“But it’s true,” Mia said with a pout. “I saw it with my own eyes.”
“Mia, stop upsetting Audrey,” Grace said, clearly realizing Audrey was troubled. “She has enough on her mind. Let’s go upstairs and change.”
Audrey was grateful when Grace dragged Mia upstairs. The new baron did seem quite interested in her, but to what end? What were his plans? Would he stay in England or return to New York City? Would he allow them to keep the estate income once he was gone, or did he need it for his newspaper business? If he took the income for himself, where would that leave them? The whole situation was troubling indeed.
“Miss Parker, are you well? You’re quite flushed,” Beckwith said as she handed him her bonnet and gloves.
“I’m fine. No need to worry,” she said, walking away from the concerned eyes of the butler.
Having Beckwith worry about her was the last thingshe wanted. She would figure things out on her own, like she’d been doing since her mother died and her father began neglecting them. She headed to the kitchen for a soothing cup of tea.
“Miss Parker, how was your luncheon?” Mrs. Culbert asked when Audrey walked in.
“It was lovely, although I must admit, I prefer your cooking.”
“Aww…Miss Parker, that’s a lovely thing to say, but I’m sure the meal was quite tasty. What of the new baron? What did you think of him?”
That was the question most prominent in Audrey’s mind. What did she think of Lord Fletcher, and why did her heart beat so rapidly whenever his name was mentioned? “He seemed pleasant enough, although I’m not sure of his intentions. He’s a newspaper publisher from New York City, and I’ve no idea what his plans are concerning us. I wonder if he’ll even stay in London.”
“Well, I’m sure he’ll inform you soon enough. Shall I prepare a cup of tea for you?”
“That would be most welcome. Thank you. I shall be in the parlor,” Audrey said.
As she walked down the hallway to the parlor, Audrey couldn’t help but wonder exactly what it was about Lord Fletcher that made her heart race. She should really head to her bedchamber and change into something more suitable, but Mrs. Culbert would be bringing in tea momentarily, and it would be impolite not to wait.
Once in the parlor, she began pacing. How would they survive if the baron didn’t give them an allowance? The small pittance she received from doing piece sewing for Mrs. Beaumont wouldn’t be enough to even buy coal and food, never mind pay the servants. She’d asked herself the same questions over and over again when the new heir had been found, and even though he seemed quite amenable, she still had no answers to her most pressing questions.
Both Beckwith and Mrs. Culbert stayed with them out of loyalty, but how long could loyalty last if they didn’t receive a salary for their hard work? This situation was tenuous at best, and every day, she worried that one or both of them would seek paying positions. Not that she would blame them in the least. Everyone needed to survive as best they could, but she didn’t want to think about the day they might leave. It would be like losing a member of the family, and they’d already lost so much.
“Here you are, Miss Parker,” Mrs. Culbert said, carrying in a tea tray with three cups and a plate of biscuits. “I thought all of you young ladies would enjoy a nice cup of tea.” She placed the tray on the low table in front of the sofa.
“Thank you. That was very kind of you.”
As Mrs. Culbert was leaving, Grace and Mia came bounding into the parlor.
“How lovely. A cup of tea is always welcome,” Grace said. “Thank you, Mrs. Culbert.”
“You’re most welcome, Miss Grace,” the cook said, exiting the room.
“Shall I pour?”
“Yes. Thank you, Grace,” Audrey said.
After the cups were passed around, Audrey addressed her sisters. “Today was certainly unexpected.”
“You mean how handsome Lord Fletcher turned out to be?” Mia asked. “I thought he’d be old, like Papa.”
“No, dearest. That’s not what I mean. While the new heir seems quite pleasant, there was no mention at luncheon about whether he plans to provide an allowance for our use in the future.”
“Are you worried he won’t give us one?” Grace asked. “He doesn’t seem like a cruel man.”
“I’m not saying he’s cruel. I’m merely worried that we don’t have clarification on the matter.” Before Audrey had a chance to explain what she was thinking if they were denied an allowance from the estate, Beckwith walked in.
“Miss Parker, this note just arrived for you.”
Audrey took the note and broke the seal. She had no idea who’d sent it and didn’t recognize the handwriting.
“Well, who’s it from?” Mia asked.
