What a Spinster Wants - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,61
ye like to sit for a spell? Or perhaps return to the terrace? The day is verra fine, and the fresh air may do ye good.”
“That was my thought before,” Eloise admitted as she extended an arm to Edith. “Will you walk with me, Edith?”
“Gladly.” Edith looped her arm through hers, and let Eloise lead her out to the terrace. “This is a beautiful estate, Eloise.”
Eloise dipped her chin in a nod, her gaze spanning out over the gardens. “I’m afraid I cannot take credit for any of it, but I do consider it home. My nephews have been kind enough to invite me to remain as they have inherited my brother’s title, and so I have never had to look elsewhere.” She inhaled deeply, her eyes closing, then exhaled very slowly, the sound full of satisfaction. “I could not imagine anywhere so perfect. But then, I am not particularly objective on the topic.”
Edith snickered and tried to take in the view as a whole; rolling hills, forests, and all. “I’m afraid I have examined some of the house myself, exploring this and that from my room until I met you. I was restless, and the spirit of this house is so inviting…”
“You don’t need to explain yourself,” Eloise interrupted, turning to Edith and putting a hand over hers. “Or excuse yourself. You are an invited guest at Merrifield, and we have no secrets here. No locked rooms or forbidden halls. Walk and wander as you will; it will not upset or offend any of us. Merrifield is the most comfortable fine estate to be found, and I have several witnesses to swear to the claim.”
“Thank you.” Edith sighed and returned her attention to the grounds. “Och, this view reminds me of Scotland. I didna think I would find anything like home in England, except perhaps in the north, and here I find loveliness to compare. I would like to walk every square inch of it, let it seep into my soul until I forget that I am far from home.”
Eloise hummed softly and tucked one of her flying fair strands of hair behind an ear. “Well, my dear, I am not a great walker, so I cannot accompany you for every inch. But I could, perhaps, tolerate a stroll in the walled garden, if you are of a mind to see it.”
A burst of warmth lit Edith’s chest, and she could have cried with joy. “I would enjoy that verra much, Eloise. Verra much, indeed.”
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Indeed, my lord.”
Graham glared at Morgan as the latter brushed out his coat. “That wasn’t a conversation starter.”
Morgan did not look troubled in the least by this. “Sorry, my lord. Just adding in my opinion.”
“Your opinion is not necessary.” Graham huffed and fidgeted with his collar in the looking glass. “We have time before I need to look presentable again, yes?”
There was no response from his valet.
Graham glared at his back through the looking glass. “Morgan.”
“My lord?” he replied, looking up innocently and meeting his gaze.
“That was addressed to you.”
Morgan’s brows rose in mock surprise. “Was it? Sorry, my lord, I thought I wasn’t necessary.”
Graham grumbled incoherently under his breath before repeating the question clearly.
“Yes, my lord,” Morgan replied. “I believe the rest of the guests will not arrive until just before dinner. Shall I have the young mistress informed that you will attend her?”
“No,” Graham said slowly, shaking his head. “No, she will have her lessons now, and I don’t want to disrupt that. I’ll seek out my aunt, make sure she is well enough for supper and cards this evening.”
“Was that in question?” Morgan asked as he hung Graham’s coat over his arm. “I thought Lady Eloise was always ready for supper and cards.”
Graham glanced back at his valet, amused when he ought to have been scolding. “That’ll do, Morgan.”
Once Graham was out of the room, he undid the top button of his shirt, sighing with relief when the choking sensation was gone. Finery might have enhanced the look of ladies, but Graham was convinced it was designed to include weapons of torture and confinement for men.
Only here at Merrifield could he ignore the strict standards of dress, even if it were only for a few minutes. His guests, though few in number at the moment, would be taking a respite in their rooms, leaving the corridors and billiards rooms free from any who would find him improper.
He was abysmal at billiards, but he did find them an