Mr. Rymer nodded. “Yes, but you should know that Mr. Westlake is more commonly known as Lord Chatsworth. He is the eldest son of the Marquess of Cuttyngham.”
Emilia blinked. “Are you quite sure?”
“Yes, Lord Chatsworth is considered one of the most eligible gentlemen of the Season,” Mr. Rymer shared.
She had never spoken to a lord before, and she found herself curious as to why he hadn’t revealed who he truly was. But she was glad that he hadn’t. If he had, she wouldn’t have been so open and honest with him.
Mr. Rymer clasped his hands together. “We still have much to discuss. Shall we adjourn to the study?”
Mrs. Harvey spoke up. “I am sure that Miss Sutherland would like to rest before the seriousness of your conversation.”
They both turned their expectant looks to Emilia and she wasn’t sure what she should say. She didn’t dare disappoint either one of them.
Knowing that they were waiting for a response, Emilia said, “Perhaps I could be shown to my bedchamber before I speak to Mr. Rymer.”
She waited for Mr. Rymer to argue with her, but instead he just bobbed his head. “Yes, of course, I shall wait for you in the study.”
Mrs. Harvey gestured towards the stairs. “I would be happy to show you to your bedchamber. It is on the second level and it was recently remodeled.”
As she walked towards the stairs, Mrs. Harvey matched her stride and said in a low voice, “You are doing well, given the circumstances.”
“Am I?” Emilia asked. “I have no idea what I am doing.”
“That is to be expected, but your household staff is loyal to you,” Mrs. Harvey revealed. “Just be patient with yourself and know that you will make a few missteps.”
Emilia placed her hand on the iron railing as she started up the stairs. “I have never been in such a grand home before. I feel out of place.”
“It is one of the finest townhouses in all of London,” Mrs. Harvey remarked with pride. “But just give yourself some time and it will get easier.”
She wanted to believe Mrs. Harvey’s words, but she was fearful. She didn’t know the first thing about running a household. She just felt inadequate.
Mrs. Harvey started down a corridor and it wasn’t long before they arrived at a wooden door. She opened the door and stepped inside.
Emilia followed her into the room and came to an abrupt stop on the lush carpet. The rich, green-papered walls were adorned with an intricate, patterned design. Heavy drapes framed the tall windows allowing just a soft, filtered light to enter.
In the center of the room was a large, four-poster bed, draped with sumptuous silk fabric. A vanity table with a gilded mirror sat in the corner and it was covered in porcelain jars.
Mrs. Harvey turned back towards her. “I hope this room is to your liking.”
“It is beautiful,” Emilia said.
“This room belonged to Sir Charles’ wife… er… second wife… I mean, his not wife.” Mrs. Harvey stopped. “I do apologize.”
“There is nothing to apologize for. This is an adjustment, for all of us.”
Mrs. Harvey offered her a grateful look before saying, “I have asked one of the maids to see after you until we hire you a proper lady’s maid.”
“I have never had a lady’s maid before,” Emilia admitted. “I have always just learned to make do on my own.”
“Well, you shall have one now,” Mrs. Harvey responded. “In fact, you have an entire household staff to see after you.”
Emilia walked over to the bed and ran her hands along the silk bedding. She had never slept in anything so fine before.She didn’t even have a feather mattress at her boarding school. Mrs. Allston had provided only a straw mattress for each of her teachers, and they slept in the cold, damp attic.
“Would you care for me to turn down the sheets so you may rest?” Mrs. Harvey asked.
“No, I think it would be best if I spoke to Mr. Rymer now,” Emilia replied. “I have so many questions for him.”
Mrs. Harvey nodded her understanding. “I will show you the way, unless you are more comfortable going on your own.”
