24. Chapter 24
“ I cannot believe this is our last morning at Pickering Castle—for now,” Mrs. Harrington said with a sly smile to Mrs. Danby. “I’m certain I will be back many times after Ruth marries Lord Collins, that is, until he becomes the Earl of Bedford and they take over Bedford House.”
“I am still shocked about the elopement between Lord Brant and the lady’s maid ,” Mrs. Danby said in a horrified voice. “Society will be scandalized, especially when they hear that you approved, Your Grace.”
“Perhaps they will.” I smiled at our guests, who were waiting just outside the main entrance of Pickering Castle for the carriages to arrive.
They would be taken to Scarborough to catch the train, which would bring them to York and then to London.
“But it will not be long before the gossip shifts to another poor soul, and another scandal. And being here, so far removed from London society, will work to our advantage. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.”
“Perhaps all of the weddings in the near future will ease some of the gossip,” Mrs. Talmadge said as she joined our small group while the others said their goodbyes.
“Will all of you come to New York for Lord Collins and Ruth’s wedding?” Mrs. Harrington asked. “We hope it will take place next spring at Trinity Church.”
While there was a round of affirmative nods, I smiled to myself.
The baby would prevent us from traveling to New York in the spring, but it was not something polite society spoke about openly.
Eventually, I would confide in Ruth that I was going to have a baby, and she would tell Mrs. Harrington, and then give our regrets when the time came.
Thankfully, Collins and Ruth would return to England soon after the wedding and we would have a celebration here.
“And what of Alice and Lord Davis?” Mrs. Harrington asked Mrs. Talmadge. “Will they be married in New York?”
“They are planning a wedding very soon, in the fall, I believe.” Mrs. Talmadge smiled as she glanced at her niece, who was saying a heartfelt goodbye to Ruth, Martha, and Sarah.
She’d been overjoyed that we were willing to entertain her resort idea.
“I don’t believe I could have made them wait for spring, had I tried.
They want to have their wedding in London and then we will all return here to Pickering Castle to help oversee the work. ”
“Work?” Mrs. Danby asked with a frown. “What work?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Mrs. Talmadge asked. “I am going into business with the Duke and Duchess of Severton, as well as Davis and Alice. Now that all the silly rumors about the place have been put to rest, we plan to turn Pickering Castle into a tourist resort.”
I cringed as I put my hand on her arm to stop her—not because I wasn’t happy with our decision, but because, just like pregnancy, business wasn’t openly discussed in public, especially among women.
“We have much to talk about over the coming weeks before any major decisions are made. Perhaps, for now, we will focus on saying goodbye to our guests.”
Mrs. Danby and Mrs. Harrington exchanged curious glances but did not ask any more questions about the resort plans.
“And what about Martha and Everett?” Mrs. Danby asked Miss Beth Townsend.
Beth had not been very talkative during the visit, preferring books and walks and solitude.
Even now, when she spoke, her voice was quiet.
“I believe Lord Everett plans to travel to London next week to continue courting Martha. They have not chosen a wedding date, and I don’t believe they will until he’s met Mother and Father. ”
Unlike the other couples, Martha and Everett’s relationship was a bit unsteady after everything that had happened.
They needed more time to get to know each other and learn to trust one another again.
I hoped they could work things out, but, if not, I would be there to support my brother-in-law and my friend.
“And what of you and Sarah?” Mrs. Harrington asked Mrs. Danby. “Do you have any plans this fall?”
Mrs. Danby gave a knowing smile. “We will return to London for another season, but I am quite certain that Sarah will continue her acquaintance with Lord Frenway. He plans to travel to the city very soon and has already asked if he may call on her.”
I smiled, thankful that Sarah seemed happy with that turn of events.
The carriages appeared from the stables, coming around the circular drive in the castle yard as Ames stepped out to join us.
He’d been meeting with the local magistrate and chief constable, who had come to Pickering Castle to interview me about the events that had transpired yesterday, and to assure Ames that the smugglers would face the full penalty of the law.
We were trying to keep the events as quiet as we could, for as long as possible, at least until our guests had departed.
“I sent them to the kitchens to get a bite to eat,” Ames said quietly as he stood close to me, “but they would like you to speak to them as soon as possible.”
I nodded, not wanting to raise too much suspicion from our guests.
“Lily,” Ruth said as she left Collins’s side and approached to give me a hug, “thank you for this lovely visit. I cannot wait to return.”
“I cannot wait for that day, either. Write often and keep us informed of your wedding plans.”
“I will.”
Next, it was Sarah’s turn to say goodbye as she kissed each of my cheeks. “Thank you for inviting me, Lily. I had a marvelous time.”
“We enjoyed having you. Please write and let me know how your next season goes in London.”
She gave me a shining smile. “I will, indeed.”
Finally, it was time to say goodbye to Martha. I gave her a hug, holding her a little longer than the others. “I hope everything works out between you and Everett,” I told her quietly as we embraced.
“I do, too.” She pulled back and there were unshed tears in her eyes. “I really do.”
I smiled at her. “If it’s meant to be, it will work itself out. I will pray for you.”
“Thank you.” Her smile was a little wobbly. “And thank you for this lovely visit. I had a wonderful time, and I hope I get the chance to return.”
Soon, our guests were in the carriages, and they were pulling away.
We waved for as long as we could and then turned our attention back to those who were still standing with us.
Collins and Everett looked a little forlorn and lost as they entered the castle, while Davis slipped Alice’s hand around his elbow and the two of them wandered off toward the castle gate that led to the moors.
Mrs. Talmadge took a deep breath and put her hands on her hips. “I believe I will take myself on a brisk walk. I’d like to get the lay of the land from a business angle and see if any ideas strike me. I’ll be back before luncheon.”
Without another word, she set off toward the stables.
Leaving Ames and me alone.
He slipped his arm around my waist, and I leaned my head onto his chest. I was sore from yesterday’s wild carriage ride, but I’d had a peaceful night’s sleep and felt truly rested for the first time in a long time.
Knowing the smugglers were behind bars, and I did not need to worry about the strange sounds echoing through the castle any longer, had afforded me the best night’s sleep I’d had since marrying Ames.
The Wailing Duchess was no longer a threat.
“Are you happy, Lily?” Ames asked as he kissed the top of my head.
“Quite happy, Your Grace.” I lifted my face and looked at him. “I do not relish the thought of speaking to the magistrate and the constable, but it cannot be helped.”
“Once things are settled there, we can turn our full attention to other, more exciting endeavors.”
“Like weddings, house plans, and a baby?” I smiled.
He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. “I was thinking about more short-term plans, now that the castle is a little quieter.”
My cheeks warmed as I pressed close to him. “I don’t care what we do, Ames, as long as we are together.”
“My sentiments exactly.”
He kissed me again, until I protested that someone might see us, and he only laughed.
It was good to hear Ames laugh.