Page 43 of The Wise Daughter
“I realize it might not be as many as the men who have attempted to court you. Let’s see, other than Lord Newbery, your father mentioned Mr. Darby who you tricked into flirting with your neighbor instead. Then were was Mr. Murton who couldn’t stand that you always beat him at chess, and I could go on. But I assume you do not wish to discuss them.”
Confound her father’s gossiping tongue! She could feel her face reddening by the second. Aaron had her, and she could tell he knew it. While some ladies boasted of the many suitors they had, Nora had only ever been embarrassed by them and their presumptuous manners.
“Very well, Aaron. We may talk other things.” Ignoring his smug smile, she changed the subject as an idea struck her. “I know! Why don’t we ride to the bridge tomorrow? You can tell me exactly what happened there when you were attacked. We might discover something we missed before.”
“Yes, all right. We’ll go to the bridge tomorrow. Right after I meet with my solicitor.”
“Your solicitor? I suppose you have business matters to attend to. Or is anything the matter?”
“Not at all. He’s coming to draw up our marriage settlement.”
Nora’s heart must have stopped beating. “Marriage settlement?” She couldn’t remember anything he said after that.
Chapter 16
Nora paced outside Aaron’s study where he, her father, and the solicitor, Mr. Cornell, an articulate man hardly older than Aaron, were discussing her future. She pressed her ear to the door, then scurried off each time she heard the scrape of a chair on the floor or a creak of furniture, lest the men come out and think she had been waiting there, but as the minutes ticked by, she was beginning to care less about whether they caught her.
“What could possibly be taking so long in there? I should have brought my shawl.” She rubbed her arms and gazed out the window, its glass covered in water spots from last night’s rains.
Grey storm clouds gathered in the distance. The River Esk matched the clouds as it cut through the green surroundings. A robin in the distance soared across the clouds until it rested in the trees near the castle gardens. It flitted even closer, landing a stone’s throw away from her window.
Nora leaned on the windowsill, then glared over her shoulder at the closed door. “My father and I have nothing. What can they possibly be negotiating?” She drew circles on the windowsill with her fingers. “They may be discussing Aaron’s money, but they are dictating my life. I should be in that meeting.”
Nora didn’t care that she had never heard of a young lady working out her own marriage settlement. She wanted to be a part of it. Straightening her spine, she was about to turn around and let herself in when she saw something through the window. Someone was leaving the castle. A man in rough work clothes, a blue scarf, and a plain leather cap had just stepped onto the path and was swiftly striding across the castle grounds. She wouldn’t have thought anything of it except for the way he hugged an awkward bundle under his arm and repeatedly looked over his shoulder, steadily increasing his pace.
In an instant, Nora made a decision. Lifting her skirts, she ran down the stairs to the drawing room and rang for the housekeeper.
Mrs. Manning strolled into the room, prim and clean with her perpetually pleasant and calm expression. “What can I do for you, Miss Lacy?” When she looked Nora over, her expression changed. “Goodness! Has something happened? You’re out of breath. You need smelling salts or tea or, never mind. You sit down, and I’ll fetch both.”
“Mrs. Manning,” Nora took the housekeeper by her shoulders. “I don’t require either of those things. I’d like you to call all the servants together right away. Tell them to gather in the great hall.”
“What? All of them? Now?”
“Yes. Every last one. Gardeners, stablehands, scullery maids, everyone. Please. The matter is urgent.”
Mrs. Manning’s eyes went wide. “Has something happened?”
Nora released her shoulders. “The truth is, I don’t know, but now seems the ideal time to become better acquainted with the staff.”
“If you’re certain. His Grace has never called such a meeting. I don’t know that he would entirely approve.”
Nora filled her voice with confidence and calm. In her experience, a polite request went further than a stern command. “Please, Mrs. Manning. I ask that you trust me.”
Mrs. Manning regarded her, apparently making her decision. “Very well, Miss Lacy.” She left, closing the door behind her.
Nora made her way to the great hall and waited, imagining what sort of rumors this might start among the staff. Would they think she was mad or demanding or simply improper for insisting she meet everyone like this when she was not yet their duchess? This was Aaron’s home. She was the newcomer, but if everyone accommodated her request, she would find herself one step closer to discovering the thieves.
Over the next quarter of an hour, men and women, young and old, in a variety of livery, came trickling into the great hall. Nora greeted them one by one, requesting that they tell her their names and what position in the house they filled, though Nora could often guess.
The laundry maids carried the fresh scent of soap and lye, their arms bright pink from scrubbing in hot water. Young scullery maids had grease-stained aprons and the most calloused hands with wispy hair escaping from tight buns and braids. Janie entered with two other maids who Nora thought shared a family resemblance. Most of the footmen who she had already seen in the castle had familiar faces. Gardeners and stablehands trickled in next, carrying green scents of hay and grass and animals.
Servant after servant entered.What an army!And Nora greeted them all and thanked them for coming at her request. One latecomer, a woman who smelled of savory herbs and bread, introduced herself as Mrs. Bloom and smiled as if she wanted to pinch Nora’s cheeks.
“I’m so delighted to finally meet the young lady who has captured Master Aaron’s fancy. You’ll be the envy of all the young ladies, mark my words. Oh, but it makes my old heart happy to know our master has finally found his match.”
Mrs. Bloom must have been one of the few longstanding servants still in the castle.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bloom. I’m so pleased to meet you as well. Every meal you’ve prepared for me has been superb.”
