Page 73 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 16

The house wasa hive of activity. The staff was preparing for the arrival of guests. There was to be an extended house party—the first in a very long while—the first since before the death of the mistress. Guest rooms were to be opened up and prepared. Food needed to be planned for, wine selected, and the grounds spruced up. Windows needed washing and horses were to be ready in case the guests wanted a ridingparty.

Susan was visiting Clarissa for tea while Elizabeth was taking hernap.

“Do you know these guests who are visiting Haverford?” Susan asked, as she took a cucumber sandwich and put it on her saucer next to hercup.

“I do not. All that John told me was that one was a friend of his from university days. And I believe he is coming with a party returning fromFrance.”

“I had been thinking to invite my friend Katherine to come visit me this week, but would that be disruptive withhouseguests?”

“Actually, that might be a good idea, as the servants are already preparing for guests. One more, certainly, won’t matter. How long might she be staying?” Clarissaasked.

“Oh, I thought just one night. We want to have a good gossip and a sleepover—like a couple of kids. We’ll probably natter until the wee hours and get crumbs all over the bed. It’ll be suchfun.”

“Will you need any help with Elizabeth while she’shere?”

“I don’t think so. Katherine wants to meet Elizabeth and see what I’m doing, so I’ll introduce her as a friend and she can participate or watch depending on what we’re doing thatday.”

“More tea?” Clarissaasked.

“Yes,please.”

Clarissapoured.

“I have to say these guests seem to be coming at a most awkward time. The Duke has already started the sheering which will continue for a week or two longer—with long, sweaty hours each day. How ever will he be able to entertain?” Susanasked.

“I think his workers will do most of the actual sheering. He’ll mostly be supervising. And he has a good crew who knows what they’re doing. If he needs to spend time with his guests, I’m sure he’ll be able to arrangethat.”

“You see; I’m used to the way my Papa does things. He’s a much smaller sheep operation and he and my brother do almost everything bythemselves.”

Susan noticed thetime.

“I must wake Elizabeth or she’ll be too jumpy later and won’t want to go to bed at her usual time.” Susan stood to leave. She looked at Clarissa and a wave of affection surged through her. She went over and gave Clarissa ahug.

“You have been so wonderful I feel like you are family and I want you to know how grateful I am for all you’ve done forme.”

Clarissa patted Susan’scheek.

“Thank you, my dear. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you. Having you around brightenseverything.”

* * *

The carriage pulledup in front of Haverford House mid-Saturday morning as expected. John was dressed rather more formally than his usual casual workclothes.

Standish and an array of footmen were standing by to attend to the guests and theirluggage.

First out of the carriage was John’s friend, Bentley Comerford, O.B.E.—John’s old college friend. He was not portly but he was well rounded. He had shaggy, sandy hair and freckles. His large ears stood out from the side of his head, branding him with the title of windmill since he was a lad in publicschool.

“John!” he exclaimed, extending hishand.

“Bentley, welcome,” John replied. “Did you have a goodcrossing?”

“Excellent. Smooth as a lady’s bottom,” Bentley said, vigorously shaking John’shand.

Next, helped out of the carriage, was Bentley’s wife, Patricia—a diminutive, mousy woman with tiny eyes who wheezed when she became excited, as she wasnow.

Bentley reached out his hand to his wife. “You remember my wife, Patricia, do younot?”