Page 20 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“I will find time to speak with her later today,” Cynthia promised. “I want to help her realise how important she is to this family. As for you, Josephine, do take some time out too. You have been so busy this morning that I fear you will drop.”
“Thank you, m’lady. I will take my turn at the servant’s table later in the day.”
“I suppose I must go and mingle myself,” Cynthia said, looking around at the new arrivals. “I am so pleased that I can rely on you so much, Josephine. I do not forget our childhood friendship,” she added, taking hold of Josephine’s hand. “I sometimes wish that… well, I do not know. It is girlish folly, but I suppose I wish things could have turned different for you. I consider you a very good friend Josephine, as do my brothers.”
Cynthia let her hand go and turned to join her father in the growing crowd of guests. Josephine was left standing as she pondered upon Lady Cynthia's words. Sometimes, she wished the marquess had not rescued her. It seemed her education had left her quite confused and wishing for more.
Shaking her head, she looked around to make sure all the servants were where they should be. Doreen had not arrived yet, but she was aware that mornings were often difficult for her to manage.
“You have done very well, Josephine,” a deep voice rang out behind her.
She turned around to see Ronald, the butler of Sarandale Manor, looking splendid in his best outfit.
“You too, Ronald, I have not done this alone,” she said. “Could I ask a favour of you, sir?"
"I am always willing to help your cause," Ronald replied.
"Could you go along and check on Doreen in the servant's quarters?" Josephine asked. "I know she would be thrilled if you were to accompany her to the servant’s table.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Ronald said, showing her his best smile. “I will leave things in your capable hands in my absence.”
"It looks like you stewards have everything organised, and you will not be gone long,” she said, looking around at the guests.
“See to it that they are on their best behaviour as they greet the guests,” he instructed her. “I will go and fetch Doreen.”
Josephine watched him go and felt lucky to have such good friends. Sarandale Manor, and all who lived within its walls, were her life. From the lords and ladies to the household servants, she loved every one of them. Though she knew that her heart had a special place for Lord Ethan as she looked around to try and spot him.
She felt a little guilty at how she had treated him when last they spoke, but she knew she must not encourage his friendship. Although she had valued it beyond measure once, now it was a thing of the past.
As she caught him in her sights, her heart missed a beat at his very presence. Though she was not smiling for long as she noticed that he was seated next to a beautiful lady. How she longed to be the woman who sat beside him.
“Bah!” she mumbled to herself. “And if only pigs could fly!"
She turned to her many tasks whilst she continued to admonish herself. "Too many 'if only’s' are not good for the soul," she mumbled.
Josephine had the decision that it was best to avoid the part of the garden where Lord Ethan was having fun. Not that she denied him his fun, but she wished it was with her by his side.
Chapter 16
Ethan shifted with discomfort. He had astutely been placed to sit beside Lady Matilda, causing him to wonder who was doing the matchmaking. There was no denying that she was a pretty creature, and he could easily be enticed by her long lashes that blinked alluringly as she laughed. In France, he had often enjoyed the company of a pretty woman. So why did he feel so different now that he was home? Though, deep down, he knew the answer. The only woman he wanted now was Josephine, and she was out of his reach.
“Anthony has suggested that we join him and his friends for a picnic by the lake, Ethan. What say you?” his sister asked, pulling him from his thoughts.
“I must admit I am quite surprised by that, Anthony,” Ethan replied. Curious about his answer, the whole group turned to him. First, he dabbed at his lips with a serviette after eating the fresh seafood on offer. “Have you forgotten already how you did not take well to the boat that returned us from abroad?”
“Oh, do confess, Lord Anthony,” Matilda said as a light laugh rippled through the guests at the table.
“I hardly think we can compare the huge waves of the British Channel to the gentle flow of a river,” Anthony announced most indignantly. “That miserable journey caused me much torment. It was days before my land legs returned.”
“You do not enjoy travel then, my lord?” Matilda asked. “I must admit that I love to travel, for it always takes us to pastures.”
“Give me a horse and carriage and I will travel across Europe.” Anthony addressed the group around the table rather than directing his answer to Matilda alone. “I do not care for the motion of a boat when out at sea.”
“Although it is Anthony’s suggestion, it would be a great pleasure for my sister if you could join us, Lord Ethan,” Thomas said.
“I will consider it,” Ethan replied. He knew that he did not want to go but replied with politeness as he did not want to insult them either.
The conversation drifted as servants arrived to clear away the empty plates. They were busy placing new dishes of food into the centre of the table. Ethan was glad of an excuse to move his chair aside to allow a servant to step between himself and Lady Matilda. He pondered the new duties his father would expect of him, and not least of all on the pressure of marriage.
