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Authors: May Burnett

Tags: #Romance, #Historical, #Regency, #Historical Romance

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Chapter 9

 

Amanda’s first view of Racking, her new domain, was hampered by driving rain. Even so, it was an impressive sight.

“The oldest parts date from the fourteenth century,” Tennant told her as the tired horses sped up at the prospect of imminent stabling and fodder. “It used to belong to the ancient Gerclain family, but the last baron died, conveniently, just a year before Charles II bestowed the place on your husband’s ancestor, the infant first earl. The estate’s name was changed to Racking to go with the new title.”

“How many servants are there?” Amanda asked.

“Not more than two hundred, my lady. They will be waiting, now, to be presented to their new mistress.” Tennant had adamantly refused to use her given name, maintaining that it would be unseemly. Even so, he was fast becoming something of a friend and ally. She could certainly use one and had high hopes of finding a few more there.

The presentation of the staff was almost becoming routine, after the Northumberland estate and the London house. To avoid the rain, the members of the household were lined up in the great entrance hall rather than outdoors. Amanda had never expected to be in charge of so many souls at her young age but did not let the fact worry her. A lady knew how to deal with her staff. Whether she had five servants or several hundred was a mere detail.

The housekeeper, Mrs. Penstrum, did not impress Amanda favourably. Though she was respectful enough, outwardly, in her gaze there was an indefinable air of resentment. She might have to be put in her place. As the countess, with her husband’s authority behind her, Amanda’s was the stronger position. She was determined to be a fair and even generous mistress, but especially at the beginning of a lady’s tenure, she could not afford to tolerate impertinence or insubordination.

Before dismissing the servants, she addressed a few sentences of thanks and confidence to them, as her husband had done on the two previous occasions.

“That was well done,” Tennant observed as the servants left to resume their normal duties. “You are suited to your high position; every one of them could see that, despite your youth, you are a lady worthy of respect and obedience.”

“Ha,” Amanda said, “If I cared a whit about their opinion of me, Lady Evencourt would chide me for a ninny. I want private speech with that housekeeper sooner rather than later. How long has she been in her position?”

“Mrs. Penstrum? For over twenty years, I believe, certainly far longer than I, myself, have worked for the earl. I don’t suppose she expected a new mistress after all these years, but she will soon become accustomed. These old retainers must be handled with especial care.”

“Is Lucian—the earl—very attached to her?”

“I could not say. Apart from her age, he certainly won’t have had, um, close relations with her or any of the other servants. He once explained to me that it struck him as unfair of employers to toy thus with their dependents, and as far as I am aware, he never looks in their direction.”

Amanda did not respond, but she was relieved. That was the last thing she needed, servants who had enjoyed intimate relations with her absent husband and presumed on that fact, while she, herself, had never—she pulled her thoughts back to the matter at hand. Mrs. Penstrum must be over fifty if she was a day, and not handsome, so she had not had the least suspicion of her being Lucian’s ex-lover. It was nonetheless suggestive that Tennant’s reply had immediately veered in that direction. Was it because Tennant was a man and always thought of carnal matters first, or because
attachment
and Lucian in one sentence made the association of ideas inevitable?

After washing and resting for a short while in the countess’s suite—old-fashioned but very large and with a lovely view of the park—she inspected the main floor, guided by the butler, a dignified middle-aged fellow by name of Rinner. She had bespoken a light repast to be served privately after her tour and had no fault to find with the service or quality.

Still, it was a little dismal to dine all alone the very first night in her new country home. It would be several days yet before Cousin Mattie could arrive; Amanda would simply have to entertain herself as best she could in the meantime.

Tennant would be staying one more night before returning to town. She found him in the library after her solitary breakfast. The secretary had a heavy volume of accounts open before him but immediately jumped up and bowed.

“My lady! I did not expect to see you so early in the day.”

“I am not yet used to town hours and, as you know, grew up in the country. Are those the household accounts?”

“Yes, it is one of my duties to check them whenever I come here. Since I was in Racking only three months ago, it should not take me long to complete the task.”

“Is this not something the mistress of the house does in the normal way of things?”

His expression denoted surprise. “Ladies of your rank rarely bother. Certainly it is your prerogative to inspect them whenever you like, my lady.”

“Maybe we could go through the items together this once so that I obtain a clearer picture of the household’s economy.”

“If you like.” It did not take long. She was amazed at the number of wax candles and logs and the great quantities and cost of supplies. Had she had to pay for everything out of her pin money, she would be ruined in short order.

“Sixty-eight ells of dark blue cloth for footmen’s livery,” she read aloud. “As I remember, they were not clad in dark blue yesterday, and yet the entry is over a month old. What became of the cloth?”

“A small mystery that is soon cleared up.” Tennant rang the bell and sent for the housekeeper to join them. “I have jotted down a few other questions like that. Most of the time, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation.”

When Mrs. Penstrum entered, she clearly had not expected the new countess to be present. Her curtsy was correct, but Amanda noted a slight uneasiness in the older woman’s demeanour.

“My lady, Mr. Tennant, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Just a few questions regarding the accounts,” Tennant said casually. “Why has the amount of candle wax increased so much compared to the same quarter last year?”

“Last year we had a surplus to use up and did not need to order the usual amount. This year we ordered somewhat more to ensure that we would not run out. Seeing we now have a countess in residence, it’s a good thing we did.”

It sounded reasonable enough, but Amanda decided to check on the amount of candle wax ordered over the last three or four years to see if there was any unusual pattern. Meanwhile, Tennant asked mildly, “What became of the blue cloth ordered for footmen’s livery? Where are the new garments?”

A muscle twitched in the woman’s neck. “Blue cloth? Ah, I remember now; we did not have the proper colour of thread on hand. The sewing of the new livery was unfortunately delayed.”

Tennant seemed inclined to let it go at that, but Amanda said, “I may have the right thread among the supplies I brought from town. Black should do, I imagine. Why don’t you bring the cloth here to us to see what can be done?”

Mrs. Penstrum twitched. “My Lady? Surely a countess has better things to do than bother with the footmen’s clothes.”

“It is hardly your place to comment on how I decide to spend my time or direct my attention,” Amanda said calmly. “Go and bring the cloth here to us. Now.”

“Yes, of course, I’ll bring a sample—”

“Not a sample, Mrs. Penstrum, but the whole sixty-eight ells,” Amanda corrected.

Mrs. Penstrum looked at Tennant for help, but he crossed his arms in front of his chest and frowned at her. “Obey your mistress, Mrs. Penstrum. Your reluctance is unseemly and suspicious.”

The housekeeper shot a look of acute dislike at Amanda. She would definitely have to go. “Now that I consider the matter, I remember that the cloth is not in the house—it is with the seamstress in the village. I can have it back by tomorrow.”

Amanda and Tennant exchanged a long look.

“Don’t bother. That will be all for now,” Amanda said coolly. In silence, they watched the black back of the woman retreat from the library.

“How did you know?” Tennant asked heavily. “I feel like a fool. Each time there were a few small discrepancies like this, but she always produced a reasonable-sounding explanation. And here the earl and I tried to warn you against swindlers and thieves!”

“My grandfather, when he was still alive, told me once that honest people are far too inclined to give others the benefit of the doubt. And her manner with you was very natural; it may be that I was doubly suspicious because I could tell that Mrs. Penstrum disliked and resented me, though she did her best to hide her reaction.”

“I shall have to stay for an extra day and check every single purchase of the last year against existing supplies.” He shook his head. “But I already know I’ll find more spurious entries. The question is, what shall we do about her?”

“She is my husband’s servant—do we have the authority to dismiss her?”

“Of course. In the case of a dishonest housekeeper, it would be irresponsible
not
to do so. We had best tell her on the morrow, after I have checked upon the evidence. Do you want to handle her dismissal, or shall I do it in your name?”

“I shall tell her myself, but you should be there, just in case.”

“It will be my pleasure, my lady.” Tennant bowed to her.

Amanda decided to leave him to his labours, which she had already increased by her interference. But she could not regret her actions. That housekeeper would only have caused her problems, and she was glad at the prospect of replacing her.

“That reminds me—who shall be put in her place? It would be best to bring in someone from outside, whose first loyalty is to her employers.”

“Yes. The head parlour maid in London—Struthers—might be a possibility. She is well-trained and hard-working and knows her letters. Of course, she is relatively young yet . . .”

“So am I. If you consider her suitable and she is willing to bury herself in the country, send her down as soon as you return to town.”

“It shall be as you order, my lady.”

Chapter 10

 

Amanda was not to have the chance to dismiss the thieving housekeeper. The woman must have realised from Tennant’s inspection that her days were up, for in the subsequent night she vanished from Racking. Her disappearance added to Tennant’s workload and delayed his departure yet further. He needed to conduct a thorough inspection of the whole estate to ascertain if she had taken any valuables with her and how great the damage might be.

The news that a new Countess Rackington was in residence had immediately spread across the entire county, and Amanda was soon busy receiving and returning calls from the local gentry. She was glad she was not yet showing; it was awkward enough not to have her husband at her side so soon after her marriage—not that she told anyone the exact date, trying rather to give the impression that a lengthy wedding journey lay behind her.

Most people were tactful enough not to ask directly for her husband’s whereabouts, but those who did were merely told that he had to undertake a sudden business journey abroad.

The arrival of Cousin Mattie—Mrs. Amathea Smithson—was most welcome. At last, a familiar face from her own past!

In the year since Amanda had last seen Sigurd, Mattie’s son, the child had shot up considerably. He was a serious and fussy boy, dark-haired like his father. Amanda took pleasure in introducing him to the spacious nursery on the second floor, which he would inhabit in solitary splendour until the new baby arrived.

“He’ll be lonely up here, so far from his Mama,” Mattie said worriedly.

Mrs. Ellington, the nurse Amanda had appointed the previous week after interviewing several local applicants, shook her head. “He’ll settle in soon enough, ma’am, and he’ll see you every day, after all.”

The boy did not appear upset. He was eagerly exploring the toy soldiers and rocking horse and picture books that previous children had left behind. Though free of dust, these objects must have been waiting a long time. As far as Amanda knew, Lucian had been the last child to inhabit this nursery. She tried to imagine her husband at Sigurd’s age. He would have played historic battles with the tin armies. But whose had been the large, elegantly dressed porcelain doll in the corner? With small glittering stones sewn into its costume, the doll looked extravagantly expensive, quite unlike the toys she and Eve had played with in their much simpler nursery. She must warn Mrs. Ellington not to let Sigurd break it. Boys were invariably destructive, judging by her young brothers.

Seeing that Mattie was still fretting, Amanda gently drew her cousin away. “Don’t give Sigurd the idea he has to be sad and lonely just because
you
feel the separation. Both of you will soon get accustomed to the new routine.”

“You were a child yourself so short a while ago.” Mattie stared at Amanda. “It is amazing how your marriage and higher rank have changed you. Not only are you dressed more elegantly than anyone in our family, ever, you already speak with a countess’s authority.”

Amanda smiled briefly. “It is necessary in my new position. Thank you for coming, as I require a companion in my husband’s absence. I trust it was not a great sacrifice?”

“It is certainly a relief that I need no longer worry how to pay for things or whether I can turn my skirts yet again,” Mattie admitted. “Being employed as a companion is a new departure, however, and it will take some time to get used to it. You will have to explain what my duties are to be and be patient if I don’t act exactly as you want me to at first.”

“If I had merely wanted an employee,” Amanda said, “I would not have applied to a relative. In brief, you are here to bear me company and give me countenance.”

“For the latter, you could have found someone of higher birth—an impoverished noblewoman who knows the ways of the aristocracy. I am afraid I won’t be able to do justice to these extravagant surroundings.”

“From my limited acquaintance with the nobility, I am not sure I want to surround myself with its members—apart from my husband, of course, when he returns,” Amanda added conscientiously. “They have rather strange ideas. Since I am mistress here, I prefer to follow my own wishes and notions.
Your
role is to advise and support me. You may speak as frankly as you like, but preferably not where the servants can overhear an argument.” As Mattie still looked doubtful, she asked, “Have you heard anything from the family regarding the circumstances of my marriage, Mattie?”

Mattie shook her head. “Not a word. Until your letter arrived, I had no idea you were married at all. I was aware that Lord Rackington owns an estate near your family home and that your father has known him since childhood, but I was flabbergasted to learn that you were married to him. I would, of course, have sent my best wishes, had anybody thought to apprise me of the fact when it happened.” Unsurprisingly, Mattie sounded a little miffed about being kept in the dark.

“Hmm.” Amanda toyed with her wedding ring, thinking fast. How much to tell her cousin? Did she really know her as well as she had thought? It was always possible to tell more later, while an unwise confidence could never be unspoken.

“The marriage happened so quickly that I hardly had time myself to catch my breath,” she said. “I won’t go into the details now. I am with child, Mattie, and count on your support until this unfortunate period comes to its end—an event I am already fervently anticipating.”

Mattie stared at her, mouth open, for two long seconds before she caught herself and closed it again. Amanda could almost see the thoughts and suspicions racing behind her serene brow.

“Already! I suppose, with a young healthy woman like you, it is not so surprising. But, if Lord Rackington knows you are with child, why is he gone away? When is he coming back? It seems rather selfish to me to leave you all alone.” She lowered her voice. “He
does
know about the babe?”

“Yes, he knows, and you are unjust,” Amanda defended Lucian. “He is not selfish at all and has been most generous to me. His journey was necessary, and I, myself, urged him not to postpone it.” She would have liked to explain about his mission but remembered in time that her husband had enjoined discretion upon her.

“Come to my rooms, Mattie, where we can be more private and comfortable. I shall order tea and refreshments. You cannot know how glad I am to have company. Dining all alone is not what I can like, and though once or twice a week I dine with neighbours, it is not enough when one has always been part of a lively family.”

“I can imagine. You must miss Eve; I know how close you have always been.”

Amanda nodded; she would not speak of her beloved sister, or she might be overcome with bitterness at the memory of how her mother had rejected her. The mere recollection still drove angry tears into her eyes. She was eagerly awaiting a letter from Eve in return to the one she had sent her from London.

“I need to change,” Mattie said apologetically.

“Of course, and rest a while, you will still be fatigued from the long journey. Come to my sitting room at five for tea and a longer coze.”

As Mattie left, Amanda looked after her, lost in thought. Was she naïve to try to assemble a new family after losing her old one
so suddenly? Of course it could never be the same, but she had to work with what she had at hand. Sigurd reminded her of her brothers when they were that age, though there was little physical resemblance. What had her brothers been told about her fate? For all she knew they were still in ignorance of her marriage, blithe and unaware in their boarding school. Nor would they care much or miss her during their vacations. It was normal for girls to marry and move away soon after putting up their hair.

In her own rooms, Amanda called for the maid to help her change. At home, Eve and she had helped each other.

Would she ever hear from her mother? Amanda thought of her parents and sisters every day. The events of the last weeks had fractured her trust in her mother’s love, a wound that would never completely heal. A letter telling her that she was believed, and still a member of the family, would go a long way towards allowing her to forgive. Yet it would be over-optimistic to expect it. Her mother was unbending by nature, reluctant to change her mind or admit a mistake. Even with Father’s persuasion, it might take years till Ellen Prendergast could face and accept her brother’s guilt. At least Amanda’s father had supported her, or she would have been totally undone. If Amanda ever faced such a situation with her own children, she would strive to emulate him rather than her mother.

Her own
children
? Would there be more than one? First she had to survive the birth of that little cuckoo. Lucian was right, the child was innocent, and perhaps, in time, she might come to forget its origins.

In later years, perhaps . . . Her husband must have been a very attractive youth when he was her age. He still was a fine figure of a man. What would children of his body look like? Darker than she and her siblings, no doubt, more like little Sigurd. That name should only be given to blonds . . .

Her thoughts were rambling aimlessly. She gave the order for tea and sat on her chaise longue, worrying once again at the rupture with her family.

By rights, her anger at her mother should be added to the fury she felt towards her treacherous uncle Roderick. If she could do anything to spite or punish him, she would do it in a heartbeat.

Until recently, Amanda had been poor and powerless. As a countess with money and servants at her disposal, could she do anything about him? Though her uncle did not deserve to live, she had no desire to cause his death. Financial ruin or public disgrace would inevitably harm her innocent aunt and cousins. Was there any way to damage a man without touching the rest of his family? She could not think of one offhand and resolved to sleep on it. Maybe inspiration would strike the next day. If not, she would consult Lucian when he came back, though it would be more satisfactory to avenge herself without his help.

“It is five already,” Mattie’s voice tore her out of her brown study. “Is all that food just for the two of us?”

“I like a proper choice. Whatever we send back will be eaten by the staff, I imagine. Here, try these seed tartlets.”

Between the two of them, they made impressive inroads upon the spread before them. Amanda drank three cups of tea, and Mattie two, though hers were stronger.

“Have you thought about names for your child?” Mattie asked.

“Not yet.”

“Has the earl expressed his wishes, if it should be a boy? Are there any traditional family names?”

“If so, he has not mentioned them.”

“It should not be hard to find out. Is there a family Bible with the names of all his forebears?”

“I am not sure that I would want a typical name from this family.” After all, her child would not be related to any of those other Lord Rackingtons. “There is no family Bible to my knowledge, though we can ask Tennant, my husband’s secretary. He left just yesterday, but will be back for the first week of next month. Ah, and of course, there is the portrait gallery. I did not have time yet to study it properly.”

“A portrait gallery? Even better than a Bible! Let’s go there tomorrow morning. It is your duty to know all there is to know about your new family, and I am curious.”

“I suppose,” Amanda muttered. Her husband had been remarkably reticent on that subject, she realised, and so had Aunt Louisa. Had he been an only child? How old had he been when he came into the title? They had talked about various subjects, but his family history had never come up. His intention to let the title die out indicated that he felt no affection or obligation towards his ancestors, as she had always assumed was the norm among distinguished families. She had a hunch that Lucian, too, would prefer that she avoid any traditional Rackington names.

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