Free His Saving Grace (Regency Refuge 1) by Heather Gray Page B

place is a step up."
    I dare say I may never get used to this man! He always says the oddest things at the most peculiar times.
    Turning her attention to the youngest diner, Grace asked, "Elsie, how are your parents getting on?"
    The girl's hazel eyes lit up, "They're both ever so grateful you let me 'ave this job, Your Grace. My da is still in a bad way, but 'e doesn't have t' worry so much anymore, and the doctor says that's good for 'im. And the kids pester Mum all week askin' when they can next come up t' the castle for learnin'. Mum is so thankful t' 'ave them out from underfoot for a spell." Elsie, who walked her younger brothers and sisters back home on the days they came for lessons, went on to say, "You should 'ave seen the look on Mum's face when Fran told her you make me bathe twice a week. I thought she was going t' faint dead away!"
    At least I’m endearing myself to the locals!
    Grace chuckled at the thought and said, "Let me guess. Fran wants to be like you?"
    Elsie's youthful laughter filled the room. "Fran insists she'll 'eat 'er own water and fill the tub 'erself so she's no extra trouble for Mum. I don't think Mum knows 'ow t' tell 'er no. She can't punish 'er for wantin' t' be clean, now can she?"
    "Clean, no," Grace said. "Fran wasn't being impertinent, was she?" With Fran one can never tell what she might say or do next…
    "Oh no, Your Grace. Fran wants so much to be a lady like you. She hasn't thrown a fit even once since you told 'er ladies don't behave that way. She hardly even fights with the other kids anymore. I know it's good and all, but it's so funny. Fran used t' be the first one t' dive into a fight fist-first. Mum always said she'd been born into the wrong body. Now suddenly she wants t' be all ladylike, and nobody knows what t' do with 'er."
    ****
    That night, before she retired, she sought out Rupert. He was reading in the library, a room she'd told the staff they could all enjoy anytime they wanted as long as their work was done. Looking up when she came in, he asked, "Did you need something?"
    "I'd like to plan a trip to Newcastle."
    "Of course, Your Grace. When would you like to go?"
    "As soon as possible, but I don't want it to interfere with the days the village children come to the castle."
    "Are you planning on spending the night, then?"
    Grace nodded. "I think so. I have a surprise in mind for the children, but it will require some shopping and secrecy on my part. Elsie and Margaret will need to accompany me on the trip." She watched as Rupert's eyebrow lifted in question. After a short pause, she asked, "By the way, how is Margaret working out? It didn't seem prudent to ask in front of the others. She hasn't been up here often, but with what I have in mind we will be seeing more of her, at least for a spell. Has there been any trouble with the footman or driver?"
    "I haven't had to say a word to them. Whatever you said to Margaret has kept her in line. To my knowledge, nothing untoward has occurred, and the Pembrokes have mentioned nothing to me." Rupert stood and asked, "Do you want to tell me what this surprise is, Your Grace?"
    She shook her head. "Not yet."
    When she didn't immediately leave the room, Rupert asked if she needed anything else.
    With a sigh, Grace inquired, "Have you heard from Thomas? He said he'd write every week, but it's been two weeks since the last letter."
    "Your not receiving a letter does not necessarily mean he didn't write one." Rupert's dark eyes offered comfort as he said, "There are many things that can prevent the post from getting to its intended destination. Keep writing to him as you have been. His letters will catch up to you eventually."
    At least he didn't hesitate so he could think of the suitable thing to say. Maybe that means he believes his own words.
    Almost satisfied with his answer, Grace nodded and said, "Goodnight then."

Chapter Ten

    All the children gathered in the great hall the next day. There were twenty of them, twenty-one