by Ayles, Abby
Shortly after he woke, he heard the rustling of the ladies upstairs as well as in the kitchen. Joanna McCarthy must have been an early riser as she seemed to have gotten to the kitchen before he even stirred.
Hannah came down the stairs shortly after Grimshaw woke and seemed a little timid at the closeness of a small cottage with Grimshaw’s presence. She barely spoke a good morning before heading to the kitchen to see if Mrs. McCarthy could use an extra hand.
Grimshaw saw to the ashes in the hearth and put away the pallet. With nothing else to do he made his way to the kitchen.
“You can’t stay here all alone, Grannie,. He stopped at the threshold to hear the conversation between Hannah and the widow.
“I don’t mind it, dear,” Grannie said as she stirred a pot of porridge.
“Won’t you at least go to Mr. McCarthy’s? I am sure he would be happy for your presence over the Yuletide.”
“Oh, Matty will be far too busy for me. After a storm the shop is twice as crowded. I would just be in the way. I am fine here in my little cottage.”
“What if there is another blizzard?”
Mrs. McCarthy was silent for a few moments. To be sure, if Grimshaw and Hannah hadn’t come to her aid she would be in a sorry situation.
“Perhaps I could ask Lord Grimshaw if you could stay with us, just until the worst of the winter weather is over?” Hannah asked when there was no answer.
“Oh I would not dream of putting that burden on Lord Grimshaw,” Mrs. McCarty replied.
They worked in silence again for a few moments. Grimshaw guessed Hannah, ever the stubborn creature, was working her mind in a plan to see the widow safe through the cold season.
“Oh,” the widow said suddenly, “I almost forgot.”
She set aside her spoon stirring the breakfast and hurried to a cupboard. She pulled out three brown paper packages.
“I got something little for Lady Caroline and Lady Rebecca for the season. I do hope they will like it. I didn’t think I would be seeing you till after our Lord’s birth but providence brought you just in time to give them their gifts for the day.”
“And this one is for you,” Mrs. McCarthy said, handing over the three boxes and pointing to the one on top.
“How on earth did you manage this?” Hannah said with surprise.
“Oh, I used the money you gave me.”
“Grannie, that was for you. You were meant to pay for the school supplies with it, as well as payment for your tutoring,” Hannah scolded.
“Oh, pish posh. I had plenty of the supplies already on hand.”
“Then you should have kept it for yourself.”
“I don’t need for anything. Oh, it will bring me joy to know those little girls have some small gifts from me.”
“You are far too kind, Grannie,” Hannah said, giving the woman a loving embrace.
Grimshaw cleared his throat to announce his presence.
“Oh, good, your lordship is awake. Just in time for some breakfast,” Mrs. McCarthy said, spooning the porridge into some bowls. “Be a dear and grab the kettle, it’s going.”
A half a second after her words were spoken the kettle began to sound its noise. The earl laughed to himself at the old woman’s keen senses as he walked over and poured the tea into the ceramic teapot.
Hannah took the tray of bowls and the earl insisted on carrying the tea set. Together the three marched in a procession into the front room.
They ate their breakfast happily chatting. Mrs. McCarthy was always good at keeping happy conversations going.
Once the meal was over, there was nothing left for Hannah or the earl to do before they should head back to Brighton Abby. Hannah stalled nonetheless, hoping to find a way to convince Grannie to join them.
“I wonder, Mrs. McCarthy,” Grimshaw said after the dishes were cleared and washed by the trio, “my girls have spoken so highly of you. They love you as if you were their own grandmother. They unfortunately have no grandparents of their own. I would be most grateful if you would come with us over the holiday and be grandmother to Caroline and Rebecca?”
“I wouldn’t want to be a burden to you, Lord Grimshaw,” Grannie said, though her resolve had crumbled with such a distinguished guest requesting.
“It wouldn’t be a burden at all, I can assure you of that. In fact, I don’t think the Yuletide would be right without you there,” Grimshaw said, flashing her a handsome smile.
Hannah had to hold in a giggle as she saw Grannie blush against the earl’s charm.
“Well, if you think the girls might enjoy my presence, I couldn’t say no to such a request.”
“Wonderful!” Grimshaw said, clapping his hands together. “I will go prepare the horse for you to ride. Ah, I’ll hear nothing about it,” he added before Grannie could protest. “And see to the goats’ needs before we are on our way. I’ll make sure to have a man come and see to them while you are staying with us,” he added more to himself as an afterthought.
“I suppose I should go get some belongings then,” Grannie said, a little unsure of herself. She rather felt as if she was being treated as a fine lady.
A half hour later, the trio left the small cottage snugly locked up. Grannie had been deftly placed on the horse by Grimshaw’s strong hands and he and Hannah walked on either side of the beast.
With the sun shining bright the snow had already started its slow melt. It was still very wet to walk through though, and Grimshaw was sure that by day’s end it would be very soggy terrain indeed. It was a far cry from the whipping snow the night before, however.
They made good time, reaching Brighton Abby by early afternoon. Both girls rushed into the hall at their arrival.
Their excitement burst to overflowing when they saw the added member of the party. Grannie for her part was awestruck by the magnificent beauty of the vast manor.
Grimshaw hadn’t really considered the ramifications of his actions in respect to the guests he already housed. With the commotion of his children at their arrival however, they were soon also greeted by Lord and Lady Waldron and Lady Tara.
“May I introduce Mrs. Joanna McCarthy,” Grimshaw said to his three guests. “She has been gracious enough to accept my offer to stay over the holidays.”
All three gave her a very skeptical look. Clearly they didn’t see the widow as a worthy companion for their afternoons in the drawing room.
Grimshaw was sure if he had been a good host he would have considered their feelings on the matter before inviting the widow to stay, but to be honest he didn’t care. With the sun shining and the roads soon to be cleared, he hoped he wouldn’t have to be their host much longer.
Before much could be done on the matter to ease the comfort of the Marlows, Grannie was tugged away by Lady Caroline and Lady Rebecca for their own personal tour of the manor. Naturally the highlights included the nursery, school room, west wing, and kitchen where sweet treats might be snuck.
“I was very concerned when you didn’t return last night,” Lady Tara said in a scolding tone.
Her dark eyes darted between Lord Grimshaw and Hannah. She was far beyond concerned when it came to the idea of Grimshaw spending an evening in the beautiful governess’s presence.
“If you would excuse me, I will go change into some dry clothes,” Hannah said, curtsying and leaving the two alone to discuss Lady Tara’s feelings on the matter.
“Miss Jacobson,” Grimshaw stopped her. “If you would please meet me in my office once you are warmed and dried. I have some business that needs your attendance.”
“Yes, of course,” Hannah said, unsure what business could include her.
She turned and went to freshen up and change out her soaking skirts for a fresh new dress. Grimshaw turned to Lady Tara.
“I am concerned that this governess is having a bad influence on the children,” Lady Tara said with seriousness.
“I’m afraid I don’t share your concerns,” Grimshaw said plainly.
“Perhaps becau
se you are too blinded by her beauty to realize it,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.
Grimshaw gave a loud and long laugh at her declaration. He was not laughing at the idea that Hannah was beautiful for she certainly was that.
He had chosen her as governess because he wanted a plain and homely-looking lady. Though she had attempted to dress the part, she was nothing of the sort, and he knew it all too well.
“I assure you, Lady Tara, I have come to know her good nature and dedication to her duties long before I even got a peek at her beauty.”
Lady Tara opened her mouth to speak but Grimshaw cut in before she was even given the chance.
“Forgive me, but I too am rather soaked through. I must change out of these sodden things and attend to business in my office.”
“Yes, of course,” Lady Tara said with a smile. She didn’t like being told off but she would not show such feelings to him. “I would hate if you took ill.”
Freshly dressed, Hannah made her way from her room to Lord Grimshaw’s office. She wondered what business he had that could possibly need her assistance.
Hannah entered the office and stood before the earl who was also washed and dressed in a fresh suit. Even his short black hair was slicked back and she could smell the strong scent of pine and soap floating through the room.
“Is there something you needed from me, Lord Grimshaw?” Hannah asked, wringing her hands with worry.
He smiled softly at her. Getting up, he walked to a large bookshelf behind him and retrieved a small mahogany chest.
Hannah watched as he removed a key from his desk and unlocked the chest. As he opened it, she wasn’t able to see over the lid.
“I confess I overheard you talking with Mrs. McCarthy this morning. I understand you were giving her funds for her art classes.”
“Yes, sir,” Hannah said, still not sure what to make of the earl’s questions.
“Where did you procure the money to pay her?” he asked, pulling out a large stack of notes and counting them.
“I didn’t steal it if that is what you are inferring,” Hannah said with a mix of shock and hurt.
Grimshaw’s gaze switched from the notes to her. For the second time that day he laughed heartily.
“I am not accusing you of stealing the money, my dear Hannah. I swear you look for a chance to be cross with me.”
“I do not,” Hannah said crossly.
He raised a dark brow at her and she blushed, realizing that she had fallen right into his trap.
“I don’t mean to,” Hannah said finally.
Grimshaw looked at her with a twinkle in his dark eyes. How he was learning he loved everything about this woman.
His mind drifted to the letter in his pocket and the woman who wrote it. Hannah was so different from his Ann. He still couldn’t fathom how he could have so much love and admiration for the woman before him and still have room enough to keep his Ann still in his heart.
“So would you like to tell me how you procured the funds then?” Grimshaw asked again.
“I took it from my own wages,” Hannah said with her chin upturned.
“As I suspected. How much?” he asked, setting to the business of his notes again.
“I’m not entirely sure, to be honest. Just what I could spare my family.”
“Your family?”
“Yes, I send most of my wages to my family back in London. My mother just recently had another child and any amount helps them a great deal.”
“And you keep none for yourself?” Grimshaw said with surprise.
“I have few needs. I am well taken care of here at Brighton Abby,” Hannah replied.
“Well, I can’t have you paying for the girls’ education out of your own wages. From now on I will make sure Mrs. McCarthy receives proper wages for her time tutoring. And this is to reimburse you for her past wages.”
Grimshaw handed forward a large stack of notes. Hannah took a step back and held her hands back.
“I couldn’t possibly take that. It is far too much to start.”
“You are a very stubborn woman, do you know that, Miss Jacobson?” Grimshaw said, rather anticipating this not to be an easy task.
“I don’t think I am that stubborn,” she countered.
“Case in point,” Grimshaw said with a smile. “Now take this before I put it in your hand myself.”
Hannah still hesitated but finally came forward and took the money.
“But it is too much, sir,” Hannah repeated.
“Then send what you don’t want to your family. Perhaps it will give them an extra-large goose for their Christmas meal.”
“Extra-large? You mean goose at all.”
Grimshaw was surprised by her words. He had an idea that she came from a poorer situation than his own. But he had no idea that her family suffered so.
“They will be most grateful for this,” Hannah said, her eyes brimming with tears.
Grimshaw came around his desk and came to stand before her. It amazed him that what seemed such a little amount to him would make such a difference to her.
Grimshaw looked down at the sniffling Miss Jacobson. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a handkerchief for her.
Hannah dabbed at her eyes gratefully before handing the cloth back over. Grimshaw let his fingers graze against her own. He relished the feeling that it sent throughout his body.
Grimshaw was sure she felt it too, for her eyes raised up to meet his. He took a step closer closing the gap between them. He would have liked to kiss her in that moment. However, he knew the time was not yet right.
He still had slight hesitation in his heart in regard to his late wife. Until he resolved his own turmoil he wouldn’t be ready to take the next step.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The following days were some of the most enjoyable for Hannah. She split her time preparing for Christmas, which was only two days away, as well as entertaining the girls and Grannie.
Grannie had all sorts of ideas to brighten the manor before Christmas came.
First she showed the girls how to make snowflakes out of parchment. They tied them together and decorated the halls with the garlands.
Next Grannie told them stories of Father Christmas and they all wrote letters to be tossed into the fire. The ashes soared up the chimney to magically arrive at St. Nicolas himself.
They also spent countless hours in the kitchen watching the cook make her Christmas pies and puddings. Rebecca could hardly contain her excitement as the day drew closer.
Grimshaw unfortunately wasn’t having as good a time with his guests. Lord and Lady Waldron were a somber crowd.
It didn’t help that he had no desire to be in Lady Tara’s presence any longer. He wasn’t sure he would have the heart to tell her to her face that he had no intention of marrying her.
It was hard enough for him to work out his own emotions within him. He wasn’t sure if he was willing to produce such disastrous ones in another.
Instead he spent the majority of his time in the west wing. With the roof finished in his absence, it was just the interior that needed finishing.
He hoped that while he finished his promise to Ann he would also be able to find a way to work out the inner turmoil raging inside him and come to terms with his emotions and his guilt.
Grimshaw also hoped that his distance from the others while he buried himself in his work would encourage Lady Tara to lose interest. Maybe in that way she would leave on her own without him having to hurt his honor.
Little did he know, however, that without Grimshaw to entertain her, Lady Tara took to spending time with the girls.
She suspected that he was losing interest because of the children’s aversions to her. She had little care for small people, but she also had no desire to leave Brighton Abby without the title Countess.
She began to accompany the children, their governess, and Grannie on their various adventures and crafts. Luckily it wasn’t every day, for Lady Tara coul
d only stand so much time with those people.
On the occasions she did, however, they were very somber events. It would take all of Hannah’s will to keep the girls in a pleasant mood with Lady Tara’s constant corrections of their behavior.
It was clear to Hannah that Lady Tara detested anything that so much as resembled child’s play. Hannah often wondered what Lady Tara could have possibly been like as a child herself.
She had no aptitude for how to speak to children. She would often be harsh and speak very literally. She would never take care to consider the girls’ delicate feelings as she corrected any imperfections.
Luckily the monotony of her presence was finally interrupted the day before Christmas when another surprise visitor arrived at Brighton Abby.
“Uncle Jayden,” Rebecca and Caroline greeted their travel-worn uncle as he entered the house.
They both wrapped their arms around his legs, not caring for his tired demeanor. Jayden Marsh for his part forgot his weary muscles and picked each girl up, spinning them around.
“I can’t believe how big you both have gotten since I’ve seen you last.”
Hannah couldn’t help but feel the contagious joy as all parties were reacquainted or introduced for the first time that night in the drawing room after Mr. Marsh had refreshed himself.
Even Grimshaw who had seemed so elusive these last few days was present as all parties gathered in the drawing room before dinner.
Hannah sat back at the side of the room and watched with enjoyment as the girls pestered their uncle and he thoroughly enjoyed their questions.
Though Grimshaw was present, Hannah noticed he was still not quite all there. His mind seemed to be caught in a different world of its own.
She was sure the holidays were the hardest for him. She couldn’t imagine what it felt like to have lost a loved one. Surely the coming of these festive times would only remind him of her absence.
Hannah’s heart ached for the earl. She had grown to care for him and the children so much over the past few months. She wished she could find a way to take the hurt from him.