As Ian opened the gate and led her through it, he announced, “Everyone, Ma’am Tabitha, Joyce, this is Lady Cecilia.”
A bell went off in Tabitha’s head.
Lady Cecilia? Why does that name sound so familiar?
“Good afternoon and thank you, Lady Cecilia!” the children enthusiastically cheered.
Tabitha was too busy racking her brain to join in the collective greeting.
I’ve heard that name before! Where is it from?
“And this,” Ian gestured with an extended arm, “is His Grace, the Duke of Sherriden.”
Everyone’s heads turned towards the man whom they had been calling Anthony for the past two hours. The children were so shocked that they forgot to greet him. Even Tabitha was filled with horror as she realized that she had been commanding their most generous patron around as though he were a kitchen helper.
But being the kindhearted nobleman that he was, His Grace put everyone at ease.
“Good afternoon, all! It’s wonderful to remake your acquaintance,” he joked.
Hesitantly, the children replied, “Good afternoon and thank you, Your Grace.”
“Oh, don’t let me spoil the fun! I was the one who told you to call me Anthony—after all, it is my name. Come on, then. Shall we start the party?”
Just the mention of the word “party” was enough to revive the buzz of excitement and the children patiently waited for His Grace, Ian, and Lady Cecilia to lead the way into the house. Tabitha and Joyce walked directly behind them silently mouthing,Can you believe this?and similar questions to each other.
His Grace eagerly strode towards the fireplace.
“Cecilia, come here. I think you’ll find this fascinating. Do you recognize this painting?”
“Oh my!” she exclaimed. “I painted this along with Miss Meyer ages ago! It’s so wonderful that you decided to keep it after all these years.”
The children gasped. Peggy asked, “Were you the girl that had Meredith as her governess, Lady Cecilia?”
Lady Cecilia smiled, “Yes, exactly! I remember that Miss Meyer sat with me the whole time I painted this.”
This triggered a wave of oohs and aahs from the children. But His Grace was apparently concerned about something else.
“Yes, yes, but what do you notice about the painting itself, Cecilia? For example, what’s different about this area right here compared to how it is now?”
“Hmm… I think that Mr. Reeves planted some shrubs and flowerbeds there, Brother? I’m sorry, I don’t see what the fuss is. This was about two years ago, probably a month or so after—”
“After mother died, right?” He turned to Tabitha, “Sorry, Ma’am Tabitha. But would it be all right if I talked to Cecilia for a bit?”
* * *
Meredith could hardly believe her eyes as she peeked at the house from the curtain of the coach window.
“Are you sure that we’re in the right place, Lord Farellshire?”
He grinned, “Oh, yes. We certainly are. You must be wondering how on earth they were able to do all of the renovations, right?”
Speechless, Meredith only nodded.
“Well, then we better go inside and ask them!”
* * *
“Remember when we couldn’t find mother’s correspondence box in the house, someone had suggested that perhaps she had buried it somewhere on our grounds?”
