In the circumstances, I have no plans to visit Weartham in the foreseeable future.
This is the first letter I write in which I must sign myself as,
Stanhope
14th October, 1811
Dear Gilbert,
Would you like to join myself and Harriet for Christmas? If you say no this year, I think I shall have to assume you are avoiding me.
Rose
30th October, 1811
Dear Lady Stanhope,
His lordship asked me to convey to you his sincere regrets that he is unable to join you at Weartham Manor this festive season.
He has also asked me to advise that if you require anything at all, whether funds or items that are difficult to source in Northumbria, then please write to myself. I am his lordship’s personal secretary, and I will take whatever steps are necessary to attend to your wishes.
I am,
Your Very Obedient Servant,
Ernest Andrews,
Personal Secretary to the Earl of Stanhope
16th November, 1812
Dear Mr. Andrews,
Please advise my husband that his Cousin Harriet and I would be delighted if he could join us for the festive season. We have asked Mr. Posselthwaite (the Rector) and his wife, and Dr. and Mrs. Wright and the Misses Wrights for Christmas lunch. Unfortunately, there are very few genteel families in the immediate vicinity, but we can always rely upon the exhilarating company of the Posselthwaites and the Wrights. Indeed, we have quite a social whirl planned this year—I am sure it would compare favourably with the other house parties his lordship might be invited to attend. Why, as well as Christmas lunch, the Posselthwaites have invited us for refreshments and parlour games on Christmas Eve, and the Wrights are hosting a select party on the day after Boxing Day at which Miss Amy will play the pianoforte and Miss Catherine will sing—a treat indeed! I fear, Mr. Andrews, that after such exciting entertainments, I will require to take to my bed for a week to rest!
I look forward to hearing from you with my husband’s usual response.
Rose Truman,
Countess of Stanhope.
2nd December, 1812
My Lady,
His lordship regrets that he is unable to accept your kind invitation to Weartham Manor for Christmas. He asks me to advise you that he is already engaged to spend the festive season elsewhere.
As ever, I am at your ladyship’s disposal should you require anything.
Your Very Obedient Servant,
Ernest Andrews.
21st December, 1812
Dear Mr. Andrews,
Thank you for your letter of 2nd December. I enclose, by way of a Christmas gift, a lambswool scarf. I beg that you will wear this to keep off draughts. It will not do for you to neglect your health. My letters to my husband must not go unanswered.
In fulfilment of my wifely duties, I will send another invitation next year. You may wish to draft your reply now to save time.
Kind Regards
Rose Truman,
Countess of Stanhope.
18th October, 1813
Dear Mr. Andrews,
Can it really be October already? It is that time of year again—time to issue my annual Christmas invitation.
I have come to look forward to my husband’s annual rejection. It is a point in the year as fixed as the seasons. It is soothing to know that some things in life never change.
I do hope that you have been untroubled by chills this year. As always, I am in excellent health.
I look forward to your very prompt and unfailingly polite reply.
Kind Regards,
Rose Truman,
Countess of Stanhope
29th October, 1813
Dear Lady Stanhope,
I deeply and sincerely regret to inform you that his lordship will be unable to attend Weartham this year as he has alternative plans.
I thank you for your kind comments regarding my health. You are very gracious, and I hope that one day I will have the very great honour of making your acquaintance.
Your Very Obedient Servant,
Ernest Andrews
Chapter Six
June 1814, London
Five years after the marriage of the Earl and Countess of Stanhope
“I wish I didn’t have to leave you tomorrow, cara. You’ve only just got here.”
Lottie’s voice was unhappy, a frown drawing her brows together, but, despite a few silver strands in the glossy black hair that her maid was brushing out, she was as beautiful as ever.
Rose took another sip of chocolate—wickedly good chocolate—and tucked her bare feet up beside her. “Don’t be silly,” she said. “Coming here was an impulse. I should have checked with you first. But if all goes as it should, I won’t need your hospitality longer than today anyway.”
The maid began deftly plaiting Lottie’s hair, slim fingers moving swiftly.
“If it all goes as it should? Do you think your husband would refuse to let you stay at the house?” Lottie turned in her chair to face Rose, her expression appalled. The maid shifted round, unperturbed, and continued to work.