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

And there were no whispers as both Giles and Lady Gwyneth observed the service, rising, sitting, singing and praying according to the moment. It was a pretty church, and Vicar Thomas’s reputation was enhanced by the brevity of his sermons. He did take time to welcome the Lady of Wolfbridge, compliment her on regaining her health, and professed delight that she was already enmeshed in preparations for the Whit Sunday fête, to take place in a couple of weeks.

He also cleverly encouraged everyone to make sure they had their blessing from the Lord prior to attending the event. After all, he’d noted, it took quite a bit of luck to win at bowling if one was inclined to play, and a good relationship with God couldn’t hurt.

That made everybody laugh and the final hymn and prayers brought the service to a satisfactory close. Giles helped Gwyneth button her gloves and then stood, offering her his arm.

The Vicar led them out into the sunshine, standing at the entrance and sharing a word or two with his parishioners. “My Lady,” he bowed. “I am so happy to welcome you. I trust you enjoyed our worship this morning?” He beamed at Gwyneth.

“Indeed, Vicar. You have a lovely church, and an enthusiastic congregation, both of which I find to be most pleasing. I look forward to seeing you regularly from now on.”

“You are very kind, Ma’am. We rejoice in your recovery and will eagerly await your attendance.” He leaned toward her. “You must be sure to let me know if there are any announcements you would like me to make on behalf of yourself or Wolfbridge.”

“Of course. That is a lovely idea and I shall keep it in mind.”

Smiling from ear to ear, he bowed again, and Giles led Gwyneth away, allowing the other congregants to leave the church behind them.

“A nice man,” she observed once they were out of earshot. “And a nice service too.”

Giles was silent, merely nodding in agreement. He had looked back, wanting to see the gentlemen and make sure they spoke before leaving. He’d noticed another head he recognised.

Two heads in fact.

Attending services this morning, amidst the locals, had been Baron Randschen and…to Giles’s astonishment…Mr Baxter Fairhurst.

Seeing those two together sounded all kinds of danger warnings in Giles’s head and he turned with relief to see Mrs B and Jane walking toward Gwyneth. In moments all three were chatting happily, which freed him to keep his eye on the two men.

Royce, Jeremy, Evan and Gabriel all arrived at the same time, but stilled as soon as they saw him.

“What is it?” Royce asked quietly. “Who are you watching?”

Giles turned away from the sight of Fairhurst and Randschen and inclined his head toward his friends, keeping his voice low. “The Baron is here. Unusual enough, for a small country church, but it’s who he’s with that has me concerned.”

“Oh my God,” swore Jeremy softly. “Baxter Fairhurst.”

Royce frowned. “Who?”

Giles sighed. “Later. When we get back.” He turned to Evan. “A light lunch today I think. We need to talk afterward.”

“Of course,” said Evan. “Is Trick here? I saw Jane and Mrs B…”

“I didn’t see him,” answered Jeremy. “But here comes Jane. She’ll know.”

Greetings were exchanged, and Gwyneth naturally rested her hand on Giles’s arm as she stood at his side.

“No, he’s not here, Jeremy. I’m sorry.” Jane shook her head. “He’s over in Ditchley. Someone’s mare foaled last week and he wants to take a look at the little one.” She smiled. “Actually, I think he wanted to avoid church.” Her voice was quiet but full of laughter.

“That’s Trick,” grinned Jeremy.

“Jane, if I might,” Giles leaned toward her a little. “Would you ask Trick to visit Wolfbridge when he has a chance? There’s a matter I’d like to discuss with him.”

“Of course,” she nodded, a slight frown on her face. “Is…is everything all right, sir?”

He relaxed and smiled. “Certainly, yes. I have come to rely on Trick’s advice. I’m lost now and again without it.”

“He’ll be pleased, sir. I’ll tell him as soon as he gets back.”

“As will I,” chimed in Mrs B. “Now Janey’s keepin’ ‘er eye on Fivetrees, I get ter ‘ave tea there on a Sunday. Right nice it is, but their cook could do wi’ a hand when it comes ter teacakes, Evan…”

Everyone laughed and as if by mutual accord, drifted off in different directions, Giles and Gwyneth to the gig, and the gentlemen to their mounts, agreeing to meet for lunch within the hour.

Giles was quiet as they drove home, waving and smiling now and again to others they passed, but then lapsing into his own thoughts.

“Is everything all right, Giles?” Gwyneth peered at him from beneath the rim of her bonnet. “I saw Randschen there, but I was not about to let him spoil my enjoyment of the service.” She sighed. “It worried you, I think.”

“I’m not sure what it did,” he answered finally. “But it will not detract from the beauty of this day, my Lady. I insist upon that.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

*~~*~~*

“Come in, Trick. Join us.” Gwyneth smiled as the tall, good-looking man peered around the door of the Rose room.

“I guessed you’d be in here.” He bowed to Gwyneth. “My Lady. You look well. Jane and I are very happy you’re recovered.”

She waved his compliments aside. “Thank you…but Giles has more important matters to discuss than my looks.”

Giles nodded. “I do.”

She sat next to Evan on the couch, with Jeremy and Royce in nearby chairs, Gabriel sprawled comfortably at her feet and Giles at the desk.

Trick took an empty chair near the desk and gazed at Giles. “It’s about Fairhurst? Jane thought she recognized him at this morning’s service.”

“Yes,” Giles replied. “For Lady