Page 26 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“M’lady?”
“I know you will make as fine a housekeeper as Doreen was, so have confidence in yourself, will you?”
“M’lady,” Josephine said with a small curtsy as she turned and left the room.
Once in the hallway, she stopped for a moment. She took in a deep breath and leaned against the wall after checking that no one was around to see her. For an instant there, she was sure they had been discovered. Then again, it was what she had wanted all along.
So, why am I so afraid?The more she thought of it, the gladder she was that it had happened. Even at the risk of being sent away in disgrace, it would have been worth it. She would not have changed a single moment. To have shared in that intimate encounter with Ethan was worth everything.
Pulling herself together, she walked towards the servant’s stairway that would take her to the kitchen. There, she approached Martha, who was busy basting a roasting chicken.
“I have a list from Lady Cynthia for an afternoon picnic by the river,” she said, placing the piece of paper on the table. “Do you need me to send for any of these items?”
“No, I doubt it,” Martha said, glancing down at the list as she paused in her task. “I had better gather everyone so we can get this ready. It is a bit short notice, do you not think?”
“It is.” Josephine smiled. She had thought that Martha might grumble over yet more added work, but she head cook would still produce the best of picnic baskets ever for all the guests. "I will send some of the housemaids to help with the packing."
Once they had agreed on the finer details, Josephine turned to leave. She could hear Martha mumbling something but paid no attention; her mind was still on her tryst with Ethan in the garden.
As an inner warmth embraced her thoughts, she went about her task to find Ronald. Between herself and the butler, they would gather the necessary maids and stewards to serve the afternoon picnic.
I cannot believe you remembered my favourite flower,she thought as she searched for the butler. Finding him in the boot room, she paused before approaching him.Even more, I cannot believe that you feel for me as I do for you,she reflected, and readied herself to face the butler.
“Why are you hidden away in this little room, cleaning boots of all things?” she asked in surprise at finding the butler at such a dirty task.
“Because I am the only one who does it right for the marquess,” Ronald replied, not stopping his task. “Not even his personal valet can be trusted with this work.”
“You take too much upon yourself,” Josephine chided, but it was not her place to set the work of the butler. “I am afraid I must pull you away for a time. Lady Cynthia and her house guests are partaking in an afternoon picnic by the river.”
“Are they, indeed.” Ronald smirked. “Lady Cynthia has far too many bright ideas without a moment’s notice.”
Josephine smiled at his frowning face. He was most fond of Lady Cynthia and would jump any hurdle to serve her, though he might grumble at it.
“How many stewards can you spare?” she asked as she watched him put down the shiny leather shoe he had been polishing. “There are ten people at the party.”
“Shall we agree on two stewards and four maids then?” he suggested.
“I will oversee it,” she said, for she must ensure the guests' every need was attended to.
“Good. I have not the time to spare, so it is a comfort that you will be on hand.” Ronald nodded with pursed lips. “You are taking to your role with much grace,” he added.
“I am well aware that the role of housekeeper has as many tasks as that of the butler. But yet, like Doreen, you perform them all without so much as a sigh,” he praised.
Josephine nodded her head in thanks as they parted ways so she could go and gather her maids. She would send them first to the kitchen to help with the baskets.
As she moved through the corridors of Sarandale Manor, she had only one important thought in her mind, and it was not of the picnic, but of a kiss.What would it have felt like to have touched your lips? To have been held in your arms, and our bodies so close?
Chapter 21
“You look very dashing, m’lord,” Russel remarked. Ethan's valet was putting the finishing touches to his riding attire, brushing his shoulders with a clothes brush. “The ladies should be most impressed.”
“Thank you, Russel. But I hardly think I am out to impress any ladies. I wish only to partake in enjoying a vigorous horse ride,” Ethan replied with a frown, but he knew his valet meant well.
Russel gave a bow of his head, in respect, and was about to leave Ethan’s chambers when a knock sounded at the door.
“Can you see who that is on your way out?” Ethan instructed.
Russel opened the door and was forced to stand aside as one of Ethan’s brothers entered, also wearing the standard riding outfit.
