acknowledge it was a well-judged comment. It was gently delivered, but reminded Bertram exactly who he was drooling over.
âOf course. Of course,â said Bertram, straightening up. âDelighted.â
Richard gestured to the head of the stairs, where other figures stood waiting. âPlease go up. We have heard from the station that Richendaâs train has arrived and they will be here any minute. Lucinda and I must stay to welcome them. My servants will make you comfortable. I believe you know my housekeeper, Mrs Lewis.â
The last comment was directed at me and obviously intended to remind me of my previous employment as his maid. Or perhaps he was reminding us of Mrs Lewisâ unusual appearance. I still could not look at her without remembering the gargoyles on my fatherâs church. This was much to my shame, as I knew her to be a fair and kind woman, but more than one of the staff at Stapleford Hall had screamed on unexpectedly encountering her after dark in the house corridors.
A frown crossed Lucindaâs face and she looked up at Richard, obviously puzzled by his comment. Though he kept his arm around her, Richard did not respond.
âThank you for inviting us,â I said to Lucinda. âI am very much looking forward to celebrating with you on your special day.â
Lucinda blushed and, pulling away from Richard, held out her hands to me. âAnd I must thank you. It will be so nice to have another woman of my age to talk to. Mary is here, of course, but she can be a bit stuffy!â
Richard made a grumbling noise and she stepped back by his side. After a momentâs awkwardness Bertram harrumphed, nodded at Richard and ushered me up the steps.
âGood Lord,â he said in my ear as we climbed. âWhat is a glorious creature like that doing with my brother?â I too was surprised and confused. I could practically feel Bertram bristling with chivalric indignation.
âI am sure the young lady knows what she is doing,â I said in an attempt to suppress any foolishness on Bertramâs part, but in truth I felt as if I should rush to Lucindaâs side and tell her of her groomâs true nature. âWe would not be thanked for any interference.â
âHmph!â said Bertram again.
Then Mrs Lewis was greeting us and we were caught up in being introduced to the many staff and escorted to our rooms. I went through the motions as my mother had taught me, but I could not rid myself of a strong sense of foreboding.
Chapter Seven
Euphemiaâs foreboding
I had been given a room in the tower. A small fire flickered in a quaint little tiled grate. The room was surprisingly large and furnished with a four-poster bed, dressing table, two chairs, a small table and a wardrobe. There was even a sink. Other washing necessities were shared with the other bedrooms on this floor, of which there appeared to be only another two. The room and furnishings had been liberally covered with tartan. Mrs Lewis, who had herself seen me up, must have noticed my face.
âThis is the blue tartan room. Quite restful to my mind.â She grimaced slightly and I realised she was trying to smile. âYou should see the red, yellow and green tartan rooms. They are quite something.â
âI can imagine,â I said with feeling. âI am grateful. Is there anything I should know about the running of events? Mr Bertram did not inform us that Sir Richard was marrying until we were underway. I fear none of us have brought gifts.â
âSir Richard wanted things this way,â replied Mrs Lewis. âI do not believe any of the guests have been forewarned about the wedding. We have a local minister and the village church is very pretty and quaint. Miss Lucinda has taken quite a fancy to it.â
âIt certainly seems to be a very large property. Though much of it appears new?â
Mrs Lewis stiffened. âThere was a fire,â she said, her voice