Read Online The Paradise Will by Elizabeth Hanbury - Free Book Online
Authors: Elizabeth Hanbury
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and shows me the estate afterwards. Would you care to join us?’
‘I’d like to meet the farm workers, and their families.’
Alyssa agreed. ‘Yes – it is time I introduced myself.’
The day passed quickly. Unhampered by Charles’s presence, Alyssa enjoyed her new role. She discussed the running of the house with Mrs Farnell, listening to her ideas for improvements and cost savings and suggesting some of her own. She met Ennis, a mild-mannered, middle-aged gentleman who had no qualms explaining business details to a woman, and he was neither patronizing nor sycophantic as they studied the accounts.
‘I will not trouble you with too much detail at this stage, Miss Paradise,’ he said, with a smile, ‘it is better to learn a little as we go along. Of course, problems can be discussed as and when they arise. Does that meet with your approval?’
‘Oh, yes! I have a great deal to learn, but I’m willing to apply myself. As you may know, my uncle requested I seek additional advice from Sir Giles Maxton.’
‘Then you will receive help from an experienced source.’
‘Do you regard him well?’ she queried.
He nodded approvingly. ‘He is a respected figure for many miles, both for his business expertise and his stewardship of his own estate. In my dealings with Sir Giles, he is always plainly spoken but eminently reliable. Your uncle, I believe, consulted him regularly.’
‘So I understand.’ Alyssa smiled, and added, ‘Thank you for your help this morning. Would you stay for luncheon if you have the time?’
He agreed and, at Alyssa’s request, gave her and Letty a partial tour of Hawkscote afterwards. They met most of the labourers and their families apart from Jonas Draper, who was out working in the fields. Alyssa discovered through careful questioning that the labourers did not own any land or property and, secretly shocked at the ragged, poorly nourished children and adults she had met, she was quiet on the return journey. As they walked back from the carriage to the house, Ennis was a little way behind when Letty asked softly, ‘Are you feeling quite well? You have spoken little since we left the cottages.’
‘I am troubled by the poverty I have seen,’ she whispered. ‘Having witnessed the privation striking farm workers in Oxfordshire, I did not expect much, but the harsh realities of country living are even more pronounced here.’
‘The children were very thin,’ agreed Letty.
Mr Ennis took his leave shortly afterwards, advising he would return on Monday. This was payment of wages day and, he said, smiling genially, Alyssa would be most welcome to attend.
Friday was spent showing Letty the rest of the house, including the secret passage which made her giggle delightedly, and looking over the account ledgers provided by Ennis. As seven o’clock on Saturday approached, Alyssa felt she could meet Sir Giles with a modicum of knowledge.
She checked her appearance with a critical eye; she had chosen her best evening gown, a dark-blue three-quarter crepe over a pale satin slip, for the occasion . The neckline was fashionably low and revealed enough of the smooth white skin of her shoulders without being de trop . A pearl necklace and earrings completed her toilette.
She looked stylish yet respectable, but when Sir Giles walked into the drawing-room, she felt a shiver of apprehension and wondered how the evening would progress. Alyssa’s nature was not vindictive; she voiced her opinions too readily but was as happy to laugh at her own foibles as those of others. She might tease but she would never prolong disagreements unnecessarily. However, she could not remain silent on issues which troubled her deeply and there were questions she needed to ask when a suitable moment arose.
Alyssa, watching him approach, gave no outward hint of her unease. She greeted him politely and added, ‘This is Miss Letty Ravenhill.’
‘I have been eager to meet you,’ said Letty, smiling. ‘I did
‘I’d like to meet the farm workers, and their families.’
Alyssa agreed. ‘Yes – it is time I introduced myself.’
The day passed quickly. Unhampered by Charles’s presence, Alyssa enjoyed her new role. She discussed the running of the house with Mrs Farnell, listening to her ideas for improvements and cost savings and suggesting some of her own. She met Ennis, a mild-mannered, middle-aged gentleman who had no qualms explaining business details to a woman, and he was neither patronizing nor sycophantic as they studied the accounts.
‘I will not trouble you with too much detail at this stage, Miss Paradise,’ he said, with a smile, ‘it is better to learn a little as we go along. Of course, problems can be discussed as and when they arise. Does that meet with your approval?’
‘Oh, yes! I have a great deal to learn, but I’m willing to apply myself. As you may know, my uncle requested I seek additional advice from Sir Giles Maxton.’
‘Then you will receive help from an experienced source.’
‘Do you regard him well?’ she queried.
He nodded approvingly. ‘He is a respected figure for many miles, both for his business expertise and his stewardship of his own estate. In my dealings with Sir Giles, he is always plainly spoken but eminently reliable. Your uncle, I believe, consulted him regularly.’
‘So I understand.’ Alyssa smiled, and added, ‘Thank you for your help this morning. Would you stay for luncheon if you have the time?’
He agreed and, at Alyssa’s request, gave her and Letty a partial tour of Hawkscote afterwards. They met most of the labourers and their families apart from Jonas Draper, who was out working in the fields. Alyssa discovered through careful questioning that the labourers did not own any land or property and, secretly shocked at the ragged, poorly nourished children and adults she had met, she was quiet on the return journey. As they walked back from the carriage to the house, Ennis was a little way behind when Letty asked softly, ‘Are you feeling quite well? You have spoken little since we left the cottages.’
‘I am troubled by the poverty I have seen,’ she whispered. ‘Having witnessed the privation striking farm workers in Oxfordshire, I did not expect much, but the harsh realities of country living are even more pronounced here.’
‘The children were very thin,’ agreed Letty.
Mr Ennis took his leave shortly afterwards, advising he would return on Monday. This was payment of wages day and, he said, smiling genially, Alyssa would be most welcome to attend.
Friday was spent showing Letty the rest of the house, including the secret passage which made her giggle delightedly, and looking over the account ledgers provided by Ennis. As seven o’clock on Saturday approached, Alyssa felt she could meet Sir Giles with a modicum of knowledge.
She checked her appearance with a critical eye; she had chosen her best evening gown, a dark-blue three-quarter crepe over a pale satin slip, for the occasion . The neckline was fashionably low and revealed enough of the smooth white skin of her shoulders without being de trop . A pearl necklace and earrings completed her toilette.
She looked stylish yet respectable, but when Sir Giles walked into the drawing-room, she felt a shiver of apprehension and wondered how the evening would progress. Alyssa’s nature was not vindictive; she voiced her opinions too readily but was as happy to laugh at her own foibles as those of others. She might tease but she would never prolong disagreements unnecessarily. However, she could not remain silent on issues which troubled her deeply and there were questions she needed to ask when a suitable moment arose.
Alyssa, watching him approach, gave no outward hint of her unease. She greeted him politely and added, ‘This is Miss Letty Ravenhill.’
‘I have been eager to meet you,’ said Letty, smiling. ‘I did
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