Bessie (16 page)

“I am having latches put on my shutters until the glass arrives.”

“You’d lock me out? How can I conspire with you if you do that?”

“I’ve an entire day of time outside this chamber that would be more proper. You’d be much in demand at court, you know. Enterprising young lads are difficult to find.”

“I’m not a lad. I’m a man.”

“An even better reason for locking you out. Now go!”

He swung himself out her window, and disappeared upward. It coincided perfectly with an enormous thud as the wardrobe fell over. Bessie jumped from the window, spun, and did her best to look innocent.

That’s when she saw the pear still perched atop her bedpost.She barely had time to pitch it through the window before Roberta scooted around the fallen armoire.

Oh!
This was getting absolutely disastrous.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“What are all these men doing here? I’ve not ordered workmen. I’ve not ordered any of this. I see workers crawling about my home and I’m not even informed.”

Devon’s uncle might have been handsome once. It was difficult to tell. He was loud. Barrel-chested. Aggressive. He never seemed to display any reasonable attributes. He might be taller than her, but that placed him quite a bit shorter than she’d come to expect from a Hildebrand male. Bessie stopped before him, looked down and then up to his florid face as if measuring his appearance, and then she folded her arms before she answered. “I ordered them.”

“You’ve a lot of explaining to do, then. My nephew won’t stand by and tolerate this type of goings-on.”

“Well, he is not here now, is he? Cease delaying me. I’ve things to accomplish.”

“What are you using for payment? The marshland he’s gained isn’t worth the paper to deed it. You’d best have some funds of your own. That’s all I can say.”

“You’ve too much to say, already.”

Devon’s uncle stood to his full height to glare down at her. She’d only been at Hilde two days and already there had been several run-ins with the man. Bessie had deliberately waited until mid-morn to leave her chamber. He’d been waiting for her. The moment she reached the Great Hall, the lecturing had started. She could understand why Will said the Hildebrand boys used the windows to escape their uncle. Had she grown up here, she would have, too.

Devon was no help. As far as she knew, he’d disappeared again. He did so the moment the sun was up and came in just before sunset. Last night, he even missed the family dinner. He was avoiding her. She didn’t have to ask anyone. It was obvious.  

“I’ve not said enough. You think you can charge in and change everything without a by-your-leave? No wonder you were widowed so oft. You drove your other husbands to their deaths. My nephew stays away to save his life!”

“Do you have some point to make, Francis?” Bessie asked in a sweet tone.

“Tell me what they are doing to the walls. At least, answer that.”

“The walls are being smoothed in preparation for the new tapestries.”

“They don’t need smoothing.”

“Yes, they do. And more. They need holes patched and some of the stonework replaced. You can’t even keep a fire in the North wing. The draft blows it out.”

“No one lives in the North wing.”

“Because it’s uninhabitable. I just remarked on it. We will need the rooms at some point, though.”

“What for? We’ve no guests. Haven’t had any in years.”

“I look forward to remedying that situation. Now that Devon has been lorded, we have to put up with certain things. Things like guests. And visitors. It will be expected.”

“Refurbish the North Wing then, but leave the Great Hall alone.”

“This room is shabby. It’s high on my list.”  

“What is this nonsense of glass in the windows, then? We’ve no need of it. Never had it. Never needed it.”

“You need to find someone else to accost, Francis. I’ve lessons for the girls to attend to.”

“You’ve gone and taken over. I’ll not have it.”

“Perhaps you should have seen to dancing lessons yourself, then.”

“Dancing? What a waste of time.”

“Every lady should know how to dance. And sew. And handle a household. Every house requires a woman’s touch when it comes to control and organization.”

“Hilde never did.”

“My point exactly. Now, you really must excuse me. I’ll be late.”

“Perhaps you should teach the girls something useful.”

“What would that be? In your estimation, of course?”

“How to cook a decent meal.”

“You don’t like the food my cooks prepare? Why...I’d heard you enjoy every meal set before you. Fully.”

Devon’s uncle colored. It did nothing to detract from, or add to, his looks.

“Teach my nieces how to do it, then.”

“I intend to seek out wealthy, influential husbands for each and every one of my sisters-in-law. Now. I must go. If you insist on continuing this conversation, perhaps you’ll join us?”  Bessie started walking. He joined in step with her.

“And do what?”

“Learn dancing, of course. Most gatherings require dancing. Perhaps you’ll save a set or two for me at Stansbury?”

“I will not attend any frivolities at that house. They might draw and quarter me on sight.”

“I should have known the hostilities between the families could be traced to you. What is it you did?”

“It wasn’t me. It was them.”

“What was it the Stansburys did?”

“They sent my betrothed to me as a used woman. I expected a maiden and got a harlot. I sent her back.”

“Oh. Dear. There are some things that are best left undiscovered. Thank you for reminding me of that. And for accompanying me to the ballroom.”

“We don’t have a ballroom.”

“I know. That probably isn’t the original purpose of this room, either. But it’s large. Has high ceilings. And most of the wooden floor is solid. It will make a grand ballroom when I’ve finished. Oh, look. The girls are all here.”

There was a squeal and a burst of words. “Uncle Francis? No! You wouldn’t—? You didn’t. He’s not! I mean—”

“Not to worry, Regina. Your uncle was simply escorting me. Francis?”

“I am not finished with you, Mistress.”

Bessie winced behind her veil. She’d thought the moniker an insult from Devon’s lips. She’d been naive. “And I look forward to conversing again, as well. Good day.”

Roberta closed the tall, wooden door on the uncle’s face with a decided thump. Bess was proud of her entire staff and their loyalty. It hadn’t taken long to discover the lack of education each and every Hildebrand suffered. She’d enlisted Sir Geoffrey’s help in finding tutors for the boys. It was a difficult task. Except for Byron, they had no interest in book learning.

Will had come into her chamber to complain of it yesterday. He wouldn’t be doing that again. Bessie had made certain the latch on her shutter was repaired. Again. Devon wasn’t any help there, either. He wasn’t available to assist her or argue with her. And she missed him.

Desperately.

But Uncle Francis was right. Hilde Castle had been overtaken, and it was about time. Bessie had most of the staff from Crump, and half of those from Stansbury assisting with the renovations. That’s how she knew of the North wing’s draft.

“Come along, Augusta, strike a key or two. Even if the pianoforte is hopelessly out of tune, it should still play. If not, I’ll attempt the harp. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll sing. Ladies? Form a circle. Touch palms with your right hand. The right one, Olivia. Very nice. Now, dip slightly to the right and replace your palm with the other. Excellent. Oh, Alicia. That was absolutely perfect.”

“She’s always perfect,” Regina complained.

“Now, Regina, if you must say something, you must try to couch it in elegant terms. No one wishes a shrew to wife.”

“Are you going to find a husband for me, too?”  Lizzie asked.

“You are a mite young yet, but who knows? There might be an eligible boy or two out there looking for a future bride.”

“I’m so glad Devon wed you,” Olivia said. “No one else seemed to care.”

Bessie’s throat swelled at the praise.

“She’s probably just getting rid of us,” Regina said.

Bessie swallowed the instant retort. She’d seen Devon’s sister, Regina’s prickly side from the first. The girl was looking for an argument from the moment she awoke. It was no mystery why she and Uncle Francis were constantly at odds.

“Actually, I’m looking for alliances that will secure the future for my husband, and any children we may have.”  A blush spread at the words. Her veil covered it, though. “And that will secure your futures as well.”

“You make it sound so...cold. Unfeeling. It makes me afraid,” Alicia said.

“Afraid of what? An unfeeling husband? It would be better than being here, wouldn’t it?”

“Now, Olivia, please. Alicia has a concern. It’s an honest one, too. Most marriages are enjoined for such reasons. Property. Political standing. Monetary gain. Very few are for any type of emotion. Why, you should hear the stories I have listened to from the ladies of Queen Elizabeth’s court.”

“You are so lucky to be wed to Devon, then,” Lizzy remarked.

Bessie couldn’t prevent the smile. The girl was Devon’s staunchest supporter. Still. Always. “That remains to be seen, Lizzie.” 

“Just make certain mine is handsome,” Regina sighed.

“I shall try my best, but that word has an entirely different meaning in the rest of the world. Devon had no comparison at court. It will be difficult finding one as fair. Trust me.”

“Even if there is one, he’ll not notice me,” Olivia said.

“You’ve too many mirrors in your room to say that.”

“You need to use elegant terms Regina,” Bessie reminded her.

“I will not stand out with nothing but rags to wear.”

Olivia was still complaining. Lizzie had been accurate with her words that first night. Physical appearance seemed to be Olivia’s entire focus.

“Ladies. Please. There isn’t one among you that isn’t outstandingly beautiful. Regardless of what you might be wearing. Isn’t that right, Roberta?”

“Especially if they stand beside you, my lady,” Roberta answered. “I vow, I’ve seen nicer threads on a pauper.”

Bess looked down at herself and the ordinary garments she’d donned. “Since there’s so much work to be done, I thought it best.”

“You are not doing any work. I won’t abide it.”

“I speak of the dust all about. Besides, if I want an argument, I can search out Francis. Isn’t that right, ladies?”

“What is atop your head this time?”

“A shawl. I couldn’t find a headdress. They have disappeared. I don’t suppose you’d know where?”

“They were in need of washing.”

“All of them?”

“I got behind in my washing.”

Bessie looked to the ceiling for a moment. The girls were giggling. “It is a good thing you’re an excellent maid, Roberta. Speaking of which, have we assigned the girls theirs, yet?”

“We’re getting our own maids? I don’t believe it. I don’t. I feel like I’m dreaming,” Alicia spoke.

“Mine won’t have much to do with my lack of wardrobe,” Olivia complained.

“She’ll be busy enough keeping all of your mirrors shined.”

“Can’t you say a kind word just once, Regina?” Alicia tightened her lips as she admonished her younger sister.

Bess let out an exasperated sigh. “Didn’t you tell them, Roberta?”

“Tell us what?”

It was Regina, and for once, she’d lost her sarcastic tone.

“I sent for seamstresses. They’ve just arrived. I also had bolts and bolts of fabrics sent. As soon as we’ve finished here, we’ll see about new wardrobes, including ensembles for the festival I’m planning at Stansbury.”

Bessie knew as soon as she spoke why Roberta had kept it quiet. Not one of the Hildebrand girls was interested in continuing dancing when they could be designing wardrobes and interviewing prospective lady’s maids. She could have kicked herself.

“What have I done?” she asked in mock horror.

“Go. See to yourself, Lady Bess. We’ll mind the ladies for you.”

“Oh, thank you, Augusta.”

“Have I grown invisible, of a sudden?”

“Of course not, Roberta. Thank you, too. If anyone wants me, I believe I’ll be in my rooms...hiding from Francis.”

“It won’t matter. He’ll find you. He’s got a nose for a fight. We usually send Regina,” Olivia said.

“Really? I can’t imagine why,” Bessie dead-panned.

“Is that what you meant by couching something in elegant terms?”

“You are an excellent student, Olivia. That goes for all of you. Now. Excuse me. Enjoy the materials and sketches. I look forward to seeing what you like.”

Bessie slid from the chamber, shut the door behind her, and wondered where it was safest to go. Uncle Francis wasn’t a bookish sort, which made the library a good place. Bessie’s lips twisted. Library was too nice a word for the room containing a rag-tag collection of books scattered on crooked wooden shelves. She wondered if any work had started there, yet.

One look told her if it had, it hadn’t progressed far.

Bess shut the library door behind her and sighed in resignation. There was so much to do! Hilde Castle was a large, ramshackle, poorly-designed keep. The L-shaped library was yet another example. The reason the shelves tilted was due to the uneven slant of the floor. And it was on the ground level. Made of stone. Perhaps the floor could be chiseled. Or a wooden floor might be a better option.

The library was empty of furnishings. Hollow-sounding. The assortment of chairs and tables had been removed. She’d assigned them to a kindling pile on sight. From all appearances, the family had been using the room mainly for storage. It also looked dustier than when she’d first seen it. That was probably due to the new glass windows. Their installation had created all kinds of debris. Beams of sunlight glanced off dust motes. Bessie reached for her head covering and unwound it as she walked toward one of the long windows.