Unknown
The Fiddler by Karen Blayne
The red tape first.
Copyrighted Karen Blayne. ©2021. All copies must be of the complete document.
Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.
They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. ASSTR may do anything with it.
Luv Karen
The seven year old baron summoned his steward. “Does everyone have to do sums?” “Yes my Lord.” “Even the village children?” “Well not exactly.” “If I have to do sums then they will to and all of them even the girls.” The steward was stunned and wasn’t sure what to say. “See to it then.” Philip turned away and went to line up his toy soldiers. The steward did his sums, well with little expenditure in London for the season and the rent from the London house the estate could well afford it. He shrugged his shoulders it wasn’t up to him to tell the baron he couldn’t do something.
Philip heard the servants talking later on. “Well I daresay it’s an opportunity but what about the pennies they earn at the moment. Some families will go hungry this winter.” “They could always ask for a bit of help.” “Trouble is them that need it won’t ask for help, too proud by far for charity.”
That Christmas Philip arranged for everyone on the estate to have a weekly supply of two loaves of bread, flour and dried peas, lentils or beans as their Christmas present. “I’ll not be accepting charity.” “You’ll offend the lad, everyone on the estate gets the same.” “Oh right.”
Meg picked up the fiddle and the bow and ran the bow over the fiddle. “Hold it like this.” Tom showed the young girl how to hold it and run the bow across the strings. Tom was patient with her and enjoyed her delight when she managed a simple tune.
Her mother was working in the Vicar's kitchen and Meg was having a quiet explore when she came across a fiddle in the Vicar's study. She glanced at the Vicar curled up in his armchair with a book then looked longingly at the fiddle. Her mother came in carrying a tray “There you are. I thought you were supposed to be playing in the garden?” “No I think she's fascinated by that old violin.” “Can I play it?” She asked. “May I play it.” Her mother corrected.
“Can you play one?” The Vicar asked. “Well she can play a tune on Tom's.” “Let's hear you then.” She picked up the violin and started to play the tune Tom had taught her but it sounded different.
“Well we could do with a bit of musical accompaniment in church. Can you read music?” Meg shook her head. “Right then each afternoon you'll come to me at three for an hour a day and I'll teach you to read music.” Meg whispered “Thank you.” quietly. “Say thank you Meg.” “She has just done so.”
So Meg got taught to read music and to practise on the Vicar's violin. She was allowed to accompany the congregation when they sang their hymns. As a reward she was also allowed to sit in the lessons the Vicar gave, after his housekeeper had taught her to read and write using the account books.
“Now mathematics is terribly important.” One of the Vicar’s pupils yawned. The Vicar looked up. “Right now then here’s a pile of pennies each. You may bet on how the dice come up. I’ll offer you odds of five to one for one, two, three or four. Four to one for a six and seven to one for a five. Place your bets.” “Six is my lucky number.” “Four is mine.” Meg couldn’t see what the fuss was about she went with five since it paid the most and she reasoned it stood just the same chance as any. She stayed with five and slowly the pile of coins in front of the Vicar and herself grew. When the lads had run out of coins the Vicar explained about probabilities. Then he went on to use two dice and a pack of cards. That afternoon when she did her practise with the Vicar she asked him was it right to teach the lads about gambling. “If it gets them interested in mathematics that’s all I really care about.” Meg shrugged her shoulders and kept quiet.
Philip looked up at his steward “Well you’ve educated them but what good is it. They’re fourteen now and that’s old enough to leave school.” Philip poured over the names and what he knew of them. “These three boys we can find apprenticeships for on the estate. Jill we can apprentice with the shopkeeper in the village. He needs someone who can read and write to keep his records. Esther is the brightest of the lot and well spoken. She can look after the library. Best ask them if that’s what’d they’d like to do mind rather than telling them.” Jill and Esther asked if they could do something together. Philip shrugged and a bemused Jill and Esther took over the duties of librarian which seemed to consist of going through the books in the library and sorting them into order.
“We’ve sorted them all into order. What do we do next?” Esther asked Philip who was sprawled out reading by the fire.”Well I suppose we should get you some more books to organise?” Esther threw a green cushion at him. “Well tomorrow you can join me with my tutor to pass the time of day.” She picked up another cushion to attack him with but Philip staged a strategic retreat and took his horse out for a ride. The next morning though found both Jill and Esther waiting for Philip and his tutor. “We’re here at the baron’s command.” The tutor raised his eyebrows but taught them all together. They had different points of view and it was enjoyable to watch them debate besides being good practice for Philip before he left for Cambridge. Jill spent more time in the kitchen away from her studies. Esther gradually took over the estate ledgers.
“I think we ought to see more of the world before we settle down.” “You mean borrow a pair of horses and see if the grass is greener on the far side of the hill?” “No, go off to Cambridge with Philip.” “Now that’s an idea. How would we do it?”
Philip was lazing in the sun on the hillside. Besides him Jill was tidying up their picnic. “Philip?” “Um?” “Jill and I were talking.” “Oh well done.” He closed his eyes and lay back. “Don’t you want to know what we were talking about?” “No?” Esther pummelled him so he grabbed her and held her to him. Jill reached over and undid his belt then slid her fingers in underneath. Philip held his breath as Jill’s fingers worked their magic before they paused. “Are you absolutely sure you don’t want to listen to what we were saying? In Cambridge Esther can keep your books tidy and as you can see I’m expert at looking after buttons. Undoing them or even doing them up.” There was a sound that might have been an agreement or might not. Jill undid a few more buttons then reached in and took him in her mouth. Esther looked on fascinated. When he’d come in her mouth and she’d swallowed Esther posed the question once more. “So?” Philip knew he had little choice and agreed.
They went up early and found a rather pleasant set of rooms. Two bedrooms and a large sitting room. Jill was allowed to access the kitchen where she experimented with baking fruit cakes. Well Philip liked them and there wasn’t a housekeeper moaning how expensive dried fruit was. Malcolm was often to be found in Philip’s rooms. He wouldn't admit it even to himself but talking through their lectures with Esther and Jill sometimes made things fall into place. Esther thought it was more Jill’s fruit cake that enticed him there more than anything else, that and Jill’s offer to sew on the odd button that had come loose. They drifted on through the three years. Jill kept Philip away from the doxies which saved both his health and money. Malcolm having less of the ready available had to make do with flirting with Jill and Esther as well.
It was the final couple of weeks of the final term, and Malcolm was stretched out on one of the chairs sipping something cool that Jill had passed him. “Theodosia has been invited to go punting on the Cam next Thursday.” “So?” “If I’d only known I could have got in first.” Malcolm had been pining away after Theodosia whenever she came up to visit her brother for years. “You need to make her jealous.” Philip added his contribution. “What you need is two beautiful young ladies to take punting at the same time.” Added Esther. “And where would I find two such beauties?” Philip looked up to see Jill reaching for a vase of flowers and lifting the flowers out. He had a sense of what was about to happen. “We have two here?” He stretched out his hand. “They’d need the right sort of dress and floppy hat of course. I’ll see to that if you arrange the punts.” Jill paused for a moment waiting to hear Malcolm’s next words. Philip crossed his fingers. “We’ll do it.” The flowers were lowered back into the vase and Esther thought at least the carpet wouldn’t need hanging out to dry.
Esther and Jill dressed in elegant finery sat back in their respective cushions on their punts. Esther’s dress was more tacked together than sewn but even so it was the most elegant dress she'd ever possessed. Totally impractical being white of course but so so elegant. She twirled her parasol. They'd had an orgy of shopping to prepare for their boating outing but now she felt they were as elegantly dressed as Theodosia would be. Even Philip had been moved to compliment her on her appearance. Her first compliment from Philip, she'd treasure the memory.
There ahead of them was Theodosia, in an elegant white dress lazing on a set of cushions in the punt. There were minor differences in her dress of course. Theodosia's had rather more lace and Esther thought her parasol wasn't quite as pretty as her own.
She glanced at Philip whose attention was elsewhere before drawing out a her brother's old slingshot. Now that was so satisfying to know she could still aim one accurately. She watched Theodora's beau's top hat tumble into the Cam. Petty it might be but it was satisfying. She tucked the slingshot away under her skirts as Philip gave her reproachful look.
Theodora's Lord was startled by the loss of his hat and instead of pulling the pole up he hung onto it and the punt continued without him. Theodosia laughed as he was left clinging onto the pole stuck in the riverbed, she laughed even more when he slid slowly down the pole into the Cam.
Lord Berkley managed to swim to the side of the punt and started to haul himself out of the water and some water splashed over the side of the gunnel and dampened the bottom of Theodosia's pristine white dress.
She shrieked and Lord Berkley fell back into the water. Jill motioned Philip to bring his punt alongside and she quickly transferred herself next to Esther before dispatching Malcolm to Theodosia's rescue.
“One knight in shining armour coming up.” She whispered to Esther who giggled. Lord Berkley attempted to climb in once more this time splashing Theodosia's dress. She let out a string of curses and Esther listened fascinated by the variety and absence of repetition. She'd need to remember one or two phrases to ask the stable lads their meaning.
The scales dropped from Malcolm's eyes as he heard the vitriol his angel was pouring forth. Still he manoeuvred his punt so she could step off the end onto his. She tossed a paddle in before stepping in. Lord Berkley managed to climb into his punt but Theodora gave it a gentle push towards the centre of the River Cam and he was left adrift in the river with no pole and no paddle either. Theodosia smiled at her rescuer as Malcolm punted to the landing stage. He escorted her home but declined to stay for refreshments.
The next day Theodosia’s brother turned up at Malcolm‘s lodgings. “Theodosia had hoped you might come and see how she was today?” “You mean how her dress was?” “She does take on sometimes doesn’t she? Still pater would like to see her married off and now Lord Burnley is no longer in the running I thought I might sound you out about offering for her? She comes with a ten thousand pound dowry.” Malcolm pulled a face “Fifteen thousand? No well I thought I’d ask anyway.”
Later that day he was sprawled out in Philip’s rooms once more. Jill was curled up in his lap. “Can you imagine living with someone who made such an outcry over a dress? I was tempted for a moment by the thought of a dowry of fifteen thousand but I couldn’t bring myself to it. Being a third son I only have a private income of three hundred a year and a very small estate so I’m no great prize in the marriage market.” “What you need is someone practical to manage on three hundred a year.” Chimed in Esther. “And where would I find someone like that pray?” “I could think of someone not a hundred miles away.” Malcolm looked puzzled. Jill whispered in his ear “An inch away perhaps?” “Would you be content to live in the country on three hundred a year plus whatever the estate brings in?” “If you’re part of the package.” Malcolm kissed her. Well he knew her well and didn’t really want to think of life without her. He’d do it.
Philip looked up from the letter. “Anything interesting?” “An invitation to a hunting lodge for the season.” “Are you thinking of going?” “I’d like to but.” “But?” “There will be women of low repute there. Sort of bring your own barrel of brandy and a tart party.” Philip looked at her “No before you even ask.” Somehow she knew she’d end up going and sharing his bed. “To sleep only.” Philip nodded.
Marian handed the package to Meg who unwrapped it carefully. There was a fiddle inside. “May I try it?” Marian nodded. Meg lifted it and tuned it carefully. Then she tried a few exploratory notes before reluctantly putting it down. “It's a good un. How much did it cost?” Marian told her the sum. More than Meg’s dad earnt in a year. “But you don't play?” “But you do.” “I couldn't possibly afford it in a hundred years.”
“It's yours if you come with Alice and me to look after a hunting lodge for the season.” Meg knew she shouldn't but that fiddle called to her. “It's good food from November to March.” She named an amount of pay that her dad would never earn in a year. “I'll come.” She sighed. “We're setting things up now so if you'd like to come?”
After three days of walking Meg and Marian arrived at the hunting lodge. Alice was already there. “I've material and a pattern book so get your needles out. I've Mrs. Goodwin coming in from the village to help with the sewing and somewhere around is his Lordship's secretary who organises everything including the French chef.” Meg looked over the hunting lodge, a master bedroom and eight guest rooms on the first floor. The second held the servants quarters. The female servants were in a dormitory which was what she’d expected. Surprisingly there were wardrobes to hang clothes up not just pegs on the back of a door.
“Let's be hearing you play then girl.” Francis, his Lordship's secretary, sat back and prepared himself to audition this girl fiddler. He doubted she'd be any good but dressed right she'd be decorative enough so her standard of playing wouldn't matter too much. What could one expect away from London anyway?
Meg looked at her audience and thought to tease him a little. A funeral march perhaps. She found the sheet of music she'd copied at the vicarage and started to play mournfully. Francis pulled a face. Well she could read music at least. She quickly shifted into a traditional dance tune that had him tapping his feet. Then she played him a series of music pieces she'd learnt over time.
“So will I do?” She pertly asked. Behind him Marian grinned as Francis reluctantly agreed she'd do. On Sunday they went to Church and Meg took her fiddle. The curate was happy for the musical accompaniment even if he had to change the hymns to ones that Meg knew.
Alice carefully supervised the dresses they made. Meg didn't think they were very serviceable but since she wasn't paying for the material she didn't mind too much. Alice's gowns had a deeper neckline than Meg would have been comfortable wearing but she was allowed to make up a more demure style that suited her better. The horses arrived first with their grooms. Meg got involved in the kitchens to help out feeding them all whilst Alice and Marian flirted with the grooms.
When Jean-Paul arrived with his minions he took over the kitchen. Francis examined the box that had travelled on the inside seat next the Jean-Paul, carefully before opening it. He'd charged Mr. Hancock to procure a first rate violin and a selection of music sheets and there they were. He rang the bell and asked that Meg be sent into him and he picked up the violin to examine it closely. Mr. Hancock had been done. He obviously hadn’t looked at the writing inside before purchase. He put it down and covered it with a cloth.
Meg was surprised she'd been spending time with the grooms in the evenings playing for them and wondered if Francis was about to tell her off. Guiltily she stepped into the room. “Miss Walton, I had his Lordship's butler send me a few things up from London.” He passed her the sheet music first. “Do you think you might manage to play a few of these with practise?” Meg looked through them “One or two look a bit complicated but I could give them a try.”
“I pointed out to Mr. Hancock that his Lordship was used to hearing the finest instruments and asked him to send one up.” He uncovered the violin. “Unfortunately he seems to have sent something foreign instead. Possibly Italian from the label. Why he couldn't have sent an English one I'll never know. Will it do do you think?” Meg reverently lifted the violin up and ran a bow over the strings. “Just as I feared an inferior foreign product that doesn't even sound right to my ear.” “Wait a moment or two whilst I tune it.”
Meg slowly tuned it then looked through the sheets of music until one caught her eye. Then she started to play. Soon she was caught up in the music and didn't even notice the audience that had crept into the room behind her. She came to an end and was both startled and pleased to hear the hand clapping led by John-Paul himself. She took a curtsey to acknowledge her audience.
Soon she was wrapped up with her new violin and music. Heaven only knew how much they'd cost. The Vicar had told her the price of a single sheet of music so the ones that Francis had procured must be worth a small fortune.
She spent hours each morning practising the music. The new violin was even finer than the one that Marian had produced which she still used when going to church. The one from the Earl she didn’t think ought to leave the house in case it got damaged somehow. Finally she felt ready to show off her new pieces in front of his Lordship whoever he might be. Francis assembled the staff. “They’ll be eight guests besides his Lordship.” A full house then. “They’ll be away for most of the day hunting but when they return muddy from the field we’ll need hot baths ready and their clothes will need brushing once they’re dried. Count on twenty to dine each evening as I’m sure other locals will be invited to dine.” “Do we have enough footmen to serve?” Asked one. “We’ll use maids at the table.” A rustle of surprise went through that statement. “What will the neighbours say?” Was heard from the back. “We’re only interested in the gentlemen and I’ve yet to meet one yet who objected to being served by a pretty maid.” Alice and Marian preened themselves.
The next day the curricles and carriages arrived. Out stepped half a dozen young females. Meg was aghast. “We haven’t the guest rooms for all these.” Alice dug her in the side. “Don’t worry they’ll be sharing their master’s beds.” “You mean they’re mistresses?” Marian grinned at her.
That evening Alice dressed Meg up in a gypsy costume and she played whilst the guests had their dinner. The food that night was unlike anything Meg had eaten before as she sat in the kitchen and was served the leftovers from the dinner table.
The next morning the guests were off early, some grooms departed leading spare horses so their masters could switch during the hunt. Meg helped serve breakfast to the young ladies. “You’re the girl with the fiddle aren’t you?” Meg nodded. “Right girls we have the choice of half a dozen grooms and a fiddler or we can do nothing all day.” Meg spent much of the day on the staircase as the girls danced the day away in the hallway below.
Philip and Esther arrived the following morning. A groom guided Philip to the hunt that had started earlier and Esther was left to unpack their clothes.
“That was a fine run.” “Did you see me fly over that last fence.” “Pity William landed up in the ditch.” Meg thought so to as she’d seen the state of his clothes. Still they seemed happy even though there had been a rain shower that afternoon. In the stables the grooms were hard at work grooming those horses that had been out that day and ensuring the ones due to be used the following day were at their peak condition.
“Fancy a ride out?” Meg looked up at Esther. “You do ride don’t you?” “No?” “I can hardly ride out by myself so would you like to learn?” Esther produced a pair of breeches. “It’s best to ride astride when you’re beginning.” They walked down to the stables where Esther consulted the grooms as to which horse might be best to learn on. Samuel racked his head. “We’ve got a stable full of hunters not horses for novices.” “Which ones were out yesterday?” “Might work. I’ll bring three out and see which one likes the look of her.” Meg was inspected by the three horses. One seemed friendlier than the other two. “I think he likes me.” “More likely the apple you fed him. Still we’ll saddle him up and start you off.”
Some nights the carpets would be rolled back and Meg would play whilst the others danced. Once or twice she’d give a small concert. Every night the card school would gather and serious money was laid on the results.
A month later after dinner the card tables were set up once more. Normally a local visitor made up the table but tonight Rodney looked towards Meg “You look like you can play cards and we need a fourth for a second table. Here I’ll stake you.” Rodney placed a pile of coins in front of Meg and they started to play. It took Meg a little time to work out the players. Rodney was laid back but their opponents seem to be very nervous. Charlie, the player on her right, certainly was.
Three hands later it was Meg’s turn to deal. She picked up and weighed the pack in her hand. She glanced at Alice and Marian then at the player on her right. “Are there supposed to be fifty two cards here?” She queried and proceeded to count them out face down on the table. Meanwhile Alice and Marian had sat besides the player on the right and were holding his hands against their thighs. “I made it fifty cards.” “Oh but Charles here has two up his sleeve to make up the fifty two.” Charles blustered but Philip just waved to his valet. “Help prove he’s innocent.” The valet assisted by Alice and Marian extracted the Ace of spades and the Ace of hearts. “Charlie you’re banned from my properties. I’ll have Francis look through your room and divide any money he finds amongst the players less ten pounds that should get you back to your estate after you’ve paid your valet what is owing to him. There’ll be a letter going on the mail coach to my Aunt first thing in the morning so don’t bother going up to London in the future.” Charlie protested his innocence to no avail and he was thrown out into the pouring rain outside to walk the three miles down to the inn to catch the stagecoach in the morning.
Philip passed over his share on the table to Meg. “If any of us had accused him of cheating he would have challenged us to a duel and he’s an excellent shot. You saved us a lot of trouble. Thank you.”
“She was so calm about it.” “I’m certain she's really passionate beneath that exterior. In fact I'd give my share of Charlie's ill gotten gains to see her writhe in passion.” “Me to.” Meg had no idea what they meant but she wasn't going to make an exhibition of herself even if there was a gleam in Alice's eye.
“Give her a kiss.” Alice commanded Rodney. Rodney was amused enough to follow Alice's command. Meg was so surprised that a member of the gentry would want to kiss her that she let him out of curiosity to see what it would be like. Meg melted. Alice quickly unbuttoned her dress and aided by Marian stripped her of her clothes as Meg tried to keep her most private parts covered. Alice and Marian aided by Rodney lowered her to the carpet. “Suckle her boobs.” Came the command. Meg felt Marian cover her left boob with her mouth, Rodney ran his experienced tongue over her right nipple. “See I thought she'd be passionate.” “I'll throw in my share to see her taken all the way.”
All the way? What on earth did he mean? Alice buried her head between Meg's thighs and Meg wondered what on earth was happening. Adam looked at Meg's flushed chest and thought he had never seen anything quite so exotic.
Meg cried out as Alice's tongue worked her magic. One of the other girls undid the Earl's breeches then tugged him over to Meg's mouth. “It's his birthday love, give him a good licking.” She guided the Earl's dick into Meg's mouth and Meg was so shocked she ran her tongue over it as requested. Eventually she closed her lips over it and tried to concentrate on giving the Earl pleasure as Alice lapped away. Eventually she felt him come in her mouth and the thought of such an exalted person being so intimate with her was enough to send shudders through her body.
Rodney gathered her up in his arms and Marian found a rug to cover them both. “Five hundred each for the pair of you?” He queried Alice and Marian who agreed rapidly. Meg looked offended at such a sum being given away but Rodney bent his lips to her ear and said “I'll see you right don't you fret.” “Could you look after my money for me?” Rodney agreed.
In the following weeks Meg got used to being lightly groped and kissed but the guests seemed to accept she was off limits as far as bedding her was concerned. They enjoyed her playing far too much to risk losing it. She managed to play for three barn dances which she enjoyed feeling more comfortable away from the toffs. At the last one she heard two women chatting “So do you think they’ll be sowing anything this year or will it just be a few sheep do you think?” “You mean will there be work or just our gardens to support us again this year?”
“Is anyone going to plant any crops this year?” Meg asked Francis boldly. “The Earl treats this estate as a hunting box. I don't think anyone has ever given any thought to growing crops as well.” “I could organise it?” She sought out Rodney “Do I have enough money to put a few crops in?” “I should think so. Talk to Francis to get his agreement then talk to the workers to see how much they’ll need.” “The workers?” Oh they’ll know the soil and ground much better than anyone so take their advice then have the seed merchants and so forth send me the bill.” Francis suggested that she rent the estate for a nominal sum of a shilling a week until November. That way she would benefit from the harvest. Meg ended up on a buying spree. She wasn’t sure what half of what she was buying was but the worker’s wives assured her that Bill or John had been carrying on about the very latest type of plough and which breed of sheep or cattle they should run and how this type of team was best for ploughing. She wrote all down in her ledger and Rodney paid the bills.
The house party carried on until the hunting season was over and the guests left to go down to London for the season.
“I've passed along your money to Francis here and he'll sort you out when you need it. Now here is a purse with four pounds in it in small change in case you have immediate needs. Francis has arranged for you to have credit at the village stores for anything you need for the estate.” Meg looked at the purse in wonder. More money than she'd had in her life before. She wondered if she should send some back to her parents but she had no idea how to do it. “Thank you.” “Now I suggest you stay on at the lodge that way you can keep an eye on your investments.” Meg looked puzzled. Francis explained “Since you have put up the money and rented the estate for the summer all of the profit from the harvest will be yours.” Meg hadn't thought that far ahead. She'd just wanted work for the labourers some of which still wanted nothing to do with her. They just followed their wives instructions.
“Now the Earl's younger brother might turn up. His wife died in childbirth with her first child who died also. Some of the matchmaking mothers have worked out although he is a younger son he retains his wife's dowry so they have been perusing him even though he is still in mourning.” “So he might turn up for a bit of quiet?” “If he does I suggest just let him be and protect him from any neighbours with eligible daughters.” “There's no danger of any respectable visitors after the Earl's hunting house party this winter.” “Which is why he might turn up. His own estate is under siege from what I hear.”
“Well who do I ask about where the sheep should be grazed?” “Don't be a fool you know better than anyone where to put them and rotate them.” Bill scratched his head “That's as maybe but it's not what I'm used to. I like to be told.” “Well tell me the choices and why you'd choose one over the other.” Bill set out to explain to his wife why one would be a better choice than the other at the end she simply said “William Sned you just put them on the top field to start with. As you say the Earl will want hay to feed his hunters over winter and he pays top price for the right hay. Plus he won't need to pay cartage as he did this last year.” “By gum he won't will he. But will it be the right sort?” “Well it had better be after our Meg spent a fortune on some fancy seed and things to plant it with. Albert's wife recited what he thought would be best at the grain store with Meg and me for support and Meg just said to put it on her bill. I've never seen the like when the man behind the counter asked if he should check with her steward first. She laid into him asking if her money wasn't good enough she could order it all from elsewhere. At the sound of the raised voices his wife came out from the back. She's a member of our sewing group. ‘It's a cash sale put through Ebenezer’ and that was that.”
The Earl's younger brother, Henry, just knew he couldn't face another season. He found parties hard work there was just too much stimulation for him. His marriage had been arranged although he'd met his bride a few times beforehand. As a second son he'd known he had to marry money and he'd been fortunate to find a younger sister whose father had made his money in trade. Her elder sister had married a baron and being assured that his grandson would bear a title his youngest was allowed to marry Henry.
She'd died in childbirth and the child had been stillborn and now the matchmaking parents were in full pursuit. Still he needn't do the season again and his brother had offered him accommodation at his hunting lodge over the summer where he could relax and recover. When he arrived he spent his time dressed in old clothes tramping across the estate. Not having visited previously he wasn't recognised which was just as he liked it. His valet accompanied him and served him his meals. Unfortunately he was content to eat the same fare as the servants which put cook out no end. Meg enjoyed the dishes she served up to tempt his appetite serving the same to the servants so he couldn't say he was being served something different.
She was in the drawing room when Agnes came dashing in. “It’s Sir Benjamin coming to visit no doubt with his wife and daughters.” Meg had a quick think her instructions were she was to protect Henry from matchmaking mothers. She scrambled into a corset that made the most of her then the least reputable dress left over from the hunting party. There was no time to sort her hair out so she left it long as the men had liked her to wear it. “Agnes put on the maid’s outfit that has you threatening to fall out at any moment.” She scurried downstairs. “Benson think of a way to serve his daughters strong cider with a dash of gin in it and find a good bottle of claret. I’ll have apple juice which you can serve to his wife as well. I’ll want Bert on his most flirtatious behaviour towards the daughters but nothing too outrageous and what’s your first name?” Benson grimaced “Horatio Miss.” “Time for our little charade I think.”
She stepped into the hall and opened the door herself. “Hello neighbours.” She swooped down on Sir Benjamin and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I feel we’re going to be the best of friends already.” She turned back to the door where Benson was frowning. “Never mind Horo you can get the door next time.” She turned to the first of his daughters, “And this must be your lady wife.” Benson coughed loudly. “We ought to get them inside out of the wind Miss.” “Larks I wasn’t thinking. I was just so happy to see my first visitors.” “If you’d care to step this way.” He guided them all into the drawing room. “Horace see to some refreshments if you please.” Benson visibly cringed again. “So what do you think?” Meg swept her arm out across the room. “I rearranged the furniture in here. I think it’s so much better but here’s me rabbiting on when you’d like some refreshments. I’ll just pop down to the kitchen and see what’s keeping them.” “Now then Miss you should stay and look after your guests. I’ll see to the refreshments.” “We’d heard about the spending on the estate and putting two and two together we were hoping to see his Lordship’s brother?” “Oh the spending on the estate was me. Rodney thought if I rented the estate out until November when the hunting season starts again I could get a crop in the ground. Well I hate to see something go to waste so I rent the place for a shilling a week. I was wearing this dress when we settled on a price. Can you imagine he wanted a penny a day at first but I soon beat him down, and he threw in the staff as well.” The two girls nodded in agreement about not paying the asking price. “It’s lots of fun thinking of things for Bert to do.” She said with a twinkle in her eye. “Mind you I haven’t noticed any strange men around today.” Henry's valet looked on in amazement as the servants and Meg worked together to repel the visitors. He'd mention it to Henry when he came in from another long walk.
Agnes entered carrying a tray of drinks and refreshments which she put down on the sideboard. “I’m afraid cook is sweeping the chimney so the fire is out. I took the liberty of bring cold drinks rather than tea.” Sir Benjamin inwardly smiled to himself. He hated tea. She picked up a dusty bottle and carried it over for Sir Benjamin’s inspection. “It’s the only one I could find I’m afraid will it do?” Sir Benjamin peered at the label and nodded his approval. He savoured the smell, taste, nectar. Agnes bent forward and offered him a doorstop filled with cold beef and pickled onion. Sir Benjamin was in heaven even though his wife was making signals they should leave. Bert smiled at the young ladies as he handed them their glasses of strong cider with just a dash of gin. Two delicate petite fours were served to each young lady. Benson served Sir Benjamin’s wife with a glass of apple juice and doorsteps made of beef covered with strong mustard. “Harold have you seen the Earl’s brother today? The two girls were hoping he’d catch sight of them and propose on the spot. They came all that way hoping to see him.” “I regret to say I’m unable to assist them in their endeavours Miss.” “No well I’m so sorry that you’ve come all that way for nothing but whilst you’re here you simply must tell me what sort of manure I should use on the fields. We have plenty of horse manure available, in fact you must take some home with you but I wasn’t sure if it was suitable in all cases.” Sir Benjamin’s wife felt unsteady as her husband enjoying his doorstop and his claret entered a conversation with Meg about what sort of manure he used and what type of marl he thought best to condition his fields. Meg leant forward to hear him better and give him the benefit of her corseted breasts. One hard nipple popped out under Sir Benjamin’s gaze and she just nonchalantly popped it back in out of sight. Having exhausted the topic of manure she turned to the girls. “I suppose your mother knows best but I would have thought if you were to catch the eye of the Earl’s brother you’d want something with a bit more dash for a dress. A brighter colour or lower neckline perhaps?” Bert’s eyes widened and the two girls blushed. Finally she turned to Sir Benjamin’s wife, “Would you like to see the new water closet? I thought at first there might be a danger of the water flushing when you sat on it but Rodney assured me it was quite safe.” Sir Benjamin’s wife affronted stood up and announced it was time to go. Her two daughters got the giggles and Jonathon helped them to the door. The youngest one turned and gave Bert a kiss and announced she could think of lots of things for Bert to do. Sir Benjamin’s looked longingly at the bottle on the side. “One last glass for the road.” Announced Agnes as she poured him a generous glass. “Do come again.” Cried out Meg as they disappeared into the hall, “Or is it my turn to visit you next?” Sir Benjamin’s wife noticeably hustled everyone through the door.
Benson closed the door to behind them and put his back to the door. “That was quite the performance. I hope they won’t be back.” Bert looked put out. “I’m sure I was in with a chance there.” “Did you have to make so many mistakes with my name?” “I just thought back in time to the most obnoxious person I could think of and the way she addressed her servants.”
Meg was sat on a log practising on her beloved violin when Henry came across her and stood silently listening. When she drew to a close he mentioned “So you're the angel Francis mentioned but shouldn't it be a harp?” “I can play the fiddle but wouldn't presume to attempt the harp. Would you like to hear a jig?” Henry nodded and sat down on a nearby log as she played.
That evening Meg was approached by Henry's valet. “You're invited to dine in the dining room this evening.” It was an intimate dinner and they explored each other's worlds. Henry grew interested when Meg mentioned that she'd spent money to give the workers work but occasionally they asked questions she wasn't sure about the answers. “We'll ride out together and inspect in the morning.” “Ride?” “You do ride don’t you?” “On a wagon maybe but never a horse.”
Henry’s valet knocked on her door early the following morning. “Try these on for size. His Lordship thought it might be safer if you rode astride.” After breakfasting with Henry they walked out to the stables. “Find me a slug.” Henry demanded of the grooms. “We don’t have any me Lord.” “I want something suitable for a lady beginner.” “Misty has the edge off her. She’s been out this morning already.” “She’ll have to do then.” Misty was brought out and the groom gave Meg an apple to feed her. She mounted at the mounting block then Henry mounted his mount as well. “We’ll just walk our way round the estate gently.” Henry set off and Misty followed after the groom commanded her to walk on.
They stopped off at various points and the workers explained what was happening. Old Sam thought the new farm horses were an excellent idea especially with the new ploughs. Henry looked at Meg who shrugged her shoulders. “I just brought what their wives requested on the shopping list.”
Over the summer they spent time in each others company and Henry found her company relaxing. They took strolls across the estate together and when they reached Beckside Farm the farmer’s wife stepped out “It’s grand day to be walking out with your young man.” Meg looked a bit taken back but Henry rapidly thought it through. He missed the marriage bed though but the thought of being pursued by matchmaking mothers was not to be born. Still Meg knew a little about farming and as a result of his first wife’s dowry he had a small estate in the country. “Aye it is. Think she’ll have me?” “It’ll be a sad day for the estate if she leaves. We’ve not seen so much brass spent for many a year. Still the breads not long out of the oven so you’ll have a glass of cider and some bread and cheese?”
The first Meg knew of his decision was the reading of the banns in church. She dug him in the ribs. “Forget something?” He looked puzzled. “If we’re to be married in two or three weeks time you could ask me first.” “Did I forget?” Her elbow moved sharply once more. The vicar looked down on them disapprovingly. As they left the church Henry explained “I forgot to mention to my intended we’re getting married it two weeks time.” “And he still hasn’t asked me.” The vicar grinned “I’ll reserve the date on my calender since I’m sure you’ll come to an agreement in time.”
The wedding was quite unlike Henry’s first formal wedding. The estate workers turned out in force. Henry had had the foresight to order barrels of ale and an ox to be roasted on the village green. Meg had found another pair of musicians so whilst Henry found himself a quiet corner she played her fiddle in her small band. Benson made sure Sir Benjamin was found a bottle of claret and Bert ensured his two daughters danced every energetic dance.
In the beginning of October Francis arrived late in the afternoon. “Your brother has died of fever so you’re the new Earl now. The lawyers will want to talk to you and there are other things that need doing which are better done in London.” Henry looked shocked. “But he was so young. I was never expecting to become the Earl.” “Never the less I suggest you travel to town and get it over with.” Meg looked put out. She’d been looking forward to a quiet life in the country. “I’ll take you to my godmother she’ll sort out how best to make your presentation.” She was to be presented at court? She couldn’t begin to imagine that at all. “Oh and by the way Meg’s liquid funds have been transferred to your bank.” “Meg’s funds?” “Oh Rodney said that Francis would look after all that.” “How much?” “Eleven thousand pounds, plus the money tied up in the estate. She spent two thousand of which two hundred was for seeds and fertilizer but the rest was on teams of farm horses, new wagons, farming equipment and a few repairs and additions for the cottages so spread over five years there’s another fourteen hundred or so in capital. If the weather holds we should see more than two thousand in after the harvest plus more hay than we’ll need for the hunting lodge over winter.” Henry looked at his new wife. “Well I knew there was some money but I wasn’t expecting quite so much.”
They moved into the town house and Henry’s godmother came to call. She looked Meg up and down. “Very different from your first wife I must say.” “I probably am and had no idea that I’d become a countess and have to be presented when I married him. I thought it would just be us two in the country.” “What was the attraction?” “She first caught my eye when she played the fiddle.” His Godmother stared at him. Henry rang the bell “Fetch her ladyship’s violin.” Lady Crampton took a sip of tea and mulled over the younger generation marrying a penniless nobody because she played the fiddle. Still she was his godmother she supposed. Meg picked up the violin and began to play. She swayed in time to the music and Lady Crampton sat entranced. She applauded at the end of the brief performance. “Penniless was she?” “No she brought fifteen thousand to the marriage.” “Manufacturing or trade no doubt.” “The result of a game of cards I’m afraid.” “Gambling, a perfectly respectable source of funds. Now any family connections you can call on for support in the ton?” “No, but I’m sure Philip or Rodney would assist if needed.” “Philip?” “Lord Morton. I spent the winter at the Earl’s hunting lodge with him and a few others.” “Can you name them?” Meg rattled off their names. Lady Crampton looked impressed. She asked for her maid to attend her. “Hodges, the new Countess here plays the violin.”
Hodges looked puzzled until Meg picked up the instrument and started to play. “You’re thinking of a musical evening no doubt.” “She has connections so one attended by Lord Morton and half a dozen very eligible bachelors.” Hodges looked startled for a moment then looked towards Lady Crampton. “She’ll need a special dress or two to make the most of her performance and we’ll need professional musicians for she’ll never be able to carry a full evening of music by herself. Is your niece well enough trained to act as her lady’s maid?” “She’d better be. You’ll want the benefit of surprise of course.” “Which means who can we trust to make her gowns?” “I can sew my own.” Piped up Meg. Henry grinned, “I take it godmother you are planning a musical evening which will make all the other hostesses green with envy?” “Of course, Hodge and I will have more fun planning this campaign than we have had for years.” She looked thoughtfully at Meg. “If we swear the staff to secrecy and just have them addressed you as Meg?” “I’m fine with that idea. We’d better speak to Warren and see if he’ll agree.”
“Warren, Lady Crampton is planning a surprise and for it to work we need to keep Meg’s presence under wraps, so instruct the staff to address her as Meg if you please.” Warren’s eyebrows lifted for a moment before he replied “You may depend on us my Lord.” Later he summoned the staff and gave them their instructions. “So no gossip about her presence and she is to be addressed as Meg. I’m sure I have no need to impress on you the importance for following the new Lord and Lady’s wishes.”
Lady Crampton and her maid looked round the shop. “Yes my Lady?” Hodge and herself had heard of this seamstress who had set herself up but hadn’t quite caught the eye of the ton except for two ladies who were renown for not paying their bills. “I’d like to see a sample of your work.” Lady Crampton demanded. A gown was presented for their inspection. “Well Hodges?” “It will do my lady.” Jennifer had had enough. She had a pile of unpaid bills in her office and things were not going well. “Will do I’ll have you know that’s the finest work in London.” “But you haven’t caught the eye of the ton have you?” Lady Crampton pulled out a pile of invoices from her handbag. “Nor paid your bills recently and if you were expecting Lady Lockhart or Lady Hyatt to pay their bills you’re a fool. Lord and Lady Hyatt left for the continent this morning leaving behind a slew of debts.” Jennifer sank slowly onto a chair that was behind the counter.
“However I have need of your services so all is not lost. My godson’s wife needs dressing so you will attend her at this address. Hodges will look over your designs and you’ll find someone discreet to sew them up. If you agree I’ll rip up these outstanding invoices.” “I don’t seem to have much choice do I?” Hodges grinned “I’m sure it will all work out for the best.”
“Right lads we’ve another musical evening to play. Lady Crampton has a protege violinist so we’re to help her out performing a concert in two weeks time. She wishes to show off her musical skills so we need to rehearse with her first.” “You mean another stick her an indecent dress out front and teach her to play quietly?” “We need the money though.” “We get paid for the rehearsals.” “She’ll be wanting lots of practise sessions then.” “Every morning at 8 am for breakfast followed by a rehearsal.”
The following morning they presented themselves at the kitchen door. “You’ll want to carry your instruments upstairs first, follow Mary, then return here for your breakfast.” Breakfast, that smelt good anyway. They trooped back and sat down at the deal table. Dishes were placed in front of them with bacon, sausages and kidneys. Each was given an individual plate with two fried eggs on with a slice of fried bread besides. “Tuck in lads and you’re to be fed your dinner before you leave.”
They were all in a good mood when they returned upstairs. Lady Crampton was waiting for them. “Now then let’s be hearing your protege.” Meg looked at these professional musicians and wondered what they would think of her playing. She started with an Irish jig. Then set a music stand up and played something more classical. The musicians stood quietly accessing her.
When she’d finished the leader stepped across. “May I see your violin?” She handed it to him and he took it reverently. “May I?” At her nod he played a short piece then handed it back after inspecting it closely. “I thought I recognised the sound, an Amati.” “Is that good?” “Shall we simply say I’ve never expected to be able to play one in my life. A very fine example of Italian workmanship. Good doesn’t begin to describe it. Now then are you expecting to attract a husband?” “I have one already.” “So we’re aiming to have a pure musical evening? May I see the guest list? Just so we know the audience.” The four musicians gathered round to look through the list. “Lavinia perhaps to open?” Suggested one of the other players. Lady Crampton frowned. “Miss Lavinia would do nicely to open and warm the audience up.” The first musician explained “She’s doing the season but not in the same circles as your guests but she plays her flute exceptionally well.” “Best let me have her direction then.”
“Lady Crampton wishes to speak to Miss Lavinia.” Lady Crampton’s footman knocked on the door. Sir Malcolm Brooks’s butler accepted the card and placed it correctly on a silver tray. Then he conveyed it into the room overlooking the garden where Lavinia was practising her flute. “Lady Crampton wishes to speak to you Miss. I would suggest putting her in the front room and I’ll get your mother?” Lavinia’s mother was flustered and a little shocked. Lady Crampton was a member of the haute ton and this call was totally unexpected. A dazed Lavinia walked through to the front drawing room still carrying her flute. “Lady Crampton what an unexpected pleasure. How can I be of service?” Downstairs cook was flustered Lady Crampton was visiting and she had no small delicacies to offer her. “I wish to carry off your daughter and her flute for the morning. I assume you’d like to accompany her?” “Certainly but would you like some refreshment first?” “I must get back to my godson’s there is much to do.” Lady Crampton rose from her chair and somehow Lavinia and her mother found themselves sat in her carriage moments later.
“Now we need to work out a program. I’d thought Miss Lavinia and her flute to start the evening off and the last part would be the two young ladies performing together. Miss Lavinia would you be so kind as to play a tune for us?” Lady Crampton and her mother stepped out of the room whilst Lady Crampton explained what was happening. “So a musical evening in two weeks time with just the quartet, Meg and my daughter performing? She isn’t really a professional musician to be commanded to perform.” Lady Crampton pulled out her list of guests and passed it across. “You’re hoping that seven of the wealthiest bachelors this season will attend?” “I know they will.” “I’m not certain my daughter has a dress suitable for such exalted company.” “Hodges.” Hodges stepped forward “We have procured the services of an excellent dressmaker for Meg and thought that if we dressed the two girls in complimentary styles that would work well and of course for the Countess of Wiltshire’s ball the following evening I’m sure something suitable can be arranged. The extra cost would be minimal.” “I don’t think I’ve met the Countess of Wiltshire?” “The Earl has recently come into the title and I’m arranging the invitations for the ball.”
Later that evening over dinner Sir Malcolm asked his wife about Lady Crampton’s visit. “It seems Lavinia is to perform at a musical evening in two weeks time. I didn’t want to say no to Lady Crampton as she could be instrumental in opening many doors to us that have been closed so far. For example we have an invitation to Countess of Wiltshire’s ball the following day.” “Lavinia?” “I’m not quite sure but the musicians have given me a few pointers when playing the flute already.” “Well it’s not as if we are flooded with invitations so let’s see how it unfolds. I don’t think it can do any harm unless someone gets the notion my daughter is a professional musician available for hire.” “Yes father.” Lavinia thought she’d stay discreetly quiet about the dresses.
The musical evening was a success. Most of the guests were music lovers who were delighted with the standard of play. The quartet were delighted by the number of enquiries after their services.
“Now then miss we’ll sort out Meg first then come back and dress yourself after you’ve had your bath.”
Lavinia was in heaven as she looked at the reflection in the mirror. Lady Crampton’s dresser and her niece had done wonders. “I think we’d better rush you downstairs, they’re about to start and Rodney is eager for his dance.” Well at least she had her two dances with Rodney. The first and supper dance he’d claimed. She was so looking forward to her time with him. She grinned at his slack jaw look. “Think I clean up nicely then?” She asked pertly. “I’m sure you looked in the mirror before you came down.” She looked round to see if anyone was watching then put just the tip of her tongue out at him before allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. Meg took her place with Henry and the ball began.
By the end of the magical evening the sounds of the last waltz began to play. Rodney scooped up Lavinia before she could protest and waltzed her out onto the dance floor. “Rodney this is our third dance together. People will expect an announcement.” “I’ll drop by and see your father in the morning.” “I don’t think it will do much good. He’s hoping for a title.” “But you’d say yes?” Lavinia smiled up at him “But only if father gives his consent. I couldn’t possibly elope.” Rodney guided her into a sweeping turn and Lavinia forgot everything else in her happiness of the moment.
The following morning Rodney turned up early and asked to speak to her father. “I’d like to marry your daughter. I’ve no title, no estate, just a private income of some five thousand a year.” “I was hoping she’d marry a title.” “You could refuse me but Lavinia would be disappointed and a disappointed female can be difficult to live with even if they don’t say anything.” “I agree, especially if they don’t say anything. Well we’ll have her in and if she agrees you may.” He rang the bell. “Ask Lavinia to step in please.” Lavinia looked at Rodney. “He’d like to marry you if you’ll have him. I must confess it’s not what I’d been hoping for but if you’re happy so be it.” Lavinia smiled “I’ll have him, thank you papa.” Rodney pulled out some documents. “If you’d sign here please and I’ll ask Simon to step in to bear witness.” Simon stepped into the room from the hall where he had been waiting.
“Is this where I ask do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?” Rodney looked to Lavinia and smiled “I do.” Lavinia said the same and Simon pronounced them man and wife. Sir Malcolm looked taken back. “Oh Simon is ordained and here is the special license. Now my love we have some travelling to do. I really must visit a relative of mine so have your maid pack your night rail and a change of dress in a bag and we’ll be away. Simon will follow with your maid and trunks.” He smiled as he spoke the words. Soon Lavinia was seated in a light phaeton drawn by a matching pair of horses dashing down the high road. She clung on to the side of the seat as Rodney dashed out to overtake a slower vehicle. “We should make it by nightfall. Simon will take two days for the trip.” “But why is it so important we got married this morning then dashed off to see this relative of yours?” “The Earl has asked me to look over his estate with a view to seeing what improvements can be made. We’ll be living there for a while at least.”
They pulled up at the front door of a large country house and Rodney pulled out his fob watch. “Seven hours and fifty three minutes, almost a personal best. Now if only that second team had been a bit better.” He sighed. “Arh Dobbs meet the wife.” Dobbs eyebrows rose for an instant then he signalled back into the hall and two doormen and a maid came out. One footman took their bags, the other led the carriage away. The motherly maid took one look at Lavinia's windswept and dusty bonnet and coat. “I’m Chant madam. If you'll come with me we'll see what we can put you to rights.” She led Lavinia up a wide staircase. “Is your maid following?” “Rodney thought she might get here tomorrow with Simon.” The maid paused at the top of the stairs for a moment then turned back to the left. She opened a door to a sitting room. “The bedroom is through to the left, the water closet is to the right in the bathing chamber. If you turn the taps over the sink both hot and cold water will come out. The hot is on the left. Now then let's get you out of your dusty coat and I'll take it downstairs.” She helped with the buttons. “You look as if Master Rodney has driven you non-stop from London.” “Seven hours and fifty three minutes.” “I'll box his ears for him. That's no way to treat a wife. When were you married? We hadn't heard anything.” “Early this morning.” “And high handedly carried you off away from your family no doubt. I can see I'll have to have a word in his ear. Now madam if there is anything I or any of the staff can do to make your life easier just let any of us know. I'll come back in a minute or two and guide you down to the Earl when you've refreshed yourself.” She glided out of the room.
Lavinia rinsed her hands and stepped back into the sitting room where another maid stood with a hairbrush in her hand. “I’m Terrell madam. May I try to arrange your hair?” Lavinia assented and the maid quickly straightened her hair. “It's lovely hair and I'm sure with a bit more time this evening I'll be able to arrange something more elaborate but the main thing at the moment is to get you down to the Earl's presence.”
As Chant guided her to the drawing room Lavinia heard voices from inside the room as she quietly entered. “So what’s this I hear a quiet wedding?” “Well after I saw the way cousin Kenneth was chased and compromised I decided when my time came I’d find someone who hadn’t married me for my wealth or title.” Lavinia entered the room. “You mean you have more wealth than you admitted to and a title as well?” “Careful what you say lad.” “I told you I had no title, no estate and an income of five thousand a year.” “Well yes are you saying it’s untrue?” The Earl roared with laughter. She caught Chant grinning out of the corner of her eye. “No what I told you was and is true. However on the death of my cousin Kenneth four days ago a week before his wedding to a bride who had managed to compromise him I thought it prudent to omit I’m now the Earl’s heir.” Lavinia closed her eyes. “You rushed me through the wedding ceremony without my mother being there and now when the gossips arrive and she doesn’t know what has happened. I dread to think what her reaction will be.” “I left a note with Simon to hand to your mother once we’d left the house and he’ll have placed notice in the papers which will be seen tomorrow morning so she’ll be prepared for the gossips. I’m sure they’ll come round. By the way the Earl of Wiltshire and his wife are arriving for a week or two tomorrow.”
A footman entered carrying refreshments and placed them on a table for Lavinia to pour out cups of tea. Small cakes were handed round and nibbled. “Actually I probably shouldn’t say it but you’ll do a better job than Kenneth and it’s time we had a women’s touch about the place. Now then lad we’ve plenty to discuss and I dare say that your wife will want to look over her new domain.” Lavinia certainly agreed with that statement.
She got up and walked to the door. Outside in the hall the staff were lined up. Chant curtsied “If you please madam I’d like to introduce you to the staff. She named each person and what their role was in turn. Lavinia spoke to each of them asking them a question about their work then finally she spoke to them all. “Well I’m new to being in charge of such a large household so I trust you’ll be patient with me and explain why things are done in a certain way. I will wish to make some changes for example there are no cut flowers in any of the rooms I’ve seen so far but I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far. I’m told that the Earl of Wiltshire and his wife will be arriving tomorrow for a week or two so the first thing is to prepare rooms for them.” She turned to the housekeeper “Could you give me a quick tour of the available guest rooms?”
The next day shortly after lunch a carriage was heard on the drive and Lavinia ordered refreshments. “Earl and Countess of Wiltshire.” Announced the Butler. “Meg are you really the Countess of Wiltshire?” “The very same.” “But everyone called you Meg.” “Lady Crampton was trying to keep me under wraps until the big night.” “And of course I was too involved with the music the musical evening and the next evening went straight into the ball not through the receiving line.”
Thirty minutes later another carriage drew up. Philip stepped out and entered the house. He addressed Henry “I don’t know if you’ll welcome me or not. I married Esther this morning but she may not be socially acceptable to you.” Meg piped up “Esther from the hunting box?” She looked to Lavinia “I’m sure she’ll fit in nicely here. I mean the three of us together can take on the entire set of tabbies in town.” “It’s all right for you two with titles.” “Nonsense you’re as good as either of us.” “Bring her in and we’ll fit you in somewhere. I think we have a few guest rooms left.”
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Fiddler - Regency, The - Karen Blayne