have your safety placed in jeopardy, no matter what financial cost to the family.”
“And I agree,” Alice said. “If you feel uncomfortable about anything you’re asked to do, please let me know and I’ll see that it doesn’t happen again.”
“You’re too kind to us.” Bess smiled. “Truly an angel.”
Alice waved away the compliment. She was no angel, and she doubted that, should Benny have a problem while working for Lord Arndel, the viscount would be pleased if she stuck her nose into his affairs and right the wrong handed to the boy.
His lordship would probably send her packing, right smart.
“Lord Arndel wouldn’t place me in danger, miss. I can assure you of that. I love working there. Even Rose has started working there as an undermaid.”
“Wonderful.” Alice took a sip of tea, so thankful that the family were happy and comfortable, well, as comfortable as they could be living in a house that was less than hospitable.
“His lordship said, with me working in the kitchen and Benny full time in the stable, and Rose now as a maid, that we could move to the small cottage east of the estate. It’s a quick walk to the main house and would make the hour-long journey we must do each day from here a lot easier on us all. And I must say, I’ll not be sad to leave this house, not only because of the memories that are always so fresh in me mind, but also because of the condition of the building. I cannot believe all this damp is good for me children’s health.”
“So you’re leaving?” Alice looked about the small room, seeing the tattered linen on the bedding that sat behind a makeshift screen. The fireplace with bricks missing from its sides, and the air held the distinct smell of smoke, as if it was not drawing correctly. As for the tables and chairs, they were nothing but discarded crates from the shops. Alice couldn’t agree more that the cottage was exactly what the family required and above all, deserved.
“You’re not upset by our choice?” Bess asked, concern tinging her voice.
“Only in that we’ll see less of each other, but I’m beyond happy to hear you’ll be settled so near to work, and I know the house you’re going to is sound and quite lovely inside. You’ll be happy there, I’m sure.”
Bess sighed her relief. “You’re Lord Arndel’s neighbor. I’m sure we’ll see you as much as you can spare us the time. And of course, you’re always welcome.”
Alice took Bess’s hand. “It sort of makes my news for you moot now, for I had some exciting information that I wished to share with you all.”
“What was that, miss?” Benny asked, pulling up a stool to the table and looking at her expectantly.
“Well, I’m going to purchase these ten cottages along this road and fix them up for my tenants. The rent won’t change. These houses are, by far, the most neglected in the town and I’d like to change that.”
“Oh, my lady,” Bess said, her eyes filling with tears. Alice watched as she grappled for her handkerchief and dabbled at her eyes. “I stand by my words earlier. You are a true blessing for this town and county.” Bess sniffed. “I can’t say I’m not a little jealous that another family will move in here and be living in such fine comfort, for I’m sure whatever ye do to the cottages will be the very best for those who live here.”
“I hope so.” And Alice truly did hope that was the case. Having been born without a care in the world, never being hungry or cold, she couldn’t allow another person to suffer such a fate, if she had the means to change it. Of course, Ashford was only a small town, and there were many homes across the country that suffered the same fate, but one must start somewhere. And it was best to do something, even if small, than nothing at all.
Bess’s daughter Rose started chopping up vegetables for the evening meal. “And I’ve stayed much later than I ought, so I’ll take my leave. But please, let me know when you’re making the move and I’ll have the cart sent round to help.”
“Oh, we couldn’t impose. That’s too much, Lady Alice.”
“No it’s not,” Alice said, linking arms with Bess and walking to the door. “I will always look out for you. And remember, I’m Alice to you.”
Bess laughed, shaking her head. “Well, in that case, we would be well pleased to borrow the cart two days from now, if it’s no bother.”
“It’s no bother at all. And I’ll call once you’re settled at Lord Arndel’s estate.”
Alice bade good-bye and walked toward Tony who leaned against one of the abandoned terrace house’s windows. The air had chilled with the evening sky settling over the town.
“Are you ready to return to Dunsleigh, my lady?”
Alice nodded. “Yes, thank you, Tony.” Climbing up into the carriage, she looked down the street and vowed there would be no more cold winters for her tenants. Once the title settled into her name, the suffering under the old owner, a man who preferred Town
life and the whorehouses that were stationed there, would be nothing but a bad memory.
What was the point of being born a Worthingham if one couldn’t do something with it? She could hardly wait to start.
Chapter Five
“Absolutely not!”
Alice sat forward in her chair and leveled the scariest frown she could form toward her brother. It was probably not the best glower he’d ever seen, but this was one argument she would win against the duke. “What I do with my inheritance is up to me, Josh. I have already spoken to Mama and she agrees. In fact, she stated to pay the amount Mr. Otis wants and be done with it. He won’t compromise on price, and I won’t compromise on my plans.”
“He’s robbing you blind! Or,” he continued, wagging his finger, “perhaps he’s the Surrey Bandit everyone wants to serve justice upon.”
Alice fought the urge to roll her eyes but lost the battle. “Oh for heaven’s sake, it’s in the town you already own half the buildings in. What does it matter what I purchase the Pitt Street cottages for? Mr. Otis doesn’t care about his tenants, never has, and if you took the time to look at the condition of the buildings, you would see that. And I refuse to see the unfortunate people suffer through any more winters. Now is the time for the repairs to be carried out, and that’s exactly what I shall do. But I would like your approval, nonetheless. The price is what he wants, and that is what I’ll pay. I have the men hired already for restoration, just sign off on the contract—that you agree to release my inheritance to purchase the buildings.” Alice sat back, folding her arms across her chest.
“When Mama allowed you to take over her role visiting the poor it was only a matter of time before it gave you even more ideas to…well, have more ideas.”
“You’re so amusing, Josh. Maybe you should join the theater.”
He glared, and a muscle ticked in his cheek. “You’re about to embark on a Season, where I might add, you’ve promised Mama you’ll look for a husband—seriously—this year. If I allow you to buy the properties for that absurd amount, how will you find the time to do all this work, to oversee what needs to be done and focus on your upcoming Season?”