“A note just came.” Vickers handed Elizabeth a robe. “That’s the reason I woke you. That, and you’d be chilled to death if you stayed in there much longer.” Her maid reached into her pocket. “Here it is.”
My dearest Elizabeth,
Kenton found me. I trust your travel the rest of the way to Brussels went well, and I am relieved that you arrived safely. I wish I would have been at the house to greet you. Unfortunately, I will not be home until late this evening. Shortly after I saw Sir Charles, I was put to work.
We have been invited to dine with the Duchess of Richmond tomorrow before the duchess’s ball to which we have been invited.
Wellington is waiting to hear from someone in Mons before he takes any action.
Yr devoted husband,
G
She blinked back the tears that pricked her eyes. If only they had the type of marriage she wanted, everything would be perfect. Still, she had to have faith. The dowager said it had taken time for Geoffrey’s grandfather to come around. It must be something to do with the men in his family.
Someday, she hoped, he would love her.
In the meantime, she would play the role of his qualified wife. “He will not dine at home this evening, but I want soup, meats, cheese, and bread ready for when he returns in the event he is hungry.”
Vickers nodded. “I’ll tell Mrs. Robins.”
Once Vickers shut the door, Elizabeth went out to the terrace and sat on one of the chairs. The tower of a church rose in the distance, and the roofs of other houses could be seen. The garden was a riot of colors intersected by paths.
Tomorrow, after she had the house set up the way she wanted it, she would explore the garden and mayhap venture out into the city. It really was beautiful here.
Still, she must find more to occupy her time than running the household. Perhaps she would meet some other ladies who would have some ideas on how Elizabeth could be helpful. She did not think she already knew anyone here, but there was always a possibility she did.
Elizabeth picked up the note from Geoffrey again and gasped.
The Duchess of Richmond’s ball. How did I come to overlook that?
His friends had not been joking when they said everyone was hosting entertainments.
A few minutes later, her maid came back into the room. “Are you ready to dress, my lady?”
“Yes. Just a day gown. But”—she grinned—“you might want to make sure one of my new ball gowns is pressed for tomorrow evening. We have been invited to the Duchess of Richmond’s ball.”
A broad smile appeared on her maid’s face. “So all we’ve heard has been true.”
After a quiet dinner alone, it was still light enough to take a look at the gardens, and Elizabeth decided not to wait until morning.
The privet borders were fronted by a mix of lamb’s ears, Sweet William, and cat mint. The middle of the squares featured hollyhocks, delphiniums, phlox, and daisies. Other squares had smaller boxwood edges framing in roses. Under the roses lavender bloomed.
Nestled in the middle of the garden was a fountain with a few tables and chairs on a cobblestone surround. She sank onto one of the chairs and listened to the water, the soft sound of hooves somewhere nearby, and people chatting.
As the sun began to set Elizabeth went inside, poured a glass of wine, and found a cozy chair in which to read her book, hoping to see Geoffrey when he came home. Yet when the clock struck ten, she went to bed.
Later that evening or early the next morning, she heard the front door open and the low sound of voices. Geoffrey must be home. Elizabeth hoped he appreciated the food she had ordered for him.
When next she opened her eyes, the sun was shining through the lace curtains. A bird sat on the edge of an open window, chirping. It was time for her to be up as well. She tugged the bell-pull. There was a great deal to be done today.
* * *
Geoff cursed the damned bird. Even his valet wouldn’t wake him up this early. He hadn’t arrived home until after midnight.
Although he had eaten dinner with Sir Charles, it was a hurried affair. He had been surprised and appreciative that Elizabeth had left orders he was to be fed whenever he returned home.
Before retiring, he made a hearty meal of a bowl of onion soup followed by ham, some sort of creamy cheese, bread, and wine.
