The Temptation of Lady Serena (15 page)

“We’ll stop by in the next couple of days.” Robert set the horses to a trot.

She resisted the urge to glance back and wondered at the concerned look in the rector’s eyes.

 

Robert stopped the curricle on a rise and directed Serena’s attention to a view through the trees. “Haythrope Hall.”

Serena took in the pale gray building with fancifully shaped gables, tall semicircular bay windows, and a Georgian portico in the center. It was a wonderful old house, the kind that had stood for centuries. The Hall was set in a park with an expansive lawn, and a lake stood off to one side. She could see an indication of extensive gardens in the back. Against her will, she envisioned children playing and fetes for the estate’s dependants. Opposite the water, lime trees lined the drive to the house.

The Hall and town were almost more than she’d hoped for. Serena smiled. “Robert, the property is beautiful. I can’t wait to see the inside and tour the grounds.”

The front door opened before the carriage came to a halt. A footman ran out to assist Serena, but Robert bade him hold the horses and handed her down himself.

As they entered the large, airy, two-story front hall, an older woman waited with ill-concealed excitement.

Robert glanced up. “Ah, Lady Serena, may I present Mrs. Norton, my housekeeper.”

Mrs. Norton bobbed a curtsey.

Serena extended her hand. “I am very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Norton.”

The housekeeper beamed. “As am I to meet you, my lady. No doubt you’ll want a tour of the house and to make an inspection. I shall hold myself ready for you.”

Serena couldn’t help responding warmly to Mrs. Norton, but this was not a good sign. Serena glanced at Robert and tried to give him some sort of signal that they needed to speak privately about the staff’s expectations.

“Mrs. Norton, Lady Serena’s aunt and my Aunt Freddy will arrive soon. I’m sure Lady Serena would like to freshen up before touring the house.”

Serena tried to keep her tone light. “Lord Beaumont, before I do that, I believe I would like to take a turn in the garden. Will you escort me?”

He turned a concerned face to her. “Yes, indeed.”

Robert led her out through a room in the back of the house to the courtyard garden beyond. She stopped by the fountain where the sound of running water would prevent anyone from overhearing them.

“The last time you spoke with your staff was before you arrived in France, wasn’t it?” Serena began carefully. “From what Mrs. Norton said, they think I am here as a prelude to the wedding.”

At least Robert had the grace to look guilty. “So it seems. I didn’t think about their assumptions when I made the invitation for you to come here.”

Well, neither had she. “How do you wish to handle this? It’s not only the staff. Everyone in the area will expect to have the banns read now that we have arrived.” Serena paced.

Small lines formed around Robert’s mouth. “Yes, of course you’re right. Serena, I’m sorry . . .”

“There is no point in that now.” She briefly put her head in her hands. What an uncomfortable situation. “We cannot tell them the truth. It would be too awkward for everyone. We’ll have to allow them to think what they will. Which means I shall inspect the house and, in general, carry on as if I shall be the Hall’s mistress.” Serena waved a hand, encompassing the property.

Robert caught her hands and held her gaze in his warm one. When he looked at her like that, with such caring, she’d do anything for him.

“I’m here for you,” he promised. “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you.”

Serena searched his eyes. Yes, he would. She took a breath. This may not be as bad as she thought. “Well, let’s get on with it. What shall we do to-day?”

His expression cleared and his lips tilted up. She really did not need to focus on his lips.

“First, you freshen up,” he suggested. “Your maid and clothing should be here. Later we’ll tour the house. That will be enough for to-day. We keep country hours here.”

That was a relief. It would be nice to retire before one or two in the morning. “And to-morrow?”

He tightened his grip on her hands. “Would you like to meet some of my tenants?”

“Yes, let’s do that. I’ll plan to meet with Mrs. Norton the day after to-morrow.” Serena sighed. “I hope I’ll be able to hold her off that long.”

Robert grinned. “I’ll see what I can do to distract her. She’s known me since I was a child and I have had considerable experience.”

S
erena was shown to an apartment overlooking the east garden, with a view of the ornamental lake and the wood beyond. Mary had already unpacked and had Serena’s wash water ready.

Once Serena had completed her ablutions and changed, Mary said, “My lady, Mrs. Norton asked if I knew when the wedding would be.”

Serena sucked in a breath. “What did you tell her?”

“I told her you and Lord Beaumont were discussing it.
Is
there going to be a wedding?”

“That’s what I am here to decide,” Serena said firmly. “We’ll not say anything to Lord Beaumont’s staff. There is no reason for them to know I have not made up my mind.”

Mary glanced at her doubtfully. “As you wish, my lady.”

Serena was turning from the corridor to the main staircase as Freddy and Catherine arrived. Stepping back so she wouldn’t be seen, Serena watched the housekeeper greet their aunts.

Mrs. Norton greeted Freddy enthusiastically. “Miss Freddy.” The housekeeper blushed. “I’m sorry,
my lady
. You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

Freddy hugged the housekeeper. “Norry, you never remember to call me ‘my lady’ at first. It’s so good to see you. Come greet Lady Ware, Lady Serena’s aunt.”

“Welcome to Haythrope Hall, my lady.” Mrs. Norton thought for a moment. “Don’t you own the property next to here on the north?”

Catherine replied, “Yes, I moved there about five years ago after my eldest son married.”

“Then welcome to Yorkshire as well. It’ll be nice for you to have your niece living so close and all. We’ve been in a bustle getting ready for her. Such a good sweet lady she seems. It’ll be wonderful having a mistress at the Hall again.”

Catherine and Freddy exchanged brief glances.

Serena’s stomach churned and she took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. It was time to make her presence known. “You certainly took your time arriving. We’ve been here for an age.”

“Yes, well,” Catherine said, “Freddy remembered an inn she wanted to stop at for a nuncheon. It was very pleasant.” Catherine smiled meaningfully at Serena.

Clearly, they’d wished to give Robert and Serena more time together.

“Mrs. Norton,” Serena said, “if you will escort Lady Stanstead and Lady Ware to their chambers, we shall have tea after they’ve refreshed themselves.”

“Yes, my lady, it will be my pleasure.”

“Freddy, Aunt Catherine, please meet me in the back parlor that leads to the garden. Freddy, do you know the room?”

“Yes, my dear, we won’t be long.”

Serena started to leave the hall, then stopped to address the butler. “Finster.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Please find Lord Beaumont and ask him to join me in the . . . what
is
the name of that room?”

“The Ladies’ Morning Room, my lady.”

“Thank you, Finster. Please have him attend me there.”

Serena was pacing when Robert entered.

He walked quickly to her. “What is it?”

“Oh, Robert, I was about to descend the stairs when Aunt Catherine and Freddy arrived. Mrs. Norton was so happy when she told them I was to be the mistress here. I stayed in the upper corridor until she stopped. I couldn’t face her. I feel like such a
fraud!
”

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her if she would agree to marry him she wouldn’t feel so badly, but that wouldn’t help him. “No, you’re not to feel that way. This situation is entirely my fault, and it’s not as if you have made a decision
not
to marry me.”

Serena breathed in. “No, that’s true.”

Robert raised her right hand to brush his lips across the back of it. She shivered. He met Serena’s eyes, then dropped his gaze to her lips and stepped closer. “I’ve missed being alone with you.”

She backed away. “No! That is what got us into this mess. Robert, I will not kiss you again unless I decide to marry you.”

Damn,
he’d done it again. “Very well, if that’s what you wish.”

“It’s not what I wish,” she said ruefully, “but it’s how it must be.”

A few minutes later, Catherine and Freddy arrived, their expressions serious.

“Well, nephew.” Freddy’s lips formed a moue. “I take it the staff still thinks you are marrying?”

“Freddy, it was something neither of us thought about,” Serena said. “You know he’d told them we were before he came to France.”

“And notice of the betrothal was in the
Morning Post,
” Catherine added.

Mrs. Norton brought in the tea. “My lady, when would you like to meet with me?”

Robert answered, “Norry, I’d like to take Lady Serena riding around the estate to-morrow and then tour the house with her. She’s been sitting in a carriage for the better part of a week. Can you wait until the day after to-morrow?”

Mrs. Norton’s jaw dropped, and she narrowed her eyes at Robert. “
Master Robert,
do you mean to tell me that you dragged poor Lady Serena back from France and directly here?”

“Yes,” he said, wondering why she’d care.

Mrs. Norton heaved a large breath. “Well, that was a heathenish thing to do if I ever heard of one.” Mrs. Norton turned to Serena, all solicitude. “My poor lady, you take some time to rest from your travels. We can make the house inspection in two days. You just get used to being in one place again. I’ll tell Cook she should give you another day before she sends you the menus.”

Serena suppressed a giggle. “Thank you, Mrs. Norton. Two days would be wonderful.”

After giving Robert a scathing look of disapproval, she left.

Serena collapsed onto the sofa, and gave herself over to the laughter she’d been holding in.

“You see, Robert? I’m not the only one who thinks your mode of travel excessive,” Freddy said.

Serena glanced up.
“Master Robert.”
And went off again.

“You may think it funny, but I don’t! Every time I do something they think I shouldn’t, I am reduced to the status of a six-year-old!”

“Heathenish travel.” Serena giggled.

Robert smiled. “Oh well, at least I bought you a few days of peace.”

“Since we are keeping country hours, it’s time to dress for dinner,” she said. “Robert, lead on.”

 

Robert waited at the top of the grand staircase. Serena appeared dressed in an aubergine silk evening gown with a low V neckline and short gathered sleeves.

He tried to breathe. “You look lovely.”

Serena swept him a graceful curtsey. “Thank you, my lord.”

This is what he wanted, to see her every evening. “Come. I’ll show you to the drawing room.”

“House tour to-morrow?”

He held out his arm. “Yes. It is not a difficult house to navigate, even though it has a lot of rooms.”

“I shouldn’t complain. Vere Castle is a warren. One could become permanently lost with no trouble at all.”

They entered the drawing room to find Freddy and Catherine already partaking in sherry.

“Freddy, how does it feel to be here?” Serena asked. “Does it feel like home?”

“Different. As if I’ve stepped back in time.” Freddy pursed her lips. “I no longer feel as if it’s
my
home, though I have a sense of well-being here. I may have to visit more often.”

“Please do.” Robert poured a glass and held it out. “Sherry, Serena?”

“I’d love some.” She took the glass from him. “Thank you.”

He and Freddy told Serena about the surrounding countryside and the neighbors they remembered.

When Finster announced dinner, Robert gave Serena a wry smile. “Cook is good, but as I recall, she doesn’t do much with vegetables.”

Taking a sip of sherry, Serena paused for a moment. “Let’s see how it goes.”

Dinner was well cooked and presented, but Robert had been correct. There was a dearth of vegetables and those on offer were covered in heavy sauces. That would never do. Her old cook at the castle was a wonder with vegetables and Serena always looked forward to them. Robert’s cook needed her attention sooner rather than later. To-morrow she’d brave the kitchen.

Later that evening, as Mary was combing out Serena’s hair, her maid paused. She hoped it wasn’t going to be bad news. “You have something to tell me?”

“Yes, my lady. I was given a house tour by the housekeeper, and Will was shown round the stables. Mrs. Norton’s doing the best she can, my lady, but it’s all a bit shabby.” Mary pulled a face. “I was seated at the table where I would be if you were married, and I heard that his lordship’s started to redecorate the viscountess’s rooms.”

Serena briefly closed her eyes. Mary continued, “He told the staff you’d be married, and they’re as happy as grigs. Mrs. Norton asked all manner of questions about Vere Castle. I said you’d been mistress for many a year, and knew what it took to hold house and keep the land in good order. Cook asked what you liked to eat, so I gave her some of your favorites.”

Mary teared up. “Oh, my lady, I’ll feel so sorry for these poor folks if we leave. This place isn’t like St. Eth House, where everything is as it should be. They need a mistress here.”

After dismissing Mary, Serena stood looking out at the lake. Almost June. She could hardly believe it, yet the moon rising before the sun set didn’t lie. Was coming here really a good idea?

She hadn’t thought his home could capture her so quickly. All afternoon, servants, such as the tweenie, Lolly, had smiled at Serena and welcomed her warmly. Serena had noticed their surreptitious glances as they wondered what sort of mistress she’d be, and she wanted to comfort them.

Guilt at the pretense clawed at her. Serena knew herself well. She’d been out of her depth in London, yet with her family surrounding her, she’d slowly made her way. Running a large house and an estate was what she knew best. She would not be able to hide her knowledge, or be willing to wait for Robert’s approval to make the changes she’d seen the need for.

Serena slowly shook her head. As hard as it would be, she must guard her heart, knowing from experience that even the devotion of the tenants and staff would not make up for the lack of love.

 

The next morning after breakfast, Serena changed into her riding habit and placed the few lumps of sugar she’d taken from the table into a pocket. When she arrived at the head of the grand staircase, she found Robert waiting for her.

“Come.” He grabbed her hand, and she had to lengthen her stride to keep up with him. “I’ll show you the quickest way to the stables.”

Tingles ran through her fingers, where he touched them. It was always like this with him. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Robert smiled. “You’ll see. Would you like a good gallop?”

He pulled her down a passage and out a side door.

“Yes, Robert, I would love a gallop. It has been so long since I’ve been able to do that.”

“Yes, one cannot properly give a horse its head in London or Paris.”

They entered the stables, and Serena gazed at the well-kept stalls. A horse started to kick in a way she knew well. “Shamir!”

Following the noise with her gaze, she saw him looking out from one of the end stalls and hurried forward. “Oh, how I’ve missed you.”

Serena took his large head in her hands and kissed his nose. He nudged her, then lipped her pocket. Laughing, she pulled out a piece of sugar.

“Robert, how did you get him here?”

“When we decided to come, St. Eth agreed to have Shamir sent ahead. We’ll probably spend a great deal of time riding. So, I thought you’d like having your horse here.”

Serena released her grip on Shamir. Her heart filled with love for Robert. If only he knew how much having Shamir meant to her. “Robert, thank you. That was so thoughtful.”

She kissed him on the cheek. He tensed. She knew avoiding physical contact would be better, less dangerous, but how she longed for his touch.

Robert helped her onto Shamir and mounted Démon.

Once clear of the stable yard, they let the horses have their heads. Robert glanced at her occasionally as they rode, as if to assure himself she was still there.

Serena tried to focus on her surroundings. The cool crisp air, too cool for the end of May, had had an effect. The crops were not as far along as they should be because of the weather, but also, she thought, because of neglect. There was an air about the place that spoke of an absent landlord and a lazy steward. She’d have to talk to Robert about it. Even if Serena didn’t stay, Robert needed to come here more often and take better care of his land. They skirted cultivated fields and crossed fallow ones before a group of cottages came into view.

“Your tenants?” Serena asked.

“Yes, this family has been here longer than I can remember. The lease is passed to the oldest son.”

Long leases, that was good. “What happens to the younger sons?”

“Most of them go off on their own.” He knitted his brows. “Why?”

“Having children far away is hard on families. Something should be done to provide employment for them in the area.”

She decided to act as if she would be the mistress here, and to test Robert’s sincerity in his offer of a partnership as well.

They reined in the horses and tied them off on a tree. A thin wiry man with grizzled hair and a deeply lined face came to greet them.

“My lord.”

“Johnson.”

Robert turned to her. “Lady Serena, allow me to introduce Mr. Johnson. His family has been at Haythrope Hall for as long as the Beaumonts have been here.”

Mr. Johnson’s face creased into a smile. “How de do, my lady. I suppose you’ll hear this all day long, but we’re happy to have you here.”

Serena offered her hand. “As am I happy to be here, Mr. Johnson.”

He looked a little flustered and glanced at Robert, who nodded. After wiping his hands on his shirt, Johnson took one of her fingers and shook.