Page 11 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
Louise felt foolish. Of course a blind man could still oversee all his estates and investments, as long as he had his employees to read the paperwork to him.
“I function as…” Miss Wade blushed. “Well, as his eyes. I sit in on meetings, and tell him later my impressions of what things looked like.”
“You mean the expressions on people’s faces.”
She nodded vigorously. “Yes! You understand. And he manages so many properties, now that he’s inherited the viscountcy, so there is much to do.”
“And you attend all the meetings?”
She gave a cheerful nod.
“Then how do you have time for your own interests?” Louisa knew she was overstepping her bounds, but the girl’s frank attitude encouraged it.
Miss Wade’s smile grew sad. “I don’t have all that much to do.”
She looked away, and her shrug told Louisa that the girl was troubled about something.
“Except amuse Grandmama,” Miss Wade added. “And now she’ll also have you!”
Miss Wade seemed so happy to spend her hours at her brother’s side. Louisa well understood the need for a purpose, but sacrificing one’s own life and happiness seemed the wrong way to go about it. Of course, Miss Wade seemed happy with her new position, which meant that her own daily pursuits used to make herunhappy. What young girl did not look forward to the excitement of the Season? Obviously Miss Wade’s first one was uninspiring. Perhaps Louisa could discover what went wrong, and help her blossom this year. She’d so much enjoyed helping Lady Ralston’s granddaughter. It was as if Fate was leading Louisa to another troubled girl.
Meanwhile, Miss Wade was peeking into the bathing chamber to point out the tub and all the amenities.
“Perhaps you wouldn’t mind showing me about the house?” Louisa asked. “I would hate to get lost on my way to dinner.”
Miss Wade laughed. “Enfield Manor is not that large. But are you certain you wouldn’t rather rest?”
“I’m too excited to rest.”
“Of course you are. Coming to a new place and all. And not really knowing what will be required of you. We’ll walk together and I’ll tell you about my grandmother’s schedule.”
They walked through the house, and Louisa politely praised the conservatory, the library, and the ballroom, but she was really most interested in Lady Wade’s day. The older woman spent her mornings writing letters and occasionally visiting several dear friends. In the afternoons, when she wasn’t doing needlework or gardening with Miss Wade, she paid even more visits. After dinner, there was the occasional musicale or dance, but in the country, there was more time for simple evenings at home.
“And of course,” Miss Wade said, as they walked through the dining room with its large table seating at least twenty, “one of Grandmama’s favorite pastimes is listening to Simon sing.” She suddenly broke off, and her face clouded with sadness. “But he doesn’t sing anymore.”
“And not because of the broken piano,” Louisa said softly, not in the least surprised.
Miss Wade shook her head. “He says he can’t read the music, so there’s no point.”
“But surely he knows many songs by heart.”
“That’s what I told him, but he refuses.” She looked around and lowered her voice, even though the room was empty. “I think he doesn’t like to be stared at.” Suddenly she blushed and looked away. “Listen to me, going on like this.”
“I don’t mind,” Louisa said. “If I’m to live here, I need to know what to expect.”
A maid entered through a door, carrying a covered tray. They followed her into the corridor. Several doors down, she knocked and was bid to enter by the voice of Lord Wade.
Miss Wade took Louisa’s arm and escorted her away.
Louisa glanced over her shoulder, feeling reluctant to leave when she could learn something about the man who so fascinated her. “Isn’t Lord Wade to join us for dinner?”
“He doesn’t eat in front of people,” Miss Wade said with resignation. “Not even us.”
As they entered the great hall, Louisa thought of the viscount eating every meal alone, with nothing to distract him from how much his life had changed. He should accept the company and conversation of his family—but that was easy for her to think.
The beamed ceiling of the great hall rose two full floors above them, and the high walls were decorated in shields and swords. Little groupings of furniture were scattered about, on noticeably bare floors. Less for Lord Wade to trip on.
Louisa felt very small in that massive room, but determined to create a place for herself in such an unusual household.
