“And that’s why it’s refreshing.”
“Were you just as excited when you first left England?”
He hesitated. It had been nine years ago, and Stephen Kepple had just taken his own life. Robert had been questioning everything about himself, his motives, his beliefs, his ability to be the earl. But he wouldn’t tell her any of this. “I was excited to see lands that weren’t green and wet all the time. Little did I know, but India has a monsoon season that makes England’s weather look tame in comparison. And don’t forget about the six weeks at sea.” He gave an exaggerated shudder, then realized she couldn’t see him, but he got a smile out of Molly.
The carriage was bouncing on the country roads, making it too difficult for Molly to read aloud for any length of time. So the two of them settled on going over the list of servants at the manor.
“I’ve been corresponding with the land agent hired by my late husband’s estate,” Audrey explained when he expressed curiosity. “I’m told a family has been caring for the manor for the last few years. The mother is the cook and housekeeper, the father takes care of the grounds, their son is the footman, and a daughter is the maid.”
“Well, that makes it convenient,” Robert said. “With none of the Blake family there, it’s been like their own home.”
Audrey’s brow furrowed. “Very true. I imagine we’ll all get used to one another.”
She was already taking care of the people attached to her manor. Robert didn’t even know most of the ones who served him. At the London town house, the only familiar faces had been the butler and housekeeper. He hadn’t even been to his country house yet. He and Audrey were almost on the same journey. While she’d be getting to know her new home, he’d be relearning the one he left behind a lifetime ago, one that ran without any effort by him at all. He’d hired the right staff, he told himself. That’s what he’d paid them to do. He found himself hesitant about getting too involved—his father had always had that trait. In the military, one allowed the officers to command their regiments, one did not try to do every job. He’d learned his lesson.
“He’s fallen asleep,”Molly whispered sometime later, and the two women lapsed into a peaceful silence.
Audrey’s thoughts drifted, but she was too wound up to sleep. She recalled her earlier conversation with Robert, when she’d asked if he’d been excited leaving England. There had been something in his voice that seemed … different. He’d answered lightly about the weather, as if that was all that mattered. She hadn’t asked more questions, because there was no point in prying. Yet he knew so much of her life; she couldn’t help being curious about his.
Audrey still felt dreamy with happiness and expectation. At last, she was free to chart her own course. She imagined the countryside streaming by her, all detailed so lovingly by Molly’s gift for words.
She felt the carriage slow and thought it must be noon. They’d stopped midmorn to water and feed the horses, and decided then to take a more extended break for luncheon.
“I must have closed my eyes,” Robert said.
She smiled. “So I heard. I hope you found some rest.”
“I did, thank you. We’ve arrived at an inn. Let me get down and I’ll assist you.”
She accepted his hand, and when she was on the ground, she trailed her fingers along the carriage until she reached the back. Her gelding, Erebus, came near and nuzzled her shoulder.
“You’ve been so good,” she murmured, petting his nose.
She heard their coachman call for grooms to care for the horses, and then Robert took her arm.
“Shall we share a meal?” he asked.
“I’m starving,” she agreed.
As they walked, she heard the ringing of a hostler’s bell at the gate, and the voices of servants in the stable yard off to the side. There were so many people, she realized.
“I’ll rent a private dining room,” Robert was saying. “We can relax there.”
“No, I’d like to eat in the public rooms with the other travelers. I can’t see, but I can hear, and it all sounds wonderful.”
He chuckled. “Very well. Take a step up here, and we’ll be in the front hall.”
“Ooh, Miss Audrey, there’s a row of basins and jugs,” Molly said. “Would you like to wash?”
“Yes, please!”
Molly chatted on about the cupboard displaying pies and cheeses, and how the next open room was crowded with tables and benches where people were eating.
“This way, ladies.”
“There must be a servants’ hall,” Molly protested.
“You’ll eat with us,” Audrey said. “We’re sharing this adventure together, remember?”
