“Thank you for allowing me to travel with you,” Violet said. “I didn’t relish listening to Julia’s chatter the entire way.
“You’re most welcome,” Edgerton said with a chuckle.
“I think you’ll like the manor and grounds,” Courtney said. “I must say, I’ve fallen in love with it myself.”
“Then I’m anxious to see it as well,” Violet said.
Even stopping for lunch, everyone was ready to disembark the carriages by the end of the day. The servants were lined up on the steps to greet the family.
Edgerton handed down Courtney before helping Violet. Once all the introductions were made, Mrs. Davies, the housekeeper, showed them to their rooms.
“If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ring,” Mrs. Davies said. “Dinner will be served in an hour. I hope that meets with your satisfaction, Lady Edgerton.”
“It does indeed. Thank you, Mrs. Davies,” Courtney said, sweeping into their bedchamber.
When Mrs. Davies showed Violet her bedchamber, she was secretly glad that she didn’t have to share the space with her sisters. She wouldn’t have minded Emma joining her, but Julia wouldn’t give her a moment’s peace. Violet wanted to write to Daphne and tell her of Edgerton’s support for Lord Alesbury’s suit. Emma knew she fancied Alesbury, but Violet didn’t want Julia to know how she felt yet. Once Alesbury proposed, she would be willing to tell everyone her happy news.
Katie greeted her and said, “I have a bath prepared for you, miss.”
“Thank you, Katie. That sounds heavenly.”
An hour later, Violet descended the stairs and joined the family in the parlor. “Courtney, you’re correct—this is indeed a lovely manor,” she said.
“It’s a bit on the small side with only six bedchambers, but it’s tastefully decorated,” Lavinia said, turning to her daughter-in-law. “My dear, you did a lovely job with the renovations.”
Courtney smiled. “Thank you. It was an enjoyable project to transform this rundown house. You would have been appalled had you seen it in its original state.”
When Akers announced dinner, the family adjoined to the dining room, where two footmen were standing by to serve the soup.
“This is delicious,” Edgerton said. “Please relay my compliments to Mrs. Cooper.”
“Of course, my lord,” Giles, the older of the two servants, said.
The rest of the meal was as delicious as the soup, and when the family returned to the parlor, Courtney said. “I’ll speak with Mrs. Cooper tomorrow about the food for the garden party the day after next. Lavinia, would you like to join me in planning the menu?”
“Yes, I’d love to,” Lavinia said.
“Mama, may we go into the village tomorrow while you plan the party?” Julia asked.
Lavinia turned to Edgerton. “Do you have a trusted footman that can accompany them?”
Edgerton nodded. “Yes. Oliver has been in my employ the longest and will keep them safe.”
“Safe? Is there danger?”
Edgerton shook his head. “No, Mother. All will be well, I assure you.”
After another hour in the parlor, the family retired to their bedchambers. Katie was waiting for Violet and helped her out of her dress. “Shall I brush your hair tonight, miss?”
Violet shook her head. “No, Katie. I’ll take care of it. It’s been a long day; you should get some rest.”
Katie curtseyed. “Thank you, miss. See you in the morning.”
“Oh Katie?”
Katie turned. “Yes?”
“We’ll be going into the village tomorrow after breakfast. I’d like you to come along.”
