Chapter3
“Oh, it’s quite beautiful,” Gracesaid, looking out the window as the stately Dandridge Manor came into view. Her excitement built as the carriage made its way down the long, tree-lined driveway.
“Let me see,” Mia said, leaning over Audrey to peer out the window. “It’s so big!”
“Kathryn, can you see?” Grace asked, leaning back against the squab so Kathryn could get a better look.
“It’s a lovely home. The stonework alone must have cost a fortune. I can’t wait to see what the garden looks like,” Kathryn said.
Grace nodded. “Me too.”
Fletcher was beside the carriage when it finally stopped. He jumped off his horse and went to help the ladies step down. “Here we are, my love,” he said as he helped Audrey from the carriage. “What do you think?”
Audrey was awe-struck as she gazed at the manor house. “I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment. It’s so beautiful. I had no idea the manor was such a lavish home. The one time Papa mentioned Dandridge, he said it was a cottage, so to see this beautiful home is quite a surprise.”
“Definitely not a cottage,” Fletcher said as he helped the other women out of the carriage.
The front door opened, revealing a tall, middle-aged man and a slender woman with a welcoming smile standing in the doorway. “Lord Fletcher, welcome to Dandridge Manor. I’m Jones, and this is Mrs. Hutchins, the housekeeper here.”
“Good day, Jones, Mrs. Hutchins. May I make known to you my wife, Lady Fletcher, Lady Kathryn, Miss Parker, and Miss Mia?” Fletcher said.
The housekeeper curtseyed. “Lovely to meet you all. Please do come in. You must be tired from your journey.”
Everyone followed her into the sizable foyer. Grace couldn’t stop staring at the spots where numerous paintings had once lined the walls. “I guess Papa had been selling off things here too, but the manor is light and airy, definitely a departure from our Gracechurch Street home.”
“I agree,” Audrey said.
“Lord and Lady Fletcher, I’d like to introduce the staff,” Jones said. Three young women and two young men stood in a line. “This is Selena, the upstairs maid, who will be happy to help the ladies; Betsy and Louisa, who help with whatever is needed; and Charles, our footman.”
The three female servants curtseyed, and the footman bowed.
“Lovely to meet you all,” Audrey said. “We’re happy to be here.”
“I’ve instructed the cook, Mrs. Greenleaf, to prepare a tea tray. Would you care to see your rooms and freshen up before tea?” Mrs. Hutchins asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Audrey said. “That would be lovely.”
“Do I get to choose my bedchamber?” Mia asked.
“There are several ready for your visit,” Mrs. Hutchins said.
Fletcher held out his arm for Audrey. “Shall we, my dear?” he said as they followed the housekeeper, who was heading for the stairs.
Mia was right on their heels.
“I’ll see my room later. Right now, I’d like to see the garden,” Grace said. “Lady Kathryn, would you like to come with me?”
Kathryn nodded. “I would love to.”
“You can reach the garden through the drawing room doors,” Mrs. Hutchins said, pointing to the first room on the right of the foyer as she started up the stairs.
Grace linked arms with Kathryn, and the two young women walked through the drawing room and out the French doors.
“Oh, dear. This is quite messy,” Grace said, looking around the overgrown garden. It wasn’t what she’d expected, especially since the manor was so grand.
“Hmm… I think it could be quite lovely with some work,” Kathryn said, walking down the path. “Grace, look at this.”
Grace walked toward her friend, who was pointing to a row of bushes. “Roses? Oh my, I believe those areGallicasroses. See their oval foliage? I wonder what color the blooms will be.”