Page 21 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
As he looked over the table, the sight before him cheered him markedly and all thoughts of dullness soon left his mind. Josephine was overseeing the servant’s service at the table, and she too had a tray in her hand. The sight of her made his heart soar as he caught the sparkle in her vivid green eyes. Eyes that seemed able to see into his very soul.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and all was well with the world. With a woman such as Josephine by his side, he knew he could conquer anything. His burdens would be lightened with a such union, for he would be so content.
The moment was far too fleeting as Josephine shifted her gaze. Of course, he knew why; it would be near on scandalous if others learnt of the obvious affection that passed between them. Still, it did not deter him from observing her as she worked her way around the table.
He hated seeing her in such a role as a common servant. The people she served were no better than her, and she deserved more in life. He wanted to stand up and take the tray from her, but he had no desire to embarrass her, as he knew it would. Ethan so wished he could give her the life she deserved. In his eyes, she was equal to all those who sat around the table.
It pained him to see how his brothers had taken so easily to her serving them. Cedric, he could understand, for he was a stickler for etiquette. Yet Anthony had seen nothing wrong with his childhood friend now becoming his servant. It seemed to Ethan that he was the only one who disagreed with this situation.
“I will arrange for the servants to bring along a picnic,” Lady Cynthia suggested, her voice breaking Ethan’s sentiments. “You must come too, Ethan, it will be such fun.”
He was aware that his sister had gone through many trials whilst her brothers had been enjoying their stay abroad. Whilst she had married a respectable merchant, the man had not been their parents' first choice for a husband. He had understood her difficulties when she had corresponded with him, for he and his sister shared a close bond. Cynthia had always looked to him for answers, and it had been he who advised her to marry the merchant if she loved him so.
And then her husband had died suddenly, leaving his sister heartbroken and lonely. Ethan had written to her, advising her to return to the bosom of their parents. It was a great relief when she had taken his advice. Since returning home, she had done everything possible to welcome her brothers back into her life.
“For you, dear sister, I will go," he agreed if only to satisfy her for now. "That is, if Father has not filled my time with tasks on the estate.”
“I hear that Father wants you to visit London with him for a parliamentary sitting,” Anthony said. “It is a role you will play well, brother.”
“Oh, are you a budding politician, Lord Ethan?” Lady Matilda joined in the conversation.
Ethan almost missed her question as his eyes followed the beautiful Josephine around the table.
“He loves nothing more than a good old political debate,” Anthony answered for him. “My brother has strong opinions in such matters.”
“Would it not be better to marry first?" Thomas asked. “Then you could seek to make your mark in London with a fine lady to accompany you?”
“I am in no need for a wife,” Ethan said with a slight bitterness to his reply. In truth, the only wife he wished to have by his side was serving the table with food. “Although a woman with diverse talents would be ideal,” he added, glancing swiftly at Josephine.
“My sister is a creditable painter, and she can cook too,” Lord Thomas chipped in.
“I do not cook,” Lady Matilda chided. “What he means, my lord, is that I loved to join our cook in the kitchens as a child. Though I suspect it was more so I could have first servings of the cakes I watched him bake more than anything else.”
Laughter erupted and Ethan could see that Lady Matilda was enjoying the attention, although it was often encouraged by her brother. No doubt Lord Thomas hoped to secure his sister with a future husband, such as his brother, Anthony. Ethan felt that it was not his business who his brother married, and he often let the conversation drift over his head.
Ethan supposed that he must play his part in this family arrangement, though Anthony had not mentioned any interest in proposing to Lady Matilda. Nonetheless, Ethan would attempt to be polite and attentive to her, for his brother’s sake. No doubt that had been why Anthony had suggested the lakeside picnic. Aware that Lady Matilda was glancing his way, Ethan purposely moved his eyes away from Josephine, though it pained him to do so. He knew that, as the heir to the estate, he should not be seen ogling the servants. So, once again he attempted polite conversation with Lady Matilda. Though he did so, it was quite unwilling.
Though the corner of his eyed he noticed that Josephine was instructing the servants to leave. Then she glanced over the table to ensure that all was as it should be for the lords and ladies' feast.
“Thank you, Josephine," he called out to her. "It is a fine fare that you have provided.”
It was worth the risk, for she smiled back at him, though he could not help but notice a sadness in her eyes. Emerald green eyes that normally sparkled with happiness, but now looked dull and woeful.
“Yes, I also agree. Thank you, Josephine,” Anthony joined in as he looked at her. “You have learnt well from Doreen. I must visit her too, for I hear she may be leaving us soon?”
“Yes, m’lord, she has been a fine teacher,” Josephine said and turned to walk away with a tray full of dirty china pots in her hands.
“Did you know Doreen was to leave us, Ethan?” Anthony questioned his brother.
“Yes. Father told me that she is to live by the sea with her sister. She has suffered with ailments and I am sure she will be quite content with a quieter life in her later years,” Ethan replied.
He waited for the conversation to move on, knowing they would never have any desire to discuss the ailments of servants for long. As it did, he turned to catch a glimpse of Josephine before she disappeared into the crowd of party guests.
Chapter 17
“Now that we have had our fill of the fine feast, who’s up to a game of Battledore?” Lady Cynthia asked as she rose from her chair to encourage the others around the table to do the same.
“Oh, yes!” Lord Anthony agreed, even though he was the only one showing any enthusiasm. “I do love a game ofjeu de volant. They play in France too, and I do believe that I have bettered my skill.”
