The Queen's Spy by Ruth S. Daigneault

Author:Ruth S. Daigneault [Daigneault, Ruth S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780991805341
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2014-06-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17 - Harrison Hall, October 2, 1587

Mary’s eyes grew large as she took in the enormous edifice that was Harrison Hall.

“I had no idea William lived in a place like this,” she said to Catherine.

“Really? What else would an Earl and Countess live in?”

“Earl and Countess??!” Mary’s heart raced as she realized marriage to William would put her in the nobility class.

As Richard handed the reins to a groomsman, two footmen helped Catherine and Mary down from the coach. William had been anxiously waiting on the front steps and hurried to greet them.

“Hello ladies. So happy you could come. Mary, you look absolutely enchanting,” he said, kissing her hand.

Mary smothered her repulsion. “Thank you, William.”

Richard joined them and shook hands with William. “It’s a fine day for your social, William.”

“Oh yes, indeed. Everyone is gathered out on the back lawn where it is quite shaded.”

Catherine sniffed the air. “I smell one of my favourite things I think - roast pig.”

“You’re right,” William said, “two of them, in fact. Come this way.”

Mary slipped her arm through William’s. “I’m sure you won’t mind helping me, William. I wouldn’t want to turn my ankle before tonight’s dance.”

“What? No. I mean, yes. Er, by all means, lean on me. I shall ensure that nothing happens to you.”

Richard raised his eyebrows and looked at Catherine quizzically. Catherine shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.

“What was that all about?” Richard said quietly.

“I’m sure I don’t know.” Catherine slipped her arm through Richard’s and in a falsetto tone continued, “I’m sure you won’t mind helping me, Richard.” She batted her eyes furiously. “I wouldn’t want to turn my ankle before the dance tonight.”

Catherine giggled and Richard suppressed his laughter by covering his mouth with his hand. He whispered, “You are a wicked girl, Catherine.”

Smiling and chuckling, arm in arm they followed a short distance behind William and Mary.

A folly had been set up on the carefully manicured grass and under its shelter, tables were laden with fruit, sweetmeats and delicacies of every description. Beyond the edge of the grass, a path wound its way among the hedges and gardens which extended as far as the eye could see.

To one side of the grass were sandy areas on which the spits had been erected to roast a large steer and the pigs that Catherine’s nose had detected.

“Come Mary, you must meet my parents,” William said.

“Delighted.”

“We must also greet our congenial hosts,” Catherine said to Richard.

The foursome made their way through the many people standing in groups talking and nibbling on the refreshments.

The Earl and Countess of Fotheringham were seated in a shady alcove of the mansion. The Countess smiled broadly as the young people approached.

“Catherine, how delightful to see you again, and you, Richard.”

“Our pleasure, Lady Harrison, I’m sure. Thank you for inviting us to this obviously wonderful feast,” Catherine said, with a slight curtsey.

“Lord Harrison, always nice to see you,” she continued.

“Mother, father, I’d like you to meet Mary Ainsworth, Catherine’s cousin and the young lady I was telling you about.

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