The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance Read Free Page A

than I had at first anticipated. I am quite excited now to see
what the remainder of the summer may reveal.”
    “How
delightful for you, Isobel,” Harriet exclaimed. “While I cannot share your
enthusiasm for poking around in the mud, I am very glad you are so pleased with
the progress.” She also added milk to her tea, then took a sip before
continuing. “I too had a most interesting day. I walked down to the Dargenwater
to do a little sketching, and had the opportunity to meet Lord Glencairn’s
children and their governess.”
    “Did you
indeed?” Isobel said in a surprised tone. “How very interesting. In three years
of coming here, I’ve never met him, or seen the children.”
    “I learned
today from the governess, Miss Catherine Dalburn, that Lady Glencairn died more
than a decade ago. I gathered that Lord Glencairn is a rather reserved
gentleman. Besides, this area is by no means populous.”
    “No, its
emptiness is among its chief charms in my opinion, although I expect one might
find more persons of quality nearby than we think, Harriet. Still, travel over
these hills and rough roads does make entertaining and paying calls rather
difficult,” Isobel observed.
    “Fortunately,
Glencairn Castle is situated only a very short walk from here, and Miss Dalburn
has said she will come to drink tea with me on her half day, two days hence,”
Harriet declared triumphantly.
    “How
delightful,” exclaimed Isobel. “Another gentlewoman nearby would be a great
addition to our summer. You especially will benefit, for I know you are often
bored when I am at my work site.”
    “Yes, I think
you are right Isobel,” Harriet said. “Also, the children are adorable.”
    Isobel
interrupted her with a laugh. “Harriet, you think all children adorable. You
even find my brother’s brood tolerable.”
    “There is
nothing wrong with little Freddie!” Harriet responded with some heat.
    “We will have
to agree to disagree on this score,” Isobel said peaceably. “I will allow that
you seem to have an excellent way with them. But perhaps you can tell me more
of Glencairn’s offspring rather than debating the merits of my brother’s.”
     
     Oh, they are
lovely children. Douglas looks to be about eleven years old and quite well
grown. I let him try painting with my watercolors. Miss Sophia is thirteen, and
bids fair to be quite a beauty. They are both clever and well-behaved. Miss
Dalburn seems to have done very well with them since their mother’s death.”
    “Well,
Harriet, I am eager to meet your Miss Dalburn, and learn more of our neighbors.
I will definitely look forward to her visit her on Thursday. I’m less certain
of the children, however,” she laughed. “I don’t think you have ever met a
child you failed to find delightful.”
    The two days
passed uneventfully, with Isobel working in her library in the early mornings
and visiting her worksite each afternoon to update her sketches of the layout
of the ancient roman settlement as it emerged from the earth. Harriet saw to
her stitchery and correspondence and enjoyed her gentle walks. But the
possibility of another lady with whom to converse in the neighborhood was
powerfully appealing to her, so the cook was requested to prepare special cakes
and biscuits for their visitor and the tea tray and the best china was laid out
with great care.
    When the
manservant opened the drawing room door and announced “Miss Dalburn,” Harriet
leapt up to clasp her guest’s hand.
    “How good you
are to walk here to join me for tea!” she exclaimed. “I have been looking
forward to meeting again since Tuesday!”
    Miss Dalburn
pressed her hand warmly. “I share your feelings,” she replied. “Lord
Glencairn’s children are delightful, but I am very glad to have the company of
a female friend.”
    “Do sit down,”
Harriet said, waving at the settee. When the ritual of pouring tea and
selecting cakes had been completed, the ladies settled back with