The Dowager Countess (The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor Book 2), Sahara Kelly [best thriller novels to read txt] 📗

of a challenge, so about ten years ago it was winnowed down to a fête and dance after church, along with activities and parties for the children.”

“And we hold the fête and the dance?” Gwyneth’s eyes widened. “How many are we talking about?”

Giles held up his hand. “No, not the dance. Just the fête.”

“Ah,” she nodded. “That makes sense.”

“It’s usually fun,” said Evan. “Last year we were rained out, but the year before I judged the pie contest. Each of us does what we can…Jeremy handled the bowling…”

“And I think we can do that again if the good weather holds. The oak field is still pretty flat. I will look it over and see if it needs any rolling,” he commented.

“Daniel and Trick gave pony rides to the children,” said Giles. “We could possibly pass that to Royce?”

“If he promises not to scare ‘em,” chuckled Jeremy.

Royce ignored him. “Very well. Horses or donkeys?”

“Do we have donkeys?” Gwyneth blinked.

“No, my Lady,” answered Royce. “But some of the farmers do. I’m sure we could borrow a couple. It’s a little easier for the children to sit atop a donkey. Not quite so intimidating as a fifteen-hand hunter.”

“And the rest of the activities come from various members of the estate. I think Mr Smart had a darts board set up last time…” Giles frowned.

“He did,” said Evan. “I won a cake.”

Everyone laughed at his dry comment.

“Very well then,” said Gwyneth. “We must indeed begin our planning. And it should start with someone telling me what I need to do…”

Silence fell for a moment or two, then Royce put down his teacup and looked at Giles. “I’m not sure if this would work, but what if we ask Lady Gwyneth to choose a theme? Something the children could dress up for?”

Giles blinked. “Hmm.” He pursed his lips, lost in thought for a few moments. “You know, that might work.” He glanced at Gwyneth. “Any thoughts, my Lady?”

“Well.” She stared out the window for a moment or two, and for some reason a vision of her gentlemen, her knights, popped into her head. “Would something like a Medieval joust work?”

“Not if I have to ride in one,” retorted Jeremy, choking back a laugh.

“No, no,” she laughed in turn. “I was thinking more along the lines of the Medieval festivals that went with the Joust. It would let our guests dress as nobles, the children can have wooden swords…I’m sure someone around here could make some…and, assuming the weather is as good as possible, all sorts of outdoor cooking, dancing perhaps…”

Giles took some time to consider it.

“Would it be practical?” He posed the question absently. “We could certainly have someone knock out some of those wooden frames for the tents, and the children could paint flags…” his mind roamed over the possibilities. “Knights and their Ladies…” he nodded. “Yes, I like it. And it will suit Wolfbridge, since its history goes back to at least that time period.”

“We must have a standard,” offered Gabriel. “A flag to indicate our Lady is in residence.”

Gwyneth laughed. “When am I ever not in residence, Gabriel?”

“You never know,” he grinned. “But I still think it’s a good idea. There were a lot of flags back then, weren’t there?”

Royce nodded. “I think you’re right.”

“Visually it would work well,” Evan mused aloud. “The large lawn on our west side needs some scything, but it would be a good place to situate any cooking areas, and tents for whatever else we plan. I know we used other sites before, but something on a Medieval scale needs plenty of room.”

Giles agreed. “It is settled then. We’ll let Mrs Barnsley know…”

“I’ll do that,” said Gwyneth. “It’s past time I start visiting our tenants, and now I’m back to my full strength, I look forward to it.”

“Almost back to full strength, Ma’am,” cautioned Giles. “You will not be able to spend a day wandering around the estate just yet. But a morning or two will be acceptable.”

“Yes, sir.”

*~~*~~*

Laughter followed Gwyneth and Giles as they left the others and headed for his study.

She walked silently, composing her words in her mind, since a difficult conversation lay ahead and she wanted to be prepared.

He indicated a chair and she sat as he moved to his desk and picked up papers. “Now, my Lady. You had a matter to discuss, and I have received something for you. Which shall we broach first?”

She took a breath. “Perhaps I should go first, since what I have to ask is of a…delicate nature and I’d rather get it out of the way.”

He moved to a chair near hers and sat. “By all means, please go ahead.”

“I am learning more each day, Giles, about the nature and the concept of Wolfbridge. It has certainly sustained me, healed me physically and offered me sanctuary.”

“As it should,” he commented.

“And…” she swallowed, then raised her chin, hoping her composure would hold. “And I understand, as you’ve mentioned before, that such solace need not be only from Wolfbridge itself, but also from the gentlemen who serve both the Manor and me.”

“That is correct.”

“So…how should that work?”

Giles smiled a little. “Any way you want it to, my Lady.”

She gritted her teeth. “Yes, but…do I ask? And how? And should I make it a private one-on-one request or over the dinner table?” She knew her cheeks were flushing, but the questions needed to be answered.

He nodded, holding up his hand to calm her agitation. “There are several ways, my Lady. You can give me an indication of who you would prefer assist you to your chamber. You may indeed ask directly, if you so choose. You may suggest that any or all of the gentlemen join you for a brandy…” His face was unusually gentle