Page 12 of The Quiet Wife
“I’m given to believe that they are escorting Fred’s aunt Agatha and her companion, Mrs Woodgrove.”
“Frederick will be thrilled!” Lizzie pretended.
Frances shook her head knowing full well that Frederick would be nothing of the sort. His aunt Agatha was wonderful company and didn’t suffer fools gladly. She had little time for Frederick’s newly acquired airs and graces, remembering him as a grubby boy from the poorest parts of Liverpool. Miss Woodgrove was quietly observant and rather witty, so nothing would slip past her either. Frances sighed and wondered what the next few days might bring.
CHAPTER 5
Speke Hall – Liverpool
Frances awoke early the next day to find her three daughters clambering onto her bed and her son bearing the tea tray.
“What on earth is going on?” she struggled up onto one elbow and pushed her hair out of her face. “Where is Grace?”
Fannie flopped on the bed, followed by her sisters in quick succession, while Freddie hovered.
“We wrestled the tea tray from her!” Elinor pronounced gleefully.
“Wrestled?” said Frances in faint tones.
“Well, notactuallywrestled,” Fannie corrected, “more… persuaded.”
There ensued a gaggle of explanations, allowing Frances time to settle herself in the bed, point to where the tea tray needed to go, and invite all her children onto the bed with her, including her son. She always felt Freddie needed a little extra love given his papa was so cold towards him.
“I was thinking that if the weather holds up, we should take the ladies for a walk and a picnic today. What do you think?” She hoped that this suggestion would make up for them missing dinner the previous evening.
A veritable chorus of delighted shrieks made their approval clear, much to Frances’ relief. Florence threw herself off the bed and pulled the curtains back. “Sunshine!” she proclaimed with a broad smile.
After much discussion of the proposed activity, a brief tap on the door heralded Nanny Jenks, who shepherded the children away, leaving Frances a moment or two of calm before Grace arrived to help her prepare for the day. The children were far too old for a nanny, but Nanny Jenks was simply part of the family. They all loved her, and she adored the children so the matter of her staying hadn’t been up for discussion.
Frances arrived in the breakfast room and was relieved to see Frederick not there, nor were any of the gentlemen. It meant she could enjoy breakfast with the ladies in relative peace. Afterwards, she hurried down to the kitchen and arranged a picnic, popped upstairs to check on the children, before rushing back to the drawing room to be with the ladies lest her absence draw attention. It was the kind of day she loved. Filled with laughter and friends, with no sign of her husband.
It wasn’t long before guests were announced, so Frances hurried through to the grand hallway to greet them. She smiled when she spotted Edith’s brother, Alastair, and his companion.
He strode across the great hall on long legs, hands outstretched. He really was a fine figure. All golden hair and dark eyes.
“Dearest Frances, I’m so terribly sorry. We areappallinglyearly!”
Frances shook her head and took both proffered hands in hers.
He kissed her on both cheeks before turning his attention to his tall, dark-haired acquaintance. “I believe you’ve met dear Mr Carlisle?”
“Indeed, I have. How lovely to see you again.”
Frances turned to the older ladies who accompanied them. “Aunt Agatha, Miss Woodgrove. It issolovely to see you. I trust you had a pleasant journey?”
Aunt Agatha rolled her eyes. “With these two reprobates?” They all laughed good naturedly. “Good to see you, my dear,” Aunt Agatha removed her gloves. “A little too much to expect a greeting from my own nephew?”
Frances held onto her smile as best she could, for Frederick’s absence never went unnoticed by Agatha. “I’m so sorry, he’s been awfully busy.” She gave an unladylike snort and Miss Woodgrove’s lips twitched, her watchful blue eyes twinkling. Despite being dressed in the very best, there was no doubting where Aunt Agatha came from. It was why Frederick found her difficult to deal with and was eager to distance himself from her, but precisely why Frances loved her.
Frederick had bought his aunt a lovely house, paid for a small number of staff, and gifted her a stipend. She was grateful for all of it, but Frances had the feeling she would trade it all for a better relationship with her nephew. Aunt Agatha adored the children and Frances always went out of her way to make her welcome, particularly as Agatha had never married or had a family of her own.
She ushered them into the drawing room and the children arrived curtailing any further discussion of Frederick’s absence. Seemingly glad to see him not there, they besieged both guests with delighted squeals and hugs, taking full advantage of not needing to mute their reactions. Miss Woodgrove was quite a part of the family too. Something else Frederick disapproved of. He saw her as a servant instead of the much-loved family member that the rest of them did.
“Freddie!” Alastair hooked his arm around Freddie’s neck, and pulled him in for a big, backslapping hug. Frances could see the sheer joy that shone on her son’s face at the attention. “How the hell are you, old thing? Lord, how you’ve grown!”
Freddie’s cheeks reddened with pleasure.
“Pretty good. How about you?”
