“Warburton knows the man who makes this chocolate, did you know that, Tessie? We could even tour his factory together.”
“Could we swim in a pool made of chocolate?”
“I can imagine us swimming around with our mouths open like fishes...”
They both giggled, picturing the scene. Then Tessie sobered. “He shouldn’t have left you alone on the morning after your wedding night.”
“He’s very busy, though. Off riding the estate, in the absence of his steward.”
“Of course he is, I’m sorry, it wasn’t my place to comment.”
“I’ll stay busy, too. Mrs. Hedges is giving me a tour of the kitchens. Mustn’t start off on the wrong foot with the staff.”
“They are all disposed to be kindly toward you. I think the staff view you as their best hope of restoring His Grace to his former self. He was greatly changed during the war.”
“Yes, Cloris and Agnes mentioned as much. How are you getting on with them and the other staff?”
Tessie dimpled involuntarily into her cup of chocolate. “There’s one footman that I find rather agreeable.”
“Tessie! Do you have an amour already?”
“Not yet, it’s so soon. We hardly know each other. But when his eyes fall on me—oh! It’s thrilling.”
“Which one? Tom? Or the other young handsome one... what was his name?”
“George. George Armstrong,” she said dreamily. “Isn’t that a wonderful name? Armstrong—so powerful!”
Ana laughed. “Most definitely.”
“He’s a local lad, born not far from the castle. He’s been working here for a few years. He’s promised to take me under his wing, show me the ropes.”
“I’m sure he has. Just be careful, Tessie. Make sure he’s a good and honest fellow.”
“I have a feeling about him. You just know, don’t you? He’s not like that Tom, who knows he’s handsome and uses it to tease all the maids and put them in a flurry. My George is modest and hardworking.”
“‘My George,’ is it?”
Tessie’s smile widened. “I shouldn’t put the cart before the horse, eh? It’s only been one day. But Ana, just think! If we were to marry, I’d be Theresa Armstrong. No more Tessie Alcox.”
“Do you mind your family name so very much?” teased Ana, enjoying this window into her friend’s life.
“Oh, I loved my family, of course I did!” Tessie said reproachfully. “I miss them every day. But you can’t imagine how much I was teased by those vile village louts growing up! ‘Tessie Alcox, will you test all our—’” She blushed. “You can imagine the rest.”
Ana laughed in sympathy. “Children can be cruel, boys disgustingly so.”
Tessie took her leave, and Ana was left alone with her thoughts and the pot of rapidly cooling chocolate. Theresa Alcox. The name had lodged itself in her mind. She’d never known Tessie’s surname before.Theresa Alcox. Something about it nudged her, not hard enough to dislodge any particular memory, just enough to annoy. She shook her head. What she needed was fresh air and physical activity that was not accomplished in bed.
“I think I’ll take a walk around the grounds after my tour of the kitchens,” she announced to Cloris and Agnes, as they helped her into a sage green muslin day dress.
“Very good, Your Grace,” Cloris replied. “We’ll have your cloak and bonnet readied.”
The late autumn breeze was blissfully brisk and bracing. Ana breathed deeply, filling her lungs. Her bonnet, gloves, and thick cashmere shawl kept her warm enough.
He’d left her alone all day, after doing those things to her.
She shivered, remembering the things he’d said to her, the things she’d done willingly, asking for more. Why couldn’t they lie abed together of a morning? Perhaps eat breakfast together inbed from a tray. Honeymooning couples did that sort of thing, did they not?
To stave off the loneliness seeping into her mind, she’d asked Cloris and Agnes along. They flanked her in their great black bonnets like two kindly crows, answering her questions and matching her pace.