Page 41 of His Bluestocking Bride

A longing began in Ellen’s heart as she watched the sweet interplay between mother and children. Nurse Hardy seemed completely accustomed to the tradition and helped mind Arthur’s milk while she told Mrs. Banner what the children had accomplished since luncheon. Ellen nibbled a biscuit, content to sit and listen.

The children’s tea did not take long and afterward Mrs. Banner excused herself to put the baby down for a nap. Arthur insisted he did not need one, but Nurse Hardy convinced him to at least rest his head while she read a story.

“He will be asleep in a trice,” Mrs. Banner whispered as she led Ellen back out the way they had come. But as they neared the stairs, Mr. Banner appeared. "Peter, you may not go in. You have missed tea and it’s nap time.” Mrs. Banner spoke with a slight scold in her tone, though her expression remained affectionate.

Peter Banner allowed his shoulders to droop and lowered his head comically. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to miss tea.”

“You take tea with the children too?” Ellen could not help her surprise.

“As often as I can,” Mr. Banner answered firmly, standing upright again. “Tell me, Mrs. Calvert, in your unbiased opinion, are they not magnificent?”

“They very much are.” Ellen watched the proud parents exchange amused glances.

Mr. Banner offered his arm to his wife. “Might I escort you both back down to the morning room? I believe there will be a more sumptuous tea there.”

“And you are hoping for an invitation.” His wife shook her head and sighed. “Such manners.”

“I hardly think Mrs. Calvert would turn me out into the cold, forcing me to take tea all alone in my study.” He cast his eyes back to Ellen as they descended the stairs. “Would you be so cruel, Mrs. Calvert?”

“I would not,” she answered sweetly. “But I’m not the queen of this country. We must both bow to the wishes of Mrs. Banner.”

“Please, call me Louisa. I feel we are going to be dear friends.”

“Thank you, you are very kind. You may call me Ellen.”

The tea passed with polite conversation, Mr. Banner teasing Louisa a great deal, but she never blushed. She teased him back. Ellen watched the exchange with a measure of envy. After a quarter hour, Mr. Banner took leave of his wife, kissing her cheek before he withdrew. Louisa watched him leave, a sparkle in her eye.

“You love him very much,” Ellen said when the door had shut behind him.

Louisa nodded. “He is my whole world. He and the children. We’ve known each other many years, and loved each other nearly as long.” She sat primly in her chair and looked expectantly at Ellen. “I understand you’ve known Mr. Calvert since childhood. I haven’t had the chance to ask how you came to marry.”

“We have known each other for many years. I was still a nursery child when we met. I saw Marcus every summer. Then we met again this autumn, at my cousin’s home.”

Louisa sighed and leaned back in an elegant repose. “It sounds like a beautiful love story, to be reunited with a childhood friend in such a way.”

Ellen could not think how to answer that, as their story did not contain any love, except for that which she kept locked securely in her heart. “We care for one another a great deal. And we are good friends,” she stated firmly, her eyes drifting down to her lap where she clutched her hands together. “I don’t think I would’ve married, had Marcus not asked me.”

Louisa made a sound of understanding. “Your feelings for him must be very deep.”

Ellen felt the tears prickling at the back of her eyes but raised her head with a smile. “Yes. Well. Please, tell me more about your growing up here. It is such a lovely place and the country round about so pleasant.”

For a moment her friend looked confused, but then obliged Ellen and spoke of the village, their neighbors, and offered insight into the local history Ellen had not yet received. Relaxing into this comfortable atmosphere, Ellen was not aware of the time passing. A clock on the mantel ticked quietly but did not chime.

Not until the room grew dark did Ellen look up. “Oh dear. I didn’t mean to stay this long. I hope I have not caused your schedule any harm.”

Louisa laughed and shook her head. “Not at all! These have been pleasant hours. I’m surprised we haven’t been interrupted by the children.” Louisa looked toward the window and frowned. “When did it begin snowing?”

Ellen rose and went over, looking at the small drifts upon the walk. She looked up at the gray sky. “I had better send for the coach.”

“That won’t be necessary,” a male voice said from the door, drawing her attention to Mr. Banner. “Your coachman and I have been speaking. I am afraid none of us were giving the attention we ought to the weather. If you look out the windows at the front of the house, you’ll see a sky nearly black with clouds. A storm is rising quickly. With snow already on the road, I didn’t think it advisable for you to attempt a return home. Your coachman agrees.”

Louisa came to her feet and went to her friend, putting her hand on Ellen’s arm. “I’m terribly sorry, Ellen. If I’d paid more attention to the time, we might have sent you home, or sent someone on horseback to apprise Mr. Calvert of the situation. But we cannot risk that now.” She looked to her husband who nodded in confirmation. “Mr. Calvert will be terribly worried.”

“Likely not,” Ellen responded, absently as she stared out the window. “He will trust you and our coachman, Mr. Henry, to keep me safe.” She swallowed and forced a smile. It could very well be that her husband wouldn’t notice her missing until the dinner hour.

Their routine would be interrupted.

“As soon as the weather clears, we’ll send word to Calvert,” Mr. Banner promised.