Chapter 2 #2
“I am delighted you accepted my invitation.” Hendrie looked back, a sad smile on his face.
“I hope you will not find yourself growing too bored. We have none of the glitter or the gaiety of Town entertainments here in the country. And the only company I can offer you is that of two spoiled hounds and a rather dull old man.”
And ghosts. Rafael stared up at the two portraits hanging above the side table.
He had never met his English grandparents, but he saw much of his father in the late earl and countess.
The curve of the lips, the shape of a chin, that angle of a brow, and yet, no artist, however skilled, could capture the sound of laughter, the wink of an eye.
No wonder his uncle looked so pale and drawn. Living with only paint and canvas for company was no substitute for flesh and blood family. Despite his own pain, he was glad he had come.
“Peace and quiet is just what I desire, sir. The moors and meadows of Hendrie Hall offer ample opportunity to partake of the fresh air and exercise prescribed by the doctors. And I recall that you have a splendid library.”
“Ah, yes, that is right. You are a scholar as well as a soldier.” The earl drew in a long breath. “Jack did not care much for books. I am so pleased that the Hendrie collection will afford some measure of enjoyment to a member of the family.”
“I look forward to spending many hours exploring its treasures.”
“It gives me some measure of solace to know that it will go to you, who appreciates it.” The earl’s expression brightened.
“First, I ought to reacquaint you with the labyrinth layout of the manor. I have put you in the rooms overlooking the Orangerie.” As the footmen passed by with the luggage from the traveling coach, his smile stretched a touch wider.
“I recognize that distinctive design of scrolled silver and polished ebony. Dona Maria was a remarkable lady. No one could match her sense of style.”
“Or flair for the fantastical,” said Rafael dryly. “At times it drove Father to distraction.”
“A unique character, to be sure,” chuckled Hendrie. “You must remind me to tell you of the time she insisted on cooking a Christmas dinner here at the Hall, a feast that included goose sauced with all manner of exotic ingredients—including chocolate.”
“Her famous Mexican mole,” Rafael said.
“Whatever its name, it caused the French cook to quit in a huff. No great loss, I must add, as we were all growing tired of overcooked roast beef.” His uncle watched the last wink of silver disappear around a bend in the stairway.
“If Dona Maria had been English, she would have been called an Original.”
“In any language, she was always described as a lady of bold imagination.”
“I am glad to see you have some tangible reminder of her to carry with you.”
“Her papers survived,” explained Rafael. “It may be only a fanciful notion, but I have been thinking about editing her research and recipes on chocolate into a book.”
“What a splendid idea!” exclaimed his uncle.
“There are a number of volumes on botany in the library that may prove useful, as well as some histories on the early explorations of the New World.” Warming to the subject, he added, “And Lord Silliman, head of the Royal Botanical Society, is an old friend. I am sure he could offer excellent advice on a publisher.”
“I have only begun to sort through her notes, but the possibilities seem intriguing.”
“Indeed, indeed. Is there anything else you might need for the project?”
Rafael thought for a moment. “Perhaps a place outdoors where I might sit for several hours when the weather is favorable. I have spent too much time confined in places where the sun could not shine and . . .” He let his voice trail off.
“I know just the spot.” Like a breeze rustling through autumn leaves, Hendrie’s reply had a faint crackle to it.
Rafael worried that perhaps he had stirred up painful memories, but the earl went on with unmistakable enthusiasm.
“There is a folly by the lake, a rather overwrought interpretation of Greek architecture, but its marble roof and fluted columns afford excellent protection from the elements. When he was a child, Jack used it as a boathouse for his pond yachts, and there are still several comfortable benches and a large stone slab at one end of the terrace that serves as a table.”
“It sounds ideal.”
“The views out over the moors are lovely, especially at sunset. And if you wish to walk, you will find a number of trails through the surrounding forests and fields. Other than the occasional hare or hawk, you are not likely to encounter any intrusion on your solitude.”
“That suits me just fine, sir. I assure you, I am not looking for amusements.” As for a more meaningful search? Rafael was not even sure he could put into words what he was after.