She and two others.
She glanced at Claudia across the table. Her aunt had maintained a stony silence all morning. Certainly Claudia had not expected her to find her son so soon, if at all. And Eden’s hastily contrived explanation for his existence had not met with her approval.
But Claudia was here at the table, accepting Donal by her very presence. To do otherwise would have been unthinkable. In time, she would grow to love Donal as Eden did.
Eden crumbled a bit of uneaten toast, smiled at Donal, and made another perusal of her mental list. Though she wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day with her son—holding him, learning to laugh and play with him—she knew that such indulgence was not possible.
There was so much to be done at Hartsmere: speaking with each servant individually; consulting Mrs. Byrne about hiring additional servants and a new steward; taking an inventory of furnishings, linens, china, and the other household goods that remained; and determining the need for repairs in the house itself. The rent books must be examined against their solicitor’s and the previous steward’s accounts. Eden would learn to economize, despite her inexperience with frugality.
What she dreaded most was touring the estate and facing her tenants. The condition of the dale indicated widespread want. She’d seen the need for renovations and improvements to cottages and farms—those still occupied—but had no idea how such necessities were to be paid for. She couldn’t guess how the dalesmen and women would regard her, for Mrs. Byrne’s tale had not been promising.
She was certain of only one thing: Hope remained because her son was with her.
“We must find a governess for the boy as soon as may be,” Claudia said abruptly. She dabbed at lips with her napkin and signaled Armstrong to bring the platter of cold ham. She cast an enigmatic glance at Donal. Intent on cleaning his plate, he refused to look at her.
“Is that necessary, so soon?” Eden asked. “He has just arrived. Can we not wait—”
“A boy must be taken in hand at once, lest he become unmanageable. Any child of quality must have a governess.” She cast Eden a very pointed look and smiled. “You would not wish your cousin’s child to have less than the best, especially after such a haphazard upbringing in Ireland.”
“A suitable governess will surely require a salary greater than we can afford.”
Claudia’s glance reproved Eden for her vulgar talk of money at the dining table. “We shall discuss it later, in the sitting room.”
Eden remained silent until Armstrong left to fetch more tea. “It is clear that I cannot restore Hartsmere on my current income. I will have difficulty making it habitable.”
Claudia looked askance at a cobweb hanging from the chandelier. “The bedchambers are unacceptable. The servants are undisciplined, and you have not helped matters by treating them with such familiarity.”
Eden rose, unaccountably rebellious. “I am sorry that Hartsmere is so unsuitable, Aunt. I shall understand if you… prefer to visit friends until the house is in a more civilized state.”
Claudia’s stare was as cool and regal as a queen’s. “If you do not wish ray advice, I shall not force it upon you.”
Eden did not retreat. “Dear Aunt, I could not manage without you. Now I must rely upon you to be patient.”
“But I am concerned for you, child.”
“And I must be concerned for Donal. I need you to help me create a good home for him.”
They both studied the boy. Donal was no longer eating but stared toward the front of the house, his head lifted.
“Horses!” he said, and was up and out of his chair before Eden could respond.
If Donal had heard a carriage, the sound hadn’t reached Eden’s ears. She prayed that it was not the local gentry paying their respects.
For once in her life, Eden did not wish to socialize with anyone. Well-bred visitors would surely understand if she did not choose to receive them at home so soon after her bereavement and long journey from town. With luck, they would leave their cards with Mrs. Byrne and be on their way.