Page 53 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“I made up the excuse that I wished to find a novel in the library. I had to think of a reason to delay my stay in the room,” she continued.
“Lord Ethan passed me a book and I… I held on to his hand. That is how the accident came about. He attempted to pull his hand away from mine and lost his balance as the marquess arrived. Then he tumbled to the floor, and I could not stop myself from falling too.”
“Nonsense!" Lord Thomas called out, pointing his finger in warning at his sister. "Admit it! You were both found in a compromising position, and all I did was try to save your honour.”
“I have heard enough!” Lord Ethan finally spoke up, having witnessed more than he could bear.
“Calm yourself, son,” Ethan’s father came to his rescue. “It would be better if the ladies were to go and take tea. Could you organise that, Geraldine?” Lord Cedric spoke with Ethan’s aunt.
Aunt Geraldine nodded in agreement and made to lead the ladies from the room. She also guided the priest out of the room with them, leaving only the men behind.
“I will speak with my sons,” Lord Marcus spoke out to the remaining male guests. “And, Lord Thomas, you will stay behind too. The rest of you, please follow Ronald, my butler, and he will take you along to the billiards room. There you can enjoy brandy and cigars.”
As the few guests that remained followed Ronald out of the room, the marquess guided his son, Ethan, over to a corner of the long drawing-room. Once the door had been closed, the marquess suggested that Lord Thomas sit with them too.
Emphasising that they had much to discuss after the shocking revelations. Ethan's brother, Anthony, had also remained in the room. He stood by Lord Thomas’ side, not allowing him any opportunity of escape.
Ethan, on his part, remained quiet, mulling over the events of the morning. He was thankful to his father for taking over the burden of responsibility in trying to sort out the mess.
At least the wedding would not go ahead now, and for that he was relieved. He sat back in a large chair and listened as his father berate Lord Thomas Barrett, the Baron of Clarenmore, as well as a liar and a miscreant.
Chapter 42
“Come with me and let us walk around the garden, Lettie announced as she entered Josephine's bedroom. "It is a beautiful day and I want to get out of the house to lift your spirits."
The two friends had shared the bedroom ever since Josephine had moved out of her childhood bedroom chamber. Even though Josephine could have taken Doreen's room when she left, she preferred to continue sharing with Lettie.
“I have no time for strolls around the gardens, Lettie," Josephine declared whilst she continued the task of her morning ablutions. She was busy splashing her face with water from a large ceramic bowl of water and was keen to get back to work. "I must return to my duties today. I cannot imagine what mischief the upstairs maids will have been getting away with, in my absence.”
“Whatever it be, it will not harm for you to be a little late, especially after being so unwell. I have spoken with Mamma and Ronald. Both the head cook, and the butler agree that you should take a turn outside before you begin your day’s duties. So, you cannot be refusing, can you?”
“Oh, you are a cheeky one,” Josephine laughed as she reached over to take her working dress from the hanger. “You can help me dress and make yourself useful.”
“Good, I am pleased to see that you agree with my suggestion,” Lettie said with a smile. She then helped to fasten up the buttons on the side of the dark grey dress that Josephine wore when working.
“I must agree I would enjoy it. Though it seems that the entire senior staff has conspired against me. But it would be good to feel the sun’s heat on my skin again. You can also tell me what's happening in the household. Is this not the day of the wedding?” Josephine asked though she dreaded the answer.
“It is," Lettie answered pertly. "Though I have heard that there is some sort of delay to the ceremony. I am afraid the servants are not privy to exactly what is happening. And I am tasked with assisting you, so I have no idea about the latest gossip.”
“I wonder why there is some sort of delay?” Josephine asked, now wishing she could stay in her room another day. At least until the wedding was over and done with.
“We have only been told to delay the morning breakfast feast as the ladies have decided to take tea before the ceremony. The men have gone into the billiards room and are taking brandy and cigars. That is all I know,” Lettie conferred.
“Are they to marry still?”
“I have told you, Josephine Chapple, I do not know, so stop asking me,” Lettie insisted. “Mother said that I am to take your mind away from it and that you are not to get involved in the event because all is in hand.”
“Your mother is far too wise,” Josephine said with a genuine fondness.
“Phew, I do not know about that. I would call it bossy, I would,” Lettie huffed. “Now let us be moving and get you outside. Mother’s given me time off to keep you out of the way for the morning and that is exactly what I will be doing.”
“You are right, as always, the fresh air will do me good, but I fear the sadness will remain in my heart.” Josephine's voice quivered lightly with the emotional strain. “Once they are wed, I will know for sure that any love he said he had for me will be dead and buried.”
“Do not despair, Josephine," Lettie said, trying hard to steer the conversation away from the wedding. "What you forget is how pretty you are. I for one know that you will meet another man one day. And I bet you anything that you will fall head over heels in love with him.”
Josephine did not reply as she followed Lettie out of the bedroom. They head along the servant's corridor in the attic and down the stairs that led right down to the kitchen. Once there, Lettie did not allow Josephine to dawdle as she guided her through the servant’s door and into the gardens. Lettie seemed determined to keep her friend away from the event that was taking place upstairs in the big house.
“I did not tell you, did I?” Josephine said as they began their stroll along one of the many garden paths.
