Chapter 1 #2
“And what are they demanding that you do?” asked James. Cecilia heard her husband’s low, hunter voice.
“Nothing!” Gideon’s voice rose. He ran a hand through his blond curls. “So far, nothing, unless one of their notes has gone astray.”
Cecilia raised her hand to unconsciously rub her fingers against her aching forehead. “Who knows of these happenings?” she asked.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw James frown at her, concern for her in his deep brown eyes. She lowered her hand to her lap.
“I can tell there is much we need to learn,” James broke in before his cousin could answer. “Cecilia and I are too exhausted this afternoon from our travels to give the details the proper attention they obviously warrant.”
With chagrin, Cecilia realized he’d cut his cousin off out of concern for her. Perhaps it was for the best, given how her head continued to ache.
“My apologies!” Gideon said. “I should have realized you would be tired. I have been so anxious for your arrival…” He pushed up from his chair and rang the bell by the mantel.
James stood. “I understand, particularly considering this most recent event. However, I suggest Cecilia and I have a light supper in our rooms and join you at breakfast tomorrow. We can begin then with rested minds to listen and discuss how we might help you.”
The door to the library opened. “My Lord?”
“Jeffrey, please call Mrs. Duggleston to show the Branstokes to their rooms,” Gideon told the young man who stood at the door.
“I’ve been waiting to do so,” said a stout older woman, pushing past the footman. The heavy chatelaine at her waist marked her as someone of consequence. Cecilia had no doubt the woman ruled this household. “Traveling is hard on a body, as I know only too well,” the woman added.
“Sir James, Lady Branstoke, this is my housekeeper, Mrs. Duggleston. We all should be quite lost without her. She shall see to whatever you require.”
She dipped a curtsy, then briskly continued, “And don’t you be hesitating to ask. And looking at you, my lady, you be looking a mite peaked. I see you could be needing some ginger tea and something for a headache as well?” she ventured.
Cecilia gave her a wan smile. “I do indeed, Mrs. Duggleston.”
“Come with me then and I’ll set you up right and tight.” When she passed the earl, she patted his shoulder as only an old and favored retainer might. “Rein your horses in, my lord. All will be well now that reinforcements are here.”
Cecilia woke slowly to a dark gray light in the curtained bed space.
She cataloged her sensations. The night’s blessed sleep vanquished the sick headache she’d endured for days.
And, delightfully, her insides gurgled with hunger instead of sickness.
She then stretched and discovered two things: her body felt stiff from long days of inactivity, and James’ side of the bed was cold.
Confound the man! He was up and about before she was. What time was it?
She opened the curtains and scrambled out of bed.
Heavy drapes covered the windows, leaving the room nearly as dark as the bed had been.
A small glow of light shone at the top of the drapes where they met the cornices, hinting at the day beyond.
Cecilia pushed the heavy drapes open and then quickly turned her head to the side, squeezing her eyes shut against the brilliance of the morning sun.
She turned from the too-bright sun to look around the room.
She spied her wrapper flung across the back of an armchair near the fireplace.
She put it on and rang the servants’ bell.
The ormolu clock on the mantel showed the time as 8:50!
The last time she rose so late was when they were in London.
Not an auspicious time to start a new investigation.
When she bade the person who knocked on the door to enter, she felt relief to see it was Sarah, her maid.
“Morning, my lady. I’ve brought you a light breakfast and a special tea at Mrs. Duggleston’s insistence,” Sarah said. She carried the tray over to a small table near the window.
“How are you feeling this morning, Sarah?” Cecilia asked, following her.
“Quite well, ma’am, I’m surprised to say,” she said as she removed the covers from a bowl of porridge and toast.
Cecilia screwed up her nose at the sight of the porridge.
“I told Mrs. Duggleston you would not be liking the porridge, but she insisted it is what your stomach needs right now. Made me eat the same. It’s better with a touch of honey,” she advised, moving the honey pot closer to her bowl.
Cecilia sighed. “I suppose that’s true. And I’m of the opinion no one goes against Mrs. Duggleston in this household.”
Sarah laughed. “That’s a truth from what I’ve seen.”
“Do you know where my husband is, by chance?”
Sarah nodded. “He went off riding with the earl this morning. He said to tell you they would only be going to look at the spot where the earl’s horse went down last week.”
“You know we are here as there is mischief afoot that troubles the earl.”
“Yes, there’s whispers about it in the servant’s hall.”
“Keep your eyes and ears open, but no gossiping.”
“Yes, my lady. I’ll have my eyes wide open and be full of: ‘Really? You don’t say, what else?’, and anything else to draw more tales to me.”
Cecilia laughed. “Precisely. Now, can you fetch me a walking dress with my sturdy half boots? The dark green dress, I think. It should hide any grass stains gained from tromping over the estate.”
Sarah went into the adjoining dressing room.
“Has my husband given any specific instructions to his valet for the day,” Cecilia called out to her as she traded her nightgown for her daytime undergarments.
“Not that William has said,” Sarah replied, walking back into the bedroom with the required items. “But I seen him laughing and rubbing elbows with other menservants, so I suppose he got orders same as me.”
“I should say so, since that is not William’s manner,” Cecilia observed, thinking about William’s typical reserve. “You and William are our advance guards.”
Sarah giggled. “And it is fun.”
Cecilia frowned, concerned for her lady’s maid. “Fun could get you in trouble. What has happened to the earl is not a joke.”
Sarah instantly sobered and got busy preparing to lift the dress over Cecilia’s head. “Beg pardon, my lady. I know. I just enjoy helping.”
Cecilia nodded, keeping her expression severe to stress to Sarah how serious she was about being careful and avoiding trouble. “Hurry now. I want to be downstairs when the men return.”