The Temptation of Lady Serena (16 page)

“Marthy, come out here and meet her ladyship.”

A voice came from inside the cottage. “You wait just a bit. I’ve got my hands in the dough.”

“I’ll just go in, shall I? There’s no point in disrupting her kneading.” Ignoring the men’s shocked faces, Serena entered the cottage. One small room housed the kitchen, eating, and living area. A ladder led to a sleeping loft. This cottage hadn’t been renovated in years, long before Robert was master.

Mrs. Johnson’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, my lady, I would’ve come to ye!”

“No, no, Mrs. Johnson. I have enough experience with dough to know it can be very touchy. Why should you stop when I am quite capable of coming to you?” Serena smiled. “You certainly would not welcome my visits if I always interrupted your work.”

Serena squatted down to a little girl and held out her hand. “Is this your daughter?”

“No, this is my youngest grandbaby. Tansy, make your curtsey to . . .” Mrs. Johnson looked up.

“Lady Serena.”

Mrs. Johnson pushed the little girl forward. “Now ain’t that a pretty name.”

“I think Tansy is a pretty name as well,” Serena coaxed.

Tansy approached her shyly, a thumb in her mouth. “Thas a pretty dress.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

Serena reached into her pocket, took out a piece of hard candy, and gave it to Tansy, who looked ingenuously up at her grandmother. “She’s a nice lady.”

Mrs. Johnson nodded.

“May I sit down?” Serena asked.

“Oh, my, yes, my lady,” responded Mrs. Johnson quickly.

Serena put Mrs. Johnson at ease, while she began to knead again. It didn’t take long for Mrs. Johnson to become comfortable enough with Serena to tell her about the Johnson’s children and grandchildren. The lack of space for everyone, the leaky roof, and her wish that her older children could live closer to home.

Serena waited until the dough was set to rise before she stood. She left the cottage with Mrs. Johnson and Tansy in her wake. “Are you ready, my lord?”

“Yes.” After tossing Serena up and mounting, he looked back over his shoulder. “I’ll look into the drainage problem, Johnson.”

“Thank ye, my lord. I wish you a good rest of the day.”

Robert and Serena waved and rode off to the next tenant’s plot.

Mrs. Johnson turned to her husband. “Well I never in my life expected to have a real lady sittin’ at my table talkin’ with me like she was regular folk. His lordship’s done a good job pickin’ her out.”

“Sittin’ at our table?” Mr. Johnson asked, shocked.

“That’s what I said. And askin’ about all of us and how we was doing. What did you and his lordship do whilst we was in there?”

“Talked about some of the drainage problems we’ve been hav’n,” he said.

“And when was the last time you did that?”

“Never,” he responded a little thoughtfully.

 

The rest of the morning was spent in much the same way. Serena entered larger and smaller cottages, making mental notes of the families, their concerns and needs. Robert, because he could do nothing else while waiting for her, spoke to his tenants and discovered that his light hand on the estate had perhaps been too light, and his father’s old steward no longer as capable as he’d thought.

They returned to the Hall in time for luncheon, but rather than having it in the dining room, Serena asked that it be brought to the study where she and Robert could discuss what they’d discovered and how to begin the repairs.

“There are several roofs with leaks,” she said between bites. “And really, Robert, some of those cottages should be enlarged. As I suspected, there is a good deal of concern about their children’s futures. Some of them have had to move far away to find work because they have no education, and their families never get to see them. That cannot continue.”

“We can talk about solutions later. All morning I’ve been hearing about a drainage problem in the west field. I’d like to take a look at it,” Robert said. “How much do you know about drainage?”

“Usually enough to spot the problem.” Serena worried her lip. “I wish I could put off the house tour and ask you to take me to the rectory, but I really need to learn my way around.”

“I’m perfectly happy to escort you until you become used to the Hall.”

“Thank you. There is a lot of work to be done here. When will you speak with your steward? Some of what we’ve seen should not have been allowed to happen.”

“When we have a complete list. There’s no point in piecemealing it out.”

Serena glanced up from her plate. “How long has he been with you?”

“He was old when I was a child. At least I thought he was.” Robert grinned, then spoke seriously. “I may have to try to convince him to retire.”

“We need to discover why he’s no longer doing his job.”

“You’re right. Much of the equipment is also old. Johnson and Armstrong mentioned a new type of plough.”

Serena swallowed. “Is it the one with the self-scouring moldboard?”

Robert regarded her intently. “How do you know about ploughs?”

Though her expression was severe, her eyes twinkled. “While you have been doing the pretty in London, my lord, I’ve been farming.”

It was clear Serena was determined to have the repairs made. “Let’s write these lists so you can change for your house tour.”

He sharpened a pen for her and placed the standish in the middle of his desk. Serena finished before he did and left him still writing.

After the door closed behind her, he leaned back in his chair. He’d have to buy a partner’s desk like Phoebe and Marcus used. He liked working across from her. She hadn’t been here for one day and she’d already begun making a change for the better. If it’d not been for her speaking with the women, Robert would never have discovered the problems some of his tenants were having. The men were far more reserved.

He’d been shocked when Serena walked into the Johnsons’ cottage this morning. But he admired her knack for making the women and children comfortable, and her ability to draw them out so they’d tell her their problems. He laughed at the idea of either his mother or his grandmother doing the same. In London, Serena had always been a little shy, still feeling her way. Here she was a different woman, even more intriguing than before and much more capable.

His father had schooled him about the estate’s management, but Papa had always been an absent landlord. There’d been no passion for the land and its people. That was what Serena had. Could Robert learn it from her? He’d let her do whatever she thought necessary to bring the Hall back to order.

Her joy in seeing her horse, Shamir, had been akin to giving another woman expensive jewelry. When she’d kissed him on the cheek, he’d itched to take her in his arms and hold her. Robert felt a tug on his heart. She was so special and made him want to trust her and protect her. The feelings were unfamiliar and unsettling.

Serena returned to the study holding several sheets of paper.

“What are those?”

“Menus. Please, look them over with me. I don’t recognize some of these dishes.” Serena handed him the lists and stood gazing over his shoulder. “What is a Parkin?”

“It’s a type of ginger cake.”

He quickly perused the other menus. “It looks as if Cook is making all my favorite childhood dishes.” He glanced up at Serena. “Is there something you would like particularly to add?”

“Haggis, but I’d have to have the recipe sent to me.” She went to the door. “I think we need a few more vegetables. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Robert rose. “Where are you going?”

“To the kitchen,” Serena said as she reached for the door latch.

He caught up with her and handed Serena the lists. “I’ll go with you. I don’t want you to lose your way.” Or run away.

R
obert guided her through the baize door to Cook’s domain. Mrs. Redding was a good Yorkshire woman, born and raised in the immediate area. She’d worked for the Beaumonts as long as Robert could remember. After introducing her to Serena, he lounged against a wall and watched Serena wrap Cook around her little finger.

Cook bobbed a curtsey. “My lady, I would have come to you. There’s no reason you had to come down here.”

“No, no, Mrs. Redding.” Serena’s tone was pitched perfectly. Friendly but not familiar and showing the proper amount of concern for Cook’s travails.

Robert focused his attention more intently on what Serena was saying.

“I wanted to see the kitchen. It is so important to the comfort of everyone here at the Hall. Please let us sit and be comfortable. You can tell me if there is anything you need or would like to have.”

Serena’s attention was so focused on the older woman she didn’t appear to remember Robert was present.

“Well, my lady . . .”

Before Serena addressed the menu, she asked for a list of all the problems with the kitchen and explored Cook’s wish for one of the new closed stoves that she’d seen when visiting another house in the area.

Why hadn’t he been told there were things needed in the kitchen?

“Where would we buy one of the stoves?” Serena asked.

Cook clasped her hands to her breasts. “They can be ordered in York, my lady, and the firm comes in and sets it up.”

“Very well,” Serena nodded, “would you like to make the arrangements?”

Cook breathed in. “Oh, yes, my lady, I have
all
the information.”

His possibly future wife hadn’t even glanced at him before agreeing to the repairs, replenishment of the kitchen, and a new stove. It dawned on Robert that she was testing him. He smiled, wondering if the new stove would cost more or less than the emerald necklace he’d bought her.

“Good,” Serena said. “I’ll leave you to it. We need to take care of the rest of the list as well. I have the menus and some questions, but first I wish to thank you for serving porridge at breakfast. It’s what I am used to having, and I appreciated it. You will, of course, have to guide me concerning the local dishes. I have heard Yorkshire food is tasty. I’d like to see a few more vegetables on the menu if you wouldn’t mind, and maybe not so many sauces.”

All his life, Robert had dreaded eating the vegetables at the Hall.

“The old lord didn’t like his vegetables. We got out of the habit. I’d be happy to add them for you, my lady,” Cook said, still in a state of bliss over the stove.

Robert was stunned. He had no idea the problem was something he could have easily remedied.

“I’ve heard that you’re from Scotland,” Cook said. “I have a cousin there. I shall write her for recipes and add the dishes you’re used to as soon as I receive the information. Just give me a list of what recipes to ask her for.”

Serena smiled. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Redding. How very kind of you.”

“You just call me Cook, my lady. Everyone does. Now next time, you let me come to you. It’s not fitting for you to be coming to me.”

Serena laughed lightly. “I hope you know I will come to see the new stove.”

Cook beamed. “Oh, my, yes,
that
will be something special.”

Robert had never seen his cook so happy. What did the cost matter, when the Hall was becoming a home?

Serena walked with Robert through the ground floor, then up the back stairs to the first floor, waiting for him to say something about her ordering the stove. When compared to horses and carriages, they were not expensive, but she doubted he’d have any idea what they cost.

Well, if he didn’t bring it up, she certainly wouldn’t.

His voice intruded on her thoughts. “Mrs. Norton can tell you how many the Hall sleeps.”

They peeped in rooms and Serena listed more questions to ask the housekeeper.

He pointed out the folly that stood at one end of the lake and told her that beyond the wood was the stream where he fished.

Serena was falling quickly in love with the Hall and its people. Even with their undeserved hardships, they’d been warm and welcoming. She’d do what she could to help them while she was here.

“There are still the orchards to look at,” he said, “but we won’t have time to-day. Would you like to see the kitchen garden?”

Serena brightened. “Of all things!” She’d seen the high stone wall that she thought might be part of the garden—something she’d always wanted.

“Come this way.”

They entered through a back gate. The garden was larger than she’d expected and completely walled in. She happily noted the fruit trees trained along the walls and grapes growing up arbors. Neat paths bisected the beds that had already been planted with vegetables and herbs.

His face lit up as he took her around. “It’s my favorite garden.”

“I can see why. How lovely. Ornamental and functional.” And exactly what she’d always dreamed of having. Robert was making it harder for her to leave.

There was nothing of the sophisticated rake in his mien when he pointed out the trees against the wall at the far end of the garden. “We have the best peaches and pears in the area, without the use of succession houses.”

“Would succession houses be of benefit here? I think the wall would keep the garden warm enough.”

“I believe that is how it works. You can ask the head gardener.”

“I shall put him on my list of people to speak with.” At this rate she would probably end up adoring the gardener.

 

Later that afternoon, Freddy glanced up as Robert and Serena entered the Ladies’ Morning Room for tea. Freddy handed Serena her cup. “I expected to see you at luncheon.”

Serena took a sip. “We had a lot to discuss after going around to the tenants this morning, so we ate in the study.”

Robert frowned. “The steward hasn’t been keeping up with things as he ought. While Serena spoke with the women in the cottages, I had an opportunity to talk with the men, and none of them are happy.”

Serena worried her lip. “Yes, we found everything from houses that need renovation and repairs to out-of-date ploughs.”

“Therefore,” Robert continued, “we’re making lists to present to Foster. Once we’ve completed them, we’ll call the steward in and have a discussion.”

Freddy smiled and caught Catherine’s eye. Serena and Robert seemed perfect together. She already had her hand on the pulse of the estate and commanded the respect of the servants. Not an easy accomplishment for a lady new to the house and area.

Serena sipped her tea and put down her cup. “I’ve told Cook to order the new stove she wants. Though it will probably mean picnic dinners for a couple of days, the result will be worth it.” Serena glanced at Robert. “What are we doing to-morrow?”

“There are a few tenants yet to see, and we still must visit the rectory.”

Serena rubbed a finger over her bottom lip. “Since I was in the kitchen to-day, I shall have to spend time with Mrs. Norton to-morrow, else she’ll feel slighted.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Robert said. “How long will it take?”

“She’ll want me to inspect every room, the cellars, servants’ quarters, as well as the linens, silver, and plates. I can put off the attics until later. She will probably be happy to have the linens left to her, so long as she can buy what she needs.” Serena tilted her head as if in thought. “The inspection will take most of the afternoon, if not all of it, I suspect. I’m afraid the rectory will have to wait until the following day.”

Robert nodded, “While you’re with Mrs. Norton, I’ll educate myself on self-molding ploughs.”

Serena smiled widely. “Self-scouring moldboards.”

Robert grinned. “Yes, those.”

“Why don’t you take one or two of the tenants with you?” she suggested. “It will give them a sense of ownership over the project.”

“That’s a nacky idea.”

“We’ve only a few tenants left to visit,” Robert said. “We can look at the drainage problem on the way back.”

She tried to hide a yawn. “I am going to retire. We have a full day to-morrow.”

Robert stood. “I’ll walk you up.”

They bid their aunts a good evening.

Freddy waited until she thought they were out of hearing and laughed. “Oh, my, I almost didn’t make it through the stove. Was anything
so
funny as listening to them? As though they’d been doing this all their lives.”

Catherine agreed. “In a way, Serena has. This is where she feels most comfortable.”

“But, Robert,”
Freddy said. “I have never seen him so engaged with the farming aspects. I know he wasn’t taught to talk to the dependants. My brother would never have dreamed of doing it. Catherine, what is this about Serena going
into
the cottages?”

“Serena has a way of making people feel at ease so they tell her their problems. If Robert allows her to do as she wishes—and it appears as if he is doing just that—Serena may stay because she’ll have a hard time leaving the Hall.”

“My mother advised him to let Serena have her head. For once, he’s following sound advice.” Freddy took a sip of tea. “We may have a wedding yet!”

“I can’t think of a better place for her than here. She is so obviously needed,” Catherine said, her tone serious. “Whether she’ll stay without a declaration from Robert, that is another matter.”

“Very true, I agree with you. Robert better step up soon.” Freddy smiled impishly. “Because at this rate, Robert will have to find a way to keep Serena, or the staff will turn him out of his home.”

 

Serena and Robert rode out after breakfast the next morning to visit the last of the tenants. She reined in first and was greeted by the men standing outside. Robert lifted her down and began a discussion with them, while Serena entered the first cottage. This one was much older and in far worse repair than the ones she’d seen the day before.

A slight dark-haired woman greeted her without a smile. “My lady.”

“May I sit down?”

“I don’t know as you want to. We’ve fleas and other bugs everywhere.”

Serena frowned. “Did you tell Mr. Foster?”

“Yes, my lady. We told him last year. Ain’t nothin’ for it. Look it here at my girls.”

Serena inspected the three small girls pushed toward her and saw bites all over their bodies. “Let me see your eyes.”

The children opened them.

“Please give me a few moments.” Serena walked out and into the other cottage. When she’d finished, she went to Robert and took him aside.

“Robert, these cottages must be burned and rebuilt. They are infested with bugs. The children’s eyes are running because of it and they have bites all over their bodies.”

“Drat Foster, what has he been doing?” Robert brought himself under control. “How do you suggest we go about doing this? Their belongings need to be dealt with as well.”

She explained her plan, but could not keep the fury out of her voice. “I do not know how Foster could have let this go!”

“Let’s visit one or two of the other tenants on the way back, and I’ll have the carpenter in. Do you wish to be here for it?”

“I think I must.”

“Very well.” He rubbed her back. “We’ll make it happen. Have you told the tenants?”

“Not yet.” Serena glanced to where his dependants were standing. “I’ll need your help.”

“What do you want me to do?”

Her eyes danced. “Nothing much. Just stand there looking fierce, while I get the women on my side.”

Serena went back to the group of men and women standing before the cottages.

Robert did as she asked. At first, the men looked angry, but the women gathered closer to her. Serena said something and one glance at Robert’s countenance brought the men around.

“What was the problem?” Robert asked when she returned to him.

Serena tried not to laugh. “Only about the baths. Thank you for your dire scowl.”

His lips twitched. “My pleasure.”

They stopped at the Johnsons and the Armstrongs, the two most formidable of his dependants. Serena asked the women for their help and recommendations. Robert explained the problem and their plan to fix it to the men. He also asked both men if they would like to accompany him to York to purchase new ploughs. They accepted gladly.

“A good half day’s work,” Robert said, as they rode toward the Hall.

“Yes, the changes we planned will be good. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do. Serena?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. I never knew before how much there was to be done here,” he said thoughtfully. “I like the challenge of solving the problems and knowing my dependants’ lives will be better for it. It’s rewarding, gratifying.”

Serena nodded. “Because you’re helping the people, the families who depend upon you. Is there a greater joy?”