Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1) Read online

  Adalyn blinked. “I don’t…I never…do I have such a connection, Giles?”

  “You do,” he answered. “Through your maternal grandfather.”

  “Good heavens.” She struggled with the idea. “I had no idea. What an unlikely but fortunate connection it is, then.”

  “I would agree, since you fulfill the requirements set forth for the tenancy. All the previous occupants have found themselves alone and without too many options.”

  “Like me.”

  “Yes, my Lady. Just like you.”

  “So who is living there now?” Adalyn stared at Giles.

  “Lady Panthea Marchwood was our most recent mistress. Her aunt’s husband was the connection to Wolfbridge. She left us nearly two years ago.”

  “So it’s been empty since?”

  “Other than the staff, yes. As you can imagine, it takes time to keep track of potential heirs. And often, there are none, as happened recently. We have been waiting, watching—and finally we found our next mistress.” He put his hand over hers. “And that would be you, my dear.”

  She thought about that for a few minutes, silently trying to sort out the whirling myriad of questions within her mind. She settled on the simplest.

  “How long have you been butler at Wolfbridge, Giles?”

  “Close to twenty years now, my Lady. It is a unique position, since butlers accept the responsibility of running the house. We understand that the Manor will change hands when the time is right, but that our tenure is connected to the house, not the owner.”

  “I’ve never heard of such an arrangement.”

  “Well, I am not surprised,” he shrugged. “It is a somewhat eccentric agreement. And truth to tell, we have done our best to remain out of the eye of those who might find it peculiar. We’re in a quiet part of a quiet county. I am not sure how long that will be the case, but for now we like things as they are.”

  “Hmm.” She thought about that.

  “It is an incontrovertible fact that you are now the new mistress in residence. You are not obliged to accept, of course, and there is no sizeable fortune attached, unfortunately. But a productive entail continues to generate sufficient income for the essentials and the farms do the rest.” He smiled at her. “The estate is yours, Lady Adalyn. Berries and all.”

  She swallowed, attempting to make sense of this unexpected miracle. “I have so many questions, Giles,” she murmured.

  “I’m sure you do, Ma’am,” he agreed. “But for now the only thing you need focus on is the fact that you have a home. You have a butler,” he tapped his chest, “a much-lauded cook, a groom who is quite brilliant with horses, an estate manager who has kept your farms in good heart, and a first footman who excels at many things. All of us are dedicated to your welfare.”

  She opened her mouth, then shut it again. What could she say?

  She rubbed her hands over her face and took a breath. “Will I have clothing? I brought nothing from London, other than what I’m wearing…”

  “There is a wardrobe available, my Lady. It may be out of date but I’m sure something can be arranged for you.”

  “And a maid?”

  Giles shot her a look she couldn’t interpret. “If you wish it, we can acquire one.”

  She leaned back and closed her eyes. “Perhaps I should wait until we get there to make that decision.”

  “Most wise.”

  She sighed. “Will I find peace there, Giles? I would love to not have to worry about anything…”

  “We shall endeavour to ensure that happens. I promise…” He looked at her, kindness in his eyes. “Wolfbridge has been charged with a purpose, Adalyn. It exists to provide you with what you need.”

  “I don’t know what I need…a home, I suppose…”

  “That you will definitely have. Anything else?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  “Then you will find out when you settle in. Because Wolfbridge knows what you need, and as it fulfills that need, it also discharges its duty to you.”

  “You speak as if Wolfbridge is more than an estate,” she murmured.

  “I like to think of it more as a state of mind.”

  “An interesting way of explaining it,” her voice tapered off, and she drifted, the warmth of the carriage and the excellent food she’d eaten both contributing to a delightful lassitude.

  She yawned. “Forgive me, Giles, but I believe my lunch has made me sleepy again…” She felt his hands tuck the fur around her knees, and that tiny gesture of comfort tipped her over the edge of wakefulness and into the first solidly restful sleep she’d had in quite some time.

  Wolfbridge Manor, January 1817

  Dear Diary,

  This is my first entry as a widow, and I am writing it by candlelight in my very own room in my very own house! Yes, inconceivable though it seems, I have been swept out of the terrible situation I found myself in and welcomed here at Wolfbridge Manor, which I understand is now my property.

  I saw little when I arrived, since it was dark and I had barely awoken from a long nap in the carriage. My mind was still quite confused. But Giles was ever-solicitous and made every effort to ensure my comfort.

  I must speak of Giles for a moment. He refers to himself as my butler, but in truth he feels more like my guardian angel. His countenance is most pleasant, his smile everything that is charming and friendly, and he has done everything possible to make me as comfortable as he can.

  I find the urge to burst into tears of happiness and cast myself upon his broad chest occurs frequently, although until now I have not thought of voluntarily being close to a man that way.

  My departed husband certainly did not encourage such emotional displays.

  The house is lovely. A stately yet delicate frontage and what might be gardens around it—I shall learn more upon the morrow when it is light and I can explore.

  I dined modestly in what Giles referred to as the parlour; a cosy room with many cheerful gold colours glowing from both furnishings and curtains. They were drawn against the cold, of course, and the fire was welcome indeed. I’m sure Mama would have liked this house, since everything is spotless. I like it because I did not have to make it so.

  I have not met any of the staff yet, and am anxious to do so, but Giles tells me all things can wait until the morrow. I will admit to some exhaustion, but 'tis hard to believe that it is only mere hours since I watched my late husband vanish into the earth.

  And now, dear Diary, I shall confess something quite dreadfully shocking. For the first time in my life, I felt a gentleman’s hands assisting me in removing my clothing.

  Yes, I shall surely be condemned to an eternity of agony for such a transgression, but I had no one else to ask. Giles brought hot water to my chamber and found me struggling with the tapes of my gown. He was all that was proper and polite, and had me unlaced in a trice, which was very helpful.

  My blushes must have added their own warmth to the room, but given the kindness of his attentions to me, I was not unduly overset.

  The tingling brush of his fingers across my bare back as he completed his task—well, I felt quite giddy from it. In a very pleasant and unusual way.

  As I read over my words, I realise they must be a product of the trying day I have just experienced, and possibly the events of the last few weeks as well. So I shall sleep and pray that I will not wake on the morrow to find this has all been a dream.

  I note with a degree of happiness that I am experiencing much less discomfort in my ribs now. The bruises are still there, but they will fade. The pains of my marriage are beginning to heal, it would seem. Would that my memories fade as well as the bruises.

  Chapter Two

  Adalyn awoke to brief glimpses of sun streaming through her window the following morning.

  She sat up, stretched, and then noticed clothing lying across the end of the large bed. She scrambled from beneath the covers and examined the items.

  Someone, and she guessed
it was probably Giles, had obtained a simple outfit in whites and greys. The chemise was white, with a ruff of fine Valenciennes lace around the neckline, while the overdress consisted of beautifully embroidered dark grey wool, with a matching band to fasten beneath the wearer’s breasts.

  It also featured long sleeves ending in a frill of lace to fall over one’s hands.

  She found she could dress herself thanks to the clever design and the positioning of the buttons, so she hurried through her toilette, tidied her hair and slipped into the new garments with a degree of delight she had not anticipated experiencing the day after a funeral.

  The long mirror in the corner reflected a slender young woman in sober but stylish clothing. It should have been all black of course, at least for a year, but since she knew nobody and doubted she’d be expected to greet visitors, this particular ensemble was ideal for a woman experiencing a recent loss.

  So ideal that she almost danced downstairs to find Giles and thank him for her new finery.

  Sounds emanated from the small parlour where she had eaten last night, so she hurried in, words of delight trembling on her lips

  But Giles wasn’t there…someone else was. “Oh…”

  “My Lady,” he bowed deeply. “I am Jeremy, your footman. Allow me to serve you breakfast…”

  He walked to the table and pulled out a chair, clearly intending to seat her. The scent of toast and bacon wreathed around Adalyn’s nostrils, and there was little she could do but agree and sit down.

  “Thank you, er…Jeremy.”

  “Would you enjoy some eggs, my Lady?”

  “Yes, please,” answered Adalyn politely. Nobody had ever asked her that before.

  “They come from a farm near here, so they are quite fresh. Evan is convinced that our Wolfbridge eggs are far superior to anyone else’s.” He chuckled as he spoke, mounding a plate with bacon, sausages, toast and the eggs.

  “Oh, yes…Evan. He is the cook?”

  “That is correct. Although I suppose he should be referred to as a chef, since his meals are superb works of art. Even the simplest pie is raised to delectable levels with his touch.”

  “Goodness.” Adalyn blinked. “Then I cannot wait to try these eggs.”

  Her eyes widened even more as the plate Jeremy set in front of her overflowed with perfection.

  “Tea?”

  She smiled at Jeremy. “Always.”

  “Milk and sugar?”

  “Just milk, please.”

  The little interchange helped ease her nerves and the food—which was indeed as Jeremy had promised—rapidly sated her appetite.

  He stood quietly by the serving stand, occasionally lifting a lid and checking the contents.

  Of medium height, but solid beneath his dark coat and crisp white shirt, his tousled sandy hair looked as soft as a babe’s. She found his blue eyes were quite delightful and there was a dimple in his chin that softened the masculine lines of his face.

  “What are your duties, Jeremy?” she asked, between mouthfuls.

  “To tend to your every need, Lady Adalyn,” he answered, eyes gleaming.

  A tiny shiver of pleasure danced over her skin at his words. “Um…at this moment, I’m not sure I have any…”

  “Of course not, since you’ve barely had a chance to see more of Wolfbridge than this room and your chambers.” He removed her almost-empty plate with a nod of approval. “However, I’m sure either Giles or myself will be escorting you over the building quite shortly. Once you become familiar with it, and the grounds, ’tis certain then you will have commands for us.”

  Adalyn took a deep breath. “I’m not sure I’d know how. I’ve never been the mistress of a household. I can clean the silver, but when it comes to running Wolfbridge, I might do something wrong…”

  There was a bit of a clatter at the door and both Adalyn and Jeremy turned to see a man bringing one more covered tray into the room.

  “Ah, Evan,” grinned Jeremy. “Come and meet our new Lady and help me convince her she will be an exemplary mistress in next to no time.”

  The cook, for his large white apron clearly betrayed his position, bowed to Adalyn. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lady. You must be sure to let me know of any dishes you particularly favour, and also which ones you don’t…” His smile was charming.

  Goodness, were all the staff at Wolfbridge as delicious? Adalyn secretly wondered if she might run the risk of having her head turned by all this attention from handsome men.

  “Thank you, Evan.” She cleared her throat, which for some reason seemed to have become a little clogged. “I’m sure everything you prepare is perfect. But since it is only me, I would urge that you forgo any twelve course dinners…”

  She laughed, as did Evan. “Indeed, Ma’am. I’m glad you have chosen not to follow the example of some of the more ridiculous meals served in Society.”

  “Good morning,” came a voice from the door.

  Adalyn turned in her chair. “Giles, good morning. Please join us? I have learned that I have an excellent footman in Jeremy and Evan has promised not to over feed me. Have I not made great progress for only an hour?”

  “Indeed, my Lady. It is nothing short of spectacular.” He bowed, a wicked little grin twisting his lips.

  “You’re jesting,” she laughed. “And I find it most pleasant. Nobody ever cared to do so before now.”

  Jeremy stared at her. “Nobody, my Lady?”

  She shook her head. “Sadly no. But I can see that this is the place to make up for that deficiency.” She remembered her manners. “Giles, if my current dress is your doing, you have my undying gratitude.” She rose and spun around in a circle, holding out her skirts for his approval. “Is it not perfect?”

  All three men applauded, making her blush.

  “An excellent ensemble, Lady Adalyn,” Giles lauded her elegant pose. “Now that I know the fit, I shall place an order for more garments.” He bowed. “With your permission, of course?”

  Adalyn sank back in her chair. “Um…I…I think I should be worrying about the costs? Shouldn’t I?”

  Giles shook his head. “That business is under the care of our estate manager. Or—forgive me—your estate manager. Although such a person usually concerns himself with the tenants and the land, here at Wolfbridge we have a manager who manages everything. You will want to meet with him, of course.”

  “Indeed. I must do so as soon as may be. I have so many questions.” Adalyn sighed. “If this morning is any indication of how my life will be from now on, I need reassuring that it is not a dream. I don’t want to wake up and find that I’m back on my knees scrubbing the kitchen floor.” She smiled.

  No one else did.

  “My Lady,” breathed Jeremy, his face taut. “You scrubbed floors?”

  “Why yes,” she answered. “How else was my mother to get a clean kitchen?”

  “You had no servants? No kitchen staff?” Evan’s eyes were wide.

  “Yes we did, but Mama insisted such tasks would build my character.” She looked down at her hands. “I think the only thing they built were blisters, but I’m sure I was in error.”

  Jeremy came to her side and knelt, taking one of her hands in his. “My Lady, you will never ever have to do such things again.” He lifted her fingers to his lips and dropped a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

  She caught her breath. Nobody had done that before, and her heart skipped a beat at the expression in his eyes.

  “Thank you, Jeremy,” she whispered, held in thrall by his gaze. “That is most reassuring.”

  Evan came to stand beside the footman. “This is your home, now, Lady Adalyn. We are your men. To serve you as best we can and to make your life as pleasant as possible. Anything you want or need, you have only to ask.” His voice firmed. “You will never pick up a scrubbing brush again, let alone scrub a floor with it.”

  Adalyn found herself with a lump in her throat once more. She’d not known anyone who had ever cared e
nough to say such things. It was almost overwhelming.

  “No polishing the silver?”

  “Absolutely not.” Evan looked scandalised.

  “Finish your tea, Lady Adalyn,” said Giles quietly. “I will ask Daniel to attend you in the Rose room. Since he is the estate manager ’tis best you begin your life here with your questions answered.”

  Pulling herself together, she nodded. “Thank you, Giles. That is an excellent suggestion.” The last of her tea disappeared, and she stood. “I am ready.”

  The gentlemen seemed to nod simultaneously, their warmth almost tangible. It caught Adalyn by surprise to see them united in their desire to provide for her needs.

  And goodness, had anyone else been watching, they would have certainly mentioned the fact that all three men were most pleasing to the eye.

  She wondered if the estate manager was as handsome, but held that question to herself.

  As Giles escorted her through the hall and toward the rear of Wolfbridge Manor, she glanced out of one of the tall windows and caught sight of a horse and rider trotting along the gravel paths near the house.

  “Oh, look…” she paused, watching them.

  “That is Trick, my Lady.”

  “Trick?” She watched them. “The man or the horse?”

  Giles chuckled. “The man. Trevallyn Jones. But we all know him as Trick. He is your groom.”

  She flashed Giles a quick glance. “I have a stable then?”

  “Yes indeed. Not large, nor with many horses, but those we have are of excellent lineage.”