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Chapter 14
A deep sorrow had welledup inside Louisa over the past two days and deepened further while they conversed with Jane Purnell—Louisa loathed referring to her as “miss” since the poor woman hadn’t known her marriage was bigamous.
It was midafternoon by the time she and Alex bade Jane Purnell farewell after their visit. They had learned about William’s father’s courtship of Jane and the little house in London that she had thought was where they would always live. They had spent time with the children, Peter and Daisy. Peter was a handsome little boy but had seemed overly cautious for one so young and had stayed close to his mother, assuming a protective stance. Little Daisy had presented flowers to Louisa and shown her her doll and had told her the doll’s name was Charlotte, like the princess. They were sweet, well-mannered children. They were William’s half brother and half sister.
When Alex and Louisa and Matthew eventually returned to the manor, Alex announced that he was going to continue on with Matthew to view more of the estate. “Lord Halford here has given me some fine suggestions about the farms already, milady,” Matthew said, “and I should like to hear more of what he has to say.”
Louisa looked at Alex in surprise, and he smirked. “You see, I was paying attention all those years when Father was droning on about such matters.”
Their decision was completely fine with her; at the moment, what she wanted was time alone to reflect upon everything she’d learned upon arriving at Farleigh Manor. Besides, there was one thing at Farleigh Manor she still wished to see—but she wanted to be alone when she saw it.
Matthew helped her dismount, and the two men left to return Louisa’s horse to the stable and continue on their way. Louisa went inside and sought out Mrs. Holly, eventually finding her in her little office tucked behind the dayroom, reviewing the household accounts.
The woman set her papers aside and stood.
“We met Jane Purnell,” Louisa said.
The woman sagged. “It was bound to happen sooner or later, I suppose,” she said, folding her hands in front of her.
“I imagine her arrival came as quite a shock.”
“When Master William arrived back here so soon with her and her two little chicks in tow, it was a bit of a shock. We never heard a peep about her over the years, you see, even though the viscount was briefly here at Farleigh Manor a few times each year. It wasn’t a shock, however, to learn that he had married the poor woman under such circumstances, I’m sorry to admit.”
“She’s a very nice person,” Louisa said. “Her children are sweet.”
“The viscount at least recognized quality in a woman when he saw it,” Mrs. Holly said. “Not that he knew how to respect and honor that quality. Selfish man—if you’ll pardon me for saying so.”
“No apology necessary, Mrs. Holly. I think I have figured out at least that much about him myself. And yet you all stayed.”
“For Master William, you see. We had to stay for Master William. His high and mighty lordship wasn’t here often. He could be especially cruel to Mary, poor duck, but Mary knew how to stay away from him; don’t you worry. She hated the man. We all did, and that’s the truth. But we stayed for her ladyship and, afterward, for Master William.”
Louisa’s heart was already sore, and she thought she could bear no more. “I understand there is a particularly fine oak tree on the estate,” she said. “I received a painting of it from Lord Farleigh—the current Lord Farleigh. I should dearly like to see it in person.”
“We’ve several oak trees on the property. But if you’re looking for a particular oak . . . hmm.” Mrs. Holly tapped her chin in thought. “There is one that comes to mind. It stands alone beside a pond just over the small hill on the east side of the house. It’s a lovely spot once you get there.”
“That sounds like the tree I’m interested in.” Mrs. Holly’s description matched the tree in the painting perfectly.
“It’s not difficult to find. Mary can give you the best directions to get there; she’s been there too many times to count, especially when she and Master—Lord Farleigh—were children.”
Louisa went with Mrs. Holly to the kitchen in search of Mary. It had been a thoroughly illuminating two days; her discoveries today, in particular, had been shocking and sad. She hoped time alone would help her sort through her thoughts before she and Alex returned to London tomorrow morning.
A wonderful aroma met them the closer they got to the kitchen, and Louisa’s stomach growled, reminding her it was well past time for luncheon.
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Mrs. Holly said. “Have a nice afternoon at the oak tree, milady.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Holly.”
The housekeeper nodded and went on her way.
Louisa poked her head through the kitchen door and saw both Mrs. Brill and Mary busily preparing a variety of dishes. “Something smells heavenly in here, Mrs. Brill.”
“Thank you, m’lady. What with you and the earl here and all, I couldn’t resist cooking up some of Master Will’s favorite dishes to celebrate. Mary, slice them potatoes thinner, luv.”
Louisa wandered over to Mary, who was standing next to the table, slicing potatoes with admirable skill. “Excellent work, Mary. I can hardly wait for supper so I can taste what you and your mama have created for us.”
Mary grinned at her, then looked confused, unsure how to curtsy with a knife, then gave up. “Will loves potatoes,” she said. “And I love Will.”
“I’m sure he does, and I’m sure you do,” Louisa said, shooting an understanding glance at an embarrassed Mrs. Brill. “Mrs. Holly told me Mary here could give me the best directions to an oak tree Lord Farleigh was particularly fond of,” Louisa said.
