The Dowager Countess (The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor Book 2) Sahara Kelly (book club recommendations TXT) 📖

pools during the winter months. It helps with irrigation, so we always make sure they’re fresh and available for the spring plantings. The one near the fruit fields is quite large and not too deep. The sluice won’t be opened until high summer or when it’s needed, so right now, it is the perfect spot for a swim.”

“Goodness,” she leaned back. “It sounds wonderful.”

“I’ll be happy to take you out this afternoon so that you can watch, my Lady.” Giles spoke quietly from the far end of the table.

“Oh, but…”

“You’re doing so well, Ma’am. But you are not yet ready to spend the day bent over in the fields pulling weeds under a hot sun.”

“But…”

“Giles is right, my Lady.” Gabriel touched her hand. “You’ve a little way to go yet before trying such things. Do what you can, right now, not what you want.”

“A wise sentiment,” said Royce. “We’ll welcome you this afternoon if you don’t mind us all hot and probably sweaty from our endeavours.”

Gwyneth managed to refrain from licking her lips. The thought of her gentlemen all hot and sweaty might well make her hot and sweaty right there at the breakfast table. She glanced around. How very blessed she was to have such a wonderful collection of handsome faces greeting her every morning.

“I suppose you’re right,” she said sadly. “But you can be assured I will be there as soon as Giles gives me permission. This is clearly a part of Wolfbridge’s traditions. I don’t want to miss it, since I am now to be a part of the Manor myself.”

“I’ll make sure you don’t, Ma’am. But there are some matters I’d like to discuss with you about Wolfbridge itself, so this will be an ideal time for us to have a few moments to ourselves.”

“As you wish,” she nodded, wondering if there could possibly be any more surprises in store for her.

After the gentlemen had left, Giles led her into the Rose room, and seated her by the window.

“Firstly, my Lady, let me say how happy I am that you have recovered from your ordeal so well. Regaining your health was the very first and most important goal, and nothing could make us happier than seeing you now, your cheeks full of colour, your body restored to normal and becoming in truth the Lady of the Manor.” He smiled. “I know you still tire easily, but that will diminish as time passes. You are indeed recovered, and for that we are all profoundly thankful.”

She gulped, not quite sure how to respond. She couldn’t thank him for the compliments, since she’d done nothing…they’d done it all and without them…well, it didn’t bear thinking about.

However, it seemed no response was expected, since he walked to a corner of the room and reached for a slender volume, bound in leather. Bringing it over to the small table next to her, he opened it to reveal one folded piece of paper. Looking more closely, she realised it was parchment, and probably very old.

“This is traditionally shown to the Ladies of Wolfbridge when they are ready to take up their full duties. It was written long ago by the first Lady, but her words still hold true today, as do her dictates.” He placed the paper on the table. “I’m going to leave you to read this. If you have questions, I will try to answer them later.” He put the leather volume to one side. “When you are finished, would you return the note to its place? As you can imagine, it is most important we keep it secure for the Ladies who will follow in your footsteps.”

She nodded, grasping the important of the document. “I understand, Giles.” She touched the paper with a finger. “I wonder if she sat in this room to write it, all those decades ago…”

“It is possible. A pleasant thought, Ma’am. But I fear we can never know exactly where she wrote it. Only that she did and we are grateful for it.”

“Indeed.” Gwyneth looked up. “Thank you.”

He dipped his head with a smile and departed, the door closing firmly behind him, and leaving Gwyneth to stare at the letter she had to read. Was she curious? Yes. Perhaps a little afraid, as well. But until she read it, she’d never know exactly what it said.

Squaring her shoulders, she took the paper in hand and unfolded it.

“To thee, dear lady, who now hath attained the title of Lady of Wolfbridge, I send greetings.

 

Thou doubtless now find thyself much at ease within these walls, tended by the gentlemen selected for their roles with great acuity and deliberation. Thou willst have learned to love Wolfbridge as did I, and also to love these gentlemen who care for naught but thy happiness. Such is their desire to serve, thou shouldst allow liberties and chances for them to show many affections for thy person. For thus are they rewarded for their constancy.

 

Choose not one too soon, dear friend, but explore each as a new treasure, and with the eagerness of a pirate seeking gold. Let thy heart be thy guide. Love knoweth no bounds, or restrictions to a single mate if more than one catches thine eye. I shall speak no more of this since thy heart must perchance already be of warm disposition toward thy gentlemen. I ask only thou accept such attentions and derive thy pleasure vastly. Wolfbridge shall demand no less than complete and utter devotion to the happiness of all who reside within. None shall be female, for they are a detraction from the true fulfilment of life. Keep to this vow and thou shalt know great joy. Fail and thou shalt know pain, such as I have experienced. Learn from my errors, Lady. Do not stray from this dictate.

 

In time, thou wilt doubtless find one gentleman