Page 71 of Beauty and the Rake
He finished off his brandy as he studied the clock. “I imagine dinner is ready or about so. Why don’t we continue this later?”
“Fine, I’m taking my photography equipment. I’d like to take some pictures of the estate and, of course, you and Mary.”
“Excellent.”
She graced him with a smile. “It’s something we can learn together.”
“I had not thought of that, but you’re right. I find the entire medium quite fascinating.”
Setting her glass down on a table, she stood and walked over to Graham. She kissed him on the cheek, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Shall we go to dinner?
Chapter Nineteen
Roxanne slept mostof the journey to Kent. Not that it was a long-distance drive, but the motion of the carriage lulled her to sleep. They had gone to the theater the night before, followed by dinner. Sleep had been hard to come by once they arrived home. Five minutes in the carriage was all she needed to fall deep asleep.
Word had been sent that the countess was without a lady’s maid and would require one to be assigned for at least the summer season. This was her first visit as the lady of the house since they had married. Roxanne knew that meant the staff would be there to greet their new mistress. It was tradition. Hopefully, the housekeeper had everything in order and a girl picked out to be her lady’s maid.
An unobscured view of the manor was impossible until the carriage turned in front. The house seemed to know no end. Hawksbury Manor was huge when compared to some of its neighbors. The house was of Georgian design with bricks with a simple wide staircase finishing the entrance.
“Are you ready for this?” Graham asked as the door to the carriage opened and a step was let down. He had a grin on his face, trying to irritate her, knowing she was nervous.
“Of course. Nothing to it.”
Graham jumped down from the carriage and offered her his hand. She placed her gloved hand in his and gracefully stepped down.
“Milord, welcome home,” a familiar voice rang out. The butler had been here forever. Roxanne had always thought the man was a hundred years old when she spent summers in Kent.
“Thank you, and may I introduce my bride, Lady Hawksbury.”
Curtsies were made by the female section of the staff. Mrs. Langford, the housekeeper, in turn introduced a black-haired young woman. “This is Miss Boyd. She will be serving you unless you’d rather choose.”
“No, there is no need. I’m sure she’ll do fine.” She turned to the young woman. “I would like to change as soon as the trunks arrive. You will find a periwinkle day dress. That’s what I wish to wear.”
“Yes, milady.” Boyd curtsied and left the group.
“I think she’ll do quite nicely,” the housekeeper said.
“Yes, I believe you’re right. If it is convenient for you, I’d like to meet to go over household accounts tomorrow.”
“Yes, milady. That will work. We’ll choose a time later.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to see to the earl’s needs and change.”
“Very well. Please let me know if you’d like tea,” Mrs. Langsford told her.
She looked around but didn’t see Graham anywhere. Probably off checking things out at the stables. She entered the house and looked around the grand hall. The gray and white marble floor made the already large room even more inviting. She looked up to see if the fresco was as beautiful as ever.
As she neared the staircase that led to the family rooms, Graham caught her off guard. “I didn’t mean to leave you alone, but I saw the wagons and carriage with Mary come to the back. I wanted to make sure the journey had been satisfactory.”
“That was thoughtful of you, and don’t worry, you don’t have to be with me all the time. It’s not like I haven’t been in the house before.”
“I know.”
“I was just going to change. If you’d like to show me the way, I’d appreciate it,” she said.
“After you change, we could go for a walk. Perhaps the gardener will be working nearby. I can introduce you and we can talk with him about a space for you as well as the greenhouse. In any case, I’ll show you the greenhouse.”
She followed Graham, and they soon stopped in front of oak doors. She had been making mental notes so she’d remember her way. Graham pushed open the door. The room was large, and the windows overlooked not only the gardens but a large meadow leading to a wooded area. It was a stunning view. She turned back around to her husband who was standing with his arms crossed, watching her with an amused look on his face.
