by Sahara Kelly
Her gaze returned to the caracoling chestnut and the jacket-less rider as they engaged in what looked like a battle for supremacy. After a few moments, the horse settled with a toss of its shining mane, and the man on its back patted its neck affectionately. The tussle had ended in a draw.
“I can’t ride, Giles,” she breathed. “I’ve never been on a horse.”
“Then Trick’s your man, my Lady. He is a fine horseman and a patient teacher. Put yourself in his hands and you will be riding in no time.”
“Not that mount.”.
Giles chuckled. “Most probably not, no. Something more suited to a lady. Trust Trick. He is the best at what he does.”
She smiled. “I am coming to expect nothing less.”
Chapter Three
She entered the Rose room, a charming space for relaxing while also serving as a study, with shades of pinks and reds throughout, Adalyn spared a moment to wonder about the house itself as she seated herself and waited for the estate manager.
If she had been asked to dream up her ideal home, something very close to Wolfbridge Manor would have appeared behind her eyelids.
How was it so perfect for her? How did it possess so many wonderfully kind men who seemed to have her satisfaction and comfort uppermost in their minds? She had yet to hear a cross word, or an oath spoken in anger. Everyone interacted with everyone else on a level of civility she’d not believed possible.
There had not been hide nor hair of a maid or tweeny, or housekeeper—and yet her surroundings were spotlessly clean and the service impeccable.
She rose and crossed to the window, looking out over a winter lawn, edged with evergreen shrubs of some kind. Their branches drooped with damp, since the rain had started once more, but even so, the prospect was charming. At the far end of the lawn there was a small hedge, and beyond a thicket of fir trees.
A harsh call distracted her attention and she raised her eyes, watching a large jackdaw heading for the forest.
“Noisy birds, aren’t they, my Lady?”
She jumped, hand to her heart, spinning around and nearly toppling as her heel caught on the edge of the carpet.
He was there in a trice, strong arms supporting her, bringing the fresh fragrance of sandalwood and leather, and whiskey-brown eyes that crinkled into a smile. “It’s all right. I’ve got you.”
He did indeed. And for a split second, Adalyn toyed with the notion of suggesting he might hold on to her for a little while longer.
“I am sorry. I am so clumsy…” She stuttered an apology, lost in the warmth of his gaze and his embrace.
He righted her. “Entirely my fault, I’m afraid, my Lady. I startled you.”
“My wits were wandering,” she smiled. “And that’s why I stumbled.” She moved to the elegant desk, gesturing to the chairs in front of it. “You must be Mr. Daniel, my estate manager? Please sit. I am eager to speak with you.”
“It’s Daniel, my Lady. Just Daniel. And yes, I do my best to manage Wolfbridge Manor and its assets.”
“I have questions, of course.” She sighed. “It seemed like a dream when Giles came up to me at my late husband’s funeral. In fact, it still does.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine, Lady Adalyn.” He crossed his legs, resting a shiny boot on one knee of his breeches. “Perhaps it would be best for me to answer any questions you may have.”
“As in why I am here?”
“Precisely,” he nodded. “Although that story begins a hundred or so years ago.”
Adalyn smiled. “Giles told me much of it in the carriage. About the first Lady Wolfbridge.”
“Indeed. Well, not to repeat the tale, but to add to it—you now have control over the house and lands. If it matters at all, our records indicate you are the twelfth such lady to call Wolfbridge Manor home since the inception of its unusual situation.”
Adalyn digested his words, then shook her head. “I cannot fathom such kindness,” she said. “I can only thank the original Lady Wolfbridge, wherever she may be, and pray that she knows because of her, I am not out on the streets of London. Something that seemed all too close to being my only option.”
“There was no mention of anything for you in your late husband’s will?” Daniel tilted his head to one side.
“No,” she replied. “It wasn’t even a se’nnight after our marriage when his heart failed him. I’m sure he hadn’t yet thought of changing any of the details of his will.”
Silence fell for a few moments, and she looked down at her folded hands. How calmly she could say that now. And yet it was so soon after his passing.
“If I may be forgiven a personal question, Ma’am,” Daniel spoke gently. “Was his Lordship a kind husband?”
Adalyn swallowed. How should that best be answered? It was not in her nature to lie, but she’d also learned at an early age to keep her own counsel. She raised her head and met his warm gaze.
“Since he is the only husband I’ve had, I cannot really compare him to others,” she said, a slight smile curving her lips. “But to be honest, Daniel, I do not believe his behaviour would qualify him for that description.” She sighed. “And I have the bruises to prove it.”
The words were out before she realised it, and Daniel knelt beside her chair the next instant, leaping from his seat in a move so fast she barely registered it.
Reaching for her hands, he clasped them in his. “He hit you?”
The emotions in his eyes caught her attention. As if anger and pain were warring each other behind those amber whiskey colours.
“I should not have mentioned it,” she whispered. “Please. That must remain a private matter between me and my late husband.”
His grip tightened as he separated her hands, raising the back of one to his lips. “You can rely upon my discretion, dear lady.” He pressed a kiss to her skin, then turned her hand over and pressed another to her wrist.
A tiny shiver danced over her flesh, tripping down her spine and warming places low in her body. She fought the urge to reach out with her free hand and run it through the thick black hair that showed an inclination to curl around his neck and face. It was cut short, probably to curtail that tendency to cherubic locks.
To her surprise, he rubbed his cheek against her hand, then rose. “I cannot countenance violence against women, my Lady. There are reasons why, and they will never lessen. I ask your forgiveness if I was too forward, but my emotions were aroused.”
“Not at all, Daniel.” She closed her eyes for a moment or two, gathering her muddled thoughts. “Your attentions were most comforting. And in truth, I have not been used to receiving such courtesies, either during my brief tenure as Lady Wilkerson, or before, as plain Adalyn Chichester.”
He smiled then, and it was as if the sun had come out right there in the study.
“You will receive many courtesies from now on, my Lady. Rest assured of that.”
She couldn’t help but return his smile. “I will look forward to each and every one.” She straightened. “But now, can you tell me more about this inheritance I have fortunately tumbled into?”
He nodded, and over the next hour he told her of the grounds, the working farms, and their place in the county as far as wool and livestock were concerned.
He also explained the scattering of small cottages not far away, which housed families who had also been in trouble for various reasons. Now many of them worked at the Manor, but did not live there.
She confessed her utter ignorance about such things, but since he promised to explain the details of the land and the estate ledgers to her at her earliest opportunity, they agreed to approach important matters slowly. There was plenty of time for her to absorb all she needed to know.
Adalyn learned she had a modest personal allowance, for gowns, and other items essential to a lady of the manor.
There were funds for the stables, and if she budgeted carefully, she might manage a holiday or a trip or two into London if she wanted.
At this t
ime, she most definitely did not.
As to the house itself, there was one overriding question that trembled on Adalyn’s lips.
“Daniel, I must ask about the staff here at Wolfbridge. You are all wonderful, efficient and clearly devoted to the estate. But I do find myself wondering why there appear to be no women?”
He cleared his throat, and opened his mouth only to shut it as another voice spoke.
“My Lady, forgive the intrusion.” Giles nodded at her. “Daniel, perhaps this is an opportune moment for me to interrupt?”
Giles had entered with another man in tow, a tall and incredibly handsome young man in buckskins, boots and a dashing vest.
She recognised him immediately.
He bowed low, and then straightened, flashing a smile at Adalyn that could only be described as wickedly enticing. His green eyes glittered with mischief, full lips parted to reveal white teeth and his skin was lightly tanned.
“My Lady, permit me to introduce you to Trick. Your Master of the Horse.”
Dear Diary,
Oh my goodness, what a momentous day. It appears I now own not just a lovely house and estate, but one occupied by five of the handsomest men I could ever wish for.
Had I assumed that Giles and Jeremy were the epitome of masculine appeal, Evan’s arrival at breakfast would have persuaded me I was incorrect.
To then be presented with Daniel of the gentle eyes, and promptly thereafter to meet Trick…
I have never swooned in my life, but I confess to you, dear Diary, that today I came quite close to experiencing such a thing.
All these gentlemen seem so willing to answer my questions, to anticipate my every need and to treat me with such warm respect. I am overwhelmed at the thought of it, and yet it is so very pleasant to walk anywhere and know I will not have to avoid a beating for some transgression I was not aware of.
I believe life here at Wolfbridge Manor will help me understand that my childhood was not one of parental guidance and affection, a truth I dared not accept until now. It was one of servitude, interspersed with governesses and books. I remember those interludes with pleasure, since books offered an escape from my childhood. But all too often those governesses had a very short tenure.
The subject arose when Giles and Trick arrived in the parlour just after my unwise revelation to Daniel.
He had hidden his distress upon learning of my husband’s treatment, but slipped when speaking with Giles and briefly mentioned it.
I will admit to cringing in embarrassment, but the consequent discussion and their behavior toward me was both comforting and gratifying. For the first time I found myself speaking honestly of things I’d kept locked away for too long.
Giles cleverly led me to make my own decisions about how to view my parents, reminding me that just because they were my parents, I am under no obligation to view their behaviour as exemplary. Upon some reflection, I have decided he is correct.
A child should not be beaten for missing a spot on the floor. A child should not be scrubbing that floor. Asking questions should not be a punishable offense. All these things I experienced as a child, along with so many more, are wrong.
And admitting this truth to myself has helped lift a burden I never even knew I carried. It seems that Wolfbridge is going to offer not only a home, but a new way of thinking about things, most especially my life.
Trick—a delightful nickname he insists he earned during his years with the circus—was vociferous in his condemnation of my upbringing. He’s promised to find me a horse of my own and to give me lessons in riding. He is charming, somewhat wicked, very handsome and the perfect addition to my growing cadre of gentlemen attendants. I believe he may be Welsh, since I can detect a very slight brogue every now and again.
His hands…calloused from working with his charges, but with long graceful fingers. When he left, he kissed my hand. And his lips lingered, much as Daniel’s did. I do believe I may be becoming a wanton, for such attentions are giving me an inordinate amount of delight.
But I find myself wondering who, if anyone, will care? Why is it a sin to find the touch of a man’s lips on one’s hand delightful after never having experienced such a salute? Until I find and answer to that question, I believe I shall continue to relish such affectionate touches.
In the next few weeks, I shall conscript my gentlemen to assist me in learning how to run Wolfbridge to the best advantage. I would like to leave a mark here on this place, so that those who come after me, unfortunate ladies who find themselves in similar positions to myself, will be as excited as I am to discover this sanctuary.
For it is indeed a sanctuary, not just in the physical sense, but in the metaphorical sense as well. I wake refreshed and excited for the day ahead.
Already I find my life and my perspectives changing.
So now I am determined my next line of inquiry will be as to the histories and circumstances surrounding my five personal supporters.
Why are they here? Why are they so devoted to my welfare?
Are any of them married?
That last question slipped out, dear Diary, and I am quite horrified that it did so. But being the widow of a brute doesn’t negate my responses to pleasurable stimuli. I know their marital status should be of no interest at all to me.
But each and every one seems to be focused solely on me. And I cannot begin to describe how very…arousing that is.
Chapter Four
Adalyn found her life settling into a pleasant routine as her first weeks passed at Wolfbridge.
Upon awakening, she would tend to her needs, then dress in the clothing that had begun to appear in her wardrobe. Giles had been busy, she knew, and several times wagons had arrived at the Manor, only to be driven around to the servants’ entrance, thus denying her the chance to find out what was being delivered.
Breakfast was a delight, since she’d insisted that at least one of the men—she was coming to think of them as her gentlemen—join her at the table. Her protestations about how lonely it was to be the single occupant had brought Daniel at first, under the pretext of discussing estate business.
Then Trick arrived the next morning, wishing to speak to her about the stables.
And so, before the end of the week, she could rely on having at least two of her gentleman sharing breakfast.
Sundays, however, were reserved for Giles.
Again, it had been persistence that paid off.
“I would not ask it of you, Giles, but I’m sure the others might like a quiet Sunday. Church perhaps, or a bit of a rest. I cannot say I’m ready to attend church myself yet, so until I do, I would appreciate the company. It would mean a lot to me…”
Giles had surrendered without too much ado. “You present an invitation I see I cannot refuse, my Lady.” He bowed. “Very well. I will join you on Sunday morning. I will add that we have a pew of our own at our local church—when you feel the time is right.”
She smiled, and left, a little skip in her step. How lovely to be able to ask for a favour and have it granted without argument.
She had begun to notice several maids working around the house, cleaning, dusting and freshening her chambers.
She’d nodded, quietly thanked them when the occasion warranted it, and determined to talk to Giles about them.
“A moment of your time, Giles?” She spied him at the far end of the upstairs corridor.
“Of course, Ma’am. I will join you in the Rose room in a few moments?”
Since he had his hands full with a rather large piece of decorative porcelain, Adalyn nodded and made her way downstairs. Glancing up from the bottom, she saw the massive urn catching the light coming from within the bedrooms surrounding that portion of the corridor.
“Lovely, Giles. A perfect spot.”
“I’m glad you think so, Ma’am. Now,” he reached her side. “How may I be of assistance?”
She led the way into the Rose room and turned to face him from in front of the desk. “I am
wondering about the maids I see now and again.” She leaned back against the sturdy piece and folded her arms beneath her breasts.
“Yes?” Giles raised a polite eyebrow.
“The ones doing the cleaning? Laundry as well, probably.”
“I am familiar with their duties, Ma’am.”
“Well then. Who are they? Why don’t they live here at the Manor? Where do they live?”
“They are residents of the cottages on the far side of the stables, my Lady.”
Adalyn thought for a moment. “I believe I’ve seen them…”
“You’ve been busy settling in,” remarked Giles. “But yes, I think a tour of the estate might be in order soon.”
“Oh, I would like that.” She glanced out of the window to see a brisk breeze with some sunlight. “Would today be possible?”
“I don’t see why not. Daniel would be your best choice for a companion, since he’s very knowledgeable about the land, the tenants and so on.”
“So the maids are my tenants?” She pursued the question uppermost on her mind.
He nodded. “Yes. From time to time we are notified of families who need some kind of assistance, for various reasons. Those cottages are reserved specifically for such cases, with the understanding that the residents will work for Wolfbridge Manor. In return, they are not assessed any rent and are allotted a share of the crops and livestock. It has turned out to be an admirable arrangement; over the past years we’ve had skilled workers, maids and several excellent seamstresses.”
“Daniel did mention some of this. How many cottages are occupied at the moment?”
“I believe ten out of the dozen available, but I will have to ask him for the actual figures.”
Adalyn nodded. “I see I have much to learn, Giles. And instead of lazing away the days with books, which I confess has been a wonderful interlude, I should be finding my way around Wolfbridge and meeting more of the residents.”
“That would indeed be meritorious, my Lady. And yes, you are correct. Today would be a good day to begin your life as the true mistress of Wolfbridge Manor.”