A Soldier’s Heart(23)

The Landing was essentially of Tudor design, but Blackwood’s successive ancestors had added wings and turrets so now it sprawled, seemingly unendingly, on a slight rise in a parklike setting Serena found enchanting. Immediately she perceived a need for her gardening skills.

Warned of her arrival, the butler, Stevens—a second cousin to Wilkens, she discovered later, which no doubt accounted for their similarity—had assembled the staff. Serena was grateful for Longford’s initial introduction to Stevens, who in turn made her known to everyone from the kitchen tweeny to the head groomsman.

“Mr. Stockton will see you in the estate office in the west wing at your convenience, my lady,” Stevens informed her in a deep, mournful voice which was slightly disconcerting, since it reminded her so forcibly of Wilkens in London.

“I shall see him within the hour,” she heard herself saying with a calmness she was far from feeling. “And could Mrs. Broxton provide us with some tea in the drawing room, please? I’m sure Cecily would like some refreshment.”

Promptly an hour later, after making certain Cecily was settled comfortably on a cream daybed in the ladies’ salon, Serena pushed open the doors to the office adjacent to the paneled library. To her shock, Longford was there, too, standing with his shoulder propped against a carved mantel. He was involved in an animated conversation with the cavernous-cheeked man who sat behind the dark walnut desk.

He rose to a truly remarkable height as she entered. “My lady, I am Mr. Jeremy Stockton, Lord Blackwood’s estate manager for Avalon Landing. The estate records are all in order.”

“I’m sure they are, Mr. Stockton. I shall examine them myself tomorrow.” She moved forward and extended her hand, wishing to measure the man by the strength of his grasp. “I know we will deal extremely well together.”

A short, harsh laugh from Longford raised her hackles. The duchess had spent several months teaching her the proper way of things, and she’d taken care of the rectory accounts for years, so felt utterly secure in her position. She turned what she hoped was a quelling look upon Longford’s mocking face.

“I am quite accustomed to perusing account books, Longford. But I thank you for your concern.” Giving him no time to respond, she spun around and departed with dignity.

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring with Cecily, who proved to be an entertaining guide. Stories of Matt’s exploits as a young man sent them both often into gales of laughter. His presence was apparent in every room and in the devotion of the staff. By the time she was finished, Serena understood why he loved the place so well.

Longford entered the estate office with Mr. Stockton when she completed her examination of the books. Obviously he was still uncertain of her ability. Having nothing to prove, to him or to herself, she pretended he wasn’t there.

“Mr. Stockton, I notice expenditures five years ago for repairs to our tenant cottages, but nothing since.”

“That’s correct, my lady.” His head bobbled in a nod at the top of his long, gangly neck. “His lordship wished to improve the dwellings.”

She folded her hands in front of her, ignoring Longford to concentrate on Mr. Stockton’s blank, pale face. “But what about maintenance?”

“In my opinion, my lady, the structures are sound as they are.”

“I shall ride out and see for myself tomorrow. I’d like a complete list of the tenants—family size, position on the estate, and so forth—with an appraisal of their productivity and perhaps a list of their needs before I go. When I return from my tour we shall discuss the matter again. Thank you, Mr. Stockton,” she said with a dismissive smile which he quickly understood, departing with a long, loose stride.

Longford strolled out after him, but stopped in the doorway to ask, “What would Matt make of his country mouse now, I wonder?”

He left her with an enigmatic smile startlingly reminiscent of his mother.

As much as Serena tried to ignore it, a niggling worry frayed at her mind. She hadn’t really changed. She was simply doing her duty as her father and Buckle had taught her and as Blackwood would surely wish. He loved the Landing. In his absence she would strive to make it all he would wish.

Cecily accompanied her in an open landau for the round of visits. They were greeted warmly by all, whose kind inquiries about her husband and praise for his management heartened her. It was obvious that Blackwood wished his tenants to be comfortable and happy. Young children played about some of the cottages; older boys could be seen helping their fathers. The estate seemed to be running smoothly, but her inquisitive eyes picked out thatched roofs and fences that needed repair before winter, and dwellings that could do with new whitewash.