He couldn’t believe his eyes. It was incredible, like something out of a book.
They rattled through tall wrought-iron gates. They didn’t continue onto the circular drive in front of the house. Instead, Lenny headed the other way, towards the back of the house where Jude knew the servant’s quarters were likely to be.
He was right. Lenny pulled on the reins. The cart stopped. They jumped down. Jude grabbed his knapsack, gazing around.
Beyond the servant’s quarters, he saw a long line of stables. And beyond that, meticulously manicured grounds that seemed to go on forever. He knew he was gaping, but he couldn’t help it.
Lenny laughed. “You’ll get used to it, lad. I was like that when I first started working here. Come on, I will take you inside, where you can meet the others.”
Jude nodded, following Lenny towards the back of the grand house. He suddenly felt nervous again. Very nervous. How was a city boy like him going to fit in to life on a palatial country estate?
He reminded himself of why he wanted this position and why he accepted it when it was offered to him. It was the chance for a fresh start; somewhere completely different from the crowded streets of Shrewsbury. A place to leave the past behind. He knew his search for his family had been consuming him, and he had to leave it alone. Besides, he was ambitious. This was a chance to make a good living for a long time, just as Lenny had said.
He took a deep breath. Perhaps he could do that here. What awaited him at Bosworth Manor?
Chapter 3
Evelina clattered down the staircase, hastily pulling on her gloves. She was running late. She had ordered the carriage be ready by ten, and it was already half past the hour.
She stopped in the foyer, putting on her bonnet, before continuing to the door. She was going to Charingworth to hand out baskets of Christmas goodies, just like Mama had always done. It was practical items like bread, eggs, fresh vegetables and pots of honey from the Bosworth Manor beekeeper. Each basket included a small gift that wasn’t practical at all. It could be anything from small vials of perfume to children’s books.
Evelina spent the entire previous afternoon preparing the baskets herself, painstakingly selecting the personal gifts to add to the bounty. The baskets were already on the carriage. All she needed to do was get on it herself, and she was on her way.
She rushed through the front door, looking the other way at a potted plant that she had just noticed needed attention. Suddenly, she collided with someone.
“Oh,” she cried, stumbling backwards.
She stared at the man with whom she had collided. She had never seen him before, but he was wearing the Bosworth livery. A new coachman?
Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed at him. He was tall, very broad across the shoulders, with russet brown hair and sparkling green eyes. He was probably in his late twenties or early thirties. A very handsome man indeed.
She noted his strong, sharp jawline. Yes, he wasveryhandsome. She felt an unfamiliar fluttering within the pit of her stomach and further below. It caused a strange restlessness.
“Milady,” he said in a deep voice, reaching out a hand to steady her. “I apologise.”
Evelina tried to catch her breath. She felt a flood of colour rush into her cheeks. It was disconcerting being so close to him, but to her surprise, she wasn’t scurrying to get away from him. In fact, she wanted to stay exactly where she was.
“There is no need to apologise,” she said breathlessly. “It was my fault entirely. I was rushing and not looking where I was going.”
He gave her a half smile. It was a lovely smile and his green eyes sparkled. She felt another stirring deep inside her.
“I have never seen you before,” she rushed on. “Are you new? What is your name?”
“Jude Huxley, milady,” said the man, bowing slightly. “I only started yesterday.”
“I see,” said Evelina, her heart thumping hard. She vaguely recalled Mr. Harrington, the steward, telling her they were employing a new coachman. “Well, welcome to Bosworth Manor, Jude. I am Lady Evelina, as you are clearly aware.”
“Yes,” he laughed. “I can see clearly that you are a lady.” He paused, gazing at her intently. “Thank you, Lady Evelina.”
His green eyes deepened a shade as he gazed at her. Her face felt like it was on fire. Their eyes met and locked. Evelina felt a jolt of lightning shoot down her spine.
Confused, she stepped back, gazing down at the ground. He moved away from her, opening the carriage door. Evelina took a deep breath and stepped in, settling herself within. She heard him close the door, but she couldn’t look at him again for fear that the same strange thing would happen to her.
The driver cracked the whip, and she was finally on her way. Evelina sat back in the carriage, gazing out the window. She didn’t see anything. Her gaze was entirely inward as she contemplated the new coachman and her strange reaction to him.
His name is Jude, she thought.I like it.
She wondered where he had come from. Was he a local? She had never seen him around Charingworth, and she thought she would remember such a strikingly handsome man. Perhaps he was from another village in the district, or from one of the rural hamlets that scattered the area. Perhaps he was from a local farming family.