A Marriage is Arranged - Regency by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. ©2018

Luv Karen

A house party in the hunting season. Lord Winterstoke’s mother had arranged it and invited lots of young ladies in the hope that one might catch her son’s eye.

Ann was quietly ironing in the corner when she overheard two maids whispering. “So you know which door is his then?” “Yes Maisie, and I’m to wake her up at midnight and lead her to the door.” “We’re in with a chance then, at ten past midnight I’ll see that my mistress will raise a commotion and he’ll be compromised properly then you’ll be a maid to a countess.” Money exchanged hands. Ann carried on quietly ironing away. Later at supper she caught Bert’s eye before stepping outside.

He slipped out a moment or two later and slipped his arms round her, nibbling the back of her neck. “Hush for a moment we need to talk.” Bloody women always wanting to talk things out. She turned in his arms “Lady Veronica is going to compromise a title tonight so who has a title she might be interested in?” “Single?” Ann nodded, “It’ll be himself, he’s the only one.” “What’s the plan?” “At midnight she’ll get up and be led to his room at ten past they’ll be discovered.” He paused, thinking hard Lady Veronica had been demanding to say the least. “Leave it with me.” “Don’t I get a kiss as a reward then?” Bert kissed her throughly. “You know if your’s was to marry him we could be together?” “Married an all?” “They’d have to be.” “No you idiot are you offering me marriage?” “That’s what I said girl.” “Oh right.” There was a pause “How we going to arrange it then. Mine never puts herself forward.” “You just leave it all to me. I’ll make sure he notices her and proposes.”

Ann scurried upstairs to get her charge changed for dinner. “Book down, dress on.” “But the hero is just about to.” “I’m sure he is and you shouldn’t be reading that sort of thing. Men being just about to indeed.” “You’ve got a dirty mind.” “And if you know what he’s about to do as well so have you. Now I think the blue tonight.” “The grey fades into the background more.” “Melissa Thorn your mother will have my guts for garters if you wear the grey to dinner.” “Ann Smith you’d never let her.” “I daresay but you’re going down in the blue and you’ll talk to your dinner partners tonight.” “Listen to them relive every jump they’ve made chasing after a poor defenceless fox.” “I’ve had the cards rearranged so you’re next to some lessor mortal tonight.” “How much were you offered to change places?” “Felicity’s maid passed me a sovereign and I passed sixpence to a footman.” “I ought to get half?” “No fear you ought to be paying me to move you away from him.” Melissa opened her writing box and passed Ann a second sovereign. “I didn’t mean it.” “It’s worth it. No if only I’d thought of it last night before dinner it would have been two.”

Bert caught the attention of the head groom. “Bloody hell Lady Veronica indeed. How did you find out?” “Ann, Melissa’s maid overheard them whispering and money changed hands.” “Right then it’s serious. Melissa Thorn she’d be all right. Leave it with me.”

The butler and housekeeper were consulted and plans laid. “Right my girl have you got it straight?” “I’m to find the curate who was asked to make up the numbers and tell him he has been moved to the master’s room for tonight. Are you certain?” “I’m quite certain and you are not to speak to anyone else at all about it.” “Yes Mrs. Webb.”

How does one get the young master to propose to someone who doesn’t share his interests and wears modest clothing? The head groom, butler and housekeeper thought glumly. “Merlin?” “You mean if she did the hunt tomorrow on Merlin?” “She’d fall off.” “Not astride she wouldn’t.” “Ladies ride sidesaddle and Merlin wouldn’t tolerate one of those.” “If she could ride astride?” “And be respectable?” “Leave that to me.” “Well if she could, Merlin would do it and do it well. She’d need to allow a bit of time to get to know him first mind.” Ann was sent for. “Are you quite sure Melissa can ride?” “She gentles the awkward horses at home.” “I need her measurements for a skirt.” Ann rattled them off. “The hunt leaves at eight, can you have her in the paddock behind the stable before seven thirty?” “I don’t think she was planning to ride with the hunt.” “See that she does tomorrow.” “Yes Mrs. Webb.”

“She can’t be serious, a fancy skirt made up overnight?” “Mr. Hollowell was stood at her side.” “We’d best get at it then.”

As the clock chimed midnight Lady Veronica’s maid shook her awake and together they tiptoed to the master’s room. “Give me a moment or two to disappear then in you go.” Lady Veronica nodded and counted to ten before stealing open the bedroom door and sliding into the bedroom. She hesitated would it look better if they were in bed together? She crossed the room by firelight and slid under the sheets next to the sleeping body. There, safe, the deed was done, her mother would be in shortly. “Is she in?” “She’s in.” A string was pulled silently alerting the staff. Lady Veronica’s mother and witness stepped up to the door and were met by Mr. Hollowell carrying a plate of sandwiches and a glass of ale coming down the corridor the other way. The butler gave them a questioning look before knocking and entering the room. Two surprised people sat up in bed. “Your late night snack sir.” Said the butler placing the tray on a small table. “My poor darling is ruined.” “I’m certain Mr. Drage will speak to your husband in the morning and clarify matters.” “Mr. Drage? This isn’t Mr. Drage’s room!” “We had to rearrange rooms due to a late arrival and Mr. Drage was kind enough to accommodate us.” “But the master?” “Playing dice with the grooms I understand.” The corridor started to fill with interested spectators and Lady Veronica began to realise one way or other her new husband was sitting up in bed besides her and did the only thing possible. She swooned.

“Up you get. Raise and shine.” Melissa buried herself under the covers. “It’s the hunt today and you’re going on it with all the other young ladies.” “Shan’t!” “Want me to tell your mother that?” “I don’t know why I put up with you.” “If you’re a good girl and get up I’ll find you a new book by your favourite author to read after the hunt.” “You mean my copy is here already?” “No but someone else has a copy.” “That’s blackmail.” “Interested?” The covers were slowly pushed to one side and a pair of long legs slipped out.

“This is a very odd skirt.” “It looks good on you though.” “Well yes but it’s almost two skirts.” “No time to change. I’ve arranged breakfast for you in the kitchen.” “Why not the breakfast room.” “Lady Veronica got engaged to the curate Mr. Drage last night so I thought it would be quicker to eat in the kitchen.” Melissa got led down the backstairs and into the housekeeper’s room. A plate of food was placed in front of her and she quickly wolfed it down then looked at the clock. “The hunt doesn’t set off until eight it’s barely seven yet.” Mrs. Webb entered and caught the last few words. “Good morning Miss Thorn it’s very good of you to eat your breakfast early in my room. We’re at sixes and sevens this morning what with the engagement and the hunt preparations so spreading out the servings helps us enormously.” “Time to find you a mount.” Melissa could sense something was going on but followed anyway. She’d find out all in good time.

Ann called out a greeting “Good morning Bert.” As Bert stepped from the stables leading a rather frisky very large hunter. “Miss Ann, Miss Thorn. Merlin here is a bit fresh and we are stretched this morning. Since Miss Ann mentioned you gentled the horses at home from time to time I hoped you could manage him.” “But never a stallion this tall. How tall is he?” “A little over seventeen hands Miss.” “He doesn’t even have a sidesaddle on him.” “No Miss a sidesaddle would be foolish on a foxhunt especially on Merlin.” Merlin gave a snort and Bert passed her some slices of apple. “He’s not going to be content turning back at the first hedge with the other ladies is he?” “I’m sure someone like yourself could do anything with him.” “After a five mile run maybe.” She took the reins off Bert. “Looks like we’re in this together. Let’s just walk up and down in the paddock and get used to each other.” Bert opened the gate and Melissa led Merlin in. She walked him round the paddock talking to him all the while. Bert stepped up with more apple slices. Eventually Melissa mounted him and slowly walked him round again as they both grew more confident with each other. Merlin still snorted from time to time but it didn’t seem quite so serious as it had done at first.

Bert stood back with Ann. “She’s good with him.” “I don’t think she’s been hunting before.” “Merlin knows what to do.” The huntsman’s horn blew summoning the pack and riders to the front of the house where drinks were being handed out. “I’d hold him back here until they set off Miss he has been known to snap at other horses.” “Or even try to mount them.” He murmured more quietly to himself. Ann stood watching the spectacle of the ladies in their dashingly cut riding outfits and hoped for their maid’s sake that they turned back at the first fence otherwise there was a lot of lace that would need mud removing from it.

The hunt moved off and Merlin looked over his shoulder. “Yes I know they’re getting away but once we get to the first hedge we can all turn back for breakfast.” There was a snort as if he understood what was said and totally disagreed. Melissa walked him in the direction the other riders had taken. He sidled once or twice. “It’s not my fault the grooms haven’t been taking you out.” A huntsman’s horn sounded in the distance and she could feel Merlin ready to run underneath her. “Oh let’s give you a run then.” She barely had to nudge him and he was flying across the grass. There was no hesitation at the hedge and they sailed over it comfortably leaving most of the other female riders turning back.

Melissa had never felt anything quite like it. Merlin with a light rider who knew exactly what she was doing was in heaven. They sailed past the main group of riders making even difficult hedges seem easy much to the dismay of those who tried to follow her. She found that Merlin knew the land and she gave him his head as he out thought the fox and hounds. He’d cut across the fields seemingly away from the pack then she’d catch sight of the fox directly in front of her.

Finally the fox managed to slip away partially aided by Melissa and Merlin guiding him away from the hounds and towards a small stream. Never the less everyone felt it had been a good day’s sport and Lord Winterstoke gallantly admitted that Melissa had out ridden everyone. “Make some chap an ideal wife.” Exclaimed one of his friends. “By Jove so she would and it would stop mater going on at me to get married!” Together he rode back with his friends Melissa sat there on Merlin hoping the idea would be forgotten in time. “We could run away together?” she suggested hopefully to Merlin but Merlin put one foot forward and started to slowly walk back to his nice warm stable. “Men all you think about is food and comfort.”

She dismounted and Bert asked “How did he do?” “Oh I think we didn’t disgrace ourselves.” Bert led him away after remarking she might like to think about a hot bath. She looked down at her clothes, goodness she might even start a new fashion for being able to hide in a muddy field. She stepped up to the kitchen door. “Stop right there.” Ann was looking at her in disbelief. “Did you leave any turf unturned?” “Merlin did enjoy his gallop.” “Take the door on the left into the mud room and I’ll attend you there.” Melissa stepped into the room which seemed to be designed so that you could takeoff your muddy clothing. Ann stepped in behind her and closed the door. “Right everything muddy off and let’s get a dressing gown round you.” There was a knock at the door “Would she like a bath in the mud room?” “Well she needs one and it would save the staff carrying the buckets upstairs.” The door opened and a large bath was placed on the floor. A procession of maids poured in hot water then closed the door behind them. Ann found a screen and placed it in front of the door. “Now in you get. I’ve never seen you so muddy not even when you were young and we fell in the stream together.” Melissa tried to keep a straight face but somehow the giggles crept in to both of them.

Dinner that evening was notable for the absence of two of Lord Winterstoke’s madcap friends. It made the table numbers distinctly uneven but had the advantage that a tutor who’d just finished Cambridge was dragged into service and placed next to Melissa who was thought to be rather more intelligent and might appreciate him more than some of the other young ladies. Further up the table Drage was drinking rather more heavily than he usually did as he contemplated if he had any alternatives to marrying Lady Veronica. He’d spoken to Lord Lyman that morning and found out that Lady Veronica came with a respectable dowery and he’d be expected to learn estate management in order to manage their estate eventually. He life was certainly going to change.

Melissa and the tutor cautiously started talking and the tutor was extremely happy that someone caught his references and could trade ideas back to him. The conversation bounced quickly from one topic to the next.

At the end of the meal before the ladies could withdraw Lord Winterstoke raised his glass “I give you a toast to Miss Melissa Thorn for her splendid ride at the hunt this morning.” Cries of “Melissa” echoed round the room and the two madcap friends entered the room. “Told you we’d be too late for dinner.” “Still we have it. Now all we need is that Drage fellow.” Cried the other and handed a document to Lord Winterstoke. “Pon my soul. Yes we’ll do it. Drage come and perform.” Drage stepped forward and read the special license. “Well it seems to be in order. Miss Thorn will you kindly step this way.” Melissa was in shock as the abbreviated wedding ceremony took place and blinked as an inebriated Drage eventually managed to say the words “I now pronounce you man and wife.” On the third attempt.

Her mother hustled her out of the dining room and back to her room. “Ann Melissa has just married Lord Winterstoke but needs reconciling to the fact.” “Married already?” “Special license by two of his helpful madcap friends.” “Well that’s a turn up for the book.” “I need to do damage control downstairs can you sort her out and remind her she needs to do her duty by her husband.” “Her mother left the room and Melissa looked hard at Ann. “That’s what Merlin was all about, to catch his attention so you can marry Bert. You don’t have to say anything your face gives you away. I’ve a good mind to forbid you marrying him and don’t forget as Lady Winterstoke I carry a good deal of weight around here as does Lord Winterstoke.” She added glumly. Ann panicked for a moment then spoke “You don’t need to bed him.” “He’ll need an heir and I’m really not sure I could with him.” “Leave it with me for a moment.” Melissa sat down and wondered what on earth Ann could manage.

She found out soon enough. “You’re needed in here sir.” Her tutor from the meal entered her room. “Lady Melissa or should I say Lady Winterstoke?” Melissa looked blankly at him. “I shouldn’t be here.” “But now you are here you can make yourself useful.” “How?” “By making sure Lady Melissa’s first time is pleasant.” “If I get caught they’ll be a scandal and I’ll lose my job without a reference!” “If I open the door and scream there’ll be a scandal anyway.” Melissa looked up “She can be utterly ruthless at times.” “Do I have any choice?” Melissa stood and kissed him “I think not.” Ann scurried across and undid her clothing, nervously Felton undressed. “I haven’t done this before.” He admitted. “Well I was going to leave you two alone but I can see I’ll have to supervise the pair of you. Kiss her first.” “Now turn her round so her back is towards you and run your hands over her back. I like having the back of my neck nibbled.” Melissa took a hand and told him which bits of her body she found most sensitive. This felt much better than the description her mother had given her of doing her duty. She felt in control telling him what to do since the tutor was beneath her socially. Soon she was sprawled out on the bed with the tutor posed over her. She grasped his cock and pulled it in to her and shortly after felt a wave of ecstasy wash over her. Ann averted her eyes in an effort to give them a modicum of privacy.

She let them relax in each others’ arms and when she saw Melissa dropping off to sleep she tugged at Felton’s shoulder and helped him silently dress. She looked out of the door and checked the corridor then ushered him out. Lord Winterstoke’s valet was next on the list. “He’ll be in no shape to perform after all he’s been drinking tonight.” “I know that, you know that, but he doesn’t. As long as we get him into Melissa’s bed, I can arrange it so he’ll think he was Don Juan in the morning.” The valet looked doubtful. “You want her as Lady Winterstoke don’t you?” “Well yes I was surprised when she agreed. I mean he’s not the type that normally appeals to the ladies other than the gold diggers and she’ll be better for the estate than one of the others. Can she read and write?” “She’s always got her head in a book.” “Well that will cheer the steward up no doubt. I’ll have one of the footmen help me get him up to his room then I think it had better be just us two to move him through the interconnecting door.” “A discreet footman?” “Mr. Holloway then.”

Downstairs the men were still around the dining room table. Empty bottles of port littered the floor. As the drinkers collapsed so two footmen would step in and carry them off upstairs. Mr. Holloway was stood by the door notebook in hand noting down the order in which the men collapsed. “Mr. Holloway I wonder if you’d mind helping me get Lord Winterstoke upstairs for his wedding night?” Mr. Holloway blinked and shook his head then regarded the valet. “I think he may well be too far gone.” “So do I but it’s important you and I get him upstairs.” Mr. Holloway thought for a moment then motioned one of the footmen who could read and write. “Take over here and record the order they collapse. It’s important as they’re having a bet as to who can drink whom under the table.” Lord Winterstoke was guided away from his chair “Time to celebrate your wedding night sir.” “But I’ll lose the bet.” “Grooms are exempt on their wedding night.” They managed to half carry him upstairs to his room where his valet undressed him and put his nightshirt on. Then after feeding him a strong scotch together they guided him into Melissa’s room and tucked him up alongside her in bed. Ann curtsied to them and bid them leave everything in her hands. Mr. Holloway looked doubtful but left anyway the valet a moment or two later.

Ann disarranged his clothes and settled down to snooze the night away in an armchair. She awoke when Melissa stirred and quickly got her dressed and away downstairs where her distracted contented look got her knowing looks from those married ladies who were waiting to see what would come next. Upstairs Lord Winterstoke’s valet shook him gently awake. “Time to get up sir. I see you enjoyed your wedding night.” Lord Winterstoke looked at the blood on the sheets and his crumpled clothes. “I suppose I must have done. I feel awful this morning.” “A mug of coffee and a spot of food will soon have you set to rights.” Dressed he was guided down to the breakfast room where a number of the married ladies congratulated him on his performance. Melissa blushed furiously which only served to reinforce the idea.

Lord Winterstoke’s view of marriage was it stopped his mother going on at him. Now he could concentrate on his hunting with the matter out of the way. After breakfast Melissa just knew she had to get away from the gossips before she gave herself away. Merlin, she’d take him for another gallop today. Upstairs half a dozen maids were changing the sheets on Melissa’s bed and Ann knew that the word would be out before the hour was out that they were bloodied. Changed into her new riding skirt she found Bert and had him saddle up Merlin. “I’d best come with you my lady.” She thought about it for a moment then nodded there was a risk that she might become unseated with an unknown horse. Bert trailed behind at a distance whilst Melissa and Merlin galloped across the fields and Melissa cleared her thoughts.

Lord Winterstoke felt he had to prove that marriage hadn’t changed him in anyway. Soon he was laughing with his friends as large sums of money changed hands based who had drunk whom under the table last night. He’d go for a race with his friends that afternoon.

After letting her thoughts work themselves out Melissa returned and entered the back door. Mrs. Webb had been alerted when Melissa had been seen coming home. “My Lady would you care for a cup of tea? We have things to discuss.” Melissa started at the new form of address. “Certainly.” She was invited to sit with the housekeeper in the housekeeper’s room. “Now first off should you be riding if there is a chance you are with child?” Melissa blinked “I didn’t give it a thought.” “Well we’ll all be pleased once the heir is born. Now the dowager Lady Winterstoke left this morning on an extended visit to one of her old friends and I understand she intends to settle in Bath.” “You mean the house is in my hands?” “Exactly Madam. One or two young ladies have left since the master is no longer available but a number have stayed on since there are a number of other young men still here. I suspect it will be a more relaxed atmosphere. With your permission I thought to organise a picnic for those interested this afternoon at a local beauty spot?” “Yes certainly.” “Since we have some spare guest rooms available I thought it might be a pleasant idea to move one or two governesses and the tutor down from the servants’ quarters to the guest rooms. It will mean the servants aren’t quite so squeezed in.” “Certainly.” “Now if you’d like to accompany me to the steward’s office the senior staff would like to meet with you.” Melissa stood and followed Mrs. Webb to the steward’s office.

“Good morning all.” She greeted them “Good morning my lady.” They rose and replied in a chorus. “Please be seated.” “If I may speak first?” The steward asked. Melissa looked at him. “I spoke with Lord Winterstoke this morning and he graciously delegated the task of overseeing the estate to yourself.” “And?” Melissa didn’t quite like the sound of this. “Lord Winterstoke has never been a great fan of reading and writing and it has been difficult to get him to agree to any changes.” Melissa heard the word “impossible” muttered to one side. Ann slipped in to the room behind her. “Do we need any changes?” “We are about twenty years behind in our farming practises.” She raised her eyebrow “I’ve been reluctant to make any changes that cost more than thirty pounds.” “Do we have the money available?” “We have three times the money we need sitting idle.” “Implement the changes then but you’ll need to keep me informed on what they are and when they are to be implemented in case I get questioned.”

She turned to Mrs. Webb “Am I to assume the house is in a similar state?” “Well the plumbing leaves much to be desired and there are one or two other items that need attention.” “A round figure?” She blinked at the total “Could the work be done without interfering with his lordship’s day to day activities?” “His lordship often leaves us for weeks at a time when he visits his friends for hunting, fishing or shooting.” “Find out from his valet when he plans to visit and make arrangements on timing then.”

The senior staff breathed a sigh. “Anything else urgent?” “Not at the moment my lady other than to say how very pleased we are to welcome you to the estate and if there is the slightest thing we can do just let us know.” She turned and Ann suggested she might like to get changed. “Oh Mrs. Webb does anyone visit the tenants?” “I have three maids who visit and make sure of their comfort. The Dowager Lady Winterstoke was not so inclined.” “When the house party is over, I would like to accompany one of them and Brockett I trust their cottages will be in good repair when I inspect?” “I’ll set things in motion right away my lady.” “And I’ll wish to inspect the orchards at the end of summer.” “Orchards My Lady, I don’t think we have any?” “But there will be some for my inspection by then I take it. I’ll want to see cooking apples, eating apples, pears, plums in the orchards together with gooseberries, blackcurrants, blackberries on the estate.” When she left the room, the senior staff turned on the poor steward. “Well you wanted change.” “But what will we do with all the fruit?”

That evening going to get changed she chanced on Felton coming out of the guest room next to hers. “I haven’t been robbing the place, two governesses and I have been moved from the cramped quarters upstairs.” Melissa’s nose twitched “You’re all sharing a room no doubt?” she teased him as he blushed. She said nothing more until she entered her room and spoke to Ann. “Know anything about a room change?” Ann tried to look innocent “We thought it might be more convenient. Mr. Holloway thought that his Lordship might be drinking rather heavily for the rest of the house party and his valet mentioned he thought he might be attending the horseracing next week.” “And if I fell during the rest of the house party?” “Well I understand he only married you to stop his mother from nagging. So if you fall then you probably won’t be bothered again.”

Two days later Molly arrived at the kitchen door. “I want to speak to the new Lady’s maid.” Ann was found and they strolled out into the garden. “Them come and repaired our roof yesterday and our Emma tells me they’s doing all them cottages so I wondered if I could do anything in return. The master is always looking at my fronts so I wondered if I could distract him for her being as she is a lady and him’s a bit scruff.” “You might fall.” “My sisters tell me there’s ways to lower the chance like getting him to put it up my bum, between my fronts or just rubbing it with my fingers until it spurts.” “Stay here a moment or two I’ll see what Mrs. Webb says.”

Molly moved into a truckle bed in his lordships dressing room that evening dressed in castoffs but much nicer than she’d ever had before.

Ann found Melissa a throughly indecent nightdress from somewhere and she climbed into bed and blew out the candle. The door opened and Ann led Felton into the bedroom. Melissa peeked out from under the bedcovers. “I couldn’t find a hot water bottle so I thought Felton would do instead.” Felton looked nervously on. “Go on climb into bed with her. The maid who makes your bed up in the morning won’t mind not having to make it.” Melissa opened her arms “I might as well get some enjoyment out of life when I can. In you hop or we’ll never hear the last of it from Ann.” “I’ll collect him in the morning. Shall I?” Ann asked innocently as she skipped out of the door quickly. 

Four weeks later Ann let slip to Mrs. Webb that Melissa’s monthly courses were more than two weeks late. The message was relayed to his lordship’s valet who mentioned it to his Lordship at the race track. “Thank God for that. First time lucky. Now I can get on with life.” The staff were especially careful of her, well apart from wanting her approval on various projects they dreamt up. At the estate after the dust sheets were put down many existed on sandwiches and cold food for more than two weeks as the kitchens were practically rebuilt. Others relied on nearby farmhouses and cottagers for their meals but finally it was all complete and as Mrs. Webb said you’d never know there had been quite so many changes from the front of the house apart from the three new bathing rooms and water closets. A bathing room for the family, and one for the servants she could understand but one for the outside staff and cottagers if they’d like one well she wasn’t quite so sure.

The head groom inspected his staff. He hadn’t been sure about this new nonsense of bathing weekly but it did seem to have cleared up a few skin complaints and his staff scratched less which meant his precious horses were in better condition. Tom’s funny tummy seemed to have settled down now they were eating more fruit but that was probably coincidence.

Melissa was delivered of a son at the end of her term. The senior staff welcomed the event and even his lordship was impressed far enough to frank a letter written by his valet saying he was much pleased.

Arthur was quick to learn and into mischief so he had two governesses to look after him. One would teach him whilst the other would plan out the lessons she would give him on the following day. The staff were indulgent to him with their time and explained how things worked but there were rules that had to be followed. This was especially true in the stables where it was explained to him that horses could maim or injure someone so had to be treated with respect. Bert became his special friend in the stables and let him discover a small pony in the paddock. Arthur was taught to ride gradually becoming more confident but was not allowed to ride out without Bert or another groom escorting him.

When Arthur was six Melissa, who had been curious about the other estates, decided to accompany the steward as he made his rounds. “This is one of the smaller estates. We have a steward who looks after things for us and I’ll be sitting down with him to go through some of the changes we’ve been making on the main estate.” She looked round at the manor house, a bit old fashioned and Mrs. Webb would no doubt want to rip out the kitchen and make the sort of changes she’d made on the main estate. She mounted Merlin and after a few snorts as if to say can’t we go for just a short gallop first she persuaded him to walk to the first cottage. Bert tagged along on a more restful horse with Arthur riding his pony alongside. She dismounted and took Arthur by the hand. “Now then on your best behaviour, we’re going visiting.” A toddler stood watching them from the doorway. “Hello I’m Arthur.” He announced. “Hello I’m Beth. Have you come to live in the big house?” Her mother stepped out from behind her and curtsied. “Make your curtsey Beth.” “I’m Mrs. Payne and I assume you’re Lady Winterstoke?” Melissa nodded her acknowledgement “May we come in?” “Certainly but I haven’t tidied up.” “With a small child is it ever possible to be tidy?”

She looked round at the cottage. Beth wondered up and pointed at her skirt. “Blue.” “Well done.” “She knows all her colours and can count up to ten can’t you my pet?” Beth started to count aloud. “How old is she?” “I’m three in June.” Then she looked puzzled “But June’s a baby.” Arthur and Beth got down to the serious art of playing together and looking at them Melissa had a thought. Her son was intelligent and deserved better than a bland debutant. “I need some changes making to the manor house and wondered if you’d oversee them for me?” “If I can.” “Looking at your cottage I think it could do with a new range and so forth so the easiest thing would be for you to move into the manor house whilst the work is done. I could pay you a housekeeper’s salary whilst the work was done and for your husband a sort of caretaker butler job?” “I’m not sure I could supervise workmen.” “I doubt if any woman can. They have their own very definite ideas but a woman’s input is needed and I’m sure your husband and the steward can deal with the workmen.” “I’ll talk to my Harry about it and see what he says.” They both knew this was only lip service.

A quick word with the steward about priorities and their cottage should be dealt with last and the deed was done. A week later a governess arrived with an attendant maid and spoke to the steward. “I understand I’m to teach master Arthur, Lord Winterstoke’s son?” “He doesn’t live here only visits I’m afraid.” “That’s fine it was explained to me that I would attend him when he visits. Now which rooms are available for myself and my maid?”

Beth was happy to spend time with the governess and her mother was happy that someone else kept an eye on her. A chef arrived a week later. Mrs. Payne was surprised by the event but when she talked it through with her husband he seemed to think that since the numbers of staff were increasing it made sense and he would be here should either Lord or Lady Winterstoke pay a visit. Other staff turned up, an assistant for the chef. An experienced footman and a trainee. A groom and pony for Arthur should he visit meantime Beth could be taught to ride.

They’d been in residence for a year when Mrs. Payne asked the steward how the repairs to the cottage were coming on. “We’ve taken the old fireplace out I’m just waiting for a decision on which range to instal.” Her husband’s nose twitched “You know somehow I doubt we’ll be moving back to the cottage. I know the move was supposed to be temporary and I’m not sure quite what is behind it other than we seem to be a training place for staff. Does it trouble you losing your independence?”

“He’s seven now and many boys of that age are sent to school.” Melissa didn’t quite like the sound of that. She rather liked having Arthur around but didn’t want to stand in his way. “He just absorbs everything we throw at him and Sarah and I aren’t sure how much longer we can stay ahead of him.” “We think a tutor would be an alternative.” “How about we try a tutor but keep you both on. I’m sure we can find some duties for you around the estate. I’ve been thinking of hiring a teacher and starting a school for a start but if you each spent a half day a week there that might give the teacher time to prepare lessons and give the children a different point of view?” Lydia and Sarah exchanged looks. “Well that would be nice.” “Right then it’s decided, you can organise a school for me and find me someone to be the teacher plus a nice good-looking tutor.”

A groom arrived with a letter, Lord Winterstoke had taken his last fence. Did she want his body returned or they could bury it locally where all his friends could be at the funeral? Holloway thought quickly and summoned both Ann and Mrs. Webb. “Do you know where Felton is?” “Last I heard he was tutoring Lord Bromley’s son.” “I can’t release funds for travel but if you took Bert and the light coach visiting two estates that are not that far out of the way you could collect him and bring him back. Family emergency I should think will do the trick.” “I can find five pounds from the housekeeping for emergencies but I’d like it back.” “Off you go then and sort out Bert whilst I write some letters of introduction to be given to the senior staff on the way there.” Ann mentioned to the governesses she knew of a tutor that would be acceptable to Melissa so not to look too hard for the moment before finding Bert.

They didn’t have funds for changing horses but with a team of four and the light brougham coach Bert felt they’d make the first estate easily if he didn’t push them. Mr. Holloway’s letter was delivered to the butler. Other letters of a more personal nature were handed to the housekeeper and other members of staff. The following morning they were sent on their way with a fresh team.

Charlie perked his ears up. A carriage could be heard on the gravel. A four horse team on a light coach. They looked slap up to him. Felton smiled “Go on down and see who it is.” Charlie ran downstairs and stood by the front door but the carriage carried on to the stables without dropping anyone off at the door. Mystified he took himself down to the kitchens where Ann had just entered. “I’ve a message for Felton Grundon. It’s a family emergency.” Charlie looked puzzled “Felton doesn’t have any family. He told me so himself. There must be some mistake, I’ll go and fetch him.”

Puzzled Felton came down to the kitchen. “I have no family.” Then he paled at the sight of Ann. “Is she all right?” “There’s been a death in the family but both are fine.” “Both?” “Both. We have a carriage waiting and they need you.” He collapsed on a chair and looked at Charlie “I must go. You’ll do fine after summer at Oxford but it appears I really must be on my way.” Charlie summoned the butler and he took matters in hand. Within ten minutes Felton’s belongings such as they were, had been packed in his trunk and placed on the floor of the brougham. A purse was handed to Ann. “I’ve spoken to his lordship and here is his pay until Michaelmas Term when Charlie goes up. The family wish him all the best in the future.”

Sat side by side facing forward Felton questioned Ann and heard Lady Winterstoke had born a son nine months after the wedding. “Are you certain he’s mine?” “Quite certain, Lord Winterstoke that was, was very drunk on his wedding night. He collapsed in a drunken stupor before we got him as far as her room and I personally arranged everything to look as if he’d been a regular Don Juan and he only shared her bed that one night. Anyway once you meet Arthur there will be little doubt in your mind.”

Felton was deposited at the front door and stood with Ann by his side. The door opened and Holloway stood there. “Welcome sir, if you’d like to follow me to the drawing room both Lord and Lady Winterstoke will be delighted to see I’m sure.” Felton followed and was announced. Melissa’s eyes widened “What a delightful surprise.” She looked across to Ann who was trying to look innocent yet again. “I take it this is the reason you haven’t been available for the last few days?” “Well you were talking about hiring a tutor and who is better qualified?” Arthur looked at his father “Have we ever met? I feel there is some sort of connection.” “No we have never met but I was visiting the estate when your mother married the previous Lord Winterstoke.” “What an odd way of putting it. It’s almost as if.” Arthur paused as if the words had better be left unsaid.

“I take it you are available to act as tutor?” “Yes but there might be talk.” “Not if you married Lady Winterstoke.” “And thought to be a fortune hunter?” “Well that’s settled then as I don’t have a fortune just pin money from the estate but this time I’d prefer not to get married within ten minutes.” “I’ll see to the banns being read then my lady?” Holloway enquired. Felton looked puzzled for a moment or two as if he should be playing a role in all this. Melissa took pity on him. “You may propose whilst Holloway finds some champagne. It will be a quiet wedding in respect for my late husband’s death but a proper one in church for all that.” Felton looked across at Arthur to see what he thought. “A proper father who lives here?” He tilted his head to one side “I can be bribed with half a dozen books?” Felton lent across and cuffed him gently on the ear. “You aren’t supposed to sell your mother for half a dozen books.” “Yes daddy.” He imitated Ann’s innocent look so perfectly that Melissa grinned. “On your knees.” Felton frowned “I get to choose which books?” “Of course, now propose.” Felton wrinkled his nose and proposed. Melissa had just accepted when Holloway came back with the champagne.

The wedding took place at the nearby village church as soon as the banns had been read. Arthur grumped if he’d known he was going to be fobbed off with maths text books he might not have agreed.

Melissa wrote to her family and mentioned she’d been widowed but since remarried to Arthur’s tutor. The letter that came back from her father mentioned that there had been no mention of settlements on her first marriage and he hadn’t liked to raise the matter but her dowery was still available if Felton would like to draw up a settlement and if her son threw her out then she could always return to her home since the estate was willed to her on his death.

She handed Felton the letter. “You mean you have your own money now?” “Don’t spend my dowery all at once but yes if you’d care to sort it out.”

Mrs. Webb looked at the number of staff they had. With Lucy getting married and Sally not getting any younger she thought it might be time to hire another maid. Maggie must be twelve now, practically the same age as Arthur. A thoughtful, neatly dressed, quiet girl she’d speak to her mother at church on Sunday.

Maggie was given the schoolroom to tidy up. Lydia caught her copying the letters of the alphabet out on a slate. “Would you like to be able to read and write? “Oh yes Miss, some of them stories Jane reads out to us at night is right good.”

Maggie was taught to read and write and allowed access to the library but Felton was amused to see her favourite place was often very quietly tidying the room behind Arthur listening to him and Felton as Arthur had his lessons. Over time Mrs. Webb gave her the job of keeping Arthur’s room tidy since she could recognise the books and knew where they went.

Mrs. Melissa Grundon and Felton were blessed with two girls much to Sarah’s and Lydia’s delight. For as Lydia mentioned to Sarah “That should keep us in work for many a year.”

As Beth grew older she was taught both traditional dishes by her mother and more complex ones prepared from recipes in books by the chef. The steward involved her in running the estate. At the age of ten a tutor turned up who shared her lessons with the governess. “Donald why do streets in London have names and why do the houses have numbers? Don’t they know where everyone lives?” “”There’s a million people living in London that’s too many to know where everyone lives.” “You mean a thousand?” “No a million, the ton is made up of ten thousand and many visit for the season so names on streets and house numbers make more sense than in the village where everyone knows where people live.” “Where do they put them all?” “If you have money in a large mansion, if you don’t then it’s an entire family crammed into a room.” “Does anywhere else have street names and numbers?” “I know Bristol does.” They went on to discuss the history of Bristol and its importance as a port.

Her mother worried about what would become of her to her husband. “It was always going to be a problem. She’s so much brighter than the other children but at least this way she’ll have an education.” “But with what in mind pray? She isn’t gentry no matter what you say.” “Estate steward? You worry too much.”

Madam Girard, a French aristocrat who had fled the revolution, accompanied by her maid was the next arrival. Madam was family, albeit a third cousin and only spoke French to Beth. Dinner became a more formal meal much to the delight of the chef. Beth spent two half hours a day with Madam practising her French.

Beth did not know her court dances? Before she could blink two new members of staff were engaged, one a maid who played the flute, the other a groom who played the bodhrán. She would learn as did her tutor at the same time. Eventually once a fortnight they had an afternoon of dancing when the local gentry’s teenagers were permitted to attend.

Felton looked at his wife across the room. “You know it’s time he went to University. He needs to meet people who will be useful to him in life later on.” “But he’s so young.” “Old enough.” “That’s what I’m worried about. Old enough to be led astray. Could we send a valet with him?” “A keeper? No he’d be laughed at. No which is it to be? Oxford is the oldest University and has the River Isis. Cambridge is a breakaway, a more modern University with more of a scientific bent and it has the River Cam.” “From the tone of your voice I take it you think Cambridge would be best?” “Well it was the one I attended.” “Cambridge it is then.” Melissa said with a heavy heart.

Maggie found Melissa sitting in the garden. “If you please madam may I go with Arthur to Cambridge? I’ll take good care of him and know how he likes his books and things arranged.” “Leave it with me.” Maggie was one of the quieter more sensible maids she knew but was she infatuated with Arthur? She sought out Mrs. Webb’s advice. “I’d feel happier in my mind knowing she was with him but Felton has mentioned it’s a chance for him to spread his wings so whilst a male valet or footman might get laughed at a young maid might not.” “Maggie is local and she’s been with us some six years now. Her family was one that was given one of the new cottages and she is fond of Arthur.” “But how fond?” “She’s not flighty like some. No she’s a sensible lass so there is no fear of her falling. No I think it might work out very well.” She talked it through with Felton. “He likes his comfort and she knows his ways so if he’s happy with the idea then I think its fine.” But how do you suggest such an idea to her son? In the end she spoke to Maggie. “Ask him, if he is agreeable then you may go with him.” “Me madam?” “Well if I ask him, it looks as if I’m mothering him and if Felton asks him he’ll be reluctant to say no. If he’s happy with the idea we’ll send you on ahead to sort out his accommodation.” Maggie swallowed nervously “Thank you Madam.”

“Maggie what are you so nervous about?” “What will happen to me when you’re gone? I mean to say I enjoy looking after you and putting your books right and things but if you aren’t here I won’t be able to do it.” “Shall I ask mother if you can come too? I don’t know what she’ll say mind.” Maggie gave a small curtsey. “If you would sir.”

Felton spoke her. “Now I understand you’re to go and pick out some lodgings.” He passed her a map. “I’ve marked down here where the best places used to be twenty years ago and I’ve written to some old friends to bring me up to date with prices. Generally speaking there are different sizes of rooms. Some have a sitting room as well. Arthur has money so I’d go for one of the larger sets of rooms but not the largest. That would be too ostentatious. Since Mrs. Webb tells me you can turn your hand in the kitchen if need be look for one with kitchen privileges but don’t spend all your time cooking.” “Wouldn’t it be better if you chose something?” “A young man never wants his father to choose everything for him. You know his tastes and can be more discreet about it. If you go up before term time the landlords will be happy to see you and accept rent for vacation time. Now do you want to travel by stage or would you prefer a small coach?” “If we’re being discreet then the stage would be better.” “I’ll send a footman with you for protection so have a think about whom you’d like to take.” “Thank you sir.” She curtsied and withdrew.

She took James, a senior footman, with her and together they looked through the rooms on offer. Eventually Maggie settled on a quiet set of rooms that had two bedrooms and a fairly large sitting room. James mentioned that knowing the young master he thought the choice was a good one. She spoke to the landlord and arranged to be able to use the kitchens when she wished to. The landlord was pleased she would keep the place tidy but his staff would see to the fireplaces. She had James help her rearrange the furniture. There was a long table that could be used as a desk. She placed a padded bench by the wall. Two armchairs and a two-seater sofa she grouped round the fire place. After James left she settled down and explored Cambridge, walking by the Cam watching the rowers and punters whilst she waited for Arthur to arrive.

“So do you like it sir?” Arthur looked round away from home. “I had them add some bookcases along the wall in your bedroom.” She added anxiously. “It’s fine and I daresay better than most. Now since we are alone, I suggest you call me Art and I call you Maggie.” “Yes sir, I mean Art.” “Now shall we go for a walk? And where do you suggest?” “Down by the river is very nice.” They brought a pie from a pieman and took it home. “It makes no sense for you to eat alone so you’ll eat with me.” Maggie curtsied in such a way that made Art laugh aloud “Let’s not stand on ceremony Maggie sit yourself down.”

She looked round the room admiring it. Art had gone to his first lecture this morning so she’d bake a cake for his return. She enjoyed cooking and this would be her first cake she’d baked without supervision. She checked with the landlord’s wife on how long to cook it for and how to tell if the oven was the right temperature. She crossed her fingers and took a book out to read glancing at the clock from time to time. Carefully she removed it from the oven and put it on a rack to cool down.

She read another two chapters before finding a plate and carrying it into the sitting room and placing it on the table to await Art’s return. Art, she tried it out in her mind and thought the name well suited to him.

Art came back with a group of boisterous students. He scooped her up and kissed her cheek. “Find us some tea Maggie.” She quickly counted eight students and dashed out to the kitchen to add mugs to the tea tray she’d prepared earlier. “Cake. You never told us you had cake.” Maggie resigned herself to feeding the entire cake to the hungry students in one sitting. Still she’d keep a slice back for herself and an extra thick one for the thin student who was holding himself back. She served cake, with a slightly larger wedge going to Art, and watched with satisfaction as they quickly scoffed what was in front of them. They fell into a discussion about the lecture they’d had that morning debating back and forth different points of view. Once or twice Maggie was tempted to add her own but thought better of it. Art beckoned her over with a look. “Can we serve supper?” He slipped her some coins and Maggie slipped out the door. Twenty minutes later she was back in the kitchen with a bag of pasties and two pies which she found plates for and carried back to the sitting room. The padded bench was moved to one side of the table. The four dining room chairs to the other. Art motioned for her to take her place at the table so she grabbed a stool from her room and squeezed in between Adam and Art.

They became known informally as the tea and cake club. Maggie was only too happy to arrange the food and drink if it kept Art out of the alehouses. Besides she could slip Adam a few titbits to fatten him up. One day there was a discussion that made a reference to a book which she’d read through but Adam and Colin had different recollections of the book. She stepped into Art’s room and pulled it from the shelf and found the reference she remembered and took it back to support Adam’s argument. “But you’re a girl so you know nothing.” “Colin I think your supply of cake might be in danger. Would you care to rephrase that last statement?” That led to an interesting discussion about females and knowledge with Maggie using logic to defend her arguments. After that the group seemed to accept her as an equal who just happened to bake perfect cakes.

Alexander came in, looking decidedly glum. “Got caught out by the Red Lion mob. They poured scorn on us because we have tea and cake and the end of it all is a challenge has been made which I accepted, a team of eight rowers in a fortnight’s time. I don’t know what got into me.” “We’ll have to do it. Honour is at stake.” “I’ve never been rowing.” Maggie had been watching the rowers on the Cam for some time. “We can do this. You need to practise and the best time is at sunup when the water is calmest.” “We need nine though, eight to row and one to steer.” “I think I can manage to steer.” “No servants allowed.” Said a glum voice from the back. “So Art can fire me on the morning and hire me in the evening.” “You look like a servant.” “Thank you for the compliment.” “She could you know. My sister had one of the maids dress up once for a bet. No one spotted her.” “Maggie in disguise?” Twinkled another. “Leave it with me. Now then sunrise at the river bank tomorrow morning.”

Maggie stood quietly in the dressmakers. This one was one of the most reputable so this one it would be. “I’d like a dress if you please.” The dressmaker’s assistant raised an eyebrow. “I have money.” “Ours are rather expensive.” “How much?” A price was quoted. Maggie opened her leather purse and showed the coins resting inside. “Shall we say half now and half on completion?” “Before it leaves the shop?” If that’s what it took “Certainly.” She agreed. “Just the one dress?” “Just the one very elegant white walking dress.” A girl a little older than herself looked curious. “A prank?” she hazarded. Maggie nodded. “To pull it off properly you’ll need a proper lady’s maid in attendance. Isabel are you game?” “I’ll need to know the details.” Maggie explained her plan to act as cox but to have the appearance that she was not a servant. “We’ll need accessories, gloves to cover your hands, a large floppy hat and a parasol. Is money a problem?” On being assured it was not Isabel took a hand. The first designs shown were not quite right. It needed to be something unique, something that would stand out. “Take her advice I always do for fashion.”

The day of the race arrived. The two crews were assembled but Art’s team was short of a cox. A town carriage appeared and Maggie dressed in a frothy white walking dress stepped out accompanied by Isabel. “Has the race started?” “They haven’t a cox.” “I beg your pardon?” “Someone to steer.” “Saunders in you go.” Isabel peered at the rowing boat. “No servants.” “But I would do?” The Red Lion team laughed “You can’t be serious?” “But I am.” “Oh very well then.” Isabel looked haughtily at the seat and pointed to one of the rowers. “You can’t expect her to sit on that in the state it’s in!” The offending twig was removed and Maggie helped down into the boat. The crew climbed in. Maggie looked helpless and asked how did one steer. “Pick up the ropes attached to the rudder.”

The two boats lined up at the start line, a gun was fired into the air and they were off. Both boats were fairly evenly matched well until Maggie decided the middle rower on the other boat might be susceptible to her charms. She twirled her parasol to again his attention and fluttered her eyelashes at him. She mentally imagined him to be the most handsome man she’d ever seen and tried to project the image to him. He faltered and his oar crossed with the oarsman behind, suddenly the boat swung towards the shore. There were sounds of swearing coming from the Red Lion’s boat as they sorted themselves out. Maggie picked up the hailer and lightly applied the whip to her crew by using terms that wouldn’t have been out of place in the stable yard. They just grinned back at her but put their backs into rowing and their boat shot across the water, the opposition trailing well behind. At the finish line Maggie was the first one out of the boat and smartly stepped into the waiting carriage. “How wonderful, beaten by a twirling parasol and I know all those in the boat that you beat, oh I am going to have fun spreading the word about the glorious victory of the tea and cake club.”

“Felton I’ve just had an odd letter from my great-Aunt in London something about a rowing match that Arthur was in and a mysterious lady in a pure white dress who steered the boat to victory whilst twirling her parasol. She arrived by carriage as the match was about to start and offered her ladies’ maid first but on being told servants were not permitted was persuaded to crew in order that the match should go on then was carried off by the same carriage at the end of the race. You don’t think he’s mixed up with someone unsuitable do you?” Felton looked up from his letter from Arthur. “Apparently Maggie has been serving tea and cakes to his friends so they have the nickname of the tea and cake club.” “So?” “It was thought not to be a masculine activity so a group of students who frequent one of the ale houses goaded a member into a challenge of a race with rowing boats.” “But who was the girl?” “My guess would be Maggie dressed up with a bit of help.” “It’s certainly the on-dit of the week. Everyone wants to know which young lady it was and certainly the lady’s maid was a proper one from the letter. Oh and Lord Lionel and other members of the losing team have been seen crossing the road to avoid young ladies twirling their parasols at them. They seem to be getting a bit sensitive on the subject.” “They’re going to have a rough time doing the season then.”

“Take your shirt off.” “I beg your pardon.” “If you want that button sewing back on take your shirt off and pass it over.” Adam and Art were each working on an essay when Maggie had spotted that one of Adam’s shirt buttons was missing and she was sure she had a matching one in her button jar. She walked over and undid his shirt buttons slowly one at a time running her fingers through the curls on his chest. “You’re distracting me.” Art grinned “That’s her speciality remember?” Maggie eased off his shirt then took it over to the window seat to sew the replacement button on. “There all done. You may get dressed now.”

Maggie looked at the gleam in Art’s eye. Well he was too correct to do anything about it and she didn’t want him visiting the barmaids so she stepped up to him and kissed him firmly on the lips. “I’m not sure you should have done that.” “I’m quite sure I should have. We don’t want you getting involved with a barmaid like Colin now do we. You never know what you might catch. It’s better to kiss me and give me a cuddle. No one will know and I daresay I should teach you about what turns a girl on but whilst your hands may roam you won’t be putting this inside me. Well if you’re really good I might give it a little nibble.” Art looked shocked “People don’t do they?” “Well if you want to satisfy a girl they say a good tonguing beats anything else any day. We’ll have to try it to see if it’s true.”

The finals were finished and Maggie could see the tension leaving Art and something else. He scooped her up and kissed her. “The exams are finally over.” She turned and kissed him back “Now don’t say a word. You’ve grown used to me and me to you but I won’t be your wife. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. I like peace and quiet which is why I’ve enjoyed this time in Cambridge with you and the other students. As your wife I’d be expected to entertain and you can’t ask me to oversee Mrs. Webb and the other staff or aspects of the estate and so forth. I’m after a simpler life.” “But you can’t go back to being a maid after this surely.” “I’m planning to get married.” “Really who asked you?” “He doesn’t know yet.” Art thought there were times when he’d prefer not to know the details and this was one of them.

The results were out. Art had gained a first. Adam an upper second and they were celebrating with Maggie. “So what do you plan to do with the rest of your life?” She enquired of Adam. “Do you have a mother who is planning to marry you off as I’m sure Art’s mother is?” Art’s expression was priceless. “Good Lord no. Not enough money for a debutant besides who’d look at me? I’m not handsome or exactly a social animal. I never fit in.” “You managed to fit in quite well here for the last three years.” “That’s different but even then I was never really part of the group.” “Let me see now without you we’d never have won the infamous boat race.” Adam grinned “That was quite something, have you still got your fabulous dress?” “Oh my garden party dress? Yes but I don’t suppose I’ll wear it again back to being a housemaid and picking up toys in the schoolroom.” She picked up a slice of cake and fed it to him whilst sitting in his lap and giving him a kiss. “Are you quite sure no one would have you?” “What enough capital to buy a small house say five bedrooms and an income of £350 a year. Barely enough to live on for some. I’ve seen some undergrads drop more than that on the turn of a card. I mean to say would you have me?” Maggie lent in and kissed him deeply. “Oh Lord I offered marriage in front of a witness.” “Would you like me to accept?” He looked at her “Yes.” “Then I accept.” “And I’ll stay on for the wedding and I insist on giving the bride away.” “We could make it a double wedding just drop your mother a line and I’m sure she’ll produce some bride or other she’s been hiding away somewhere.” Remarked Adam playfully, Maggie moved her finger over Adam’s lips. “Hush we don’t want to scare him away to America or foreign parts before the wedding.”

“You don’t really think my mother has someone lined up for me to wed?” “That’s what mothers do.” “I’ve heard America can be hot in summer.” “So can Africa.” “You mean I’m stuck with whomever my mother has chosen?” “You could always offer, find your own wife if you act quickly enough.”

“Darling we expected you back earlier. The Frobishers have only just left. Their daughter Frances expressed an interest in meeting you and was particularly sorry you weren’t here, still no doubt you’ll catch up with her in the season. Now I’m wondering what to do with Maggie now she’s back.” “She’s not coming back.” “What have you done with the poor child?” “She married Adam. They’ll get along fine, both bookish and he adores her cake.” “And I was hoping to hear firsthand all about a certain boat race that was won by a twirling parasol by all accounts. It was Maggie acting as coxswain I take it?” “Mother you should have seen her. Nose in the air and whoever it was who played her lady’s maid did it just right. Thinking about it I’ve no idea where the carriage came from that delivered her or scooped her away at the end but you should have seen the other crew blaming each other when they lost the stroke. I stood the nonsense for the dress and outfit but I was surprised just how expensive it was.” “Debutant’s dresses are expensive. You should have seen Frances’s wardrobe for a two-week visit. It was really quite extensive and she had a dresser plus a maid to help out with all the ironing. The Fitzwilliams might call on the way to London next week for a fortnight or perhaps even three weeks. I wondered if we should arrange a dance to keep Laura amused?”

At sunrise the next morning Art set off on horse back accompanied by a pack horse with his clothes, leaving a note for his mother saying he’d gone to inspect the other estates. Melissa grinned to herself as she read it. At least now she wouldn’t have to write inviting the Fitzwilliams.

Art rode up to the manor house and made himself known to Mr. Payne. “We’ve been expecting you for sometime. Make yourself at home. I’ll have Beth show you to your room and mention to cook you’re here for a day or two.” “Beth!” he called “Yes Dad?” “Lord Winterstoke himself. Could you show him his room?” Beth grinned at Art’s look of bewilderment. “We’re quite civilised you know. Dad has the title of butler/caretaker, Mum housekeeper but its only temporary until our cottage is repaired. I’d best present you to Madam Girard first. She’s family I understand some sort of cousin?” She led him to the drawing room where he was inspected by Madam Girard. “Ma Cousine?” He tried. Madam Girard recited the family tree to remind him of the link between the two of them in English much to the amusement of Beth.

She guided him upstairs to the master bedroom. “I need to remove my things back to my own room but the bed is aired. Mary Ann looks after your room and you have your own footman available of course.” “Why are your things in my room?” “Oh well we started with having a maid sleep in your bed to keep it aired but eight years ago I sort of thought I could keep it aired. It has a much nicer view than my room. I keep all my clothes in my room of course but over time I have tended to leave one or two things scattered around.” “How long ago did your parents leave your cottage temporarily?” “I think it’s sixteen years now. The last time I spoke to the steward they were awaiting left handed nails but they had hammered in the right-handed ones. Last year the delay was the nails were too long.” Art blinked “Too long?” “Well too expensive then we buy them by the pound apparently and you get fewer nails if they are a quarter inch longer than they need be. Oh there is a bathing room if you’d like a bath and I suggest I take you down to the kitchens to say hello to the cook. He’ll want to know what sort of food you like. I could ask him to come upstairs but if he is in the middle of preparing something it might be awkward for him.”

He talked briefly to the cook and admired the kitchen. “It’s a pleasure to cook here my Lord. Madam Girard likes to have a formal evening meal and a lighter one at lunch time. Breakfast I can prepare a buffet or you can mention to the footman what you’d like as you dress and I’ll cook it fresh and have it waiting for you. Do you have any preferences for food or should I continue to cook dishes that find favour with Madam Girard?” “Just continue for the moment.” “Thank you my Lord.”

He had a bath then walked back to his room where Mary Ann was hanging up his clothes. “Madam Girard likes to be formal for supper so shall I press your evening suit my Lord?” “If you would.” “Would you prefer a footman to act as your valet or will I do my Lord?” “I don’t suppose I’ll be dressing to the height of fashion so if you have time to keep my gear clean that will do fine provided you stop my lording me, understand. Now can you arrange for the steward to be available in the library once I’ve got dressed?” Mary Ann curtsied and went off to obey his commands.

“You’d best have Beth take you over the land and point out what we’ve been doing. She’s planned it out in her head and these days I just make sure she hasn’t forgotten anything.” “A slip of a girl planning out the estate?” “Oh I trained her my Lord and gave her the job of planning and blow me down she came up with ideas I’d never have thought of. Some she got out of books and so forth but we’ve doubled the income following them.”

The next morning Art and Beth made their way to the stables. Jed led out a handsome horse for Art. “I thought it best to give your pair a rest today and you have Rags here available.” Art inspected him. “Well I’m not a great expert but he looks as if he’ll do.” “I thought so myself when Beth picked him out.” His eyebrows raised so Beth showed him she know enough about horses to pick out Rags good points and bad points. “He’s more a horse for riding as I thought if you wanted to hunt you’d bring your own hunters.” “Who taught you?” Jed made a bow. “Is there anything you can’t do?” “Play the piano, my embroidery isn’t very good, my painting ability is none existent either.” She led him over the estate and was surprisingly knowledgeable.

It was nice to unwind after studying hard for so long. The library seemed to have a good selection of recent books besides many on farming techniques. There was fishing to try, Jed took him to his favoured spots but he liked to go for walks often accompanied by Beth.

“Are you going to the dance tonight?” Asked Mary Ann excitedly. “Dance?” “Jed leads a small musical group with his fiddle in the ballroom once a fortnight. A few gentry stop by and have a buffet supper as well but the farmers, farm workers an’ sometimes us servants make up the numbers for the longways sets. If I’m really lucky Colin might ask me for dance.” She murmured wistfully. “I’d better attend then had I not and I can at least ensure you have one dance.” “With the likes of me?” Mary Ann blushed.

Art attended the dance and led Mary Ann out for the first dance when he returned her to her place Beth was stood there. “As Lord of the manor you need to be tactful and not just single out one or two servants even if it does ensure you get piping hot water delivered to your room first thing.” Art looked round at the expectant faces. “Every dance then.” “Every dance.” agreed Beth. “You’d better guide me on whom to ask and which order.” “Kate is the reigning belle so will be expecting a dance but I’d put her off for a few and single out one or two others first. Esther is local gentry who is rather reserved and retiring so Esther first. She’s tall and dressed in blue.” Art glanced round and caught Esther’s eye and nod at his questioning look. She danced gracefully and the squire’s son wondered why he hadn’t asked her to dance before.

Three dances later he sensed a mood change as many stepped back from the floor. He glanced at Beth and she looked at him expectantly. “What comes next?” “Jed plays two more complex dances so there will be just two sets on the floor.” He led her out and they took their places. Fortunately he remembered enough to Allemande correctly.

The buffet came next and he acted as host next to Beth as she introduced him to various people. “I’m quite sure I’ll never remember their names.” “No but they’ll remember yours and it will be the talk of the county whom you danced with and whom you spoke to.”

Kate fluttered her eyelashes at him and stumbled so her body was pressed against his at least twice. By the end of the dance he caught sight of Esther smiling as he tried to escape Kate’s attentions. Well dancing with Beth again was out besides she was well provided with partners but Esther? For once he’d enjoy himself. He stepped across and asked her to dance once more. She looked cross at him. “I’m not sure I like being used to punish Kate.” “Be nice I’ve done lots of duty dances tonight so this one is just to please me.” She gave him a dubious look and let him lead her out. He glanced over at Jed and mouthed Waltz? Esther’s eyes opened wide “Well I suppose they’ll talk about you dancing with me twice anyway so let’s do it.”

One or two couples followed including Madam Girard with Benedict, the local squire’s son, the tutor and governess. Esther proved to be an excellent dancer and as her mother remarked later it was almost as if she’d practised first. “I expect we’ll see young Benedict calling later on so you might want to put on a prettier dress.” Her father commented as Esther blushed. “Surely not, I thought he was after Kate.” “That was before his Lordship led our daughter out.” “I’d better see that fresh scones get made this morning.”

His hot water was piping hot as Beth had predicted. “Mary Ann you’ll scold yourself if you drop the jug on the stairs. A little cooler would be safer.” Mary Ann curtsied in acknowledgement.

As the county gossiped it was felt that the night was Esther’s triumph but the new lord had done his duty although many were pleased to be scandalised by the waltz.

Melissa descended from the coach to be met by Art and Beth. “I was a little concerned about the length of time you’d been absent. The season starts shortly you know.” “Mother meet the girl I’m going to marry.” Melissa looked at Beth’s startled face. “Have you asked her yet?” He looked puzzled “No.” “I think you ought to at least ask for her hand.” He turned and looked at Beth “Will you marry me?” She looked at him and frowned then turned to his mother. “Do you think I might get a better offer?” Melissa grinned. “You could hold out to see if he’ll admit he loves you?” Beth turned back to him questioningly. “I admit I love you now will you marry me?” “Of course.” She turned and kissed him. “You aren’t going to oppose the match?” “To Beth certainly not.” “Have we met?” queried Beth. “Many years ago. You were nearly three and living at the cottage. We visited the estate and you played with my son in the garden.”

There was something about his mother’s smile but not even his mother could even think about arranging a match between a two year old and her own son could she?