Lady Catherine Impedes by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JAFF
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2018-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Rosings, Kent

Lady Catherine, Lord Matlock, and his sons greeted the surprised butler as they entered the manor house, handing their hats, gloves, and sundry other items to him.

“Where can my niece be found at this time of the day?”

Thatcher bowed to the gentlemen, curious as to their sudden appearance and his mistress’ strange silence, but knowing that he could not ask about it. “She is in her rooms, my lord. Shall I call for her?”

“No, please do not. I would rather she not know we are here just yet. I need you to call the staff together for me, but first, send me three of your strongest footmen. We shall meet them in the library, I think. Oh,” he added as the butler bowed again, “See that tea and a meal are sent to us, as well. Something substantial, not those tiny things the ladies call sandwiches.”

“As you wish, sir.” Thatcher bowed again before turning and walking away. His first order of business would be to send the footmen to the library. He knew just the men he would send. The long-time servant’s steps became lighter as he considered Lord Matlock’s reasons for his odd orders. He knew it was unfounded, but hope spread in his breast that certain things in the house would change.

Turning to his sister, Matlock inquired as to her preferences.

“I would like to bathe and change my gown. However, Anne’s rooms are very near to mine, and the activity may alert her to my presence.”

“Then let me set the guards at her door before you go up. Come, sit in the library with us for now.”

No sooner were Lady Catherine and her guests settled in their seats than a knock sounded on the door. Tansley, being seated closest, stood and strode across the room. Peeking out, he saw three men in Rosings livery standing in the hall, and opened the door wider to allow them in.

“Come in, come in. Stand here, if you please.” Lord Matlock indicated the center of the seating area where he and his family were reclining. “Tell me your names.”

“I am Taylor, sir, and this is Jones and Hall.” The speaker and his companions looked as though they might run.

Matlock, aware as he was of the unease of his sister’s staff on an everyday basis, much less when something new and unexplained happened, sought to put their minds at rest. Once he had assured them of their safety and encouraged their honesty, he explained the task he was setting them to do.

The footmen, though they trusted Lady Catherine’s brother, still looked to her for confirmation that what he said was true and that they should obey his directives. Finally convinced, they assured Lord Matlock that they were happy to do as he bid, and hurried away to Miss de Bourgh’s rooms, stationing themselves in such a way as to prevent her from leaving her rooms through any of the doors.

In the library, Lord Matlock was interviewing the house staff. Lady Catherine,

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