Page 24 of A Lady's Curves
“Here you are, Miss Wittman.” She puts a mug on the desk.
The scent is floral and it’s a buttery yellow color. “What is it?”
“Tea with lavender, ginger, a few spices, and an egg.” She crosses her arms and stares at me. “Don’t look so sour. It tastes nice and will cure what ails you. Though, you should know better at your age not to drink so much.”
I laugh and grip the handle of the mug. “You’re right, Mrs. Jones. I had no business trying to keep up with her ladyship and now I’ve paid the price.”
Grinning, she points at the drink. “That will lessen the cost. I promise.”
The tea is foamy and I take a sip. “It’s quite nice.”
Mrs. Jones nods and returns to the long work table where she fusses with some dough.
The concoction is silky and the ginger is the standout flavor. I drink it all and like a strange miracle, my stomach settles. “That’s amazing.”
Once I’ve thanked the cook, I follow Oscar upstairs.
He stops in the hallway and takes my hand. “Feeling better?”
“Much better. Thank you.” I feel well enough to be embarrassed. “I should go and check on Lady Chervil.”
Chuckling, he nods. “I think her ladyship has much experience in such things and the morning after.”
“Unlike me, who is still ignorant at my advanced age.” I take my hand back and clasp both together to dispel the temptation to touch him. “I will be able to finalize the bookkeeping here in a few days. I’ll write up a full report of your losses and the current state of this property as well as your Scotland estate.”
The joy leaves his eyes and his shoulders slump. “That will be very helpful. Do you think you’ll be ready to go to Devonshire in a week’s time?”
“I’ll check with Lady Chervil, but that should be fine.” It should be a good thing that we are talking business, but I want to cry.
Straightening, his jaw ticks. “I will write to the butler at Kensfield Manor and tell him we’ll need the house opened up and two guest rooms readied.” He bows and rushes down the hall toward the stairs.
I listen to his heavy boots climbing to the upper level. How have I made such a mess of this assignment? I’ve been a fool, but no longer. I will behave like an Everton Lady. In a few weeks or a month, I’ll have the work done and I’ll be out of Oscar’s life forever.
That should make me feel relieved, but sorrow fills my heart.
I suppose I should tell my mother that I’ll be in Devonshire. It might be possible to visit with her if Father isn’t home. It’s a big enough area that it’s unlikely I’d run into them on the street, but still, the idea of going home gnaws at my gut.
“All will be well,” I tell myself and head to the study.
Chapter Ten
Ann
After two days of travel where Oscar and I said little to each other, I’m relieved to step out of the carriage in Exeter. It’s market day and bustling with activity. Honoria and I walk around smelling flowers and admiring the fruits and vegetables.
Oscar said he had to meet someone and would be only an hour. His house is only ten miles from town and I’ll be grateful to be out of the carriage for a good while.
“It’s nice to stretch our legs,” I say.
“Indeed. I’ve always liked Devonshire. I wonder if we might go to Plymouth. I’ve not been in years and I do so love the sea.” Honoria smiles and turns her face up to the sun.
“It’s only a day’s ride, I’m sure we can manage a trip.”
We stroll on and Honoria buys some sweets and a bottle of something, which she seems very pleased about. “For my health,” she says, patting the sack.
“As long as it’s for you and not me, I don’t mind. I’m neverdrinking spirits with you again.” I can’t help laughing at her look of indignation.
She huffs. “You are a grown woman. You could have halted at any time.”
