Page 34 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke
William saddled the white chestnut and set its bridle.
“How are you today?” he said to the horse in soft voice. He scratched the side of its neck, drawing a soft neigh from the horse.
William drew the stallion out of the stable and mounted it. The stable boy had just rounded the corner and was running to the stable when he saw William.
“Don’t worry. I’m leaving now, just check on the other horses.” William said to the boy.
The boy nodded and went into the stable. William kicked the sides of stallion, sending it into a speedy run. He never allowed the horse to slow down to a walk and got to the house of the Earl in a short while.
The Earl of Norfolk had a huge compound. William didn’t know the exact size but he heard the land was worth many acres. The house was just in front of the gate, looking like a doorway to the forest that ranged behind it. It was said that the Earl was a lover of hunting and had acquired more of the land when he became Earl. William looked into the forest behind the house.
“There is sure to be abundant game in there.” William said to himself.
As he got to the front of the house, a servant ran up to care for his horse. William dismounted and walked up the stairs. The stairway was made of tar but chiseled so finely it was easy to think it was cut out of rock. The house was huge, tall pillars stretching beside the doorway up to the roof. The doors were tall and had brass rings as handles. William was about to knock on the door when it opened to him. He walked in and saw a steward behind it.
“Thank you very much.” William said to him.
A woman who looked not much older than his mother walked down another staircase towards him. Her shoes made loud squeaking sounds on the polished floor. Her white blouse matched the white walls of the house but her skirt was dark, only her shoes had a different colour in the entire room, green. She looked like the matron of the house.
What sort of matron wears green shoes? And why is she allowed do that?
“Good afternoon ma’am,” William said.
“Good afternoon Mr. William, to what do we owe the honour of your visit?” the woman asked.
William smiled when she said that. She knew him.
“Is the Duke in?” William asked.
“No sir, he went on an official assignment this morning,” she answered.
“In that case there is no problem; can it be made known to Miss Esther that William Marlow is around?” William said.
“No problems, if you would have a seat,” she said, pointing to a small stool with leather skin.
William sat and watched as she walked up the stairs. He looked around him and was impressed. There were paintings and beautiful animal skin canvasses hung on the wall. He was still looking round when his eyes round when his eyes caught a figure on the stairs. It was Esther in a plain overall. Her hair was tied in a bun, making his eyes focus on her face. He could see her better now that she was in a shallow light.
She was pretty, not the striking beauty that took away your attention but she had a round face without angles that sought to make no impression. Her features were small and easy, nothing stood out. But William could see why his mother favoured her now. She had a quiet nature and gave thoughtful responses; she had the exact kind of unremarkable nature that would match his explosive reactions.
If only I felt an inkling of affection for her but my heart dictates otherwise.
She didn’t appear as timid as she appeared the other time. She walked to William with assured steps and a gay smile. William wondered if the sudden courage was because she was at home.
“Good afternoon, I hope I did not put pause to an event of import,” William asked.
“No, none at all,” she replied.
“I was hoping I could engage you in friendly discussions and keep your company this fair afternoon,” William said.
“That would be lovely. You did mention it the last time we spoke. Let’s talk in the garden,” Esther replied.
She rubbed her hands together gently as she led him out of the room into the garden behind. She didn’t wear gloves and Williams saw that her fingernails were long and shapely.
She takes good care of herself.
The garden was huge. It was a gallery of green with few spots of other bright colours.
“The garden is really lacking in flowers, too much green.” William muttered under his breath.
