Page 25

D ru carried Toby to the French doors and opened one, setting the cat down. He scampered away happily. The tabby seemed to have taken to Huntsworth easily. While he still hissed upon occasion, Toby was much better behaved than he ever had been at Marleyfield.

She closed the doors and made her way to the breakfast room, happy to be back at Huntsworth after her two-day sojourn to town. Judson greeted her as she took up a plate and went through the buffet. She was ravenous this morning and filled her plate accordingly.

Taking a seat, she asked, “What are you doing today?”

Her brother-in-law chuckled. “What am I not doing today?” he countered.

“With the harvest occurring in two days’ time, I will ride the estate with Mr. Wayling a final time and meet with the head of my tenants, seeking his suggestions.

I know Lucy will also spend time with Cook today, going over the menu for the harvest festival.

While all the tenants’ wives bring various dishes to the celebration, we here in the main house contribute heavily to the meal, especially because the servants are also encouraged to come to the celebration, and they have no means of bringing prepared food. ”

“Did you ever receive a reply from Lord Martindale? Will he come and observe the first day of harvesting at Huntsworth?”

Judson nodded. “Yes, he is most eager to do so. While he has told me that he has full trust in his estate’s steward and even observed an autumn harvest before he went off to war, he wants to learn as much as he can from others.”

Dru was happy to hear that and glad to know Lord Martindale would be joining them. She did hope he and Judson would strike up a lasting friendship since they were neighbors.

Lucy entered the breakfast room. Immediately, Judson shot to his feet and went to her, guiding her to a chair and seating her.

Smiling fondly at her husband, she teased, “I am not made of glass, you know.”

“You are precious in my eyes, love. I intend to spoil you, not only while you carry our child, but for decades to come.”

Lucy blushed prettily, and once again, Dru felt the slightest tinge of jealousy at the couple’s closeness. Lucy had always been her closest friend and companion. While that would never change, she knew Lucy’s allegiance was to her new husband and the family they would grow together.

It still amazed Dru how much her feelings had changed toward the institution of marriage.

Then again, it would take a special man to convince her to enter it.

She believed she did want that now, though, as well as children.

After having spent two days at Oakbrooke Orphanage, she had absolutely fallen in love with the children there and was now eager to birth some of her own.

Mama would gloat mightily, learning of the changes in her youngest child’s opinions.

“What do you have planned today, Dru?” her sister asked.

“I am eager to be back in the saddle. While I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to town and meeting the orphans, I always find myself a bit restless if I have not been riding or outdoors for any length of time.”

“Would you mind running an errand for me today in the village? I have just learned that one of our tenants is also increasing and will give birth a month before I do. I would like to start working on a blanket for her child, but the yarn I have is already designated to complete the blanket for our babe.”

“Of course,” she replied. “Is there anything else you might need, Lucy?”

Her sister frowned in thought. “Yes. Some stitch markers, along with the new yarn.”

Having never knitted, Dru had no idea what stitch markers were, but she assumed they would be located near the yarn.

“Go to Mr. Brown’s shop. He will direct you to where the yarns are inside it. If Mrs. Brown is there, she can help you as she is a great knitter herself.”

“Do you have any specific color—or colors—in mind for the blanket?”

Lucy chuckled. “I have always wished there could be a way to learn the gender of a babe before it was born because I would knit a pink or blue blanket for them with that knowledge in mind. You know I like to keep the colors neutral, however.”

“Yes, I have accompanied you many times when you have delivered a blanket you have made to one of Papa’s tenants. I am glad you are keeping up that custom here at Huntsworth.”

Dru recalled the blanket Lucy currently worked on for her own child, a combination of beige, pale yellow, and moss green.

The same shade of green as Lord Martindale’s eyes.

“I will do my best in choosing wisely for you,” she promised, chastising herself for constantly thinking about the earl.

Upon finishing breakfast, Dru excused herself and returned to her bedchamber.

She rang for Annie, changing out of the breeches and shirt she had already donned for her morning ride.

Going into Alderton meant she must dress more conventionally.

Judson had been so kind to her, and she would not see him embarrassed or gossiped about due to her choice of garments.

She accepted Annie’s help in changing into the riding habit she had brought along in case she needed one, but Dru left her hair in the single braid, finding it more comfortable.

She went to the stables, where Harry saddled a horse for her, and then she rode about Huntsworth for an hour, enjoying the mild weather of the early September day.

She had certainly taken to this part of England and hoped that Mama would not call her home anytime soon.

She doubted that would happen, though. Her mother rarely gave a thought to either of her daughters, so Dru believed she would be safe from Mama’s notice for now.

Con always went home for Christmas, however, and if Mama demanded Dru’s presence for the holiday season, then her brother would be happy to escort her back to Somerset.

Deciding it was time to head to the village, she turned her horse and rode straight to Alderton.

The village was larger than Swanford, the one which was closest to Marleyfield, and Dru found it quite to her liking.

She stopped at Mr. Brown’s shop, tying her horse to a post located outside it.

Upon entering, she introduced herself, telling him that her sister was in need of yarns and stitch markers for her knitting.

“Right this way, my lady. I have a large selection of yarns for you to peruse for Lady Huntsberry’s needs.”

Dru chose the same three colors of the blanket which Lucy was working on, but she also added a soft red, a deep purple, and a cream color to the mix. That way, it would give her sister a bit more variety when knitting the new blanket.

“I will place this on Lord Huntsberry’s account,” Mr. Brown said. “Is there anything else you might need, my lady?”

“No, thank you, Mr. Brown. I appreciate your help.”

The shopkeeper wrapped the yarns and stitch markers in brown paper, tying it with string before presenting it to her.

As Lucy left, she felt a bit parched and decided to leave her horse where it was and call at Mrs. Cadmann’s bakery for a cup of tea. She strolled down the street, greeting those she passed, and reached the bakery. Mrs. Cadmann smiled as she entered the shop.

“Good day, Lady Drusilla. How nice to see you again. Might Lord and Lady Huntsberry be joining you?”

“No, I simply came into the village to run an errand for my sister. I found myself needing a spot of tea, though.”

“Have a seat, my lady. I will bring you a pot straightaway.” The owner paused. “Might you also like a scone to go with it?”

“I had not planned on doing so, but the wonderful aroma in your shop has weakened my resolve, Mrs. Cadmann. Yes, bring me a scone. Whatever flavor you suggest is fine with me.”

“I took out a batch of fresh blueberry scones not ten minutes ago. I think you will fancy one of those.”

Dru took a seat at one of the handful of small tables inside the bakery, leaning the brown parcel against the wall beside her feet. Mrs. Cadmann brought her a plate with a fat scone upon it and a dollop of Devonshire cream next to it, as well as a pot of tea.

“Let that steep for a few minutes, my lady,” Mrs. Cadmann said cheerfully. “And here is some sugar and cream if you care for it.”

She sat contentedly, waiting for the tea to be ready to drink.

The bakery’s door opened, and in walked Lord Tilsbury with another gentleman she did not recognize.

There was a similarity between the pair, however, both in build and facial features, and she had a suspicion that this might be the viscount’s heir.

“Lady Drusilla,” Lord Tilsbury called out jovially. “How delightful to find you here.”

He approached her, the other gentleman in tow.

Dru rose and said, “It is so nice to see you again, my lord.”

“I must introduce you to my nephew and heir apparent. Lady Drusilla Alington, this is Mr. Hollis, the elder son of my deceased, younger brother.”

Mr. Hollis took the hand she offered, and Dru quite liked his friendly, handsome face.

“It is delightful to meet you, Lady Drusilla. My uncle has sung your praises, and I was eager to make your acquaintance.”

Lord Tilsbury turned to Mrs. Cadmann. “Bring us something sweet to eat, Mrs. Cadmann. If Lady Drusilla does not mind, we will share her pot of tea.”

“At once, my lord,” the bakery owner said.

The three took a seat at the table, and Dru asked, “How long will you be visiting your uncle, Mr. Hollis?”

“That is yet to be determined, my lady. Uncle is trying to convince me to remain at Tilsbury Manor permanently.”

“Oh. Where do you usually reside?” she asked.

“I am a solicitor in London,” he said proudly. “Uncle Tilsbury was kind enough to pay for my university education, since that would have been beyond my own father’s means. I now practice in town.”