Page 125 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
Andrew had grown up among these people. The housekeeper, butler, and cook had all been there since he’d been a child, and she wanted them to like her.
Lady Drake smiled at her across the carriage. “They’ll love you,” she said, as if reading Amelia’s mind.
Amelia supposed she would have a better idea of what was currently running through it than anyone else would. She had once been in Amelia’s shoes, coming to this homefor the first time. Although she’d at least been a member of the aristocracy prior to marriage.
“They will,” Andrew confirmed, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
Warmth flooded her chest. She was so lucky to have him. In fact, she considered herself lucky to have all of them. She would always love her parents, but she hadn’t spoken to them since the ball, and she wasn’t sure how much time and energy she wanted to give them in future. Brigid and Kate had been far more accepting of her and caring toward her than her own family ever had been.
“There it is!” Kate was hanging out the window again, pointing to something in the distance.
“You know, Amelia can’t see anything when you’re in the way,” Andrew pointed out.
Kate dropped back onto her seat and poked her tongue out at him—a more girlish gesture than any Amelia had seen from her. Perhaps returning to their home in the country reminded her of being little again.
Amelia shifted closer and looked through the window. She couldn’t see much, but the silhouette of turrets against the skyline was unmistakable. The roof tiles were dark—perhaps gray or black—but slightly faded.
She kept an eye on the manor as they drew nearer and it came into view more clearly.
It was stunning.
Primarily built of orange and yellow stone and brick, it had over a dozen arched windows facing outward and a domed roof on the center section. A short flight of stairs led up to the main entrance, and the household staff were lined up along the paved area at the top and down the stairs.
A severe-looking older man and a short, thin woman with thick gray hair stood at the base of the stairs, awaiting the carriage. Amelia had already been briefed on themembers of staff, so she knew these must be Alfred, the butler, and Harden, the housekeeper.
The carriage came to a stop in front of them, and they waited for a footman to open the door. Andrew stepped out first and then helped Amelia down. She straightened her back, remembering all her mother’s lessons on good posture, and smiled politely at Alfred and Harden.
Andrew offered his hand to Lady Drake and then Kate. Once the whole party had disembarked, he linked arms with Amelia and escorted her over to greet the staff. Harden dropped into a curtsy, and Alfred bowed.
“Welcome home, my lord,” Harden said, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Thank you, Harden. It’s good to be back.”
“My lord.” Alfred dipped his head respectfully.
“Good afternoon, Alfred.” Andrew raised his voice. “I’d like to introduce you all to the new countess. This is Lady Amelia Drake. My wife.”
Amelia nodded to Alfred and Harden. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Harden’s thin lips lifted. “The pleasure is all ours, my lady. We feared the earl would never wed.”
Andrew laughed. “Hey now, none of that. It’s not as if I’m ancient.”
“Of course not, my lord,” Harden assured him, grinning slyly.
Lady Drake cleared her throat. “Shall we introduce the Countess of Longley to the household?”
“Oh, yes.” Harden straightened and smoothed her dress. “Allow me.”
The housekeeper escorted Amelia and Andrew along the line of staff, introducing each by name and position. Amelia did her best to commit the names and faces to memory, but she knew it would take a while before she remembered them all. There were simply too many.
She was glad that her dowry had ensured all of these people were able to remain employed. It was hardly enough money to do so indefinitely, but it bought them some time, and if Andrew and her father continued to manage it well, it could definitely support them into the future.
When they reached the top of the stairs and the end of the row of staff, Harden offered to show her around the inside of the manor.
“I would like that,” Amelia told her.
“I’ll accompany you,” Andrew said. “I’m sure Mother and Kate would like to retire to their rooms for a while before dinner.”
