Chapter Six: Alexander

I could have chosen to walk with my cousin from the Manor to the church. Instead, I walked with the butler, housekeeper and the other upper servants. The last thing I wanted to do was to highlight any distinction between myself and the others who worked at the manor.

Though cloudy, the day was mild, and it was the perfect weather for a walk. "Who is the vicar?" I asked as I kept pace beside Stevens. The man had a long, brisk stride. "I intended to introduce myself before today, but it slipped my mind."

"Mr. Rushman is a dutiful vicar," Stevens answered, his tone serious. He did not even glance at me. "He and his wife have been with us for nearly five years."

"Is he a good speaker? Does he care for his congregation?"

"I'm sure there is no fault in how Mr. Rushman speaks or what he and his wife do for the community."

Was the butler's reticence due to a dislike of gossip or did he really not like the vicar but did not wish to say as much? "Well, I look forward to meeting him and forming my own opinion."

Though Stevens gave a slight hum, what he was really thinking remained a mystery. The rest of the group of servants were speaking in low voices. I had expected them to be more exuberant to have a half day in front of them and couldn't decide if it was my presence that subdued them or something else.

We approached the stone church at the edge of the village. There were several families already outside the building with mothers keeping young children from running around. Pausing, I let the rest of the group go ahead of me and watched as they greeted their friends and neighbors.

As eager as I was to meet my new neighbors, speaking to strangers did not come easily to me.

A quick glance showed no sign of the beautiful Miss Ellie. That charming young lady might have been able to smooth my way because she must have many friends from spending her life in the village.

Close to the door of the church, my cousin was speaking to an unfamiliar , gray haired man. The man's black garment and white collar signaled it was the vicar. I took a step towards them as the bells began to chime in the steeple.

Obediently, the congregation began to move to the door of the church. William waited for me. "Are you sure you want to be seen seated next to your steward?" I asked, only half joking. An earl did not usually keep company with one of his servants, relative or not. And it might invite comments from the congregation.

"Why wouldn't I want to be seen with my cousin? He's not such a terrible person. In fact, I've been told he can even be pleasant and charming."

"Who has been telling you such lies?"

As we laughed, Mr. Rushman's face revealed a mixture of disapproval and eagerness. "Your family's pew has been kept ready for you, your lordship," he said, his tone respectful. "It is a pleasure to have you with us once again."

"Thank you, Mr. Rushman. We should not keep the rest of the congregation waiting." William sent an exasperated look at me before he stepped in.

Keeping a few steps behind my cousin, I was able to see how the rest of the congregation stared at the new earl. Everyone in the neighborhood, it seemed, had heard of the earl's arrival and were openly curious about him.

The Berdwell pew was at the front. If I hadn't been certain William would drag me there, I would have remained at the back. Somehow, I had to find a way to be both the steward and cousin to the earl without offending anyone's sensibilities.

The vicar took his place. Just as the man opened his mouth to speak, the door of the church opened. Mrs. Burke strode in, her head held high. Her fine silk dress fit more for a London dinner party than a country Sunday service, the woman paused, meeting the stares from the congregation with a smile.

She walked purposefully to the pew just behind the Berdwell one and took her place. An older woman and an unsmiling Miss Ellie took their places in the back of the church. The vicar cleared his throat and began to speak. I forced myself to pay attention and not look over my shoulder.

~*~

It felt like the longest sermon I had ever had to endure. It had taken all of my willpower not to fall asleep. Though his manner was earnest, Mr. Rushman had a dry, monotone way of speaking that quickly bored me. The subject matter, that of a servant's duty to be obedient and to mind their place, was not the most interesting.

It was a relief to step out into the sunshine once the final hymn had been sung. The rest of the staff of Berdwell Manor hurried on their way. There was nothing pressing that required my attention, so I was free to linger in the church yard.

Though I had intended to remain close to my cousin, it had only taken a few moments before for Mrs. Rushman, a solidly built woman with a beaming round face, took matters into her own hands. Announcing her intention to introduce the earl to "the best families" as she said, she compelled William to accompany her.

Smiling at my cousin's expression of surprise and resignation, I glanced around. It wasn't hard to miss Mrs. Burke and her towering green feather. She was speaking eagerly with two other ladies, who seemed to be hanging on her every word. Guessing that she was sharing some bit of London gossip, I turned away and spotted Miss Ellie at the edge of the yard.

Surprised to see the pretty girl alone, I decided to approach her. She had her arms wrapped around her as she watched the rest of the churchyard. "Good day, Miss Ellie," I said, taking off his hat. "I trust you haven't been terrorized by Brutus or any other dog from Berdwell?"

I'd hoped my teasing words and reference to our first meeting would draw a smile from the pale girl. Instead, she simply shook her head. Her eyes narrowed and for a moment, her face was twisted with anger. Surprised, I followed her gaze and saw that her ire was directed at Mrs. Burke.

What could be the meaning behind that? "It seems too lovely a day to be angry," I said in a low voice. "Are we not told to forgive others, especially on Sunday?"

"What if someone does something horrible on Sunday? Are we to forgive them then?"

Interesting. "What horrible thing has Mrs. Burke done to you?"

Miss Ellie shook her head and lowered her gaze. I waited for her to say more, but she remained silent. "Is Mrs. Burke your mistress?" I asked, remembering how she had followed the woman in.

The question brought Miss Ellie's blue eyed gaze back up. "Y-yes," she said slowly. She rubbed her ungloved hands across the front of her faded dress. "I suppose that's the only way to describe the situation."

Situation? That was an odd response. "I take it she is not a very kind mistress." AS soon as I said it, I thought better of my words and held up my hand. "You needn't say any more about it. I'd guessed she might be a difficult woman to be employed by after our meeting."

"You've met her?" Miss Ellie asked with curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"Over her protestations, but I can claim an acquaintance with her." I shook my head. "I was hoping you might be able to tell me about her stepdaughter, Harriet. Captain Burke is from this neighborhood. What was the family like?"

There was a long pause and a crease formed between the young woman's eyes. "Captain Burke?"

"Yes. I'm afraid I don't know his first name or that of his first wife, but his daughter's name is Harriet."

"Harriet?" she repeated. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I suppose you are referring to Captain Jonathan Burke, who went down with his ship twelve years ago?"

She knew the family! "Yes! I'd like to know as much as I can about the young lady. Have you met her? What kind of girl is she? How does she get on with her stepmother?"

When Miss Ellie opened her eyes, there was a sadness in them. "I have met her once. Captain Burke's daughter does not have the best relationship with her stepmother, but Mrs. Burke has spent the past decade in London."

"Then, Mrs. Burke has never brought Miss Burke here?"

The young woman bit her lip. "Once." She shook her head. "Why do you want to know?"

Despite the fact that she had answered readily enough, I realized I was putting her in a difficult position. She had been kind to offer her opinion but gossiping about her employer might get her in trouble. "Never mind. It isn't important."

Perhaps my cousin was learning more about the Burkes from the vicar's wife.

"You wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important in some way."

Miss Ellie's serious statement drew a startled laugh from me."Well, yes, I suppose that's true. But I don't want to get you in trouble with Mrs. Burke. It is not important enough for that."

"If I don't tell and you don't tell, how will she find out?"

"She seems like the kind of woman who will find out. Somehow. My mother is like that. Maybe it is a skill all women learn when they become mothers? Is your mother the same?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. My mother died when I was little. I barely remember her."

"Oh. I'm sorry." This conversation was not going as I expected. It would serve me right if she never wanted to speak to me again! "I thought it was your mother who came in with you. I shouldn't have made such an assumption."

"But I think my mother would know what I was up to if she were alive," she added with the slightest hint of a smile. "The woman who was with me is Mrs. Haynes. She raised me since my father died and she does seem to know when I have gotten into some kind of mischief."

Vaguely remembering that she had mentioned the name before, I nodded. "Now I cannot believe a young lady such as yourself could be guilty of mischief."

"Mr. Turner!" Mrs. Burke rushed up. "Good day to you."

Annoyed at the interruption, I offered a slight bow. "Mrs. Burke," I said politely. What did she want from me now? And why did she sound so pleased when she'd been so determined to keep me out of her conversation yesterday? "How are you this morning."

"Very well, I am sure. I had hoped to speak to the earl, but I see he is busy with my neighbors." She sent a meaningful look to where William was in conversation with several gentlemen.

"Was there something important you wished to convey to him? I will pass on any message."

"Well, I was hoping he might stop for tea today," Mrs. Burke said. "If he is to be in charge, he and I ought to have a good relationship. There are some concerns at Meadowbrooke Cottage that I wish to get his advice on. And I can tell him all about dear Harriet. They will get on so well when they meet."

Her sudden change of attitude seemed sincere, but I didn't trust it. Had she thought of some way to twist things to benefit herself? "I will let him know, but I believe the vicar and his wife may have already extended an invitation to dine with them."

Mrs. Burke shifted her gaze to Miss Ellie. "I hope my maid has not been carrying tales," she said in a sweet tone. Her eyes, on the other hand, were as hard as stone. "She ought to know better than to inflict her company on her betters."

Miss Ellie's hands had curled into fists, and I didn't blame her for being angry. Mrs. Burke's words were unnecessarily harsh. "I was asking her about the neighborhood since she has grown up here. She must know everyone there is to know."

"I would have thought the cousin of the earl might show better judgement in who he converses with."

Was she judging me for talking to the young woman? Now she had gone too far. "Miss Ellie has provided the most pleasant conversation I've had since I arrived at the manor." Bold words, but the young woman didn't deserve to be put down in such a way. What was Mrs. Burke thinking? Did she think the maid was telling unpleasant truths? "Unless you have a reason you do not wish her to speak to me?"

For a moment, Mrs. Burke sputtered. Then, she waved her hand at the girl. "Ellie, I'm sure you have chores to do with Mrs. Haynes," she said without answering the question. "There are many things that must be done before my dear step-daughter arrives. I am certain dear Harriet and the earl will get on so well when they meet."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, Miss Ellie made a curtsy. "Good day, Mr. Turner." She hurried away, her head bent to hide her red cheeks.

"Poor girl," Mrs. Burke said as soon as the young woman was a few feet away. "I took her in twelve years ago, you know. I'm afraid I was too lenient with her and she has begun to think above her station. You ought to be careful. She might try to trap you."

"Trap me?" I resisted the urge to laugh at the ridiculous warning. "I hardly think I am in a position where that need be a threat. From what I have learned from her, I would say that any man who wins her hand will be a fortunate one. There will be no needs for 'traps' as you say."

Mrs. Burke's eyes narrowed. "And what, exactly, have you learned from her?"

Fortunately, I caught sight of my cousin trying to get my attention. "Excuse me, Mrs. Burke. The earl needs me. I will inform him of your invitation. I'm sure he will send a message of his acceptance or regrets."

"Good day," the woman said, her tone cold. She spun and stalked away.

With each conversation, I liked her less and less. With any luck, her stepdaughter was nothing like her.

~*~

"She said she had concerns?" William repeated. "Concerns about what?"

"I'm assuming the cottage, Meadowbrooke. I believe that was her husband's home? She would not give me the particulars."

Shaking his head, William paced the length of the library. "Perhaps I should send my apologies to the Rushmans and see what Mrs. Burke needs. She hardly seems like the kind of woman who would ask for help unless she truly needed it."

Jumping to do as she asked seemed like a bad president to set. "I'm sure whatever concerns she may have can wait another day. Your mother wouldn't want you to be rude to the vicar and his wife."

His cousin paused. "I'm sure they would understand, and don't bring my mother into this. You know she always encouraged me to be serious about my responsibilities. There can be nothing more important than checking on my ward and seeing to her needs."

"Be careful."

The earl paused and glanced quizzically at him. "Careful? Careful about what?"

I hesitated. Maybe I should have kept my muddled thoughts to myself. "Mrs. Burke thinks, or at least she told me, that she thinks you and Miss Bruke will get on well when you meet."

"So? I hope that we do get along. I would hardly enjoy being a guardian to someone who disliked me."

"I mean, Mrs. Burke seemed a bit eager for it to happen, which is odd given how much she resisted your request for Miss Burke to come here. What if she has designs for you to marry her stepdaughter?"

"Don't be ridiculous." William let out a laugh, his expression brightening. "And even if I did, what would be the harm? She is the daughter of a gentleman. If she and I were to fall in love, no one would find it amiss."

"You don't find it strange that the woman who fought so hard to keep you from even meeting the girl is suddenly enthusiastic about it?"

William waved his hand. "She thinks we will like each other is what you said. That is harmless enough."

"Weren't you the one who feared this girl might be your sister?"

"After more consideration, I think that was a rash idea," William said, his tone becoming stubborn. "Can you see my father being intimate with a woman like Mrs. Burke?"

"No, I cannot," I had to admit. It was difficult to see anyone being willing to marry the woman but clearly there had been such a man. "But what if the girl's mother, the first wife of this Captain Burke, was your father's mistress."

Playing devil's advocate and arguing against my cousin especially about this matter, was not something I enjoyed doing. William wasn't seeing the danger. Mrs. Burke was up to something. I was sure of it.

"I appreciate your concern, Alex, but I think you are reading too much into the matter." William collapsed into the desk chair. "Did Mrs. Burke say when Miss Burke will arrive?"

"She didn't say anything about her step-daughter's arrival. She is eager to tell you all about her, though."

"That settles it. I need to know more about Miss Burke, so I will send a note to Mrs. Rushman and explain that something has come up." William reached for his pen. "She is an understanding woman. In fact, she acknowledged that there must be many problems to fix."

"What problems?" While he had only been at the job for a week, I hadn't encountered any serious problems.

Scrawling out his note, William didn't answer. Holding back a sigh, I took it as dismissal and started for the door. "Oh, before I forget," my cousin said, making me pause. "Warn Stevens and Mrs. Wallace that at the end of the house party, there will be a masquerade ball."

"A what?"