Page 76 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"Do the other ladies you spend time with change so often?" Anne asked.
"Well, I suppose so. With the seasons and all, you know? But I don't believe it is quite so much as Mother does," Phoebe replied, appearing to really give it thought.
Anne said, "Well, I suppose to each his own. And if His Lordship doesn't mind, she is free to do as she pleases. Furthermore, I'm sure you will marry in the coming years and have your own home to keep as you choose."
"There isn't a gentleman on the horizon yet, but I believe Mother is hoping I will impress someone this year. She keeps reminding me, ‘Your father courted me at nineteen, and you are twenty now,'" Phoebe said in perfect mimicry of the Viscountess' voice. "What about you? Is there a gentleman in Reedley I should fuss at you for not writing me about?"
Anne couldn't hide the sunken expression that came over her.
"No, I suppose I cannot say there is. To be honest, I'm hoping my time here will be a distraction," Anne replied.
"With the work Mother will have us doing, I'm sure we won't have time or energy for a free thought," Phoebe assured gently, not prying into matters. "Cheer up cousin. Perhaps in between all the bustle in the house we can find time for a little fun to lift your spirits and not just distract you.
"Thank you," Anne said.
The two girls hugged and changed their discussion to happier things. Soon enough, it was dinner and a little social time. Then, all the ladies went to bed as the Viscountess wanted an early start in the morning.
CHAPTER 22
The following morning and the next several days after were filled with people in and out of the house showing patterns and swatches of wall papers, fabrics, and small pieces of furniture for the ladies' consideration.
When there wasn't someone in the home needing an opinion or decision, Anne and Phoebe were working as hard as the rest of the staff, shifting, rearranging, dusting, polishing, and removing whatever the Viscountess requested.
Still, no matter what they did, Anne was not as distracted as she hoped. She didn't have time to cry, but it seemed her face still betrayed her, revealing the sadness she carried at times.
"Anne, are you sure you are all right?" Phoebe asked one morning as they polished a curio cabinet. "You have looked so downtrodden since you arrived here."
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to," Anne replied.
"It is okay," said Phoebe. "There is no need to apologize. I only asked to see if there is something we can do to cheer you up some."
Anne sighed.
"I really wouldn't know. I have never felt this way," she admitted.
"Well, why don't we go for a walk this afternoon?" Phoebe suggested. "Mother is out shopping for more things for the house. I do not expect her to return until just before dinner."
For a moment, Anne thought about her walks with Noah around Reedley property. She shook away the thought.
"That would be lovely," she agreed.
"Wonderful," said Phoebe.
They hurried to finish a reasonable amount of work so the Viscountess would be pleased when she returned then Anne and Phoebe freshened up and left to promenade in the park.
"It is rather nice to be out for a walk. I have missed the fresh air and greenery," Anne admitted.
"I enjoy it, too," agreed Phoebe. "At the main house, I spend most of my time outdoors collecting flowers, sketching birds, and walking the gardens. Nothing relaxes me more or clears my mind better."
"I agree," said Anne. "Well, perhaps cooking. I have always felt most at peace in the kitchen, but outside is a close second."
"I can only make a few things, but I think that would be enjoyable to serve a meal and know that I didn't only plan it but that I prepared it myself as well," considered Phoebe thoughtfully. "Perhaps you can teach me a few things while you are here. I would love to learn to make a pie or prepare breakfast."
"I would be more than happy to," said Anne, feeling a little more herself.
As the two women walked, they talked about simple foods Anne could teach Phoebe to make during her stay and the sorts of flowers they enjoyed each season.
Then, as Anne's mood was beginning to lighten, she saw him coming from the opposite direction. Among the people, Noah was out for a stroll in the park as well it seemed. He looked as though he had lost a little weight, and his face seemed gray, sullen.
