Page 12 of Tempting the Earl
“Are we? How the time has flown. You, my lady, are a tough opponent!” Emily complained good-naturedly. “You are an expert in all these card games. We will have to think of which games we can play during the days of the party. There will have to be indoor games and things to do outside as well. Do you have areas on the grounds where we can set up croquet and badminton? If we are having young people, we shall need some active games. As well, are there many sights within an easy ride of Rosemount? If so, we will need to advise those who might be interested to bring appropriate mounts for any excursions if you do not keep a great number of horses in your stables. And how long will the party last? That will determine how much entertainment we will need to provide.” Emily was full of ideas, but the countess interrupted.
“That’s enough, Emily. You are exhausting me just thinking about all that. I don’t know what I was thinking to agree to Philip’s request. Let’s get a good rest tonight and we will give it more thought on the morrow after you have seen all that Rosemount has to offer. Then you will know which of your ideas have merit for yourself. Here we are, Emily. Prepare to meet your new home.”
The coach swayed to a stop in front of the magnificent manor Emily was now to call home. She gazed about with curious eyes as the footman handed her down. It was hard to see very much as night had fallen during the last of their journey, but she could see that even though Lady Clara had described it as 'smaller than Yorkleigh' and 'comfortable' it still looked to have at least forty or so rooms. However, despite its size the large house did appear to be quite welcoming and Emily looked forward to seeing it in the daylight.
“Welcome home, my lady.” Rosemount’s housekeeper stepped forward to greet the mistress with the butler directly behind her.
“Thank you, Mrs. Parks. And Mr. Parks, good evening. How have things been here in my absence?” Lady Clara greeted the housekeeper and butler.
“Quiet, milady. Not too much goes on while you’re away. Everyone just waits for your return,” Mrs. Parks answered with a warm chuckle.
“I would like to introduce Miss Emily Spencer. She has joined our household as my companion. Please make her feel welcome. Come, Emily, meet Mr. and Mrs. Parks. They have been with us since I joined the family before the current earl was born.”
Emily bobbed a polite curtsy to the Parks. She knew it was important to be friendly with the housekeeper and butler especially when they were a team such as these two. She found herself holding her breath waiting to see if they would accept her or not. The housekeeper and butler nodded to her in a friendly manner, not indicating by so much as a lifted eyebrow that they were questioning how this young girl in a servant’s uniform could be their mistress’ new companion.
“Welcome, Miss Spencer. If you need anything, just let me know,” welcomed Mrs. Parks warmly. “Spencer you say? Are you any relation to old Lord Spencer over in Bancroft? My sister’s husband’s cousin is his housekeeper.”
Emily’s smile froze on her face. Had she given the wrong name when she’d told the countess? There was nothing that could be done about it now. “Not that I am aware of, Mrs. Parks, but thank you for asking,” she answered a bit stiffly, hoping the countess had not noticed.
Lady Clara had noticed but made no comment, tucking that piece of information away at the back of her mind, added to the pile of odd tidbits about her new companion.What a mystery this engaging young woman is, thought Lady Clara as they were ushered into the hall to greet the rest of the servants who had waited up for them. Everyone was further distracted by the bustle of activity produced by the necessity of bringing in the baggage and getting everyone settled for the night.Ah well,thought Lady Clara,I will give it more thought on the morrow.
Emily was relieved to be left alone in her new room. She surveyed her surroundings in delight.It is a definite step up from servants’ quarters, that's for certain,she thought as she tested out the comfort of the bed and enjoyed the luxury of a spacious chamber.It will be so nice to have a room to myself again,she thought with a sigh of contentment. She remembered with delight that Lady Clara had requested one of the footmen to take a message to the dressmaker first thing in the morning.
Hopefully she will come straight away. It will be so good to have something better to wear,thought Emily as she hung up her serviceable frocks and put on her night gown. Emily felt momentarily guilty at the thought since she should be grateful for what she had in comparison to where she had been just a couple months previously. And she was grateful, of course. She would never be able to repay Lord Philip for his kindness in hiring her. But new gowns would be a delight. No one could argue that fact.
She pushed all her worries aside as she climbed into the soft bed that had been nicely turned down and warmed by one of the maids. Emily’s last thought before sleep finally claimed her was that it was nice not to be a maid anymore. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
The pleasure Emily felt the next morning as a maid entered the room carrying morning chocolate for her was nearly indescribable. “Oh thank you! That is exactly what I wanted. What is your name?” Emily thought to enquire, remembering her vow not to take anyone for granted.
“I’m Maggie, Miss,” the maid answered hesitantly.
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance. And I will be very pleased to see you every morning if you bring me chocolate just like this.” She smiled at Maggie as she climbed out of the big bed. She continued, “I actually do not have much need of you this morning, though, aside from bringing my water if you would be so kind. There will be more to do after I have seen the dressmaker, I am sure.”
“Very good, Miss,” replied the maid politely without further comment. Emily could see, though, that the servant was burning with curiosity about the new addition to the household. She was sure the servants’ quarters were buzzing with questions about her. Emily almost felt badly for not giving Maggie anything to tell the others, but not badly enough to add fodder for the gossip.
Maggie left to get the water for Emily to wash in, and Emily gazed around herself with pleasure. I am going to be happy here, I think,she thought with contentment.Clean, warm and cosy, what more could a girl ask for?she continued with a smile as she tugged on her gown.Greater variety in the clothing area,replied her inner vanity.That will be looked after in due time,thought Emily, determined to be happy with the lot she found herself currently in.
She reminded herself that she just had to stay safe for five more months, then she would gain control over her own life. She worried that she was more exposed here than she was as a maid at Yorkleigh, but this situation suited her better, and Lady Clara would keep her safe.Besides, no one ever notices the servants,she thought to herself.And really, a companion is just a glorified servant,she reassured herself once again. In the meantime Maggie returned with her steaming water and Emily quickly splashed her face and hands then set out to find the countess.
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“I have asked Mrs. Parks to join us on our tour. As we look around we can start making our plans for the house party and she should be involved in those,” Lady Clara informed Emily as they finished their meal.
The three women proceeded to poke their noses into every corner of the large manor. Mrs. Parks took notes of all the instructions Lady Clara and Emily had for her.
“We should soon start airing out the unused bedrooms,” mused Emily aloud. “If we start now, it will not be such a burden when we get closer to the arrival date for the guests.”
“That’s an efficient idea, Miss Spencer,” admired Mrs. Parks. “I’ll be off now, my lady, to see to my other duties. You and Miss Spencer will do all right without me on your tour of the grounds, I’m sure.”
“Thank you for your time, Mrs. Parks,” excused Lady Clara graciously.
Lady Clara and Emily exited through the drawing room out onto the vast, manicured lawn leading gently to the woods, which interspersed the entire estate. The extensive rose gardens were off to the east of the house, and the stables off to the distant west. To the south, on the other side of the copse of trees, were the ruins of the old Abbey, which used to be on these grounds. Lady Clara pointed out all these landmarks as they wandered towards the beautiful gardens.
“The lawn area would be perfect for croquet or badminton, wouldn’t it?” asked Emily. “And these gardens will give everyone hours of enjoyment. You must have an entire army of gardeners maintaining these beautiful blooms,” admired Emily as they were overtaken by their heady perfume.
“Yes, we do have quite a number of gardeners maintaining the grounds. You are welcome to assist them whenever the mood strikes you,” she added with a light laugh. “Now come, my dear, Juliette shall be arriving shortly. In the meantime, you can help me with my correspondence, if you please.”
“It will be my pleasure, my lady.” Emily’s answer was polite and as calm as she could muster despite the urge to dance a jig over hearing the dressmaker was expected that afternoon. Still the two women returned to the salon where the countess’ secretaire was kept and they spent an enjoyable interlude composing notes to the countess’ various friends in the shire informing them of her return home.
