Page 19 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“For goodness’ sake, Josephine, what has changed you so much?” he called out to no one, and only a grey squirrel stopped to listen to him.
Determined to put this matter right, he set off with speed in his pace, heading back to the manor house. He had a new purpose in mind. Once there, he hoped to talk with his father. He would let him know his thoughts on this matter.
Someone must be accountable for this mistake, for a mistake it is. Josephine must stop serving the family and instead join us, for that is her place by my side.
Chapter 15
The entire household of Sarandale Manor was a hive of activity as everyone had a job to do. The servants scurried around, readying the grounds for the garden party. It was to be a joyous welcome home celebration for the sons of the Marquess of Sarandale.
Already, the sun was beaming down onto the tables, as if it knew it was needed on this grand day. Servants spread out crisp, white cloths on the tables, adding layer upon layer of food fit for royalty.
It was Josephine's task to supervise the entire process, making sure everyone was in their place and all guests were attended to. She had visited Doreen that morning to help her from her bed, as she did most mornings. The conversation they had had echoed in her memory.
“Doreen, why do you not take your time today?” Josephine had suggested. “It is, after all, a day of celebrations, and none deserve to enjoy it more than you. Take a day of rest for all the years you have put into looking after this house and its family. Why do you not wear your finest dress and come down when you feel ready?”
“Well, I am not sure about that, dear," Doreen had replied as Josephine helped her get her legs from the bed. "I certainly have confidence that all will run smoothly, with you organising everything. If only my old body did not ache so much, I would be down there helping you."
The old lady regarded Josephine's words. "One supposes that you are right, my dear, dear girl. I will take my time with a wash, and dress smartly. Then I will come and join you later if you are sure, you can manage it all alone.”
“I have been taught by the very best teacher I know,” Josephine replied, smiling as she poured the jug of warm water into the large washing bowl. “Lady Cynthia insisted that the manor house servants enjoy the celebrations too. That includes you. When I feel that all is set up and running as it should be, I will allow the others to participate. We will do it in shifts. That way, the rest can keep working. Each of us will enjoy the celebration and partake in the goodies that Martha has worked so hard on this past week.”
“We are so lucky to have such generous employers,” Doreen remarked, still seated on the edge of her bed. “Off you go, then. I will see you as soon as I am ready. Oh, and Josephine—”
"Yes, Doreen?"
"Do not forget to take time off yourself. I know how one can get wrapped up in the many tasks of a housekeeper," Doreen warned her.
Josephine dashed back down to the gardens as she still had to finish placing some of the many floral arrangements on all the tables. The stewards had still been putting new tables in place as she had left earlier, so she busied herself finishing off the centerpieces.
When she had almost done, she finally looked up and spotted Lady Cynthia, accompanied by her father, Lord Ellsworth. They were coming down the stone steps that led from the back of the manor house. She felt pleased that she had managed to finish the tables situated on the large stone verandah, and now she worked on the grassy areas.
But as she watched Lady Cynthia, she noted with surprise that she and her father were walking towards her. Josephine stopped what she was doing so she could greet them.
“Good morning, Josephine,” Lady Cynthia hailed out, wearing a warm smile. “Father has informed me of Doreen’s plight. I trust she can attend our little gathering today."
“Yes, m’lady, she will be along later,” Josephine replied with a brief curtsy.
She was not surprised that the marquess had passed on his concerns about Doreen's ailments, as he had always taken good care of the staff under his roof.
“I must say, you have done a marvelous job with the floral arrangements I requested,” Cynthia continued. “It troubles us all that Doreen is suffering so, but you are going to make a wonderful housekeeper. And I am sure it is all thanks to Doreen’s expert guidance.”
“Yes, m’lady,” Josephine managed before the marquess spoke.
“My daughter speaks the truth of the matter, Josephine,” Marcus added to the conversation. “Your father would have been proud to see that you have become a woman of many strengths.”
Josephine felt her cheeks flush at her employer’s praise. If it were not for their kindness, she had no idea what might have become of the little orphan girl who lost her parents at such a young age.
“Doreen has been a great source of inspiration for me,” Josephine managed to find her voice. “We both feel very privileged to serve such a fine family.”
“My boys are home and that means we are now complete once again.” Marcus smiled as he looked around to watch the guests arriving.
“Why do you not go mingle, Father?” Cynthia suggested,knowing he would be keen to speak with every single guest.
Marcus nodded his agreement and strolled off in the direction of Anthony and his houseguests.
“Josephine, could you please inform Doreen that we will do all that we can to help her," Cynthia said with a more serious look in her eyes. "Especially with the transfer to her sister’s abode, who I understand lives by the sea."
“Thank you, m’lady," Josephine replied. "That will bring her great comfort, to know that you approve of her move. It had worried her that you might see it as a kind of betrayal, even though I tried to assure her otherwise.”
