Page 12 of Lydia Acquires Adoration (Bennet Ladies Liberation #5)

Chapter Eleven

It had taken little time to arrange for the excursion for the three of them to evaluate her daughter’s future home. They would only be there for two days before having to turn back around and endure another long carriage ride. They had discussed stopping and breaking up the trip with a stay at an inn but decided against it. With only two full weeks before the wedding left, there was too much to do to waste time stopping at an inn.

Eight hours of riding in a carriage is enough time to give anyone enough time to think about pressing matters. For Fanny, the carriage ride to Swarkstone, though tiresome, was enlightening. For a time, all Fanny thought about was how much her baby girl was giving up by committing to the man on the other side of the carriage. Eventually, she looked at the issue more deeply. Was it really so important to start off a marriage passionately in love?

Yes, her second marriage had proceeded so much better than her first, in part because of how much she loved Bertram, but that was not all that made the difference. She and Bertram both put the other first and were respectful and conscientious of each other’s feelings and needs. If Lydia and her intended did the same, who was to say they would not have a happy marriage?

She also considered the fact that she loved Bertram more today than the day she married him. Lydia’s arguments had been sound. Just because they were not starting out in love did not preclude building to that, eventually. It occurred to Fanny that she could be unnecessarily fixated on her daughter not being in love. If Mr. Burgess did, in fact, respect and care for her daughter, even if he did not love her deeply, then everything might turn out all right.

It had only taken as far as their first stop to see to the horses for Fanny to decide that she would observe the young couple together, looking to either prove or disprove the man’s respect and affection for her daughter. She knew you could learn a lot simply by observing how two people interacted when uncomfortable or tired, and an extremely long carriage ride would provide both circumstances.

While at first Lydia had seemed too drowsy for conversation, now she was chatting happily, saying, “I spoke with Elizabeth and William yesterday about how they found such a wonderful nursemaid.”

Nodding, Mr. Burgess responded, “She does seem to be all that is good, especially with someone as energetic as your nephew. Did they have any advice on obtaining someone for Clara?”

Sighing, Lydia shook her head, clarifying, “Sadly, they came upon Sarah quite by accident. She was the daughter of one of the tenants and the oldest child of seven when her mother mentioned that she was to begin looking for work to help with the family’s finances. Elizabeth offered her a position as a maid. That was shortly before Artie was born. Things just sort of drifted from there. As for finding someone for Clara, she said that there are agencies we could contact if there was no one suitable to be pulled from Swarkstone.”

Fanny watched as Mr. Burgess paid attention to her daughter, as she spoke, as if he was truly interested in what she had to say. He was doing all the right things so far. Mr. Burgess, eyebrows raised as he said, “I can certainly see how she would have plenty of experience with children having six younger siblings. I cannot imagine trying to support that many children as a tenant.”

Fanny thought he was wise to be concerned. That many children was a lot to feed on a tenant’s income. Then, too, one had to take into consideration how they would get along in life and provide them with training to support themselves. Though there was not much you could do to stop children from coming.

Tilting her head, Lydia said, “I have always wanted a large family myself, but until just now, I had never considered the expense of having many children. Though I suppose the matter is somewhat different as an estate owner.”

“I know that people’s opinions of a large family differ. My father would have stopped at one child if my older sister had been born a boy and probably thought three children made for a large family.” Leaning forward in his seat towards Lydia, he asked, “What do you consider to be a large family?”

Wrinkling her nose, Lydia replied, “Would you think me crazy if I said I have always wanted at least six children? And would actually be happy with more?”

Hearing her daughter’s desire for so many children set Fanny laughing. Only a girl who had never suffered through morning sickness and labor would ever be so easy with the idea of having more than the required heir and spare. When she felt both of their gazes settle on her, Fanny explained, “You say that now, Lydia, but just wait until after you have had your first. You may change your mind.”

Lydia only huffed in response, but Mr. Burgess frowned. “I think it is a splendid thing to want a large family. Despite my deep love for my twin, I constantly wished for more siblings to create a larger, lively family dynamic. I will be delighted with as many children as Lydia and God are willing to provide me.” Fanny watched the grin spread across her daughter’s face and admitted that, at least in their desire for children, they were a good match.

When the carriage went over a rut, Lydia was suddenly thrown forward and practically into Mr. Burgess’s lap. Watching as he caught her daughter and carefully helped set her to rights was reassuring. His solicitous attention to her daughter’s wellbeing allowed the knot in Fanny’s stomach to loosen a little. Though Fanny had to bite her lip to keep from giggling at the way they both blushed at the accidental contact. Maybe it was a good thing that she had agreed to come and help the pair view their future home and not for the reasons that she had originally thought.

Her pretty face screwed up in confusion, Lydia looked at Sebastian and asked, “You did tell them we were coming, right?”

Sebastian looked down at Lydia and nodded. “Yes, I sent a letter, and the rider assured me that he put them in the hands of the housekeeper.”

Mrs. Hawkins shook her head. “I know that you said that the estate was badly run when you were here last, but you would think they would at least be capable of greeting the new master.”

His spirits sagged with every impact of his fist on the hardwood. Sebastian banged on the door again. What kind of estate did not have at least one footman available to answer the door to callers?

Sebastian looked down at Lydia as she murmured, “I wonder,” and reached out to turn the doorknob. The door creaked as it swung slowly open on complaining hinges.

They left the door open for all and sundry to enter. Shaking his head, he held the door open for Lydia and her mother to enter before him. All three stood gazing about the entry hall in confusion for a time before Sebastian said, “I was hoping we could speak with the housekeeper and steward while we were here, but I never thought we would have to go searching them out once we arrived.”

The staff who had followed them in a second carriage had, by that time, followed their master and mistresses into the building. The two ladies’ maids looked at each other with wide eyes while Davies turned to Sebastian, saying, “Sir, as I am somewhat familiar with the layout of the house, I propose you stay here while I search out at the very least the housekeeper to come meet with you and take you to your rooms.” With those words, he exited the room and embarking on his stated mission.

Tomkins, the very large footman from Pemberley that had also come, said, “The grooms and I will bring in the luggage and see to the horses. I will find you once we are done.”

It took fifteen minutes for Davies to return with the housekeeper. Entering the hall, Davies announced the housekeeper, saying, “Mrs. Netter, the Housekeeper, Sir.” It was only the years of knowing Davies that enabled Sebastian to read his annoyance both with the situation and possibly the woman herself in his tone of voice.

Resisting the urge to glare at the woman, Sebastian managed to keep his voice even when he said, “Mrs. Netter, did you not receive my letter letting you know we would be arriving this afternoon?”

Seemingly unfazed, the woman, who appeared to be of middle age and stocky build, shook her head. “No, I received the notice of your arrival, but with as short as we have been on staff, I did not feel my time was best used waiting around for you to show.”

Sebastian could once again feel his eyebrow twitching. Bringing his hand to his head, he massaged it as he said, “I would never expect you to waste your time, however most estates I have visited have a footman on staff to see to the front door. I have never once in all my years been to an estate where the front door was just left open and unattended.”

Shrugging, Mrs. Netter gestured with her chin to the now closed door. “We had two footmen, but they left.” With a put-upon sigh, she added, “I had one of the stable boys doin’ chores up around the front of the house so’s he could let you in and fetch me, but he must have been called back to the stables for some reason or another. I set up three rooms as you asked, and dinner will be ready in an hour or so. I suppose you would like me to show you to your rooms.”

Pressing even harder at his misbehaving brow, Sebastian stared at the woman, dumbfounded at her attitude and the situation. He was grateful when Lydia’s mother inserted herself by saying, “Yes, that would be lovely. It has been a long day full of travel. I would love the chance to wash up and change.”

With a nod, the woman started up the stairs and gestured for them to follow. “I don’t have the staff to fetch and carry as you might be used to, but your maids can make themselves useful and get you some water.”

With the woman gone and Davies occupied with fetching water, the three travelers congregated in the sitting room, connected to the ladies' rooms. Shaking his head, Sebastian collapsed back into the chair that he occupied with a little more force than he had intended. Lydia sighed from where she sat next to him, saying, “This is going to be a very interesting two days.”

Looking over at Lydia, he grimaced. She was worried about the next two days; he was worried about the next year or so trying to bring everything and everyone into line. Not that he was going to bring her spirits even lower by saying so.

Mrs. Hawkins interrupted his morose thoughts by saying, “Now do not go making a mountain out of a molehill, you two. We will eat and rest tonight. Tomorrow we will meet the staff and inspect the house. If what you find is not to your liking, and frankly, I do not know how it will be, well, this wouldn’t be the first estate to have a total turnover of staff.” Giving her daughter a hug, she continued, “You know as well as I do that good staff can be found. It is not an impossible job.”

There was no getting around the fact that the welcome they received on their arrival had been horrible. Lydia had hoped that in the morning things would not be as bad as they seemed. She was wrong. And every room she entered on her tour with Mrs. Netter brought home the point a little harder. Even Longbourn, as badly staffed and oppressed as it was, was better run. It was a struggle to keep the distaste off her face as she walked through the rooms, continuously finding them not up to her standards.

The housekeeper’s nasal voice interrupted Lydia as she inspected the dust-coated mantel, saying, “Swarkstone Park does not boast the same grandeur as estates like Chatsworth and Pemberley. There are no magnificent pieces of art or family heirlooms, but I am sure that you will find it sufficient.”

Maybe she hadn’t hidden her distaste well enough after all. Lydia had not wanted a confrontation yet, but she felt she could not let the comment slide. “Mrs. Netter, I would never condemn a house for its lack of pretension. I did not always live at Pemberley. In truth I am a simple gentlewoman and I am not above the simple elegance that I think Swarkstone Park is capable of. What I am above is the lack of cleanliness and attention to detail that is so evident in every room I have inspected.” Reaching out, she ran her handkerchief along the edge of the mantel, and it came away visibly coated in grime and dust. Handing the handkerchief to the housekeeper, she stated, “Help me understand how, as the housekeeper of Swarkstone Park, you find this sufficient.”

The woman colored and nearly glared at Lydia before responding, “We haven’t enough staff to see to everything. You knew that already. If you want things different, I suggest hiring enough people to get all the work done as you would like it. Or, if you are so displeased, you could put on an apron and set about cleaning yourself, if your standards are so high and mighty.”

This just was not going to work. It was no wonder things were so slipshod if this was the woman who was in charge. Lydia had hoped that she would not have to be replaced, but she could already see working with her would be imposable. Not with that attitude. “I thank you for your opinion, Mrs. Netter. If you are so understaffed, then you must be sorely needed elsewhere. I will not waste any more of your time. Please go about your duties as normal. I will come speak with you about this later in the day.”

Giving a slight bob of her head, the woman left without saying another thing. Lydia watched her go, debating whether she should continue checking the rooms or if she should give up for the moment and search out either her mother or Sebastian. Shrugging, Lydia left the room. She had already confirmed what she had come to expect. The entire house needed a thorough cleaning and much better management.

She would find her mother and see what she had discovered in her own investigations for the day. Hopefully, it would not all be bad news. Leaving the sad little parlor behind, she went in search of her mother somewhere above stairs. Lydia was glad to have Tomkins following her as she went about the place. At least he was a friendly face. Everyone she met was so gloomy and sullen.

She did not trust her ability to find her way around yet, but at least she had not gotten lost. Making her way up the stairs and into the servants’ quarters, she found her mother with her lady’s maid. If the strike of her step on the floorboards was any indication, her mother was not the least bit happy. Peeking her head into the room, she asked, “What has you in a tizzy, Mama?”

Hands on her hips, her mother shook her head, exclaiming, “Most of the rooms are not fit for habitation. It is no wonder there are no staff. I would not put a dog in here.” Gesturing to the sad excuse for a window, she continued, “The window leaks and there is mold running along the pane. I cannot imagine that anyone could keep warm in here come winter.”

“No, staying warm is always a struggle.” Hearing the voice, Lydia swiveled to face a young servant girl who looked to be about thirteen who stood in the hallway. Her dress, though neat and clean, was worn and patched. Blushing, she said, “I am sorry for speaking out of turn. I just came up to fetch an extra pin.”

Lydia noticed that the girl’s ample hair was falling out of its pins. Shaking her head, Lydia said, “Do not worry about it. I am glad for your input. My name is Lydia Bennet, I am engaged to Mr. Burgess, who will be taking over managing the estate for his niece, Clara. This is my mother, Mrs. Hawkins. What is your name?”

Bobbing a curtsy, she said, “May, Miss.”

Her mother smiled at the girl, asking, “Are all the staff rooms this bad?”

Shrugging, May answered, “For the junior staff like me, it is.” Then, looking away, she added, “The senior staff, well, it would not be my place to say.”

Lydia met her mother’s gaze, and she saw the hard look settle into her eyes. Neither of them was happy about such findings. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, May. Please know that Mr. Burgess and I will endeavor to improve matters for you and everyone else.”

“Of the twelve tenant families connected to Swarkstone, two of their homes are in need of repair. Frankly, it has been difficult to help them as I should have. While Mr. Blakesley would approve of repairs and the like eventually, his responses to my requests were never prompt. In fact, it always took quite a bit of time to get the approval and needed funds associated with repairs and necessary improvements. Keeping the estate running well was never his focus.” Concluded Mr. Burton.

Sebastian studied the man who sat across the desk from him, finding that he did not dislike the man as he suspected he would. With as badly run as the household was, he had had little hope when it came to meeting the steward. He was finding, however, that this Mr. Burton, he was by all appearances, earnest and hardworking. It would take time to confirm his observation, but as things stood, he would not mind working with the man.

Remembering the reason the man had not been present at the time of their arrival, Sebastian asked, “What of the fire you spoke of? Have you been able to catalog the damages?”

Mr. Burton nodded, and Sebastian noticed a smudge of soot on his forehead that had been hidden under his bangs. It was obvious that he had tried to wash up before coming to meet him, but the man still smelled of smoke and there were remnants of a hard morning’s work about his person. He answered, “The fire on the Adams farm only affected the barn, not the house. It will need repairs, or possibly to be completely rebuilt. I tried to inspect it this morning, but parts of the wreckage were still smoldering and too hot to know for sure.”

“How is the family coping?” asked Sebastian.

“Well enough, I suppose. Their neighbors have come together to help them. Mrs. Adams and their youngest boy have been taken to a neighboring farm. The smoke and soot in the air were making her cough excessively, and the apothecary felt it would be best to remove her until the air clears.”

“I am glad that the neighbors were so willing to help.” Leaning back in his chair, Sebastian taped his finger against the desk for a moment, thinking of his next steps.

He had never been the one in control of an estate. His father did not even allow him to express his opinion about their estate in Northumberland. This made Sebastian hesitate, but only slightly before he continued, saying, “I have no intention of being the same type of estate manager. I want to be more involved and certainly more responsive. However, per my conversation with Mr. Coulson, I will not have access to the funds needed to make repairs until after my marriage. Is there anything that must be handled before the eighteenth of the month that you need funds for? I may be able to provide some of my own funds to get by until then.”

“No, there are no repairs that are that urgent.”

“What about the apothecary for Mrs. Adams? Has he been paid?” asked Sebastian.

“I…well… I took care of that.” Stammered Mr. Burton, as he blushed.

The more that Sebastian knew about Mr. Burton, the more he liked. Paying for the tenant woman’s care out of his own pocket should not have been necessary, but that he had been willing to do it because it needed to be done was commendable. Sebastian said, “Before I leave, I will give you a small amount of funds, both to reimburse you for the cost of the apothecary and to hold in case of an emergency. You should not have to pay for things out of your own savings.”

Eyes widening, Mr. Burton leaned forward, saying, “Thank you. That will certainly make things easier.”

Sebastian was about to ask about something else when he heard a commotion in the hall. Shaking his head, Sebastian fought back a groan of frustration, it seemed that there was no end of problems with the household. Looking at Mr. Burton, he said, “Excuse me for a moment while I address that.” Standing, he quickly moved to investigate whatever was amiss.

As he opened the door and looked into the hall, his forward motion came to a sudden halt. Mrs. Netter, her face a mask of disgust, was shouting at Lydia, saying, “And you would think to criticize me? I have worked as the housekeeper at Swarkstone for years. Not once did I hear a word of complaint from the master! I know what I am about, but you? You know nothing! You are barely more than a child fresh from the schoolroom. That you would think to better know how to run a household is laughable.” Her cold bark of laughter only stopped her diatribe for a moment before she started up again. “Girls like you are raised to be pretty, not useful, and certainly not capable of anything of note. Or rather, you are not capable of anything besides embroidery, snide gossip and bearing heirs. Look at you! You know I am right, or you would have said something by now. You are nothing but an empty-headed chit who, after marrying the new master, will be left behind while he goes back to his entertainments in London. If you think you can remove me from my post, think again. You have no power, and I will not allow you to try to take mine.” The woman finally came to a stop. Most likely to breathe. As she took several shuddering breaths, her eyes flashing fire and hate.

Sebastian almost said something, but then he saw the look in Lydia’s eyes. She was not cowed in the least. He could not name the look on her face, but the last time he had seen it was when his sister’s governess had caught him trying to sneak a frog into his sister’s bed. If her look was anything to go by, Mrs. Netter would not stand a chance.

Lydia simply tilted her head, asking, “Are you finished with your tantrum?”

Mrs. Netter’s only response was to make a strangled squeaking sound. Sebastian half wondered if the woman was getting enough air. She was turning an odd purple color that was certainly not good for her health.