Chapter 18 #2
Her smile told him everything he needed to know. 'I'd be honoured to do so, am delighted that you trust me to be in charge of your household and your family. Do you wish me to appoint the tutor and the governess as well as the dressers that we need?'
'Yes, I know that you're more than capable of running this establishment. I expect there to be huge vases of flowers on every available surface by the time I return.'
Her eyes widened for a second then she curtsied. 'Yes, my lord, I shall see to it immediately.'
She stepped willingly into his arms and he kissed her, loving the way she responded to him so enthusiastically.
'I love you, Sofia Brotherton, and my first task is to make sure the banns are called this Sunday in our church.'
*
Sofia was unfamiliar with pulling a bell strap to summon a servant but realised life was going to be different now and the sooner she adjusted to her new circumstances the better.
She could see Billy, the young footman she'd met the first day she was here and beckoned him over.
He dashed off to fetch the housekeeper and Sofia wasn't sure if she should be seated to talk or remain on her feet.
The etiquette of these things was a mystery to her – not something Aunt Jemima had thought to explain.
She was still dithering when Turnbull arrived. 'Thank you for coming so promptly, Turnbull. Join me at the table as we've several things we must discuss.'
Sofia quickly updated the housekeeper and Turnbull listened carefully, occasionally making notes.
'I've already appointed four new upstairs maids; there are three women waiting for you to interview them in the hope that they might be appointed as a personal maid.
I thought that his lordship would wish to interview the tutor as he's also here.
' She hesitated, her cheeks coloured, and then she continued.
'My niece would like to be considered as nursemaid-governess for little Miss Upminster.
I didn't advertise that job as I'm hoping my recommendation will be sufficient for you to appoint her. '
'Eloise needs to be in the nursery. Will you have that prepared immediately? There must also be an under nursemaid to assist your niece if I appoint her.'
'I took the liberty of having things set in motion today, ma'am. I know exactly the right girl to work up there. I appointed two additional girls from the village in the expectation that they would be needed eventually.'
Sofia nodded; Turnbull was proving to be an excellent choice. 'If you believe that Eloise will like her then the job is your niece's. I don't need to interview her, I rely on your judgement.'
'Thank you, ma'am, Beth won't let you down. Will you see the others here?'
'Yes, I'll see them now. By the by, what about the position of butler? Has anything been done about him?'
The woman nodded. 'Yes, ma'am, Mr Black took over as butler here this morning. He was known to his lordship. I believe he was butler at the house in Bath and he sent for him.'
'Good, very satisfactory. I wish to ask you something and you must answer honestly. Are the staff that Lady Upminster brought with her going to fit in here?'
'If you're asking about their loyalty to her ladyship then that could be a problem. She comes first with them, that said, ma'am, so far Cook and the new men are working diligently and I've no complaints.'
An hour later the interviews were completed and the vacancies in the household had been filled to her satisfaction.
Mary, the girl she'd brought from the Sinclair's house would remain as maid to Annabel and Lucille.
Colette now had Jesse to dress her, and she'd chosen the slightly older candidate.
Sally had the most experience and Sofia thought that she was going to need every bit of it as the new Countess of Avon.
The most important appointment had been that of Turnbull's niece, Beth Thomas, who would be known as Miss Thomas as she was to be considered a governess rather than a nursemaid. The new nursery maid was upstairs transferring the child's belongings from Charlotte's rooms.
The four new appointments had been delighted to be starting immediately. It was obvious that Eloise had immediately taken to Miss Thomas as the two of them had just exited through the front door the little girl holding her new governess's hand and chattering away happily.
The tutor, one Mr Tobias Lane, was a young man just out of Oxford eager to make his way in the world.
He was the third son of a local squire, had a very small annuity, was well educated and eager to begin his career at Avon Court.
She'd sent him off to the stables to find the boys he was going to be teaching.
Sofia thought that perhaps she should have discussed this evening's menu with the housekeeper, but she was sure whatever was served would be excellent and exactly what James preferred to eat.
He'd not returned to her and she was becoming concerned about his prolonged absence. It wasn't her business to check up on him, even when they were married he'd no obligation to inform her of his whereabouts. Gentlemen, however, must always be told what the women in their household were doing.
Would she be intruding if she went to his study? He hadn't told her she couldn't go there, had just said that they would be better somewhere they might be interrupted. A flood of heat enveloped her. Just thinking about what would take place in the marital bed made her knees weak.
She was halfway across the vast space of black and white tiles when he emerged from the passageway that led to his study. In three strides he was beside her.
'I was coming to find you, sweetheart, were you on a similar errand?'
'I was indeed, James. I must apologise for the lack of flowers, but I promise to do better in future.'
He looked at her for a second as if she was speaking in tongues then he grinned.
'I'd forgotten that nonsense. I do like flowers in the house, darling girl, so please feel free to get the gardeners to pick some.
You don't have to arrange them if you don't want to, I'm sure there's someone can do that for you. '
'Why are we talking about flowers? I know it's not my concern, that I've no right to ask you, but where have you been these past two hours? I'll tell you what I've accomplished in your absence.' She began to count off these things on her fingers.
'I've interviewed all the candidates for the positions we advertised and appointed them and at this very moment they're settling into their new positions.
The new tutor, Mr Lane, has gone in search of the boys and Eloise is somewhere outside with Miss Thomas who will be taking care of her in future.
Finally, you'll be pleased to know that your niece will in future be residing in the nursery with two loving attendants to take care of her. '
'But sadly, the flowers I asked for are still not here.'
Without thinking she punched him quite hard on his arm and his reaction was so swift he trapped her hand before she could remove it. She now recognised that darkness in his eyes and thrilled at the thought of what it meant.
'I really can't go for another swim, I'm far too busy, would you care to come to my salon? I think yours is not suitable for what I have in mind.'
'I certainly won't, my lord, what a disgraceful suggestion.' She pursed her lips and tried to look disapproving and failed miserably.
His fingers were stroking her knuckles and her resistance was weakening. 'What if I told you the first calling of our banns will be this Sunday, that we will be wed in less than three weeks? Does that make you reconsider your refusal?'