“I shall have Mrs. Simpkins prepare some tea. I want to show you the additional room that the men have completed today. Our little orphanage is coming along so nicely.”
The Countess preceded Nora into the parlor and took a seat on the sofa just as Mrs. Simpkins came in with a tray bearing the requirements for tea.
“M’lady, ’tis wonderful to see you. I have served dinner to the children.” She picked up a silver teapot and carefully poured both ladies a cup of tea. “’Tis a wee past four of the clock. I would be happy to bring you ladies a light repast to hold ye until dinner,” she said, smiling.
“That would be very welcome, Mary. Miss Mason and I have much to discuss. Perhaps a light repast would be appreciated,” she said, nodding toward her granddaughter.
“I believe I could partake of a sandwich,” Nora agreed.
“Very good, ma’am. I shall return shortly.” The maid curtsied and pulled the door closed as she left.
“I rarely need to ask Mrs. Simpkins to do anything. It is as if she knows we need something and appears with it. She is a delight. Thank you for lending her to our orphanage, Grandmama.” Nora looked around the room. “We are all quite taken with her, you know, especially the children.”
“She is a jewel, to be sure. I was sure she would prove indispensable,” her grandmother responded, considering Nora meaningfully.
Nora dipped her head in acknowledgement. “I will endeavor to keep the story short. A man threw a stone through the kitchen window and a Bow Street Runner, who Lord Shefford had engaged to protect the property, was found beaten and out of his senses. Lord Shefford seems to suspect a particular person and left to look into the matter. There is a lot of concern about this afternoon. We do not know whether the person who hit the constable was the same person who threw the stone.” Nora bit her lip. She wanted to tell her grandmother about the engagement, which, absurdly, seemed insignificant compared to the rest of the goings-on.
“Obviously there is more, yet perhaps I should begin with my personal news. There is so much to tell you.”
“So, it would appear!” the Countess remarked, arching both brows, not bothering to disguise her bewilderment.
Nora stared into her teacup, absently stirring the contents with a spoon. “I have received an offer of marriage.” She stole a glance from the corner of her eye to see her grandmother’s reaction. To her surprise, the Countess was smiling widely.
“Grandmama, you do not yet know from whom.”
“Perhaps I have reacted too quickly. I suspect Lord Shefford.”
Nora blushed, bobbing her head slightly in response.
“Not only do I approve, I wish to hear every detail.” Gone was all evidence of her irritation at the lack of decorum exhibited by her granddaughter at the front door.
“We began with quite a contentious relationship. You will recall, our first meeting was more or less a notice to vacate the orphanage. Mention of your name gave me a small measure of redress, relief, and a sliver of hope. When he returned, he offered an arrangement. Can you imagine such a thing? He asked that I show him that the orphanage had merit beyond the purpose he had in mind for the building.” Nora felt renewed irritation at the mere recollection of that request. “I could not conceive the nerve of him. He insulted my abilities, and I refused him. Unsympathetic, I saw how incensed he became in return. Clearly exasperated, he demanded that if he offered marriage, would I turn it down? Out of sheer pique and without proper reflection, I accepted.”
Her grandmother’s eyes shot open for a second before she tittered, almost dropping her cup.
“I am sure, my dear, your grandfather is smiling from Heaven at you in this moment!” she touched her granddaughter’s arm with affection.
“I think Lord Shefford’s offer surprised him as much as it did me.” She put down her teacup and smiled winsomely at her grandmother. “Of course, he assured me he would stand by his offer. While I am convinced he was duping me, truthfully, his words and honor emboldened my decision to accept. I have no regrets. We seem to rub along well, which I find… refreshing,” she said, struggling to contain the heat rising up her neck.
“Considering you have always held little but contempt for the ton, I find it ironic that your betrothal makes you a member of Society.” A glimmer of laughter glittered in her grandmother’s eyes and a satisfied smile settled on her lips.
Nora winced at hearing the truth so candidly, and she recognized when her grandmother felt satisfied.
“We have spoken about the marriage…” she answered carefully, “…today, as a matter of fact. It has been our first opportunity.”
“Judging from the urgency in his words as his lordship rushed past me in the doorway, dare I hope that he has developed more feeling towards you and you towards him?” Her grandmother shamelessly prodded for information.
Nora’s blush deepened. “I think that is a possibility.” She straightened her shoulders and sat closer to the edge of the chair. She had promised Colin she would ask, and at this moment, she had her grandmother’s full attention. “I must ask a favor.”
“Tell me, my dear. There is naught you cannot request.”
Nora studied the Countess’ face. She appeared happy, which could prove of benefit.
“Grandmama, I know how much you have wanted me to marry, for as much as it will grant you the opportunity to plan the occasion as a good match would secure my future.” She drew a deep breath. “Would you consent to consulting with his mother and sharing the planning of the wedding? It would mean a good deal to him, and he has been so kind to the children, and to me. He is to ask his friend, Doctor Perth, to examine the children. We are particularly concerned about Benjamin, a small boy of eight, who has been
