Chapter 5
Lady Clifford held her six-month-old daughter, Jane, as the carriage jounced over the roads on the way to London to visit her parents, Lord and Lady Devon.
On the opposite seat, her husband, Sir Samuel, held the other twin, who was sound asleep in his father’s arms. James was the calmer of the two babies, always smiling and cooing, while Jane was the more restless child.
Kathryn and Sam had been utterly surprised when she gave birth to twins, as there was no history of twins in either family.
The last year had been a huge adjustment for her family.
Halfway through her pregnancy, Sam had been notified that his brother had been thrown from his horse during a hunt and was badly injured.
Unfortunately, he died a day later. It was a great shock to Sam, especially since his brother, Michael, wasn’t yet thirty years old.
No one had expected that glorious summer day of the hunt would end so tragically.
Sam and Michael hadn’t been close, but it had been a tremendous shock nonetheless.
She’d never forget that horrible day they received the tragic news.
Sam had rushed to his brother’s side when news of the accident reached him.
“I’ll come with you, darling,” Kathryn said. “Give me a moment to get ready.”
Sam took his wife’s hands in his. “Kathryn, the trip will be quick. I don’t want to put you or our child in danger.”
She’d reluctantly agreed, and it was a stressful four days before Sam returned. The look on her husband’s face told her the news wasn’t good. She pulled him into an embrace. “I’m so very sorry.”
After returning her embrace, he stepped back. “I am too, but there wasn’t anything the doctor could do to save Michael. He was buried in the family plot, and then I rushed back here. That’s why I was gone for so long.
“What happens now?
“I’m afraid we’ll be leaving our delightful little cottage and relocating to Faulkner Manor.”
As much as Kathryn hated to leave their cottage on the Dandridge estate, she knew it was necessary, as Sam had inherited the Faulkner baronetcy and estate, since his brother had not yet married and sired a son.
With a tearful goodbye to her dearest friend, Audrey, they set out to settle into their new home.
“I shall miss you dreadfully,” Audrey said.
“And I you. Luckily, Faulkner Manor is only a few hours away, so we’ll be able to visit often.”
“That gives me comfort. I shall visit soon. Send a note when you’re settled,” Audrey said, giving her a hug.
It didn’t take long to reach Sam’s childhood home, Faulkner Manor.
The stonework on the three-story dwelling was impressive, and Sam’s father had always made sure to keep up with any repairs that were needed.
The manor boasted five bedrooms, a drawing room for entertaining, and a family parlor on the second level with the bedchambers.
The kitchen below stairs was large and bright, and Mrs. Greene, who’d been there since Sam could remember, was an amazing cook.
The butler, Travers, a footman, and two maids rounded out the staff.
The estate was profitable in part due to the ten families that either farmed the land or raised sheep.
As they settled into their new life, one of Kathryn’s most enjoyable tasks was getting to know the tenants and checking in on them.
She learned during her visits that Michael had never once visited the tenants, so when she began to come around, they were surprised and delighted by her interest in their lives.
Though Michael’s death at such a young age was tragic, she knew Sam would take better care of the estate than his brother ever would have.
Sam was now Sir Samuel.
“We should be there within the hour,” Sam said, interrupting her thoughts as the carriage made its way into London’s outskirts.
“I’m glad. Jane is becoming quite restless, and I don’t want her to wake up James.”
“Lady Clifford, shall I take Jane for a bit?” her lady’s maid asked.
The young woman had been so quiet that Kathryn had thought she was sleeping, but evidently not.
Sam had been the one to insist she hire a lady’s maid when he inherited the title.
She’d resisted at first, saying it wasn’t necessary, but Sam had been firm.
In truth, Lillian was a godsend. She was an excellent maid and had been a great comfort to Kathryn during her long labor.
Once the children were born, she’d volunteered to help care for them and was very good with the babies.
When they returned to Faulkner Manor after their London visit, Kathryn planned on hiring a nanny.
It wasn’t Lillian’s responsibility to care for the children, even though the young woman had insisted on helping on numerous occasions. Kathryn didn’t want to overburden her.
She handed Jane to Lillian, and the infant began to settle. “You have the magic touch, Lillian.”
“I love the babies, Lady Clifford.”
“I know you do, but when we return, I’ll be hiring a nanny. I would never want to overtax you.”
“That’s very considerate, my lady. Until you find someone, I’m happy to help with whatever you need.”
“Thank you, Lillian. That is much appreciated.”
Unfortunately, the traffic in London was more congested than ever, and it took them almost two hours to reach Devon House. By then, Jane was crying and had woken up her brother, who was also letting his parents know he was quite unhappy being cooped up in such a small space.
When the carriage finally stopped at Devon House, Jeffers was standing in the doorway with two young women Kathryn didn’t recognize.
With James in his arms, Sam got out of the carriage before helping Kathryn step down. She took James from him, and he reached into the carriage to take Jane while Lillian stepped down.
Two young women walked down the stairs to meet them. “Good day, Sir Samuel and Lady Clifford. I’m Clarice, and this is my sister Janice. We’ve been hired to take care of the children while you’re here in London.”
Kathryn breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. That would be most welcome,” she said, handing her son to Clarice while Sam handed over Jane. “The twins are both cranky after the long journey.”
“Of course. We’ll see them settled straight away.”
Kathryn turned to Lillian. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen for a nice cup of tea. It’s been a long journey. Take your time. I won’t need you for a while.”
“Thank you, my lady. I won’t stay long, and then I’ll see your things are unpacked,” Lillian said.
The women took the children inside and up the stairs to the nursery. Now that the babies were out of the confines of the carriage, their cries had subsided.
“Sir Samuel, Lady Clifford, welcome back to Devon House,” Jeffers said, holding the door wide so they could enter.
“Thank you, Jeffers. Always nice to see a familiar face,” Kathryn said. “I hope you’re well.”
He nodded. “I am, my lady. Thank you for asking. Your mother is in the drawing room.”
Before Kathryn and Sam could walk through the foyer to the drawing room, Lady Devon came rushing out to greet them. “My darling girl, you’re finally here,” she said, hugging Kathryn, then turned to Sam. “Sir Samuel, thank you for bringing my daughter and grandchildren to London.”
“The pleasure was mine, Lady Devon,” Sam said with a bow.
“Come, you both must be parched from your travels. I’ve ordered a tea tray, which should arrive shortly.”
“Thank you, Mama. A hot cup of tea sounds heavenly.”
“How was the ride?”
“For the most part, things went well,” Sam said.
“The most part?” Lady Devon asked.
“Jane was becoming fussy when we entered the outskirts of London, and before long, she’d woken up her brother,” Kathryn explained.
“I see. It’s hard on the children, but you’re here now, and I’m overjoyed to see you all again.”
It didn’t take long for the tea tray to arrive, and Kathryn poured out, handing Sam and her mother cups before preparing one for herself.
“Mama, I want to thank you for hiring the nannies. That was a most pleasant surprise.”
“Of course, dear. I thought you’d enjoy a little break from caring for them full-time.”
“Raising twins can be a little overwhelming sometimes, but I do love them so. I’ll be hiring a nanny when we return home, as I’m sure they’ll be crawling soon.”
“How delightful! I’m excited to see them later, after they’ve had a chance to rest. By the way, I’ve invited the Fletchers to dinner tomorrow evening.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m anxious to see Lady Fletcher again. I haven’t seen the baby in a few months. They grow so fast.”
“Indeed they do.”
“Will Easton be attending tomorrow evening as well?” Kathryn asked. “I’d love to see my brother again. It’s been too long.”
“I’ve informed him you’re in town, so I hope he’ll attend as well.”
“It’ll be good to see him.”
“Sir Samuel—” Lady Devon began.
“My lady, please call me Sam. When you say ‘sir,’ it makes me think my father is behind me.”
“Of course, Sam. How are things on the estate?”
That brought a smile to his face. “It’s going quite well.
I didn’t realize how much I missed being there.
My father managed the estate well, and Michael, unfortunately, didn’t live long enough to enact any plans of his own, which I think turned out to be a good thing.
He never once checked on the tenants or determined whether anything was needed.
I’m afraid all my brother cared about was the profit from the estate and not the people who worked the land. ”
“Your brother’s death was indeed a tragic accident,” Lady Devon said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I wish we’d been closer, but that never happened. Michael didn’t seem to like having a little brother around. His death was so unexpected, but it made me realize that I must embrace every day with joy. Life can change in an instant.”