The American Bride Read Online Free PDF

that would lead her downstairs and outside. Following these directions, Cara discovered that the outside door led to the inside corner of the U. On her right lay the formal gardens and to her left lay the wilder woods and the outbuildings. After strolling through part of the vast gardens, she managed to locate the stables and was impressed with the size and quality of the operation.
    Entering the yard, Cara located Glum, the venerable headgroom, and introduced herself as the new governess. Although reticent at first, Glum opened up under the obvious interest of the young American. His burly chest expanded under her praise for the cleanliness of the stables and the yard. Soon Cara was puffing to keep up with his short legs as they propelled him through his domain. Glum's gnarled hands stroked each horse and his weathered face puckered in pleasure as he extolled the lineage and attributes of each of the animals.
    "Oh, what a beauty," Cara exclaimed, her eyes running over a dainty gray. "It's been months since I've ridden anything. And I must admit that I've rarely seen as fine a set of cattle as Lord Wilton has stabled."
    "His lordship's grandfather was responsible for beginning the stud but Lord Wilton has added considerable to the bloodstock, Miss," Glum explained. "This little filly is one of the gentlest of the new lot. But she's got good heart and a stamina I'd put up against some of the top goers."
    "Can she jump?"
    "It's like watching the fairies at work, Miss. Her feet touch down with such grace she'd ne'er jostle a babe in arms," Glum chuckled.
    "That, I'd like to see," Cara laughed in response.
    "When you're settled in and ready, just come and see Glum. I'll seat you on nothing that will put your knowledge to shame."
    Inside the Hall, Cara discovered that the work had already been completed in the night nursery. The room fairly sparkled. A fire had been laid in the fireplace and the furniture looked inviting and cozy. Entering her own room she was introduced to the children's maids, Agnes and Janey. They were cheerful country girls, inclined to snicker nervously but eager to impart their views on the household.
    "Mrs. Clayton said as how we could do for you as well as the children, Miss," the dark buxom Janey offered.
    "I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Cara replied cautiously, not wanting to get off on the wrong footing with the girls. "I've never had anyone to wait on me before. I'll feel like real gentry."
    As Cara raised her nose in the air she smiled broadly at the girls which sent them into a fit of the giggles.
    "Wait until you've seen some of the ladies what came up from London with Lord Wilton," Agnes gushed. "Oh the dresses are ever so fine and all their great jewels and glittery things."
    "A houseparty?" Cara asked.
    "Twelve of 'em, Miss," the irrepressible Agnes offered. "I peeked over the balcony just afore lunch. All prinked up and the ladies making eyes at his lordship. Not that he'd notice since Lady Valencia Greeley was hangin' on his arm, just like she couldn't make it all the way into the salon."
    "Lady Valencia is elderly?" Cara asked hopefully.
    This question set the girls off again into laughter.
    "Not by half, she ain't," Janey volunteered. "A right tarted up beauty, if you ask me. Lots of town airs. Ever so sweet when any of the gents are around but a sly puss when they're not."
    "Her abigail is done up by the end of the day what with her ladyship changing her clothes four times a day and wantin' this and that fetched 'til the poor gel is plumb wore out." Agnes lowered her voice to a confidential tone. "I was passin' her rooms after she'd gone off to lunch and the place was tossed all to pieces. Must have tried on ten dresses and each one of them thrown down in a heap. And she paints," she added, delicious horror in her voice.
    "Lord Wilton don't seem to mind," Janey sniffed.
    "I thought his lordship was married," Cara stated weakly.
    "'At may be so, Miss," Agnes burst in. "But word in the Hall