Later in the day, as she mounted her mare and turned toward the Dower House, she breathed in the cold air and realized that they had not discussed the amount of coal and wood which would be needed to heat the two estates. "Oh, Izzy, I hope the chimney sweep came today. It will be bitterly cold tonight, and I have too many blankets on my bed already. I am like to smother if I add another." Izzy snorted at this and shook her head to signal her desire to stretch her legs. "Sorry, my love, but I cannot go galloping ventre a terre into the dusk, and trotting is more than my body can bear, so a walk it must be."
Izzy danced a little to signal her displeasure and Ammie considered what her life had come to that all her conversations were with her horse as they picked their way home.
In the end, Ammie temporarily moved to Duclose to oversee its opening and staffing along with preparation for the receiving of her son and his family. While Katherine might not, for some reason still alien to Ammie's mind, care for her mother in law enough to visit her, she did know what was due one of the most prestigious titles in the land, especially when she had married into a family that counted the old Marquess as a friend and ally. By the time their carriages arrived at Duclose late in the afternoon on Wednesday, the Holland covers were off, the house was clean and sweet smelling, flowers from the Barcloe hot houses adorned the rooms, the nursery was prepared, and hot water was awaiting them. Ammie stood in the hallway and greeted them both. Stephen enveloped her in a hug disregarding convention and the wetness of his greatcoat. He removed his hat and pushed back his hair. His father's eyes stared down at her in love. She felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes and held them back as she turned her smile to Katherine.
"My dear, you must be exhausted. The children, too. I have put you in the master suite. Corbin will show you up. There is hot water awaiting you and tea will be brought up shortly. The nursery is prepared as well."
"Thank you, Mother ________. I had best look around the estate while I am here. This is one of the minor properties, Stephen?" Well, Ammie thought, surely Stephen has told her. Surely she has asked. She quirked an eyebrow at Stephen. He smiled back at her and replied "Darling, you must know this estate belongs entirely to my mother, a gift from her Grandmere to her."
Katherine turned to Ammie. "I apologize for my misconception, Mother. I was told you resided in the Dower House and for some reason, I assumed the property was the Earl's."
"I can see that the mistake would be easy to make. You have no need to apologize to me. I live in the Dower House because it is so much easier to get around in and care for. But occasions like these, however sad they may be, are what country estates are good for unless children are being raised here of course. That is the best use of a country estate. I grew up here and my childhood memories of Duclose are the best I have. Come, let us get you warm, comfortable and fed." She took Katherine's arm and led her up the stairs smiling at her and doing her best to place her at ease. Stephen followed behind them, chatting about the trip up and the children's antics at the coaching inns. Katherine was silent, but not stiff. Ammie was hopeful
Izzy danced a little to signal her displeasure and Ammie considered what her life had come to that all her conversations were with her horse as they picked their way home.
In the end, Ammie temporarily moved to Duclose to oversee its opening and staffing along with preparation for the receiving of her son and his family. While Katherine might not, for some reason still alien to Ammie's mind, care for her mother in law enough to visit her, she did know what was due one of the most prestigious titles in the land, especially when she had married into a family that counted the old Marquess as a friend and ally. By the time their carriages arrived at Duclose late in the afternoon on Wednesday, the Holland covers were off, the house was clean and sweet smelling, flowers from the Barcloe hot houses adorned the rooms, the nursery was prepared, and hot water was awaiting them. Ammie stood in the hallway and greeted them both. Stephen enveloped her in a hug disregarding convention and the wetness of his greatcoat. He removed his hat and pushed back his hair. His father's eyes stared down at her in love. She felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes and held them back as she turned her smile to Katherine.
"My dear, you must be exhausted. The children, too. I have put you in the master suite. Corbin will show you up. There is hot water awaiting you and tea will be brought up shortly. The nursery is prepared as well."
"Thank you, Mother ________. I had best look around the estate while I am here. This is one of the minor properties, Stephen?" Well, Ammie thought, surely Stephen has told her. Surely she has asked. She quirked an eyebrow at Stephen. He smiled back at her and replied "Darling, you must know this estate belongs entirely to my mother, a gift from her Grandmere to her."
Katherine turned to Ammie. "I apologize for my misconception, Mother. I was told you resided in the Dower House and for some reason, I assumed the property was the Earl's."
"I can see that the mistake would be easy to make. You have no need to apologize to me. I live in the Dower House because it is so much easier to get around in and care for. But occasions like these, however sad they may be, are what country estates are good for unless children are being raised here of course. That is the best use of a country estate. I grew up here and my childhood memories of Duclose are the best I have. Come, let us get you warm, comfortable and fed." She took Katherine's arm and led her up the stairs smiling at her and doing her best to place her at ease. Stephen followed behind them, chatting about the trip up and the children's antics at the coaching inns. Katherine was silent, but not stiff. Ammie was hopeful
