A Wedding In Springtime(54)

Grant had been raised on the family estate and had escaped female control as soon as he was able. He had not given it much thought other than London allowed him more amusements and ample freedom. “I suppose the country has its charms,” he said with a noncommittal shrug.

“Do you have a large estate?” asked Genie. “How many families are in your dependency?”

“I don’t know,” answered Grant. He left the family management to his father. Since Grant planned to leave no heir, he figured one of his nephews would have to learn the business of managing the estate.

A glance at Genie told him his answer had disappointed her. “We have two dozen families in our village,” said Genie. “I have always seen it as a privilege to be able to help serve them.”

Grant could think of no response. Serve his tenants? What an odd idea.

“What crops are you planting this year?” asked Genie.

“I could not begin to say,” answered Grant.

“I see.” Genie turned away to watch Jem run through the garden, but Grant knew he had diminished in her eyes. He wanted to defend himself that no one in polite society talked of anything so provincial as farming, yet he recognized that excuse would not serve in present company.

“I do love the country,” said Genie. “I know everyone expected my mother to be miserable, marrying beneath her station, but I believe she has enjoyed it a vast deal more than if she married the man intended for her.”

Lady Mary’s elopement was infamous. Of course, it was expected that since Genie’s mother turned her back on society, she would live an isolated and miserable life.

“They had picked a groom for her?” asked Grant, unable to keep his curiosity in check.

“Lord Bremerton,” said Genie with a poignant rise of her eyebrows.

“Oh! Well now. That’s awkward.”

“My aunt was married off to Lord Bremerton shortly after my mother left. I don’t think Aunt Cora has ever forgiven my mother for leaving her in that position. Though my mother has told me many times she had no idea her parents would marry her younger sister off to Bremerton if she left.”

“No, indeed!”

“My mother only wanted to live her life with the freedom to do as her conscience called her. She wanted to be able to live out her Christian ideals to tend the sick and help the needy. She has been able to serve our little community in a way she could not living within the strictures of society.”

“And this makes her happy?”

“Yes, quite.”

“Astonishing.”

“That is why I am convinced taking in little Jem here will no doubt make you happy,” said Genie with a smile.

“No doubt,” mumbled Grant as he witnessed the death of a row of poppies under Jem’s tireless feet. “If you miss the delights of the country, you are welcome to the garden any time you like,” said Grant with a magnanimous sweep of his arm.

“But your mother and sisters…”

“My sisters are all married and my parents are in Hertfordshire for an extended stay. M’sister is expecting and my mother is in attendance, though she was put out that my youngest sister chose the middle of the season to bring her firstborn into the world.”

Jem raced past them with a stick in hand, batting at the flying petals.

Grant shook his head. “Going to need help taming this creature.”

“I will stand by your side,” agreed Genie. “What will your mother say when she returns to find Jem?”

Jem took his stick and whacked at the tree branches to make more petals fly into the air.

“Don’t want to know,” answered Grant in all honesty.

“Let’s see if we can get him cleaned,” said Genie. “Jem?”

The boy immediately left his game and came obediently, the picture of compliance.

“Jem, you are going to need a bath if you are to stay here.”

The boy shook his head violently.

“I know you are afraid, but how about if you could give yourself a bath, without anyone watching or attacking you with a scrub brush. Would that be acceptable?”

Jem nodded enthusiastically and soon the arrangements were made. The household staff were none too happy to see Jem again, but a private bathing room was provided without too much fuss. It was clear none of the staff were interested in trying to bathe him in the kitchen again.

With the organizing and managing, Genie entered Grant’s home through the garden door and it seemed perfectly natural, albeit unconventional, for Grant to offer a light tea in the parlor.