At the Marquess of Davenport's Country Seat
Meredith's Tender Awakening 4.1
Previously Meredith Millais & her aunt quit London in a hurry
How long do you plan to be away m’lord?” Barker, the housekeeper asked respectfully.
She was watching Lord Davenport pace about in front of a bookcase, stopping here and there to pluck leatherbound volumes from the shelves, which he placed on the corner of his desk.
“It’s hard to say, I’ll probably stay in Bath for the rest of the season, so make your usual preparations to close up the house. ”
When he turned his attention on her with a dazzling smile, she was reminded what a sunny attitude he’d had as a child, before his parents’ untimely demise.
Following a knock on the door, a footman entered, bearing a letter on a silver salver.
Looking mildly irritated to have his discussions interrupted, Lord Davenport snatched up the missive and broke the seal to read its contents. His brows knit, but whether in concentration or concern, it was impossible to discern.
Lord Davenport stepped to the large window, for a moment he seemed to gaze out at the trimmed maze of box hedging and the huge cedar tree that spread its generous arms wide in protection of the house. When he turned to face the housekeeper, his demeanor was neutral and placid again.
“Change of plan, Barker,” he told her. “My sister is returning from France, accompanied by a friend, Miss Henrietta James. Please make the house ready and welcoming for their arrival. Francesca will occupy her usual rooms and perhaps Miss James can have the suite in the West wing. Of course, I leave all the details to you.”
Barker curtsied, and the footman bowed as the Marquess strode out of the room to instruct his valet. He allowed himself no opportunity to re-shelve the books he’d picked for his journey to Bath.
It invoked a sensation of agitation in the Marquess to remain indoors when the great house was being primped and primed for a visit, and today was no exception. Lord Davenport was eager for an excuse to get in the saddle and ride. He decided to kill two birds with one stone and ride over to consult with his steward. The day was bright and fresh, with dew be-sparkling in the grass, and before he had ridden far he was relieved to sense his mood lifting.
His frustration was mostly that his sister’s imminent arrival had put a crimp in his plans to decamp to Bath. He had made arrangements to visit friends and acquaintances en route and now those stitches needed to be unpicked and re-sewn at a later date. The additional irritation was that having given Francesca’s previous letter serious consideration, he’d realized he did feel ready to embark on his quest for a wife. But thanks to his sister, those plans and preparations must go on hold. Meanwhile he was required to play host to Francesca and whichever spinsterish companion had been accompanying her travels and forays of art appreciation amongst the European architecture.
Lord Davenport could not recall hearing anything relating to Miss Henrietta James at balls or parties, but as he eschewed gossip and made little time for small talk, that did not signify. It seemed more likely that she was an older lady with a similar interest in paintings and statues to his sister. The two had probably formed a happy alliance in pursuit of foreign culture, mayhap Francesca had boasted about the beautiful scenery in Hertfordshire, and invited Miss James to savor it first-hand.
His sister , being almost thirty, was considered a little long in the tooth for the marriage mart, but perfectly comfortable financially. She pursued her passion for art and beauty in many major cities, with an independence and self-possession that was admirable, in a world designed for men to steer and women to behave as their passengers.
To be continued …
If I am revealing this story at a glacial pace, please know that it’s a work in progress! However, visit Ream & subscribe to my Shake A Talilfeather tier, and Chapter 20+ chapters are available.
ah where to begin! quite a lovely foray.. awaiting the continuation before i resign to wonder... alas!