Queen of my Hart - Emily Royal Page 0,24

to direct you?” Meggie asked.

The housekeeper’s mouth twitched into a smile.

“That I did, ma’am. I know you’re unused to the life of a lady, so I’ll help you all I can.”

“You know about me?”

Mrs. Wells had the grace to blush. “Begging your pardon, but circumstances such as yours attract the interest of people hereabouts.”

“You mean I’m the subject of gossip?”

“Not here, I assure you,” Mrs. Wells said. “I’ve instructed the household to give you the respect your position commands. But I’d advise you to maintain the distinction of rank between yourself and the tenants and servants. They’ll respect you all the more for it.”

The children approached Meggie. The boy looked up with expressive blue eyes, and the girl stood beside him, her thumb in her mouth.

Mrs. Wells gave a sharp sigh. “Jack, did you not hear me? The mistress doesn’t want you under her feet!”

“No, please, let them,” Meggie said. “I love children.” She addressed the boy. “Do you like it here?”

The boy grinned. “Oh, yes!” he said. “Since we arrived, I’ve eaten fruitcake every day.”

“Then I must have some with my tea if you recommend it so highly.”

“Run along now, Jack,” Mrs. Wells said. “The mistress is tired.”

“Perhaps you’ll take tea with me tomorrow,” Meggie said. “You can tell me all about this house. Are you taking lessons?”

“Mama has taught us how to read,” the boy said.

“And what about your numbers?”

He pulled a face. “I don’t like numbers.”

“Oh, that’s a shame!” Meggie exclaimed. “Numbers are so useful in everything we do. Perhaps, with your mama’s permission, I might teach you. I used to help out at a school where…where I lived before.”

“I don’t know…” Mrs. Wells said.

“Please,” Meggie said. “I want to be useful, to do something familiar, which…”

She broke off, unwilling to finish the sentence.

Something which I will not fail at.

A reassuring hand touched her arm. “Of course, my dear,” Mrs. Wells said. “Don’t worry. You’ll soon adapt to your life here. And now, you must rest. There’s nothing a pot of tea and a good night’s sleep cannot fix.”

She nodded to the children. “Run along, dears,” she said. “You can see the mistress in the morning. We must make her feel welcome. Sarah, see to it, would you?”

“Yes, Mrs. Wells.” One of the maids took the children’s hands and led them away.

Mrs. Wells took Meggie’s arm and escorted her upstairs. They stopped at a large paneled door, and she pushed it open.

“This is your chamber.”

The room was enormous. Dark wooden paneling lined the walls, absorbing the light. A stone fireplace occupied almost all of one wall. Red curtains lined the windows overlooking the estate. A pile of logs filled the fireplace. How much did it cost to heat a room of this size?

“I cannot stay here,” Meggie said. “Is there a smaller room I could have?”

“A smaller room?”

“This room doesn’t feel right.”

“But it’s yours,” the housekeeper said.

“Can’t I choose my own room?” Meggie asked. “This one’s so dark and gloomy.”

“I can put you in one of the guest rooms,” the housekeeper said. “But most of them overlook the woods. Don’t you want a view of the lake? It’s what Molineux Manor used to be admired for among society.”

“I don’t belong in society,” Meggie said.

“You do, Mrs. Hart,” the housekeeper said. “Nobody can dispute your right to be here.”

“Then nobody can dispute my right to choose my own room.”

The housekeeper sighed. “Very well, I’ll have Milly make up another room for you. Do you wish to rest here while you wait?”

At that moment, Meggie’s stomach groaned.

“Or, perhaps, you’d like to take supper? I can set a place for you in the dining room.”

“There’s no need to do that,” Meggie said. “I can eat in the kitchen.”

“It’s not done…”

“But it’s my decision.”

“Very well,” Mrs. Wells said. “Just this once. I’ll take you to the kitchen. By the time you’ve had your supper, the room will be ready.”

She closed the door, shutting out the chamber of darkness, and led Meggie back down the stairs.

The kitchen was generously sized. In fact, Mrs. Preston’s whole school building could have fit into it. The fireplace dominated the far wall, and copper pots and pans lined the walls, gleaming in the firelight.

A black cauldron hung over the fire at which a woman in a plain gown and smart apron stirred continuously. Two servants sat at the table in the center—the young man and woman who’d attracted Meggie’s interest when she arrived. The woman blushed when she saw Meggie, but the man stood and gave