Page 64 of Why Do Earls Fall in Love?
Chapter 13
When the faint light of dawn broke over the city, Charlotte gave up tossing and turning, fled the silence and climbed out of bed. She dressed in a simple round gown and bundled her hair into a knot at her nape. She knew that this time the kitchens would be awake and bustling, so she took her box of pastel sticks and went down. Mr. Flemming tucked her into a corner with a cup of chocolate and bade her wait for the breakfast pastries to be done.
She happily sipped and sketched, capturing the cook in several images, all showing him intent and focused on his creative process. Tearing out the page, she folded it and gave it to a kitchen maid, with instructions to include it on the tray that went up to his lordship. When breakfast was ready, she left the staff in peace so they might enjoy their meal and took hers alone, upstairs. It left her thinking that she really should get the staff moving on the dining room next. She went down to give it a look and Margie found her there not long after.
“Here’s the basket you asked for, my lady.”
“Thank you. Any sign of our mysterious watcher this morning?”
“Not yet, and that’s a break in her pattern. She’s been there at this time, both the past mornings. P’raps she won’t come back again.”
“You might be right.” Charlotte gestured to the room. “I’d like for you and the girls to tackle this today. The furniture needs a thorough dusting. Those chairs have a fair few tricky twists and turns that will need attention. Have Eli help polish the chandelier. He has long, clever fingers. And be sure to have one of the girls dust the parlor before she begins in here, just in case we have callers.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Charlotte left her happily organizing. She took up the basket and went out to the garden in the center of the square. The bench across from the house was indeed empty. There were a few hidden spots amongst the trees and shrubberies, and though she searched them out, she didn’t find the girl. She stood a moment at the empty bench, thinking, then she left the basket in the girl’s usual spot and started back home.
She’d just reached the pavement when she heard her name called.
“Mr. Rostham,” she said, stopping to let the gentleman approach.
“Lady Whiddon. I am so glad I caught you.”
“How nice to see you.” She eyed the basket he carried, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh! Have you been successful so soon?”
“Indeed, although when I offered you help, I never imagined it taking such a turn as this.” He lifted the lid.
She bent over to peer inside. “How charming,” she sighed.
“My watering eyes prevented me from delaying the delivery.” Closing the lid again, his smile faded. “Are you well, Charlotte? Truly?”
She gave him a nod and a smile. “I am, sir. Thank you for your concern.”
“I haven’t forgotten our archery contest, you know. My cousin loved the idea. Look for an invitation before too long.”
“Oh, how lovely! What fun we will have. Thank you for remembering.”
“You must bring Lord Whiddon along, as well.”
She laughed. “Oh, I will insist upon it!”
“Very well, then.” He gave over the basket. “Enjoy your wedding present.”
“Thank you, Mr. Rostham. I will. We all will.”
Bowing, he took his leave and Charlotte carried the basket inside. Striding into the dining room, she set it on the table.
“My lady, that ain’t the basket ye left with,” Margie told her.
“I am aware of that. Will you call all the staff in here, please? And have the seamstresses bring down my special request.”
“Aye, my lady.” Mystified, the maid made the rounds of the house. Everyone gathered in the dining room except for Mr. Flemming who could not leave off kneading his bread, and Chapman, who was waiting on his lordship.
“Where is Alfred?”
As someone was reportedly at the door, she nodded. “Very well. Someone may fill him in later and make the introductions.”
“Introductions?” asked Eli.
