Catherine, too, seemed arrested—her posture unaltered, though her gaze lost its steady focus.
“There is so much still buried,” she murmured.
Marcus nodded, though the focus of his interest was rapidly changing.
“Yes,” he said quietly. “So much yet to understand.”
They lingered until the shadows began to stretch. Turning back toward the house, they walked side by side along the narrow path, keeping pace with one another.
“You ask the right questions,” Marcus said at length. “Far more useful than many I have heard from trained scholars.”
Catherine tilted her head with modest reserve.
“Perhaps. But it is your study. I only ask because you have piqued my curiosity.”
Marcus’s mouth curved faintly.
“Curiosity is half the work. And yours has already made me reconsider my notes.”
She glanced at him briefly before looking ahead again.
“That is generous of you to say.”
“Not generous,” he returned. “Accurate.”
They reached the main lawn once more, and Catherine turned her gaze toward the house.
“I begin to see why this place holds such meaning for you.”
Marcus studied her in profile, noting the calm attentiveness with which she spoke.
“And I begin to see how much better it may be to share it,” he said.
She offered no reply, save for a faint smile that lingered as they crossed the threshold together. Marcus drew a quiet breath, struck by the ease of their walk. Catherine did not appear ill at ease in his company, nor indifferent to his pursuits. And, to his surprise, he found a quiet contentment stirring in himself as well.
Chapter Six
Catherine entered the morning room at the rear of the house precisely at ten, as arranged. The housekeeper, already seated at the long table with a ledger and a stack of correspondence, looked up with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Mrs Thornberry,” she said as she took the seat opposite her.
The housekeeper dipped her head in much the same way she would if she had been standing in curtsey.
“Good morning, my lady. I have the inventories and accounts you requested. Everything is progressing well for the gathering.”
Catherine folded her hands in her lap, her posture attentive.
“Thank you. I should like to review the guest accommodations once more and confirm which rooms require airing and refurbishment. I understand we are expecting no fewer than twenty individuals.”
Mrs Thornberry nodded.
“That is correct, my lady. The north wing has been set aside for the visiting scholars, as his lordship directed. The rooms have been inspected and the linens changed, and I shall send the maids again tomorrow. The south rooms are prepared for Miss Talbot, in accordance with her request for quieter lodgings.The smaller parlour adjacent to the music room has also been arranged to receive guests upon arrival.”
Catherine inclined her head. “And the kitchens? Will Cook have the assistance she requires?”
“Yes, my lady,” the housekeeper replied. “I have engaged two additional kitchen maids from the village for the duration. Both have served at Penwood before and come well recommended.”
Catherine smiled with approval.
