“The water is already being prepared,” Mrs. Noelle said.
“Wonderful.” Harriet turned her attention back towards Ellie. “Did you bring trunks with you?”
“No,” she replied. “I only brought a few gowns with me in my valise, but I was hoping to secure more when we go shopping.”
“Do you have something appropriate to wear for dinner?” Harriet asked.
“I do.”
Harriet didn’t appear convinced. “You and my daughter, Emma, appear to be of a similar size. I will arrange for a few gowns to be brought up to your bedchamber.”
“That is most kind of you.”
“Nonsense,” Harriet declared. “You are under my care now, and I shall ensure you are properly dressed.”
“I do not wish to be a burden,” Ellie murmured.
Harriet placed a hand gently on her arm. “You need to get that ridiculous notion out of your head,” she said, then smiled. “We are happy you’re here.”
Ellie felt herself relaxing in Harriet’s presence. “I must admit that I am pleased to be here,” she admitted.
“We shall talk later, but right now I want you to go enjoy your bath,” Harriet encouraged.
The sun had set as Roswell reviewed ledgers at his desk. He had just closed the book when his brother walked into the room.
“Good evening,” Charles greeted.
He huffed. “What is so good about it?”
Charles gave him an amused look. “I see you are in a pleasant mood.”
“Aren’t I always?”
His brother sat in the chair positioned in front of the desk. “How was the House of Lords today?”
“It was uneventful.”
“That is most disappointing.”
Roswell leaned back in his chair. “The blasted Whigs make it nearly impossible for anything to be accomplished.”
“Father had issues with Whigs, as well.”
“With good reason,” Roswell remarked. “Their fantastical nonsense that the power belongs to the people is absurd, and they continue to press for economic and political reform.”
“I find Whigs to be most disagreeable.”
“That is a polite way to call them bothersome.”
Charles chuckled. “That it is,” he said. “I prefer to keep the peace, but Whigs are determined to voice their opinions.”
“That they are,” he readily agreed. “Have you considered my offer of acquiring you a seat in the House of Commons?”
Charles shook his head. “I do not believe I am ready for politics.”
“That is a shame.”
“I prefer spending my time with antiquities.”
