Free Catch Me If You Can by Juliette Cosway

intend to leave the estate?”
    She did. When she’d begun to feel stronger she’d thought of Frieda and of traveling to the American land that bore the Craven name. What better way to show homage to her beloved father than to follow in his footsteps? As soon as the idea had taken hold, her spirit grew strong again. Focusing on the plan made her feel stronger by the moment. “Indeed, I wish to visit with my Aunt in America. It’s the right thing to do. She’s my only close family. I should be with her.”
    “That’s understandable.”
    “I may be away from Oaklands for some time. A year, maybe more. My intention is to ask Mr. Wimpole, my father’s solicitor, to employ a reputable company to support the tenants with their needs during my absence. However, I would ask them to report to you on a fortnightly basis, for guidance. You are aware of how things are run in the county and I would appreciate your guidance for them – if you are agreeable.”
    “Miss Craven, I’m flattered and of course I’ll gladly act as I have before.” He fiddled with his necktie, his eyes thoughtful. “I would prefer to have my estate manager take on the additional overseeing and report directly to me. I believe he has the time to include it in his current duties and your tenants are familiar with him. If the work becomes too much at harvest time I’ll address that problem then. In the meantime that might be more effective than hiring a stranger who they haven’t met before.”
    It was the response she’d hoped for. She couldn’t assume he would offer the same generous facilitation with her as he had with her father, nor could she hope to avail of his favors for what might be a much longer absence than he’d previously supervised. This would be a good arrangement. “My Lord, that would be most satisfactory and I thank you for your kind considerations. Mr. Wimpole will arrange remuneration for your estate manager with immediate effect.”
    His eyebrows lifted. “Immediate?”
    “I intend to leave as soon as possible. However, I’ve not yet spoken of my intentions to the tenants or servants. If your man could perhaps visit me later in the week it will give me time to inform them of the arrangements.”
    “Of course. We’ll look forward to the day when you come back. You are much admired by your tenants – a rare achievement for a woman, and a most admirable one.”  Lord Brooks rose and came to her side. He took her hand as she rose from her seat, bending over it with a respectful bow.
    His comments had surprised Eleanor, who was unaware of her reputation or that it would meet with a positive response from a man such as Lord Brooks.
    Later, after a genial discussion on county matters with both him and his wife, she took her leave. As she climbed back into the carriage, she reflected on his words. It moved her deeply to think the tenants thought well of her. That put a gem of warmth in her heart. She’d made sure they would be looked after and treated fairly and would nurture the gem while she was away from home. It was going to be hard to leave them, and the household servants. However, she knew she must undertake the journey, not least in homage of her beloved father. To walk in his footsteps and see what he’d seen, in happier days would bring him close to her again.
     
    * * *
     
    When the meeting with Mr. Wimpole was over and everything was in place, Eleanor finally went to speak with Mrs. Bramley in her private sitting room. The housekeeper sat by the fire with some sewing in her hand when her mistress came in. She looked at Eleanor in dismay when she related her plans to travel to America.
    “I’ve planned the expedition carefully and I want to go over the final household matters with you now. I intend to be ready to leave within days.” 
    Mrs. Bramley sat back in her chair, aghast at the idea of it. “I know this was a planned journey, but your father wouldn’t have wanted you to do it without a