“My mother passed away ten years ago. My father, I suppose, is the same as always. I don’t keep in touch with him. And my brother is... I would like to believe he is well. I haven’t received a letter from him in quite a while.”
“I see.” It made sense. She must be estranged from her family if she was keeping a position as a lady’s companion. He remembered the marquess as being an ill-tempered and strict parent. Colin’s opinion of him did not improve upon hearing her account.
The carriage was coming to a stop in front of the house and she sat up, attempting to emerge from the folds of his coat.
“Thank you for the ride, my lord.” She said, thrusting his coat back at him. “If you would just give me a few minutes to change into dry clothing, I’ll ring for tea and advise the countess that you have arrived–”
“Abigail.” he interrupted her, intercepting her hand. “Keep the coat. And take all the time you need. You should take a hot bath to take the chill off. I’m sure the servants can see to my needs for the time being. We can meet for dinner later. Is that agreeable?”
“Of course, my lord. Thank you.”
With that, she jumped out of the carriage and hurried into the house. He descended more slowly and looked up at the house.
Memories flooded his mind, intertwining nostalgia and anticipation. The imposing doors of Hartfield Park swung open, welcoming him back to the sanctuary of his childhood. The grandeur of the Georgian manor house stood tall, proudly displaying its elegant architecture amidst the sprawling estate.
Over two decades had passed since he had last set foot here, and yet, it was as if time had not passed at all. The gentle whispers of the ancient oak trees embraced him like long-lost friends. As he stepped out of the carriage, a profound sense of belonging surged through him, reconnecting him to the essence of his roots.
This was where he had ridden through wildflower meadows, swam in the stream, and forged lasting bonds with loved ones. He had been happy here. He had blocked the happier memories together with the sad. With a deep breath, Colin walked towards the door, girding himself to step into this new chapter of his life.
The butler was there at the open door. His face was a solemn mask of impassivity, but he thought he saw a sparkle in his eyes.
“My lord. Welcome home.”
“Thank you.” He looked at the butler as he handed over his hat and umbrella. His face was familiar. “Elberton, you look the same as twenty years ago.”
The butler bowed deferentially. “I’m afraid I can not say the same of you, my lord. You have grown quite a bit in the last two decades.”
Colin’s lips twitched at what he knew was a brave attempt at wit by the dignified butler. “Yes, I suppose I have.”
“We have been expecting you. The master suite is ready for your arrival. If I may be so bold as to say, on behalf of the staff, it is a pleasure to have you home.”
He couldn’t say pleasure is what he felt at being back home. Ambivalence was more like it. Many of these people had seen him grow. He was uncomfortable around them because they had been witness to his weakness. But they were also good, hardworking, loyal employees. So he just smiled noncommittally and advanced into the foyer, taking in his surroundings.
Nothing appeared to have changed in the last twenty-plus years. Everything was eerily as he remembered it. Even the smell of the house. A blend of wood polish, leather, and lemons. For a moment, he had the disorienting notion that no time had passed at all and he was still the boy he had been all those years ago.
The sound of the door closing behind him was a fitting omen. The last twenty years, the life he had built for himself, was shut off and over. This new chapter of his life was about to start. Whether he was ready for it or not.
