The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (34 page)

Serena glanced toward her aunt, who immediately introduced the others present. “Serena, do you remember your uncle Henry and his wife, Ester? Phoebe is their niece. Her husband is Marcus, Earl of Evesham.”

The tall, dark-haired man inclined his head.

“Your uncle Henry has been very interested to hear of you over the years and has invited us to stay at St. Eth House for the Season.” Aunt Catherine smiled. “There is no one more able to help you through your Season.”

Serena's throat ached. She did remember her uncle Henry, the Marquess of St. Eth, her mama's brother. He'd come to her mother's funeral. But her father hadn't liked her mother's family, and there had been very little contact after her mother's passing. When her father died, Uncle Henry had written her with an offer of help. She wished she'd taken it and desperately wished she'd made her come-out when she was younger. “I–I don't know what to say. Your generosity is almost too good to be true.”

Phoebe took her hand. “Please, don't let us frighten you. We truly only wish to help. When Uncle Henry told Marcus and me about you, and asked that we accompany him here, we couldn't allow the opportunity to pass us by.”

“I am just stunned. I had no idea Aunt Catherine would . . .”

Phoebe glanced at her husband and grinned. “Yes, isn't that the nice thing about family? They are always there to help one, whether they tell you or not.”

Serena smiled. She'd moped long enough. She would make the best of her new life, and she had help now, when she needed it. Running an estate was nothing compared to entering the
ton
. “I–I am a fish out of water. I never thought to have a London Season. I've never really been in a town, except for Edinburgh as a child and recently in York to shop. My whole life has changed.”

Phoebe nodded. “Your aunt said you have never been in Polite Society.”

Serena gave a short, mirthless laugh. “I've never been in
any
society. We have no towns near the castle and no close neighbors. Except for my dependents, I've spent the last twelve years alone.”

Phoebe smiled reassuringly. “You're not alone anymore. We'll make your come-out as easy for you as we are able. And you may surprise yourself by having fun.”

 

The next morning, Serena rode out with Phoebe and Marcus. Unlike Will, Serena's groom, her cousin and her cousin's husband didn't complain when Serena wanted to gallop ahead. She waited for them at the rise she'd visited the day before. “I like having you two as company. I usually ride alone, although Aunt Catherine is not at all happy about it.”

Phoebe bit her lip. “Serena, in London you may not ride alone. It's considered fast for an unmarried lady to ride or indeed to walk unaccompanied. It will harm your reputation, and you'll not be able to obtain vouchers for Almack's.”

Marcus smiled at Phoebe. “Phoebe didn't like to ride with a groom, either. It enabled me to escort her.”

She met his gaze. “Yes, that did greatly advance your cause, my love.”

The small signs of affection between Marcus and Phoebe, and between her aunt Ester and uncle Henry, intrigued Serena. “I have no wish to seem impertinent, but yours is a love match, is it not?”

Phoebe glanced warmly at Marcus. “Yes, indeed. I was out for over six years before I married.”

“And Aunt Ester and Uncle Henry are a love match as well?”

Phoebe nodded. “It is the tradition in my family.”

“And a very good tradition it is,” Marcus said. “Else she'd have been snapped up long before I returned to England.”

A love match seemed to be a very nice thing to have. “Do either of you know the area here? I was riding alone yesterday morning and stopped here, on the crest. A man upon a great black horse was in the valley.” She frowned. “I left when he rode toward me.”

Phoebe shook her head. “No, I don't know the area well. Marcus, do you know anyone up here?”

Marcus cast a gaze around again. “A large black horse?”

Serena nodded.

“Was the man fair and tall?”

“Yes.”

“Most likely Robert Beaumont.”

“Hmm,” Phoebe said. “Very proper for you to have ridden off. There is no knowing what a gentleman encountering a lady alone would do.”

 

One week later, Serena arrived at St. Eth House.

Phoebe met her on the pavement. “We'll visit Madame Lisette in the morning. I've already written her, and she'll be happy to design a wardrobe for you.”

Serena admired all of Phoebe's clothes. “If she's the one who designs your gowns, I very much look forward to visiting her.”

“I shall leave you to settle in and see you in the morning.” Phoebe bussed Serena's cheek and left.

The comfort and opulence of St. Eth House amazed Serena. Built in the last century, it was one of the larger residences gracing Grosvenor Square and one of the few freestanding houses. The nicely laid-out gardens in the back and the smaller ones on each side of the house softened the imposing aspect. Serena's room had a view of the fountain in the back. She stood gazing out a window when her maid entered.

“Have you ever seen anything like this?” Serena smiled happily. “Feel how warm it is. What I'd have given for this comfort at Vere Castle.”

“Aye, verra warm it tis.” Mary ducked into the dressing room.

“I am beginning to feel as though this adventure was meant to be. Everyone has been so very kind.” Serena sat on the window seat and called to Mary, “How have you fared?”

Her maid had been with her for many years. Serena had been grateful, and surprised, when Mary had agreed to leave Scotland and accompany her south. With matters as they were at Vere Castle, Serena did not think she would ever return home. Her goal now was to find a husband, and she had decided it must be a love match.

“I'm getting on well, my lady. Rose, Lady Evesham's maid, has been so good as to show me the newest ways to dress hair and care for your new clothes. And Lady St. Eth's grand dresser, Perkins, is as well.”

“Are you comfortable here?”

“Aye, my lady, and happy, now that I havena got Lady Vere's French maid telling me I'm doing it all wrong.”

Serena was concerned about the answer to her next question. Her groom, an older man, not used to traveling, had insisted on remaining with her. “Has Will said anything to you about how he's doing?”

“He'll miss Vere, but he's happy to stay with you. Says the other grooms know what they're about.”

London was indeed warmer and friendlier than Vere Castle, for everyone.