Page 73 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
When the carriage finally stopped shortly afterward, she breathed a sigh of both relief and anticipation. What on earth did it all mean? What was the mystery destination that Edward seemed so keen on keeping a secret?
Whitton exited the carriage first. Then, to her shock, Edward suddenly scooped up Serena and carried her down the steps, setting her on the crunching, gravelly ground.
“Are you ready?” he asked, and she almost hit him. But when he removed her blindfold at last , she gasped and shrieked in delight.
“Welcome home, Miss White,” Whitton said, standing in front of the door of Magnolia House, just as he’d always used to all those weeks ago.
Serena sobbed with joy, hugging first her new husband and then her old butler.
“B-but, hasn’t the house already been sold,” she asked, shaking her head.
Whitton stepped forward, smiling.
“It is considered to be seized property in a legal investigation,” he explained. “It will be rented out to a new family soon, but it still legally belongs to you, provided you sign the correct papers— at arealsolicitor’s office.”
Serena clapped her hands and smiled.
“Come,” she said, taking both the men’s hands. “Oh, I am so happy!”
To her amazement, inside the hall were all the guests from the wedding. The place was beautifully decorated for a celebration and a vast wedding breakfast buffet had been set out, with champagne, wine, and punch ready for the party. It was absolutely marvellous, and Serena was further amazed to see a small orchestra in one corner, and the musicians immediately began to play the instant that Edward carried her over the threshold. Everyone applauded on their entrance, and for several minutes, the couple were surrounded by guests wanting to give them their well wishes for a happy life together.
When at last the crowd around them dissipated a little, Edward led Serena on to the dance floor. The orchestra struck up a waltz, and everyone stood in silent awe as the newlyweds shared their first dance as husband and wife. And when the first song ended, other couples eagerly joined them on the dance floor.
Serena smiled up at Edward with wonder and affection.
“How did you and your mother arrange all of this in secret?” she asked.
Edward glanced to where the countess, Emily, and Mrs. Chantry stood, chattering with all of Serena’s old servants.
“Your old staff have got their jobs back now, with the new family coming,” he said. “They helped us to set this up, and everyone managed to keep it a surprise for you.”
Serena wiped tears of joy from her cheeks, nestling her cheek into her husband’s chest.
“I love you all so dearly,” she murmured.
Edward kissed the top of her head, resting his chin there.
“You have no idea how loved you are, darling,” he whispered.
Chapter Twenty-nine
The following seven weeks were the best of Edward’s life. His mother, now the Dowager Countess Drinkwater, had never seemed happier than she was since his wedding day. He had insisted that she continue living with Serena and himself, at least until he was satisfied that she was well and truly herself again.
Deep down, however, he simply did not wish to live anywhere without his mother. And he knew she felt the same way. As did his lovely new wife.
Serena, as a wedding present for Edward, had sent Clarke into town to pay for the materials and the skilled workmen required to begin the next phase of repairing things on the estate. She had also purchased more supplies of seed and equipment for the tenant farmers, plus a couple of enormous Shire horses, called Hero and Apollo for ploughing. She truly was as generous as she was beautiful, and Edward often wondered how he had ever lived without her in his life.
Mrs. Chantry had decided to stay on a little longer to help train some new servants for Chimneys. Now Serena was the countess, she’d decided that Emily and Clarke deserved the extra help around the house. Plus, the newlyweds hoped to do some entertaining in future. Serena, of course, insisted on helping with the training, and Edward was loath to deny her.
One night, at dinner, after working with the new servants for a few days, Edward noticed Serena wore a dreamy, thoughtful expression.
“Serena, darling,” he said, smiling fondly at her. “I believe I know that look. What new scheme are you thinking up now?”
Serena blushed and giggled.
“I doubt you’d ever guess,” she said, grinning. “I was just thinking of the future. And of promoting Emily to head housekeeper.”
Edward nodded, also growing thoughtful.
