But viewing the country estate made it clear just how wealthy the family was. A circular driveway led to the three-story red-brick structure where a statue of a water deity stood guard. The house boasted over fifty rooms and was an H-plan Elizabethan design, according to Mrs. Melbourne. Formal gardens were visible on the north side. Rolling green fields surrounded the estate with a forest bordering the southern edge, and practically begged one to enjoy long walks around the property.
“It is lovely, isn’t it?” Frances asked as she paused beside Harriet to study the place. “A duke and duchess lived here two hundred years ago.” She gave a rueful look at Harriet. “I don’t suppose they would be pleased to know that we live here now, but such is the way of things.”
“I hope they’d be happy someone was enjoying their home,” Harriet said as she continued staring at it. “Tell me there’s a library inside.”
Frances grinned. “We have two. You can read as many books as you’d like.” She started forward only to turn back. “But you still have to participate in all the activities Mother has planned.”
“Of course.” Harriet hoped there wouldn’t be too many as there was nothing she’d rather do than explore the libraries. “I wish the other league members could’ve come.”
“As do I,” Frances agreed. “Winifred is coming for a few days. But Phoebe is at Bolton House in the country, and of course, Tibby is on her wedding trip. The others weren’t able to make the journey.” She turned to Harriet. “Thank you again for coming and for agreeing to help me. It means so much to me.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Harriet touched her arm. “I’m certain you won’t need my assistance.”
Frances shook her head. “The moment I see him, my shyness takes over, and I can’t manage to say a coherent word.”
“Are you ready to divulge the name of the man who has you so tongue-tied?” Harriet had pressed her during the train ride when they’d had a few minutes alone but with no success. How could she help if she didn’t know who it was?
Color rose in her friend’s cheeks. “I don’t want to jinx it. Not until he arrives. I fear some problem will arise to keep him away if I tell you.”
“Come along, girls,” Mrs. Melbourne said as she and her husband passed by to lead the way to the front entrance. “Let us see you settled before tea. I’m certain you’re both famished from the journey.”
Harriet trailed behind them, unable to stop gawking at the house, wondering how many servants it took to maintain it. Based on the number who spilled out of the arched, carved front doors to greet them, it was dozens.
Soon she followed Mr. and Mrs. Melbourne and Frances inside. The grand entrance hall had a timeless elegance with tiled floors in a black and white pattern, dark wood paneling, and a wide staircase that divided into two on the second floor to curl upward in opposite directions.
Harriet was pleased to find her bedroom was just down the hall from Frances on the third floor rather than on the opposite side of the house.
“See what you think,” Frances said, waiting while one of the maids opened the door.
Harriet stepped inside, delighted by the tasteful blue décor. “It’s beautiful.”
A four-poster bed dominated the room with matching night tables on either side. Pale blue wallpaper covered the upper half of the walls above more of the dark wood paneling pre-dominant throughout the house.
A pink floral wingback chair sat near the window, a perfect place to read during the day, and another stood before the fireplace. A small writing desk was in a corner, also an inviting place to sit.
Harriet turned to Frances with a smile. “Thank you so much. It’s a lovely room.”
“I’m so pleased you like it. Let Sally know if you need anything. We’ll be sharing her services during your stay.” She tipped her head toward the maid, who smiled warmly. “I’ll leave you to settle in then return to collect you to join Mother for tea in the drawing room in a half hour. Afterward, I’ll show you around.”
“Perfect.” She looked forward to seeing the rest of the house.
Frances departed as a footman brought in her bags. Sally, the maid, quickly unpacked and answered a few questions for Harriet before leaving her to rest.
Harriet took advantage of the few minutes of quiet to retrieve one of the books she’d brought with her and try the chair by the window. However, the view proved too much to resist. She looked forward to walking across the fields and made a mental note to ask Frances if that was permissible.
Tea a short time later was a delight. Harriet didn’t know Mr. and Mrs. Melbourne well, but they were kind and generous, much like Frances. Frances’ older brother, Martin, and his wife, Catherine, joined them. The conversation was lively. Everyone seemed excited about the house party.
Mrs. Melbourne didn’t linger long since she wanted to speak with the staff to make certain everything was in readiness for the guests who would begin arriving the next day.
Frances led Harriet on a tour of the house, which boasted over thirty bedrooms, a gallery, a dining room, a ballroom, and numerous sitting rooms, as well as the libraries.
“Father has books in his study, of course,” Frances said, “but they’re on farming techniques and the history of the area. Let me know if you want to look in there, and I’ll make certain he’s not using it.” She paused before a door on the second floor and smiled. “This is my favorite place in the house.”
She opened the door wide for Harriet who gasped in response.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined one wall with a bank of tall windows on another that allowed sunlight to pour in. A narrow spiral staircase led to an upper balcony where more bookshelves were visible. A ladder offered a tempting way to take a closer look at some of the higher shelves.
A cozy sitting area invited one to linger even though portraits of imposing looking gentlemen frowned down at them.