Chapter Eight
Standing in the front courtyard of the last tenant for the day, Darius watched in amazement as his new wife explained to Mrs. Gerey how to mix a lotion for her chapped hands.
When Dinah had met his tenants, she’d smiled politely and nodded, adding little to the conversation.
But Eleanor engaged them completely, even touching them upon the arm once and again, no matter their age or gender.
And it appeared that every person genuinely liked his new wife.
He had tried to keep their conversations quite formal, but with her it was rather difficult.
His formality was his shield, a way to stay in control and meet his responsibilities to his family, friends, and tenants.
However, his new wife was anything but formal.
Nothing about her was subtle, and she continually surprised him.
In fact, in her deep-blue spencer and bonnet to match, with just a hint of her red hair wisping about her face, she was looking particularly pretty.
So much so that, like his tenants, he found himself looking forward to the next time she turned her attention on him.
“Lord Ferncroft?”
Bringing his attention back to Mr. Gerey, he tried to remember what they’d been speaking about.
The man, not ten years older than him, gave him a sly smile. “Taken with the new missus, are ye?”
Darius would hardly say he was taken with her. “I am pleased to have a wife again.”
The man looked over at his own wife. “They do lessen the burden of living, don’t they?”
Studying the man who’d been married a good thirty years and had four grown sons and two daughters to prove it, Darius could see he was still fond of his wife.
The woman was twice his size in girth, and while he remained fairly still, his wife’s hands never stopped moving as she spoke earnestly to Lady Ferncroft.
They appeared an unlikely pair, but perhaps when they had first met, they were more in accord.
However, Mr. Gerey was correct—having a wife did lessen the burden of living. Darius already felt a certain amount of relief over Eleanor’s care of his children, and in particular Peter’s illness. “They do, indeed, Mr. Gerey.”
Eleanor and Mrs. Gerey approached, the older woman still talking.
The woman addressed her husband on seeing his attention on her. “Samuel, Hawthorne Park is going to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day this year. Is that not wonderful news?”
The man looked to Darius for confirmation, and he nodded.
“Well, how about that? It is a welcome change after last year’s troubles.”
Though Mr. Gerey didn’t elaborate, Darius knew the man thought more of the poor crops due to the Year Without a Summer the year before, and less about the lack of Christmastide celebrations at Hawthorne Park.
Eleanor clasped her hands together. “I’m so pleased you both are quite as excited as I am.
I have always loved this time of the year, where everyone is appreciated for their part in the year’s toils.
After all, our labors deserve celebration and merriment.
” Her cheeks were rosy from the cold, which just made the sparkle in her eyes appear that much brighter.
At her pronouncement, Mrs. Gerey turned to Darius. “My lord, I am so happy for you. Thank you for gracing us with such a treasure as my lady.”
“Mrs. Gerey, it is my pleasure.”
“So it is,” Mr. Gerey nudged his wife.
She batted her husband’s shoulder. “Now you behave before his lordship, Samuel. We don’t want him thinking poorly of us.”
Eleanor, whose rosy cheeks were now full of red from a blush and not simply the cold, shook her head. “I could never think poorly of such wonderful tenants. Do let me know when your granddaughter is born, and what name your son decides upon.”
“Oh, I will, my lady.”
Darius held his arm out to his wife. “I believe we should return to the house, as the hour grows late.”
She took his arm with poise. “Indeed it does.”
With well wishes, they parted from the Gereys only to encounter a lone horseman riding up to the gate. Darius recognized him immediately, and wished they’d departed just a few minutes earlier.
“My lord.”
“Archer.” He tried to keep his voice neutral but, from the glance his wife sent him, hadn’t succeeded.
His gamekeeper jumped down from his horse and bowed to Lady Ferncroft. “My lady. I am Thomas Archer, head gamekeeper. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Oh, what a pleasant surprise. I met your wife on my first day here.”
“Yes, my lady. And she’s been singing your praises ever since. I must sleep during the day to best patrol the estate at night and keep it safe from poachers. That is why we did not meet that day. I do apologize.”
She turned to Darius. “So that is why you said it was safe for me to walk about at night.”
Archer’s bushy gray brows rose. “My lady, do you walk in the dark?”
“Only a bit. I walk with my telescope so I can view the stars. Full-moon nights are my least favorite, but when there is no moon, the stars can be absolutely breathtaking. Have you ever noticed?”
“Indeed I have. I often get my bearings in the wood based upon Orion.” Archer smiled kindly as if talking to his daughter.
“You don’t use the North Star?”
The man shook his head. “Orion is the easiest to spot. He’s a hunter, after all.” Archer winked.
Not excited to have the one man who knew of his sanctuary becoming friendly with his wife, Darius interrupted any further conversation. “We were just heading back to the house. Did you have anything you wished to report?”
Archer shook his head. “My sole purpose for being out and about so early was to make the acquaintance of my lady. I shall wish you both a pleasant evening, then.”
“It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. Archer. I am grateful to you for keeping our game safe.”
Archer gave a short nod and a warm smile before mounting up and galloping back the way he’d come.
Eleanor watched him leave. “What a lovely man. To have a gamekeeper who knows about the stars is quite a surprise.”
“Yes, well, Archer has been with Hawthorne Park since long before I arrived. I believe it is his years that have given him much wisdom. Shall we continue home?”
She turned back to him. “Yes, of course.”
He helped her into the relative warmth of the coach.
Immediately, she pulled the blanket over her legs, holding up one end. “Would you like to share?”
He hesitated, about to refuse, since it was hardly something he did. However, he did wish to bed her in the evening, and they’d spent so much time with others, it could be to his advantage. “Thank you.” He stepped into the coach and sat beside her, accepting the blanket she offered.
“I have to say, Darius, you have very pleasing tenants, and all of them were so welcoming. I truly was not sure what to expect.”
“They are quite happy to have a lady of the house again.”
“I also believe they are as excited as I am about the season. When I spoke to Mrs. Hurlock at our first stop, she said Hawthorne Park has never celebrated Christmastide. Perhaps I should limit my plans, so as not to cause too much change at once.”
That she thought of those dependent on them was refreshing. “No. Do as you wish. It is best that everyone experiences how life will continue from now on.”
Her face lit with undisguised joy. “Lovely.” She placed her gloved hand on his arm as it lay on his lap. “I can assure you that organizing the Christmas traditions is the one skill my mother said I excelled at. She even allowed me to do it all. So you will not be disappointed.”
Surprised by her statement, especially because Maggie loved her already and she’d made Peter feel better, he turned to view her face. “Only one skill?”
She didn’t look at him. “Oh, I have many. I’m just not as proficient at them as others, or rather, than I am at celebrating the season.” She finally faced him. “But I promise a Christmastide you will always remember.” She cocked her head as she smirked. “At least until next year.”
Her absolute joy was palpable, and it seeped into his chest, despite his defenses, lighting up the buried darkness inside for a moment.
It was irresistible. He leaned in to kiss her cheek, but she turned her head and his lips brushed her bonnet instead.
He straightened, a bit taken aback at how awkward he felt. He was never awkward.
“I have already written to my classmate Sophie and invited her to visit after St. Nicholas Day. I’m quite excited to have the Christmastide visiting season starting soon.
” She turned her head back toward him, her face now devoid of happiness, her brows lowered.
“Why has there been no Christmastide celebrations at Hawthorne Park? Was your wife a Quaker?”
Her question was such a surprise that he snorted before recalling himself. “Hardly. She was a devout Anglican.”
“Then why did she not—Oh, was it beyond her abilities? I can understand that, as it has been pointed out that many tasks are beyond mine. Perhaps she just needed encouragement?”
As much as he didn’t wish to have this particular conversation, it would come out eventually, so it was best that he explain as much as he could.
“No, she was quite skilled at everything and was the epitome of a woman with all the social graces. The perfect bride, so I had expected. Unfortunately, I failed to account for emotions, particularly anger and vengeance. A—”
“What? Your wife was angry at you and that’s why there were no festivities?”
He gave a short nod. “It is a bit more complicated than that, but yes. When she learned more about what her life would be like with me, she was furious. She felt betrayed.” He held up his hand, as Eleanor was about to interrupt again. “Allow me to finish my explanation?”
She closed her mouth tightly and nodded.