Page 28 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
Ethan could see that Cedric was exasperated with him. But he would remain calm at the flare of passion burning in his brother’s eyes.
“Why can you not see that Josephine was the orphan of a poor farming family, and that is the basis for her place in society?”
“She deserves better!” Ethan spat, unable to hold onto his self-enforced calmness any longer. He was in no mood to allow his brother to insult Josephine in such a way.
“Then, by all means, ensure that she has access to a better life,” Cedric suggested. “Though the position as a housekeeper is more than she could ever have achieved as a farmer’s daughter.”
Ethan collapsed back into the window chair. Josephine had captured his heart and no working role would ever be good enough for her.
“Come, Ethan, let us quarrel no longer, for all you need is time to adjust. Let us go out riding, it always helps to clear your head,” Cedric said as he took his brother’s arm and helped him up. “I know you will see sense in this matter. For now, let us go and enjoy a ride and our sister’s picnic.”
Ethan said nothing but he went through the motions of following Cedric through the manor house. They arrived at the front door and descended the stone steps, where the groom waited with their horses.
Once mounted on his dappled grey gelding, he set off at a canter, hoping a bit of speed might help to wash away his thoughts. He always enjoyed the challenge of an active ride.
Chapter 22
Josephine listened to the laughter ringing out from the guests. The ladies had put up their colourful sun parasols to block out the heat of the sun as they sat around enjoying their picnic spread.
“You have all done a jolly good job at such short notice,” Josephine remarked to the household staff. They too were partaking in a picnic, as they sat on the ground surrounding her.
“We get used to Lady Cynthia and her last-minute ideas.” One of the maids chuckled, but she meant no disrespect.
Every member of the household staff was fond of the grand family they served. Sarandale Manor was a pleasant place to work, better than many of the other large estates for miles around.
It was widely accepted by the upper class the lower classes were uneducated and unwashed, but not on this estate. Servants were not only fed well, but they also enjoyed the comfort of warm rooms and even days off to rest.
“Mind your tongue, girl,” Josephine reprimanded her gently, for she would have no one think badly about any members of the family. “I am taking a short stroll," she informed the group as she stood up to leave. "Pay attention to our guests and I expect you all to jump to it if they need assistance.”
“Yes, Missus. Would you like one of us to accompany you?” one of the maids asked, but Josephine shook her head, indicating that she did not need company.
What she really wanted was to be alone with her thoughts. Being by the lake brought so many happy memories to her mind. A few moments alone would allow her to relive some happier times.
Times when she was more a part of the grand family, though she had little knowledge of her status in life. In those times of pure contentment, she had had no notion that one day her life would change.
The sharp smell of the lake water assailed her nose as walked away from the groups. A duck quacked in the distance, and a gaggle of geese took off. The sound of flapping wings reached her ears.
She soon found her mind wandering away from the chatter of the guests and staff. Her stride was slow as she recalled the welcome memories of childhood. The marquess had often brought his young sons to fish in the lake.
She had followed in their trail but entertained herself with imaginary child’s play as fishing was not for girls, so Cedric had always told her. Not that she minded. She had hated how the poor fish were dragged from the water, with sharp hooks digging into their little mouths.
One day, the marquess had found her in tears as she watched the boys casting their fishing lines. He had gone out of his way to comfort her, asking why she was so upset. Of course, he had assumed it was to do with the death of her father, but she put him right. She had gone on to explain to him how sad she was that the fish would die and be eaten.
The marquess had laughed wholeheartedly at her tale and his amusement had upset her further. Being the generous soul that he was, he had gone on to explain why he was so amused, "The boys always put the fish back into the water because it is only an opportunity for my sons to practice."
Josephine had been so relieved that she had opened up her arms and hugged the marquess. Something she would never dream of doing now that she was an adult.
How times have changed.
After that event, Ethan had often come to join her instead of fishing with his brothers. That was when he had taught her to skim pebbles across the water. She had watched on in fascination as Ethan skimmed stones into three bounces, as if by magic.
How she had loved her childhood and all its fond memories. Shewould be forever grateful to the marquess' generosity.
But oh, how I miss your closeness, Ethan.
Josephine picked up a pebble and turned it in her hand, enjoying its smoothness. Ethan had taught her which were the best of pebbles. Looking over the water of the lake, she realised she could still be seen by the party of picnickers, and she threw down the pebble to move on.
It was her intention to find a special small inlet that she recalled as a girl. It had a private small, pebbled beach, and she had not visited it for some time. During the summer months, it was a little hidden alcove. The opening could not be seen for the bushy shrubs that grew there.
