His Bluestocking Bride: A Regency Romance (Branches of Love Book 3) by Sally Britton

Author:Sally Britton [Britton, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-05T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

A footman answered the door at the Banner home. He showed them inside and took their things, the only servant in evidence. Their home was not so large as Orchard Hill. Yet it felt warm and welcoming. The floors were polished oak, the walls covered in a simple dark green paper, with watercolors decorating the hall between doorways.

The footman led them to a parlor where a fire burned in the hearth. Mr. and Mrs. Banner stood as Ellen and Marcus entered, both of them with friendly expressions. Bows and curtsies were made, but then Mrs. Banner came forward with her hands outstretched to take Ellen’s.

“Oh, I am glad you accepted our invitation. I know you must be in great demand, new to the neighborhood as you are.”

Ellen glanced askance at Marcus, who likely knew how few invitations had actually arrived at their home for her. “Thank you for thinking to ask us.”

“Please, come and sit. We usually enjoy each other’s company before dinner is ready.” Mrs. Banner moved to the comfortable looking maroon couch and gave the cushion next to her a pat.

Ellen accepted and sat, glancing around with interest. The walls were covered in a cream-colored paper with miniature portraits and larger paintings of landscapes. Dried flowers hung in a few corners, their colors muted but a lovely contrast to the walls. The furniture looked to be made less for decor and more for use, with sturdy lines and dark colors.

“How are you settling in as mistress of Orchard Hill?” Mrs. Banner asked.

“I think I am more used to the idea in my mind if not in practice.” Ellen smoothed a wrinkle in her skirt and folded her hands tightly in her lap.

Mrs. Banner’s laugh was low and soft, her expression merry. “I remember what it was like. You have ideas of how to do things, your mother’s advice ringing in your ears, but you doubt yourself every time you change something the housekeeper has put into place.”

“Oh, that’s it precisely.” Ellen could allow herself to laugh too. “I have to pretend I know what I’m about. But Mrs. Burk is rather wonderful. She listens to what I have to say and is always willing to try my ideas. Thus far.”

“I rather like Mrs. Burk. She is the aunt of my cook, Mrs. Lawless. They occasionally have tea in my kitchen and let me pop in now and again to join them.” Mrs. Banner wrinkled her nose and leaned in close to Ellen. “But you mustn’t tell anyone about that. It would be scandalous that an employer takes tea with her cook and visiting servants.”

Ellen could not repress her grin and she raised a hand to her heart. “I will not say a word to anyone.”

“What’s this?” Mr. Banner asked, coming closer to the women. He and Marcus had stood near the doorway, chatting quietly while their wives reacquainted themselves. “They are not in our house above five minutes and you already have Mrs. Calvert swearing fealty to you? You are devious, darling.

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