Page 36 of Everything But the Earl
“I imagine it does.”
“This group of people loves each other more than anything, and they love the earl as well.” Gwen gestured across the room, where Owen and Arthur were laughing together. “The Williams’ have been tending sheep on Caernarfon land for generations, so we all treat each other like family. My husband and the earl played together as children. And the earl makes sure our homes are well tended to and that we always have everything we need.”
“That’s lovely.”
Gwen nodded. “You’ll get used to the noise in time, I’m sure.”
Grace laughed. She didn’t think that was true. “Owen—the earl—has been showing me how to manage some of the affairs of the estate, and while I think I’m taking to the work, I’ve never done anything like this before. I had never been to Wales before moving here a few weeks ago. Everything has been wonderful so far, but you’re right, I’m completely overwhelmed.”
“Well, my lady, perhaps some of us can be of service. My husband and his brother and cousins do a lot of the physical work, but we women are keepers of the knowledge.” Gwen tapped her temple. “My sister-in-law Carys and I do some of the management work. If you ever have any questions, you are free to call on one of us. Send a note or just stop by. My house is just a few steps that way.” She gestured to her right.
“Thank you. That is kind. I will likely take you up on that.”
“We ladies must help each other out.”
Grace smiled. “I agree. And if I can do anything for you, please let me know.”
“I will, my lady.” Gwen winked. “I’ve forgiven you for being an Englishwoman, by the way.”
Grace chuckled. “Thank you for that.”
As they walked back to the house a while later, Owen said, “Convenient of Arthur to gather everyone to the house.”
“Yes.”
“You were a bit inundated back there.”
“It’s just that I am not used to any of this. That is not a criticism to be clear. I love how quiet the house is. I love that I can sit outside and hear only birdsong or the breeze through the trees. And I do like that most of the people I’ve met are friendly and far less formal than my own family. But it will take a bit to get used to it.”
Owen nodded. “I probably should have warned you.”
“There was no need. Perhaps my stoic British upbringing is the unusual one.”
“When I was a child, I was made to understand that certain occasions called for formality. I learned all the protocol, I learned how to address my peers and ask a lady to dance and defer to my social betters and all that. But when we were here in Wales, my family generally let all of that fall away. My father, God rest his soul, had his employees call him by his Christian name, and he’d get out there and shear asheep or two himself. He and Arthur were great friends, and all those men you just met? We terrorized the adults when we were boys. My mother, too, has little need for much formality unless it’s called for. So what you just saw was a big part of my childhood.”
“My mother would faint,” Grace said.
Owen laughed. “I do hope that is not the case.”
“Father would adjust, but he can be a bit awkward. But my mother was the daughter of a very old earldom, and she is distantly related to the king. Unfortunately, she insists on living up to that at all times. I admit, I did often wish she was more affectionate when I was growing up. On the other hand, it was all I really knew.”
“Do you find me overwhelming?” Owen asked softly.
“No. How can you ask that?”
“I fear that I like the sorts of physical affection your parents would surely find scandalous.”
“Yes, likely true, butIlike that physical affection, and my family is many miles away.”
Owen paused and turned to Grace. He smiled. “I do hope you enjoy your time here.”
“I believe I shall.”
Owen looked around. They were approaching the house. He gazed up at it. “I shall miss both you and this place when I return to London, but I’m afraid Parliament has been called back into session and I do not have much choice.”
“Write me letters,” said Grace. “Tell me everything.”
“You must do the same. Especially since you have some competence at letter writing. Tell me all about everything happening here and with you. I shall endeavor to return as soon as I can.”
