And I appear to be the lady who
is stuck with the task. As long as we
must live there, we might as well make
the place habitable. And if we are going
to spend money to make it comfortable,
we may as well spend as much as possible
here in the village. These people rely on
stone vale for their incomes."
Nan brightened somewhat at this bit of
logic.
I see your point, ma'am."
People came out of the shops and the
small, decrepit taverns to watch as the
stone vale carriage made its way sedately
down the rutted street. Victoria smiled and
waved.
There were one or two tentative waves
in response, but the general lack of
enthusiasm for the new mistress of Stone
vale was rather daunting. Victoria won
dered if it was her, personally, they found
unappealing, or if their attitude was simply
an extension of the local feeling toward
stone vale in general. She could not blame
the villagers for being less than optimistic
about their futures, given the obvious
neglect they had endured from the past
master of the great house.
These poor people, she thought, nibbling
on her lower lip. They had suffered a great
deal. This was a place where money could
accomplish much.
In the middle of the village, Victoria
spotted a tiny dry-goods shop.
I think
here would be an excellent place to begin
our shopping."
Nan managed to keep her mouth shut,
although her opinion of the place was
plain.
Victoria was smiling in amusement at
her maid's superior attitude when she
stepped down from the carriage with the
aid of her footman.
The warmth of a bright spring sun
fell on her full force, highlighting the
deep amber yellow shade of her gown
and glinting off her honey-colored hair.
The amber feather in her tiny, yellow
hat bobbed in the small breeze and the
amber pendant she wore around her throat
caught the sunlight and glowed with a life
of its own. Everyone on the street stared
as if momentarily transfixed.
Then a little girl, who had been watching
from behind the safety of her mother's
skirts, suddenly crowed in delight and ran
out into the street, making a beeline for
Victoria.
Amber Lady, Amber Lady," the child
shouted merrily as she raced forward on
bare feet.
Pretty Amber Lady. You came
back. My granny always said you would.
She said you'd have hair the color of
gold and honey all mixed up and you'd
be wearin" a golden dress."
Here now," Nan snapped not unkindly
as she moved to intercept the youngster.
We don't want to get mud all over her
ladyship, now, do we? Shoo, child. Go on
back to your ma."
The girl ignored her, darting swiftly
around the obstacle to grab hold of
Victoria's yellow skirts with grubby fingers.
Hello," Victoria said with a welcoming
smile.
What would your name be?"
Lucy
awkins," the child said proudly,
looking up at her with eyes full of wonder.
And that's my ma. And over there's my
big sis."
The woman Lucy had pointed out as her
mother was already hurrying forward with
a horrified grimace on her worn-looking
face. She could not have been more than
five years older than Victoria, but she
appeared to be at least twenty years her
senior.
I'm so sorry, mum. She's just a child.
She didn't mean nothin". Don't know her
manners around her betters. She ain't seen
that many of
em. Betters, I mean."
It is quite all right. She's done no
harm."
She ain't?" The woman's face held an
expression of honest bewilderment.
She
dirtied your dress, mum," she pointed
out in case Victoria had failed to notice
the muddy fingerprints on the fine amber
muslin.
Victoria did not bother to glance down at
the stains.
I appreciate her warm welcome.
Lucy is the first person from the village
whom I have had a chance to meet, except
for our housekeeper, misses Sneath. Speaking
of which, is there any chance your older
daughter or one of her friends might be
interested in a job in the kitchens? We are
in desperate need of staff. I cannot imagine
how stone vale has managed to function at
all with so few people working there."
A job?" The woman's face went blank
in open astonishment.
A real job at the
big house, yer ladyship? Why, we'd be ever
so grateful. My husband ain't worked in
ages and neither
as a lot o" other men
around here."
It is Lord stone vale and myself who will
be grateful, I assure you." Victoria glanced
around the ring of curious faces that was
starting to gather near the carriage.
In
fact, we shall be needing a number
of people. If anyone is interested in
working in the gardens or the stables
or the kitchens, please present yourselves
tomorrow morning. You shall be taken on
immediately. Now, if you will excuse me,
I thought I would do a little shopping in
your charming village."
When Victoria started forward with Nan
at her heels, the crowd parted magically.
She could still hear Lucy's squeals about
the Amber Lady as she stepped over the
threshold of the small shop.
Two hours later Victoria sailed into
stone vale's main hall.
Do you by any
chance know the whereabouts of his
lordship, Griggs? I must see him at
once."
I believe he is in the library with Mister
Satherwaite, madam. His lordship expressly
requested that he not be disturbed while he
was in conference with his new steward."
I am certain he will make an exception
in my case and I am particularly delighted
to catch him with Satherwaite. Very
convenient." Victoria smiled and started
briskly for the closed door of the library,
stripping off one of her fine kid gloves as
she went forward.
Griggs sprang for the door.
Forgive
me, madam, but his lordship was most
particular about his request."
Don't fret, Griggs. I shall deal with
him."
Begging your pardon, madam, but I
have been privileged to be in his lordship's
employ for several months now and I pride
myself on having learned his preferences. I
can assure you he has a strong preference
for being obeyed."
Victoria
smiled
grimly.
Believe
me,
I
understand better than most that stone vale
has a few difficult quirks in his nature. Be
so good as to open the door, Griggs. Rest
assured I shall take full responsibility for
any mayhem which may ensue."
Looking doubtful, but unwilling to
contradict his mistress, Griggs opened
the door with an expression of deep
foreboding.
Thank you, Griggs." Victoria peeled off
her second glove as she went into the
room. She saw Lucas glance up, scowling.
But the scowl changed to an expression of
surprise as he saw who it was who had
interrupted him.
Good afternoon, madam." Lucas rose
politely to his feet.
I thought you had
gone into the village."
I did. Now I am returned, as you can
plainly see. How fortunate to find you
together with your steward." She smiled at
Mister Satherwaite, an earnest-looking young
man seated on the other side of stone vale's
desk. The steward dropped the journal he
had been holding and sprang to his feet,
bowing deeply.
Your servant, your ladyship."
Lucas eyed Victoria somewhat cautiously.
How can I be of service, my
dear?"
I just wanted to apprise you of a few
minor details. I have let it be known
in the village that we will be taking on
staff. Those who are interested, which I
gather will be a sizable number, have
been instructed to present themselves in
the morning. Mister Satherwaite can handle
them, I am certain. I will be consulting
with Griggs and misses Sneath as to the
exact number of people we shall require
in the house proper. Since I am certain
you are busy enough with the tenants'
problems, I shall also attend to the staffing
of the gardens."
I see," Lucas said.
In addition, I should mention that I
have made a number of purchases in the
village. The tradesmen will be delivering
most of them tomorrow morning. Please
arrange to have their bills paid at once. It
is quite obvious they cannot afford to wait
upon our convenience, as is customary."
Anything else, madam?" Lucas asked
dryly.
Yes, I met the vicar's wife, misses Worth,
while I was in the village and have invited
her and her husband to tea tomorrow
afternoon. We will be discussing the various
charity needs of the village. Kindly arrange
your schedule so that you may join us."
Lucas inclined his head in grave acknowledgment
of the command.
I will consult
my schedule to see if I am free. Will that
be all?"
Not quite. We really must do something
about that terrible road into the village.
Most uncomfortable."
Lucas nodded.
I shall put it on my list
of items needing repair."
Do that, my lord. I think that will
be all for now." Victoria smiled warmly
again at Mister Satherwaite, who was looking
dumbfounded, turned on her heel, and