The Bladesmith by Melinda Hammond

Author:Melinda Hammond [Hammond, Melinda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

If John had been expecting a warm reception at the Manor then he was disappointed. Morwick informed him that Master Ellingham was indisposed, and had been taken to his room, Master Henry was away and Mistress Ellingham was attending her father, but would join him for dinner. John accepted the news calmly enough, but as soon as he had been shown to his room he sent his man to the stables to see what could be learned. By the time Matthew returned John had unpacked his travelling bags and was shrugging himself into his coat of plum and gold striped velvet.

'You have changed for dinner!' exclaimed Matthew, mortified.

John laughed. 'Did you think I could not manage without you? I am not such a fop.'

'No, of course not sir, but – '

'But nothing. What did you find out?'

'Oh, Gordon was very ready to talk to me! It seems the house is at sixes and sevens. Master Henry and the old man quarrelled most royally over breakfast, ending with Master Ellingham collapsing and being taken to his bed and Master Henry going off in high dudgeon. The doctor was called and the old man has been told to rest for a few days.' Matthew hesitated. 'I hope you will forgive the impertinence, Master John, but I did suggest that the household would not be wanting visitors at such a time. However, Gordon was adamant that the old man wanted you here. Said he had left instructions that you was to be made welcome.'

'Well, if is Master Ellingham's wish, let us hope we can be of some help to him.' John gave his ruffles a final shake, slipped on his heeled black shoes with silver buckles and made his way downstairs to await his hostess. Katherine Ellingham joined him shortly after, and greeted him with something of a distracted air.

'Master Steel. I beg your pardon, have you been left here to kick your heels? I regret that Henry has not yet returned and,'

'And your father is ill, I know,' he interrupted her, smiling. 'I have come at an inconvenient time, ma'am, and it is only the knowledge that your father wants me to be here that has stopped me decamping back to Sleaton.'

'Oh no, you must not think of leaving.' She blushed, and after a moment she said with a shaky laugh. 'Oh dear, a bad beginning. You must excuse me for receiving you here in the parlour rather than the saloon upstairs, but in winter it is our habit to use only this parlour and the dining room, because the saloon never really feels warm. Pray, sir, will you not be seated? '

'This is a very comfortable room, ma'am, but before I sit down will you let me help you to some wine? Your butler was good enough to bring in a tray earlier.'

'Well then, yes, thank you.'

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