Page 20 of Entwined By Error (Madcaps of Mayfair #1)

One Delicious Truce

Daniel had spent summers in Bardsea, a town in Cumbria, when he was a child.

His parents loved the sea, and he had also gained a love for it.

So when he’d determined it was time to purchase his own estate, he’d approached Hastings with an offer—he wanted Blackbriar Hall. Thankfully, his father had agreed.

As the carriage rolled up the drive, Daniel chanced a glance at his wife. She’d said very little since they’d departed Northcott Castle and bid both their families farewell. Yet as they approached their home, he wanted to witness her reaction.

Mrs. Northcott’s eyes went wide as they entered the gate, and then she settled back in her seat, her gaze resting upon him.

“I pray you will find a bit of happiness at Blackbriar Hall. The local town is lovely, and you may do as you please with the interior…within reason.”

“It is larger than Lady Hastings intimated. I was expecting a cottage.”

“In comparison to Northcott Castle, I suppose it is small.” He pulled at his waistcoat as he looked out at the house once more. He couldn’t help but share his pride in the estate. It was home, more so than Northcott Castle. “The cook at Blackbriar Hall is accomplished. Sets a fine table.”

“Then you shall not starve, how unfortunate.”

Daniel smiled, excited for a renewal of his wife’s sharp tongue.

“I certainly do not plan to go without.” He pointed out the opposite window.

“The ocean is near enough for the salty sea air to send a blustery wind at us at least once a day. The estate has a beach area where you can walk in the sand and get your toes wet.”

“If it does not have the healing powers of the seawater in Bath, then I see no reason to make a spectacle of myself.”

“Healing powers? Come now, Mrs. Northcott, you cannot believe the waters have healed anyone.”

“I most certainly do.”

“Name one person who has shown improvement after taking the waters.”

“My aunt.”

“Mrs. Kingsley?”

Mrs. Northcott pursed her lips as though she might not admit to which aunt it was. Her words were careful, her tone chilled. “I have more than one aunt, sir.”

“What was her infirmity?”

“Pain in the abdomen.” Mrs. Northcott shifted in her seat, setting her back against the window. “She was healed within a month.”

“Indeed? I stand corrected. If ever you wish a dip in the hot baths, we shall travel straightaway to see to your needs.”

“Mr. Northcott, if you continue mocking every word that escapes my mouth, I shall find a way to make you repentant.”

“Please do, my dear. I shall await the day.”

“What else do you think I shall enjoy at Blackbriar?”

Daniel crossed one leg over the other. “There are walking paths, a pond with geese, and many gardens. It is a traditional estate.”

“What about the neighborhood?”

“Good people, I am sure. I have not been to any Society functions for many years in this area.”

Mrs. Northcott bit her bottom lip. “What is your age?”

He turned, allowing her to view his profile. “Take a guess.”

“Five and thirty.”

“Hardly.”

“Well, you are certainly old.” She leaned forward, pointing to his left side. “I see a few strands of gray.”

Daniel narrowed his eyes at his wife. “I am younger than my brother, for whom you unfortunately still hold a candle.”

Fire flared in her cheeks as she narrowed her eyes. “You will never need fear my faithfulness, Mr. Northcott. According to our vows, I belong to you.”

He may not have claimed to own her, but it was true. By virtue of the vows they had shared and the law, she was his wife. “Thank you for easing my concern upon the matter.”

“What of you, husband?”

“I will do as you wish, trusting that you will be the picture of perfection in front of the staff and any guests. As for the privacy of our chambers, I imagine we shall keep to ourselves.”

Mrs. Northcott nodded. “Then it seems we have a truce.”

“Indeed.” With the arrangements settled, Daniel again pointed out the window all the while keeping his eyes focused upon his wife. “We are here.”

Her eyes went wide, and he found it pleased him to see her reactions were genuine. She sat back once more, regaining her composure. “It is sufficient,” she said with a smirk.

Daniel nodded. “A pile of bricks, I suppose.”

As the carriage came to a stop, Daniel knocked on the top of the roof to indicate they needed a moment. “If you wish it, we can invite your parents and sisters to stay until you are comfortable.”

“I shall do very well without them, Mr. Northcott.”

He knocked once more on the roof. As the door opened, he stepped out and offered his hand to her. They walked forward, a line of servants waiting to greet them. It was strange, arriving at home with a wife in tow. When last he’d left Blackbriar, he certainly hadn’t expected to return with a wife.

The servants had turned out in their finest, the full complement ready to meet their new mistress. Once introductions were completed, the housekeeper, Mrs. Bennion, smiled at the two of them. “I am certain you are in need of rest. Allow me to show you to your rooms.”

Daniel nodded and held his arm out, thankful that Mrs. Northcott didn’t pull away from him as she placed her hand upon his arm. Walking side by side, they entered Blackbriar Hall and followed the housekeeper up the staircase and down a hall, where she opened a door to reveal the bedchamber.

“Supper will be ready when you wake. I shall have it delivered to your sitting room. It is through that door.”

Daniel cleared his throat. “Is my bedchamber aired out?”

Mrs. Bennion’s eyes slid from him to his wife. “Certainly, sir. We followed the instructions you sent.”

“Thank you.”

Mrs. Bennion continued, her focus upon Mrs. Northcott. “On the morrow, I shall take you for a tour of the house, if you would like.”

Once the housekeeper was gone, Daniel marched out of Mrs. Northcott’s bedchamber and went to his own, closing the door softly behind him.

His trunks were already there, having arrived the day before, but he didn’t call for his valet.

Instead, he removed his boots, tossing them away, and then removed his frock coat to fall upon the bed and allow sleep to claim him.