Miss Sidney shrugged. “Who knows, but it is best to pretend that she is not here,” she said.
“Is your aunt mad?”
Rather than answer his question directly, she replied, “Are we all not a wee bit mad?”
No.
What an absurd response.
Rising, Miss Sidney said, “I will inform our butler, Bryon, that you will be staying at the cottage for the foreseeable future.”
Alden stood, placing his teacup on the table. “I shall accompany you.”
“Wonderful,” Miss Sidney murmured, but there was a terseness to her words.
With a glance at Mrs. Hardy, Alden asked, “Will your aunt be all right?”
“Of course, but it is best to pretend that she isn’t here and we don’t acknowledge her,” Miss Sidney replied. “She comes and goes as she pleases.”
“Under the disguise of a sheet?” Alden inquired.
Miss Sidney bobbed her head. “It is much easier that way,” she replied before she started to walk towards the door.
Alden followed close behind and they stepped into the entry hall. The white-haired butler’s eyes softened when he saw Miss Sidney approach.
Miss Sidney came to a stop in front of Bryon. “Will you ensure the cottage in the woodlands is prepared for Mr. Dandridge?”
Bryon’s brow lifted. “The cottage?”
“Yes, the charming cottage on the far side of the property,” Miss Sidney said. “The one Mr. Warren used when he worked for us. I am sure that it will be to Mr. Dandridge’s liking.”
“Yes, Miss,” Bryon said, looking hesitant. “I shall see to the preparations at once, but it might take some time to air it out. It has been vacant for some time now.”
“Take all the time you need, Bryon,” Miss Sidney said,turning to face Alden. “That shall give us plenty of time to take a tour of the horse farm.”
“Now?” Alden asked, feeling the chill of the Scottish weather. He preferred to stay indoors, where it was warm. His stomach growled, reminding him he had skipped breakfast. “I would prefer to eat breakfast, if that wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” Miss Sidney said as she led him towards the dining room. “If you tell me what you would like to eat, I will gladly tell the cook.”
“I will be happy with whatever the cook sees fit to feed me,” Alden remarked.
Miss Sidney tipped her head. “Very well,” she said, stopping by a door. “Wait here and I will be back shortly.”
Alden entered the dining room and took a seat at the long, rectangular table. He wondered why Miss Sidney hadn’t relayed the message to one of her footmen standing watch but decided it wasn’t his place to question her methods.
The dining room’s dark red papered walls and thick drapes gave the room a warm, cozy feel, a stark contrast to the cold outside. As he waited for breakfast, he contemplated the tasks ahead and wondered how quickly he could get married and leave this place.
As Elinor walked away from the dining room, Bryon approached her with a concerned look on his features. “A word, Miss.”
Elinor waved him over to the parlor door and stepped inside, knowing this was a conversation that would be best in private. “I must assume you wish to speak about the cottage.”
“Yes, I am not sure the cottage is habitable,” Bryon said. “It has been well over a year since anyone has stayed there.”
“Just do the best that you can,” Elinor responded.
Bryon frowned. “Are you not worried that Mr. Dandridge will be upset with you when he sees the state of the cottage?”
Elinor waved her hand dismissively. “It is far preferable to him staying here at the manor. With any luck, he will have his valet pack his trunks and they will leave before the evening is out.”
