“Your village is so quaint,” Franny remarked as they walked.
“I would imagine it is rather small compared to the one by your country estate,” Mattie replied.
Franny grew quiet, a shadow crossing her face. “It is your country estate now, is it not?”
Mattie looped her arm through hercousin’s. “It will always be your home, no matter what happens,” she stated firmly.
“I am just an orphan now,” Franny declared, her voice heavy with sorrow.
“You are my father’s ward and a very loved member of this family,” Mattie said as she guided her towards the door. “I do not want you to think otherwise.”
They departed the bedchamber and headed towards the kitchen on the main level. Once they arrived, Mattie saw Mrs. Watson bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour.
The housekeeper stopped when her eyes landed on them. “Ladies,” she greeted warmly. “Please sit and I will bring you both food.”
Mattie dropped her arm and sat down at the table. She was pleased when Franny claimed the seat next to her.
Mrs. Watson brought over two plates with food on them and placed them down in front of the young women. “Would you two care for something to drink?” she asked. “I just made a pitcher of lemonade.”
“Yes, please,” Mattie responded, glancing at Franny, who nodded in agreement.
While Mrs. Watson went to retrieve the lemonade, Franny started eating the sandwich that was in front of her.
After a few bites, Franny said, “Thank you, Mattie.”
“We are family,” Mattie replied with a gentle smile. “We take care of each other, always.”
Franny continued to eat as Mrs. Watson placed glasses of lemonade down on the table. “Drink up,” she encouraged before she started tidying up the kitchen.
As Mattie reached for the glass, her father stepped into the room with a weary expression. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes carried the weight of a long day.
“Good, we are all here. I have an announcement to make,” her father said. “I just received word that theyfound a vicar to replace me. He will arrive in a fortnight.”
Mattie grew silent, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Her whole life was here. She was tied to this parish and its people. The thought of leaving was unsettling, but she knew it was inevitable.
Her father interrupted her musings. “We will depart for Darlington Abbey once the vicar arrives and we spend a day or two discussing the parish.”
“That is wonderful news, my lord.” Mrs. Watson retrieved a plate and placed it onto the table for her father. “Go on, you must eat before your next meeting.”
As her father began to eat, a thought suddenly occurred to Mattie. “What will Mrs. Watson’s new position be when we move to Darlington Abbey?” she asked. “After all, I must assume there is already a housekeeper.”
Her father cleared his throat. “About that…” He hesitated, exchanging a poignant look with the housekeeper. “We discussed it, and Mrs. Watson has decided to remain here to help the new vicar ease into his position. Furthermore, her son lives in the village and she wants to remain close to him.”
Mattie blinked, taken aback by what her father had just revealed. She felt a pang of sadness and loss. Mrs. Watson had been more than a housekeeper. She was a friend. A confidante. The thought of leaving her behind was unbearable.
Her father must have sensed her concern because he gave her a discerning look. “This is Mrs. Watson’s decision, and we must respect it.”
Mrs. Watson came to stand by Mattie and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know this may come as a bit of a shock for you, but you will have a whole household staff at Darlington Abbey to tend to your every whim.”
Franny bobbed her head. “It is true,” she replied. “You will love Mrs. Devan, our housekeeper. She has always beenso nice to me.”
Mattie lowered her gaze to the table. It didn’t matter that there was a whole household staff at Darlington Abbey. She just wanted Mrs. Watson to remain with them. She hated change, especially this kind.
“Mattie…” Mrs. Watson started, “I will come to visit you and I will be able to see your new home.”
Mattie looked up as she fought back the tears. “But it won’t be the same. You have always been there for me.”
“And I will always be here for you, even if we are apart,” Mrs. Watson said, her eyes softening. “You will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
