And for Evan.
Once again she asked if she might enjoy their company for dinner, and Giles approved. They were becoming less of a Mistress and her servants, and more of a family, she realised.
Was this right? Was it proper? And what would be said should it get about that the Mistress of Wolfbridge dined with her servants? Her all-male servants?
These matters troubled Adalyn, but as she tasted the wonderful gooseberry fool that Evan had whipped up for their sweet course, and shared the delight of everyone at her dinner table, she decided that since she knew nobody in the area at all, she need not worry herself too much about it.
~~~~~
Of course, as was the way of such things, just thinking about neighbours was sufficient to summon them, and a few days later, a carriage drew up before of the Wolfbridge front door.
“Pardon me, my Lady. You have guests.” Giles peered into the Rose room, where Adalyn was comfortably ensconced behind the small desk, making some notes on her garden project.
“I do?” She blinked.
“Yes,” he sighed. “Sir Amery Fairhurst has come to pay his respects. I’ve put him in the parlour, along with the young lady who accompanies him.”
“Oh dear,” she muttered, frowning at her notes. “Who is he, Giles?”
“Your nearest neighbour, Ma’am.” He moved to help her rise and pulled the chair out of the way. “The Fairhurst estate is known hereabouts as Fivetrees, because of the five tall firs nearby. Sir Amery’s family has held the land for several generations.” He placed Adalyn’s hand correctly on his sleeve and walked her slowly to the door. “You should be aware that Sir Amery considers Wolfbridge to be a desirable property and would like to extend the borders of Fivetrees to include our lands.”
She paused. “He wants to buy it?”
“That is one way, yes.”
“And the other?”
“I believe he may well decide that wedding the mistress of Wolfbridge would also serve his goals.”
“Really?” She glanced at him, her eyes wide.
“He’s tried before.”
“With Lady Panthea, I assume.”
Giles nodded. “Indeed yes. Quite persistent in his pursuit of her.”
They walked into the hall, and Adalyn took a breath. “Thank you for warning me, Giles. Will you stay near?”
“Always. And Jeremy will be in attendance at all times.” His hand came up to cover hers and gave it a brief squeeze.
Comforted by the gesture, she released his arm and allowed him to usher her into the parlour where two people rose upon her entrance.
“Good morning,” she said, walking toward the fireplace where a gentleman stood. Next to him was a lady, although she seemed quite youthful; perhaps because of her slight build. “I am Lady Wilkerson. I believe we are neighbours?”
“Lady Wilkerson,” the gentleman bowed with elegance. “I am delighted to meet you at last.” He glanced to the young woman. “My niece Judith.”
The girl dipped a curtsey, her black gown and hat indication of some recent loss. “Lady Wilkerson.” It was a nervous whisper which—oddly enough—helped put Adalyn more at ease.
“Please sit.” Adalyn gestured to the couch. “It is pleasant to meet neighbours at last. I’ve been told of your estate; Fivetrees I believe it’s called?”
Judith accepted the offer of a seat, but Sir Amery remained standing in a mannish pose near the mantel. Adalyn wanted to chuckle, but held her countenance as he nodded.
“Indeed yes, Ma’am. It has been in our family for several hundred years now. Not as old as Wolfbridge, nor with such distinguished antecedents, but a solid part of this county’s history, nonetheless.”
“It sounds delightful,” she murmured.
“We Fairhursts like to think so, of course.” He smiled, a superior expression that conveyed approval of her comment. And irritated her. “But you are a Wilkerson, so I’m sure you understand.” He paused. “My sincere condolences by the way, Ma’am. A tragic occurrence and a sad loss to us all. Your husband was a fine man and will be missed.” He sighed. “Even though your bereavement is of recent date, we took a chance and came to your door, trusting you would allow us a brief moment to introduce ourselves and offer our sympathies, in spite of your mourning.”
Adalyn swallowed, and noted Jeremy quietly entering and standing in one corner, hands folded. His presence helped her through a few difficult moments.
“You are most kind, sir. You knew my late husband?”
He waved a hand. “Only generally. Our paths crossed at a couple of clubs in town.” He raised his chin. “Gentlemen’s clubs, don’t you know. One does have to keep abreast of all that’s happening in the Metropolis.”
Having thus established his superiority to his satisfaction, he strolled to a chair and seated himself. “Now, my Lady. Do tell us all about yourself.”
She gave him a polite smile, ignored his request and turned to the other woman. “Miss Judith, are you visiting your uncle? It would seem that the area is not at its best at this time of year, although one can manage a drive or two between rainstorms.”
“Oh no, I am living here now. Sir Amery has been kind enough to offer me a place with him.”
A pair of nervous brown eyes met her gaze.
“How kind. And how lovely to know I have a young lady almost next door, one might say.” This time the warmth in Adalyn’s smile was genuine.
“Judith doesn’t go about much,” interrupted Sir Amery. “She’s also recovering from a loss in the family, you know. But we’re hoping to change all that. Since you and she share similar circumstances, I wondered if it might be appropriate to invite you to dine with us. I understand you’re both in mourning, but a small dinner shared with neighbours—no music or entertainment of course—could be just the thing to lift your spirits?”
Adalyn hesitated, but then a look from Judith—full of pleading—changed her mind. “I can see no reason why I should not be able to accept your
