Page 126 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“Yes, please,” Kate said at the same time as Lady Drake protested.
“I’ll come with you,” Lady Drake insisted. “I’ll have plenty of time to rest later but only one chance to introduce my new daughter to our beloved home.”
Amelia’s heart warmed. “Thank you.”
When she’d married Andrew, she’d never imagined that she’d receive a new mother figure as part of the arrangement, but she was so grateful she had.
Harden dismissed the staff, and as soon as they entered the manor, Kate vanished down a corridor and around a corner.
“All of the rooms for entertaining are on the ground floor,” Harden said, gesturing down the corridors to the left and right. “The ballroom is directly behind us, and the drawing rooms, music room, and formal dining room are to the left. The kitchen and family room are farther along that corridor. To the right are the earl’s office, the library, and the portrait gallery.”
“There’s a portrait gallery?” She’d heard of such things but had never seen one.
Harden nodded. “It displays portraits from over seven generations of the Drake lineage.”
“That’s incredible.” Amelia didn’t even know who her great-grandparents were, let alone anyone further back than that.
Harden smiled. “The family is proud of their heritage.” She inclined her head. “Soon to be your heritage too.”
Amelia started at that. It hadn’t occurred to her that she or her children may one day be painted and displayed in the family’s gallery.
“The family’s chambers are upstairs on the left, and the guest rooms are to the right,” Harden continued. “Come. Let’s start in the ballroom.”
They followed the housekeeper as she led them across the foyer to the ballroom. It was high-ceilinged and tastefully decorated, with a wooden floor, white walls, and gilt adornments above the mantle.
Harden showed them to the drawing room next, followed by the music room, where the sheer size of the grand piano stole her breath. The dining room was far more audaciously decorated than the ballroom, with massive crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and gilt-framed paintings by some of the masters adorning the walls.
Amelia shook her head. When her mother saw that room, she’d be in heaven.
The morning room and the family’s smaller dining area were, while also elegantly appointed, far warmer and more welcoming.
They reversed direction down the corridor. They didn’t go inside the earl’s office, but Amelia knew Andrew would let her look around whenever she wanted. They did, however, stop at the library.
And oh, how beautiful it was.
Amelia covered her mouth as they entered. Her eyes grew to the size of saucers. “It is… perfect.”
Never in her life had she been inside such a beautiful library. It occupied two stories, with bookshelves liningevery wall other than the one with windows out onto the courtyard. Stairs led to the second story, and comfortable brown leather chairs were tucked into the corners.
Andrew kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you like it. You can read anything you like, and you’re welcome to add to it too. We have more than enough space.”
She couldn’t think of a better gift. “Thank you.”
“Unfortunately, we must move on,” he murmured. “You can return later and explore at your leisure.”
Reluctantly, she allowed him to draw her away. The last place they were to visit on the ground floor was the portrait gallery. Once again, Amelia was awed. Portraits lined the walls. The oldest was on the nearest end of the room, and the most recent were farthest away.
As they strolled past the older paintings, many worn with age, she examined the faces. Some of the Drakes were austere, while others looked friendly. Many had the same auburn hair as Andrew. And many, she noted, had something of a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. She wondered if good humor was a family trait.
“There’s so much history in here,” she breathed.
“You will be a part of it.” Lady Drake gestured to the part of the end wall that remained empty. “That space is for you, Andrew, and your children.”
Andrew dipped his head beside Amelia’s ear. “Did you notice the portrait of my parents?”
She studied the last painting before the empty space. In it, a woman who was obviously Lady Drake, albeit much younger, stood beside a handsome gentleman with dark reddish-brown hair a few years her senior.
“It’s lovely.” They looked happy together.
