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Chapter 9
Over the next couple of days, Julie was busy familiarizing herself with the business of running the house. In her free time, she watched as Mary played with horses, sheep, and other estate animals. In those days, Mary still hadn’t taken a proper bath; the maids cleaned her with towels and washed her hair over the washbasin. Mary hadn’t warmed up to Julie either. She spent all her time with Robert, following him around like an enamored puppy, laughing up at him, smiling and showing off her newly mended gowns. She even sat in his study, looking through books by the hearth while he worked. The only times she was separated from Robert was during supper, and only then because it was inappropriate for children to dine with the adults. They didn’t want to set a bad example for Mary, especially since the dowager duchess was due to arrive any day.
Julie was glad to see the smiles on her sister’s face during the day. She remembered how she laughed with her back at the Norfolk estate; they played together all day long. Mary loved being outside. They’d spend days climbing trees and collecting flowers. John was often by their side, especially during the summers.
Julie lay awake during the long dark nights in Clydesdale Hall, remembering their happy childhood. But the moment she fell asleep, other, darker memories assailed her dreams. She would wake up in a cold sweat, the memories of her mother and the fateful night of her death lingering in her mind. She knew the dreams were just that, dreams. She knew they were brought on by stress, by finally having Mary back, by being in an unfamiliar environment. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of ominous foreboding as well.
A part of her also knew that the dreams must have been triggered by the deal she made with Clydesdale. She’d promised to give him heirs, and no matter how terrified she was of the prospect, she’d have to do it sooner or later.
On the morning of the dowager duchess’s arrival, Julie met Mary in the hall. Mary had been waiting with a basket of food. Julie was tired from the restless sleep, feeling sluggish and tense. Mary, on the contrary, looked relaxed and content.
“Good morning, Mary.” Julie came closer to her sister and smiled, hoping to receive a friendlier reaction than the usual direct response, but Mary just regarded her mutely. “What are you doing standing out here with a basket?” Julie continued trying to coax a conversation out of her.
“Pic-nic,” Mary said slowly, looking down at her basket.
“Oh, you are going on a picnic?” Julie tried to sound bright. “Alone?”
Mary shook her head. “Rob,” she whispered.
Of course, she would go with Robert. She was practically attached to his hip. Julie was happy for that, surely. She wasn’t jealous at all. She was glad that her husband got along with her little sister and was not at all bitter about how much time they were spending together, considering neither he nor Mary spent any time with her. At that moment, the door opened, and she saw the tall frame of her husband entering the doorway.
“Are you ready, Mary?” he asked in a teasing voice.
Mary’s features brightened instantly, and she ran to hug her brother-in-law. Robert patted her affectionately on the back. Julie looked at the couple wide-eyed. When had they developed such an affectionate relationship?
“You are having a picnic?” she asked, her voice a little strained, as she tried for a smile.
“Yes, you don’t mind, do you?” he asked emotionlessly. “Mary asked if we could eat outside yesterday, but we didn’t have any food, so I promised her a picnic today while I talk to some farmers,” he clarified dispassionately.
“Pic-nic,” Mary agreed smugly.
“Right.” He smiled down at her. “Picnic. Go on, get into the carriage.”
Julie saw Alice trail behind Mary, out the door, and into the carriage.
“I didn’t think you’d mind,” Robert said, still holding the door open. “She rarely spends much time outdoors if you are worried about the cold, but surely eating out in the fresh air shouldn’t be too bad for her.”
“No, I don’t mind.” Julie shook her head. “I just wish… never mind, it’s good that you two are getting along.”
“She is a bright child. The tenants love her.”
“They do?” Julie’s eyes widened in surprise.
Robert just shrugged. “They seem to. Either way, she needs socializing. I think it’s good for her,” he observed while exiting the door. He paused on the threshold. “I understand you are worried about her, but you don’t have to be. I am looking out for her.” He tipped his hat in farewell and left the mansion.
Julie was still standing in the doorway, looking at the carriage, making its way to the village, when she noticed another carriage coming toward the mansion from the opposite direction. This new carriage was as big as her husband’s and had a crest on it. It was led by the four magnificent horses and surrounded by outriders on all four sides.The dowager, Julie thought with a resigned sigh. While Mary was having fun, picnicking with tenants, farmers, and Julie’s husband, Julie would have to deal with the cranky old duchess. Only fair, Julie thought again, considering all the years her sister spent behind closed doors.
While Julie stood there thinking about all the frailties of fate, the carriage stopped right in front of her. The footman put the step down and hurriedly opened the door. Julie watched as the old duchess stepped from the carriage, as regal as a queen. She was dressed in a dark purple gown decorated with gold embroidery, her hair wrapped in a golden turban. Her fingers were covered with rings, the stones of which were so big that Julie could see them clearly at a distance.
The dowager walked toward the mansion and sailed by Julie as if she didn’t exist. Julie tried to curtsy hastily but was distracted by the older woman’s brisk pace.
“The hostess always meets her guests inside the house,” the dowager duchess intoned severely as she passed her by and walked into the house. Julie took a long breath and closed her eyes. Still better than at home, she tried to convince herself.At least Mary is here.
* * *
Robert came into the house with a giggling Mary. She’d spent her time breathing fresh air and playing with animals while Robert talked to the tenants and tended to his business. She tired quickly, and thankfully the tenants realized that. After about an hour she was invited inside to drink tea and partake some sandwiches and pastries waiting for Robert to finish his conversations. She looked exhausted and quietly dozed in the carriage, but she perked up as they halted next to the house and even raced him to the front door, giggling. Alice trailed behind Mary, shuffling her feet. She was young and energetic, but it seemed the cheerful young girl had tired her out.
The butler met them in the hall. “Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Rutland, has arrived, My Lord, My Lady.” The old man bowed slightly.
