Page 7 of A Lady's Christmas
Blinking awake, Mrs. Honoria Chervil sits up and leans toward the carriage window. “Oh my. It’s a fine house indeed. Did you spend much time here as a child?”
Nodding, Gwen smiles. “This is where I first met my adopted father and the new duke too. It was daunting to drive up with the mail, only then to be dropped off at the front door. I thought I’d be locked in one of those towers like in the storybooks.”
Lady Chervil’s kind eyes became glassy with unshed tears and her sunny smile faltered. “How terrible for you, my dear. All alone in the world and having to face a new life all by yourself.”
Shrugging, Gwen banishes the memories to the back of her mind. “Perhaps it gave me the strength to leave my life and join The Everton Domestic Society. If a small girl could survive, I can manage now.”
“I’m sure you will flourish, Gwen.” Leaning back, Lady Chervil watches the park-like gardens roll past on the long drive.
“I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous. Theo Dandridge can be difficult. I’d be mortified if he were rude to you.” Gwen forces herself to stop fussing with the front of her dress.
“Lady Jane said he was a perfect gentleman when he came to call.” With a raise of her brows, Lady Chervil waits for more information.
It wouldn’t do to lie about the meeting. “We argued loud enough for Lady Jane to come in. It was as much my fault as his, but it’s obvious we can’t get along.”
“It’s big of you to take some of the blame. Don’t fret about me. I’ve yet to meet a duke I couldn’t handle.” Amusement sparkles in Lady Chervil’s eyes as if ready for the challenge.
The carriage pulls to a stop at the front and Gwen draws a deep breath as a footman in yellow livery opens the door.
Lady Chervil takes the young man’s arm and steps out. “Oh, Your Grace, what a lovely place you have. Gwen has told me so much about you, I feel we are old friends.”
“Indeed, madam. You have me at a disadvantage.” Theo’s full, deep voice reaches Gwen.
Another breath and Gwen takes the footman’s arm. “Thank you, Andrew.”
Andrew almost smiles and nods to hide the slip. “Miss Carter.”
Gwen steps forward and grins at all the staff and how sharp they look, waiting on the steps to greet her. With a brief curtsy, she avoids Theo’s gaze. “Your Grace. May I introduce Lady Honoria Chervil.”
He takes Honoria’s hand and bows over it. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Grace.” Honoria bats her eyelashes.
It’s not easy, but Gwen holds in her amusement. “It was nice of you to assemble the staff. I haven’t seen them in some time. Your uncle had not been well enough to travel north in a few years.”
His silence forces her to look him in the eyes. They are the same clear blue but somehow look kinder than they have in the past and they smile at her. “There you are. I would like to take credit, but the staff insisted on greeting you properly. It seems they have missed you very much.”
Knowing he could have ordered them to stay at their posts, a tingle of warmth washes over her. “I’ll just say hello and then we can get to work.”
Offering Lady Chervil his arm, he says, “Take your time, Gwendolyn. I’ve arranged for tea to be served in the grand parlor when we’re ready and then I’m sure you and Lady Chervil will wish to rest after your journey. We can go and see Mr. Green in the morning if you’re feeling up to it.”
One by one, Gwen meets with each member of the Crestworth House staff. The scullery maid was just a girl the last time Gwen saw her and now she’s full grown and says she’s sixteen. So much time has passed and she feels like she’s missed too much.
Lamb gives her a curt bow but a warm smile.
Mrs. Hampton pulls her into a warm hug. “I know I shouldn’t hug you now that you’re a fine lady, Miss Carter, but oh, how we’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” It’s so nice to be held and cared for. It’s been so long since she’s had anyone to hug her. Gwen has to dash away a tear before anyone can see.
The way Theo looks at her, she worries he may have seen the weakness. Since he doesn’t tease her about it, he must not have seen it. He never misses an opportunity to point out her flaws.
In the parlor, he waits until she and Lady Chervil sit before he does. “I’m very pleased you’re here.”
“Because you’re getting what you want?” Of course, he’s happy. He thinks he’s won something. It’s best to get the truth out all at once. “I’m in the employ of The Everton Domestic Society, Your Grace. I’m here to do a job and once it’s complete, I will leave here and you shall not control my life.”
Lady Chervil’s eyes widen. “I hope tea will arrive soon.”
Theo’s forehead crinkles, and he stares at his shoes for a long moment before meeting Gwen’s gaze. “I know your opinion of me is poor and that it is not unfairly so. I have not been kind to you over the years. Allow me to say that I am not proud of my behavior and perhaps after a time, we can discuss it as friends.”
