Chapter Two

Lake District, England—1 September 1810

A s the carriage rolled along, Lady Mirella Strong looked out at the scenic landscape of the Lake District, still marveling that she had been given this opportunity to visit the area.

She glanced to her aunt Matty, who had been responsible for suggesting the trip to Mirella and Effie, her younger sister. Aunt Matty, who was their father’s sister, had never wed. She treated Mirella, her sisters, and cousins as her own children. Mama had raised all six of them with Aunt Matty’s assistance, and the older woman was one of Mirella’s favorite people in the world.

It was odd being away from Shadowcrest. Her family was rapidly changing, thanks to the recent marriages within it. Her brother James, absent for many years, suddenly resurfaced. His tale of being kidnapped from the London docks while he was visiting Strong Shipping, their family business, had been quite remarkable. Even more remarkable, James had fallen in love with Sophie Grant, a widow who defied all of Polite Society’s unwritten rules and ran Neptune Shipping, Strong Shipping’s biggest competitor. Sophie would give birth to their first child at the end of this month, so the traveling Strongs would need to return in time for that event.

Mirella had always been close to all the girls in her family, but her older sisters, twins, had both wed a short time ago. Pippa was now on an extended honeymoon, voyaging around the world with her husband, who had been a sea captain and was now Viscount Hopewell. Georgie had just made her come-out this past spring and had wed a former army captain in June. August had returned from war to take up the title of Marquess of Edgethorne, and the pair were summering in Scotland at Dalmara, one of August’s properties. They, too, would be returning to Kent in the near future.

Most remarkable of all was that Mirella’s mother, the widowed Duchess of Seaton, had found love with James’ closest friend. Drake Andrews had been a ship’s captain for Neptune Shipping, but with his marriage last month to Mama, the captain had given up his seafaring ways and had taken up the reins of Neptune Shipping, managing the company for Sophie. That was, without a doubt, the biggest change in Mirella’s life because she had a stepfather who adored her, her sisters, and her cousins. Mama had made a typical ton marriage as a young lady, her parents selecting her husband for her. Mama had become the second wife to the Duke of Seaton, who was eager for sons. Instead, Mama had given the duke four daughters, as well as taking in the newborn twins of Seaton’s brother, who had no interest in raising girls after his wife died birthing them. Lyric and Allegra, though her cousins, were more like sisters to her.

Mirella herself should have made her own come-out alongside Georgie this past spring. Unfortunately, she had slipped on a patch of wet grass while they were walking in Hyde Park shortly before the Season began, falling and breaking her forearm and elbow. If there was anything in this world Mirella enjoyed, it was dancing. The doctor had forbid her from doing so because of the clunky plaster cast she had to wear while her bones knitted together again. Because of that, she had decided to delay her come-out until next April.

She knew she was the reason why they were touring the Lake District now. Mama and Sophie had decided to help introduce Allegra and Lyric into society. The twins had refused to make their debuts because of convoluted reasons, but both were still eager to find the love match the other Strongs had recently made. Mama had planned a lovely house party in their honor, and it was now taking place at Shadowcrest. Since Mirella had yet to make her own come-out, she had felt odd. It would be awkward attending the party under those circumstances, so Aunt Matty had come up with the perfect solution—a visit to the Lake District, which included stopping to see Lady Benton, Aunt Matty’s friend since childhood. Her aunt was a yearly visitor to Benbrook, home to Lord and Lady Benton.

Naturally, her younger sister Effie had been invited to come along. Also accompanying them was Effie’s governess, Miss Feathers. The four women traveled in luxury. James had provided his roomiest and most elegant ducal carriage for their journey. He had insisted they take it, since he and Sophie would be at Shadowcrest for the entire house party they hosted.

“Every time I think the landscape cannot grow prettier, it simply outdoes itself,” declared Effie. “Thank you again, Aunt Matty, for bringing us to the Lake District.”

Her aunt smiled. “I was more than happy to do so, girls. I have been coming here regularly to visit Flora since shortly after she and Lord Benton were wed. She has been my dearest friend for many decades.”

Although Aunt Matty was two years past her sixtieth birthday and her hair was white as snow, she still was quite a beauty. Her face was barely lined and her cornflower blue eyes, a trait of the Strongs, stood out.

“What has been your favorite place we have visited so far?” asked Miss Feathers.

Mirella enjoyed Miss Feathers’ company. The governess had been with the family over six years and had served as governess to all the girls in the family. While Miss Feathers still tutored Effie in subjects such as French and history and comportment, Miss Feathers had become a dear friend to all the Strong women. Mirella was glad Aunt Matty had included Miss Feathers on this journey.

“That would be hard to answer,” Effie said. “The lakes alone are gorgeous, but seeing the mountains simply takes my breath away.” She turned to Mirella. “What do you think has been your favorite place?”

“I have been taken with this northwest area of England, the same as you,” she replied. “I did, however, especially enjoy seeing Windermere. I know it is the largest of the lakes in this region. The town of Windermere was also a delight.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Miss Feathers said. “Windermere has also been my favorite stop of our journey. And getting to tour Wren Park. That was a most beautiful home.”

Touring homes of members of Polite Society was something unique to the Lake District, Mirella had discovered. Once they agreed to travel with Aunt Matty to the region, her aunt had given them each a copy of Thomas West’s A Guide to the Lakes . First published in 1778, the book detailed the Lake District, stating it was more than comparable to areas in places such as Germany and Switzerland, where many gentlemen took their Grand Tours. Because of the Jesuit priest’s guidebook, more young gentlemen—and later other visitors—began making their way to see the Lake District for themselves. It had become tradition for travelers to stop by the grand country estates located in this region and ask to take a tour of the house and its grounds. This especially occurred during the summer months, when most of the owners of these homes were in town at the Season.

So far, they had stopped twice, with housekeepers giving them a tour of the huge family homes. Despite both houses being most impressive, Mirella thought Shadowcrest was even more beautiful than the homes they had seen on this journey. She realized that one day, when she wed, Shadowcrest would no longer be her home. Excitement filled her as she thought about next year’s Season and how she hoped to find her husband during it. James had told both Georgie and her before the start of the previous Season that they should not be in a rush to wed. If they did not find the man they wished to spend the rest of their lives with, they were not to compromise or settle in any way. He had emphasized his home would always be their home, for as long as they wished for it to be.

She had appreciated that. Though James was the son of the Duke of Seaton’s first wife, James never referred to Mirella and her sisters as being his half-sisters. From the time he came home, James had made it known that they were true siblings.

“Oh, we are close to Grasmere now,” her aunt said, excitement in her voice. “I truly believe you will find it to be the most beautiful of all places in the Lake District. After all, Wordsworth resided in Grasmere and wrote about its scenic beauty.”

Poetry was something that had been new to Mirella. While Miss Feathers had given the girls a through education, teaching them grammar and composition, maths, and history, she allowed them to also pursue topics they were interested in. For her part, Mirella was inspired by music. She spent at least two hours a day at her pianoforte. Both she and Georgie were the most accomplished musicians in the Strong family. Because of the time she had devoted to her music, she had not spent any time reading poetry.

It changed leading up to this trip. Besides giving Effie and her the popular guidebook describing the Lake District, Aunt Matty had presented both girls with a copy of Mr. Wordsworth’s collected poems, telling them which particular ones had been inspired by Wordsworth’s living in Grasmere. Mirella had grown to love several of them, especially an ode that was fresh and arresting and another poem about daffodils in the forest.

“Do you think we will be able to see where Mr. Wordsworth lives?” she asked.

Aunt Matty said, “Actually, he lived at a place called Dove Cottage until two years ago. it turned out to be too small for his growing family, and he has since moved away from Grasmere. I did hear the last time I came and visited Flora that a fellow writer of his acquaintance has taken up the lease, however. I am certain we can at least stroll by Dove Cottage if not see inside it.”

“Oh, I would like that, Aunt,” Effie said enthusiastically. “I have come to enjoy Mr. Wordsworth’s poetry very much. Miss Feathers has spent time with me, going over some of the poems line-by-line, and helping to enlighten me as to their meaning.”

The governess smiled indulgently. “I am glad his poetry has come to your attention, girls. Especially now that you will be seeing the very places which inspired such creativity. Why, you might wish to try your own hand at writing poetry.”

Effie laughed at the thought. “That is not something I will be attempting, Miss Feathers. You know once we are back at Shadowcrest, I will be out and about on the land again every day once our lessons are done.”

Her sister stroked the cat sitting in her lap as she spoke. Effie was mad for animals and rescued strays left and right. Daffodil, the cat who had come along with them, was Effie’s favorite. She had insisted she could not leave Daffy behind at Shadowcrest because they both would be heartbroken. Her sister frequently went about Shadowcrest wearing breeches, visiting tenants along with Caleb, Allegra and Lyric’s brother, who served as the Shadowcrest steward.

Mirella had also spent quite a bit of time with her cousin since Caleb had come to live and work at Shadowcrest. She knew one day when she had wed, she and her husband would be responsible for their own country estate and its tenants and staff. Because of that, Mirella wanted to know as much about estate management as possible. While she knew it would be more the role of her husband to deal with the land and tenants while she was in charge of their household, she was naturally curious and interested in many things. Caleb had explained to her about various crops and how they were grown and harvested. Her cousin had also interested Mirella in various livestock at Shadowcrest, and she had learned about the raising of them and their sale at market. She wanted to be the best mistress of the house she came to live in and call her own, as well as supporting her husband in all his endeavors.

Why, she might fall in love with someone who owned property in the Lake District.

The thought inspired her for a moment, thinking how lovely it would be to awaken amidst such beauty in nature. Then again, she would be so very far from others in her family. As part of her widow’s settlement, Mama had been awarded a small manor house called Crestridge, less than ten miles from Shadowcrest. While her mother and the captain would live in town a good part of the year, thanks to his role at Neptune Shipping, they would sometimes be in the country, both at Crestridge and Shadowcrest.

Pippa’s husband Seth owned the country estate next to Shadowcrest. Hopewood and Shadowcrest shared a lake between the two estates, and so Pippa would always be close by. Though not in Kent, August and Georgie would reside at Edgefield, which was only a couple of hours’ carriage ride away in Surrey. Mirella did not wish to choose a husband based upon where his country seat stood, but it would be nice to be near her sisters and mother.

That got her to thinking about the house party taking place at Shadowcrest. She wondered if Lyric and Allegra would come out of it betrothed. If so, she wondered where their husbands might own property.

She pushed all those thoughts aside as she caught sight of the lake. Grasmere Lake was stunning. The River Rothay flowed into the lake, which was surrounded by fells and mountains. She could not wait to explore it, hopefully by horseback and on foot.

“The town of Grasmere is but a mile from this lake,” Aunt Matty shared. “We will be passing by it on the way to Benbrook.”

“How far is Benbrook from Grasmere?” asked Miss Feathers.

“Oh, I would say a good three miles or so,” Aunt Matty guessed.

The women fell silent, drinking in the beauty of the lake and its surrounding area. They did pass the town of Grasmere, and Mirella would be eager to explore it since they would be staying with Lord and Lady Benton for the next week before their return to Kent. She hoped to be outdoors quite a bit of their time, soaking up the beauty of Grasmere.

They arrived at Benbrook, a truly lovely estate, what Aunt Matty called her second home. Her aunt was the first to be handed out of the carriage, and Mirella heard her aunt’s squeal of delight as she caught sight of her lifelong friend. The two embraced, with an older gentleman looking on. She assumed him to be Lord Benton.

Effie slipped Daffy into a straw basket, closing the lid, and a footman handed the three of them down. They went to meet their hosts.

“We are delighted to have you come to stay with us,” Lord Benton said, introducing himself and his wife. “Matty is quite special to both of us. In fact, she was the one who introduced us that Season. After these many years, I look upon her as both sister and friend.”

“It is so good to finally meet you in person,” Lady Benton told them. “Matty has spoken of all of you for so many years.”

She thought it a bit odd that the couple never attended the Season. Then again, the busy slate of social activities did not appeal to everyone. Especially knowing now how gorgeous the Lake District was, Mirella thought that she might even find it hard to leave this landscape for the crowds and smells of London.

“Come inside,” Lady Benton encouraged. “I have had my housekeeper place Lady Mirella and Lady Effie together. That is what Matty requested.”

“We are used to sharing a bedchamber, my lady,” Mirella said. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“I will have hot water sent up to you all. Tea will be served on the terrace in an hour. It is simply too nice a day to stay inside for it.”

They were taken to their bedchambers, and a maid unpacked Mirella and Effie’s trunks for them, while another brought the hot water. They washed and changed their gowns, making their way downstairs and out to the terrace with the assistance of a maid who brought them through the large French doors which opened onto the terrace. Lord and Lady Benton were already seated outside, along with Aunt Matty and Miss Feathers.

She was happy Miss Feathers was being treated well. Some would have made a distinction with her being a governess, but Miss Feathers had been given a bedchamber across the hall from Effie and her. It struck Mirella that the governess would complete her service to the Strong family in less than two years. Effie would make her come-out the year after Mirella, and then Miss Feathers’ work at Shadowcrest would be done. She wondered if Miss Feathers would be willing to take on a new generation of children since it was certain there would be babies coming from all the newlyweds. She would take Miss Feathers aside and ask about her plans. Not now, but down the road.

Taking a seat, Mirella said, “Our bedchamber is so light and airy, Lady Benton. And the fresh flowers were simply beautiful.”

“Our mother enjoys arranging flowers,” Effie said. “She would also have appreciated the arrangement.”

“Thank you, my dears,” the countess said. “We are fortunate to get a good deal of rain, so the flowers never go thirsty.” She paused. “There you are, my boy. Come and join us.”

She looked up and saw a man approaching. Not just any man, but one who was rather tall. His clothing was elegantly cut, showing off broad shoulders and muscular legs. His hair was black as a raven’s, and he had the most unusual shade of eye color, a deep gray. Mirella had never seen anyone with eyes such a distinct color.

Rising, as did the others, she prepared to be introduced to him, her heart slamming against her ribs. She had never had such a physical reaction to a man before.

He moved toward them, confidence in his stride, but he appeared much too dour for her taste. His jaw was tightly set, and he looked as if might pain him if he were asked to smile.

Reaching them, he bowed. “Good afternoon, Lady Mathilda. It is nice to see you again.”

“Aunt Matty, my lord. I have told you that you have leave to address me as thus.”

The man nodded brusquely. “Yes. Aunt Matty. Of course.”

“May I introduce my traveling companions to you?” her aunt said. “These are my nieces, Lady Mirella Strong and Lady Euphemia Strong. And our family’s governess, Miss Feathers. Ladies, this is the Marquess of Bridgewater, nephew to Lady Benton.”

He glanced to her first, and Mirella’s heart skipped a beat. “Lady Mirella,” he said perfunctorily, taking her hand briefly but not kissing it as she expected.

The marquess did the same with Effie and then merely bowed to Miss Feathers.

“Take a seat, everyone,” the countess said. “The teacarts have arrived.”

Mirella wondered how she was going to swallow anything and keep it down.