The day of Charlotte and Adele’s departure was approaching faster than Therese von Hochstetten cared to admit. A lengthy conversation with her daughter and Charlotte had eased some of the pain she felt when she thought of her little girl leaving for good. Charlotte’s sincere words as well as the tangible love she felt for Adele had soothed her motherly worries considerably but didn’t make it easier to see them leave.
Sophie, on the other hand, felt her anger bubbling up again as she thought about the coming confrontation she would have with her sister. It was unavoidable; for Emma’s cruel actions had caused her and Eleanor so much heartache, adding to the stupid misunderstanding that kept them apart, nearly losing them every chance to be together forever.
She wasn’t sure she could ever forgive Emma. What she wanted to know was why she had done it.
Sophie looked up from her papers and through the window saw Eleanor returning from a lengthy ride with her daughter and Adele. She couldn’t help but admire the woman as she sat so regally on the horse, her white hair wind-blown and her cheeks becomingly tinted pink.
Eleanor’s eyes sought the place she knew she would find Sophie and wasn’t at all surprised to find her intently watching. She smiled and mouthed a silent “I love you” to the woman who had so unexpectedly and completely stolen her heart. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that after the love she shared with Cathleen, she would find something just as intense and wonderful again.
Sophie abandoned her papers to visit with the three women outside. The damp weather of the last few days had put a strain on her leg, and she leaned heavily on her cane as she crossed the lawn to join them before they led the horses back in to the stable.
“Your Grace,” Sophie greeted playfully as she drew near to Eleanor.
“Countess,” Eleanor responded in an equally good mood.
“Hey, cousin,” Adele spurred her horse forward, “why didn’t you ride with us? It was wonderful after nearly four days of rain on end.”
“I’m sure it was, but I have to finish the translations before we return.”
Eleanor didn’t object for she knew it was a little white lie. She was aware that Sophie’s leg was troubling her, and that was the real reason she declined the invitation to accompany them. Not that Sophie would ever admit it to anyone, but by the way she moved, from the lines of strain around her eyes, and how she leaned more heavily on her cane were all clear signs to Eleanor. There was nothing she could do, though.
It hurt that Sophie wouldn’t admit her physical pain to her, but after so many years of putting up a front, the habit must be hard to break. All Eleanor could do was wait until Sophie was ready to trust her completely and let her help ease the pain. From the constant frown on Sophie’s forehead, she thought something else was on Sophie’s mind.
“What is troubling you so?” Eleanor asked quietly as she dismounted to walk with Sophie towards the stable.
“Am I that obvious?”
“Not really, but you have been brooding for days now. You have this line on your forehead when you are worried about something.”
“So, I’m transparent now,” Sophie murmured in mock exasperation. She took hold of Eleanor’s free hand as they sauntered next to each other. “It’s my sister and the role she played in this whole unfortunate affair.”
“I am sorry.”
“Don’t be! It isn’t your fault. I had no idea she could do something so awful or hurtful. It’s as if I don’t know her anymore.” Sophie gave a sad shake of her head. “Right now, I’m so angry when I think of the things she has done. I’m afraid when we meet again, I will let my emotions get the better of me and I’ll lash out at her.”
“It would be understandable.” Eleanor squeezed her hand gently.
“But that would accomplish nothing.”
Sophie could only hope she would keep her temper in check when talking to her sister, but she feared Emma would aggravate her again. She would have to wait and see.
Therese von Hochstetten accompanied her guests and daughter to the station when it was time to for them to leave Salzburg and return to Vienna. After a tearful goodbye, they boarded the train and waved until she was out of sight, then heaved sighs as they sank down in their seats. Eleanor observed her travelling companions with contentment, but when her eyes fell on Adele’s maid she frowned at the girl’s bleak demeanour.
Eleanor knew better than to ask her what was wrong because the girl was already too frightened by her mere presence. They belonged to completely different social classes, but Eleanor always had a good rapport with servants. Mutual respect was the foundation for an effective relationship with servants and respect had served her well. Rose was the best example. Although she was quite young, she was still working as her lady’s maid after a year, and Eleanor was more than satisfied with her service. Rose seemed quite comfortable with her position as did all of their servants.
Eleanor caught her own maid’s eyes of her maid and gestured for her to follow her outside the compartment. “Excuse us for a moment,” she said as she preceded Rose through the door.
Rose followed her mistress out of their compartment. A few feet from their compartment, Eleanor stopped and turned to face her. From the look on Rose’s face, clearly she was wondering what was on her mind
“I need you to do me a favour, Rose.”
“Of course, your Grace.” The maid agreed without hesitation.
“You have money?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Slightly annoyed, Eleanor said, “Please take that shivering girl to the dining car for a coffee and a piece of cake before she suffers a stroke or heart attack.”
“Do you want me to find out what is going on?” Rose asked. “Is that why you want me to take Josefine for something to drink?”
“I knew there was a reason why I decided to make you my lady’s maid.”
Eleanor smiled and sent Rose back ahead of her before she joined the others again. The questioning looks cast her way were waved off nonchalantly as she settled in her seat. Charlotte and Adele continued their soft conversation while Sophie put her head on Eleanor’s shoulder and gazed out the window.
Rose whispered something to Josefine and the two crept out of the compartment like quiet mice.
“Are you angry with Josefine?” Sophie asked after a while.
“Not at all. I merely thought she’d be more comfortable with just Rose for company for a while.” She took hold of one of Sophie’s hands.
“Life hasn’t been kind to her.”
“I thought as much, but it wouldn’t do for her to act like a frightened deer all the time. She’ll be a part of our household and can’t be afraid of her own shadow when working there.”
“I see. So, you asked Rose to calm her fears and find out what was the matter?” Sophie guessed.
“Yes.”
“I could tell you a bit about her past if you wish.”
“Oh?” Eleanor raised an eyebrow in question. “Please, by all means do.”
Sophie sat up straight and told her Josefine’s story from the time she became a part of her father’s household at the age of thirteen—including a rape by Count von Bernthal—and up to the moment Sophie met her while Josefine was trying to survive as a prostitute. She explained how she had rescued the young woman, assisting her in becoming her cousin’s maid, and now how Josefine was a good servant but perpetually frightened she would lose her position and be back on the streets.
Charlotte and Adele both listened carefully to what Sophie had to tell. Sophie thought they were as outraged as Eleanor was when they learned the whole truth.
“Now I can’t understand your sister’s engagement to that despicable man at all,” Eleanor said.
“Neither can I,” Charlotte agreed whole-heartedly.
Josefine sat subdued in her seat, barely answering the questions Rose was asking. She kept her eyes fixed on the tablecloth, but her eyes went wide when Rose produced Eleanor’s calling card to stop the waiter from objecting to their presence before he could utter a single word.
“Her Grace will confirm her orders if necessary as it was she who sent us here,” Rose informed the man using the same haughty tone she often heard from her mistress. “But I wouldn’t recommend it. You wouldn’t want to question the orders of a Duchess of the British Empire, would you?”
“If you say so, Miss.” The man sniffed, took their requests, and went off to fetch their orders.
“Is it true?” Josefine whispered.
“What?”
“That her Grace sent us here?”
“Of course.” Rose grinned like a Cheshire cat. “She was a bit annoyed that you wouldn’t relax in her presence. She hates it when servants are all fidgety and act like scaredy-cats.”
“But she is a duchess,” Josefine said as though scandalised. “Why would she care how I feel?”
“Because you’re part of her household now, and she won’t have you cowering in a corner every time she enters a room or passes you on the stairs.”
“But I thought—”
“What? What did you think?” Rose inquired impatiently. Her answer had to wait though because their coffee and cake were delivered by a still not truly convinced waiter. When he departed, she prodded Josefine again. “Well?”
“I thought Countess von Hochstetten would stay at the Palais Hagendorf.”
“Why would she? The person she wants to be with is the daughter of the duchess, and I know for certain that the both of you are going to stay at the home of Charlotte and her parents.”
Josefine breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”
“Hey, you can relax. I know you are nervous about being in the presence of such a formidable woman like the duchess, but she’s actually quite kind. Especially to those of us who work in the household.” Rose reached out and covered one of Josefine’s hands with her own. “You’ll like it, you’ll see. It is a decent household, a good place to work. Nice people upstairs and downstairs.”
“Sure,” Josefine mumbled, clearly not convinced at all.
Rose knew too much had happened since she had become a maid, not to mention beforehand. Rose had heard rumours that Josefine had seen, heard, and experienced too much to believe her luck would hold any longer. The girl was weary, and why wouldn’t she be?
“Listen, the duchess is stern but fair. She expects a meticulous work ethic, but she and her family treat us well. Better than most employers would and the same can be said about his Lordship as well as their children. Downstairs is quite a colourful collection of people from all paths of life. Whatever it is that has you wound up so tight, it won’t happen there.”
“As if. Those people take what they need, and then they throw you away like a piece of rubbish. They take your pride, your dignity, and leave you with nothing but the clothes on your back.”
Rose heard Josefine’s bitterness. She knew her place but being treated like a mere piece of meat had left its marks.
“Some of them do,” Rose said. I would be the last to deny that, but this family is different.”
Rose felt the need to defend her mistress because when nobody else would have given a damn about any of the servants, the duchess and his lordship had. They took them in, gave them a purpose and with it the dignity Josefine spoke about. When she saw that the other maid was still reluctant to believe her, Rose thought she could tell a few truths about the servants. She wouldn’t betray any confidences since none of them was making a secret of their past, and if Josefine were to hear their stories, she might feel better about her new assignment. Rose’s fellow workers had survived what life and malevolent human beings had thrown their way and would tell the tale to anyone who was willing to listen.
Upon hearing Josefine’s story, Charlotte and Eleanor were convinced she would fit in perfectly with their other servants. They were committed to going out of their way to make her welcome and help her find her way within the household.
“They might need a little bit getting used to.” Eleanor said, “but otherwise they’re good people.” Given their own past experiences, no one in my employ will think any less of Josefine.”
Adele was intrigued. “What are their stories, if you don’t mind my asking?” She knew Sophie would want to know but was far too polite to ask. Adele and Sophie were both heavily involved in organisations that helped the lower classes better their chances. So of course she wondered what kind of person her beloved’s mother was, how she treated her servants. So far, Adele had to admit that the duchess treated her maid far better than many of the lower nobilities treated theirs, as Adele had observed from the behaviour of some of her mother’s acquaintances.
“Benson, our butler, has been with my husband’s family since he was a mere footman,” Eleanor explained proudly. “You might find him a bit intimidating at first for he wears an eye patch. It gives him a roughish air.”
Charlotte snorted at that description. “Grandmother certainly thinks so.”
“What happened to his eye?” Sophie asked.
“Let’s just say my late father-in-law always had a volatile temper, and Henry had to take the brunt of it. He never could do anything to satisfy his father’s expectations, and one day it got so bad that his father nearly beat him to death. If it hadn’t been for Benson stopping him, Henry may have lost his life. But in his rage, my father-in-law directed his anger instead at the footman, Benson, who then lost his eye.”
“Goodness,” Adele exclaimed in shock.
“Benson left service, but after my late father-in-law’s death, Henry made sure to rehire Benson, which is a benefit to our household each and every day.” Eleanor would always be fond of the man who saved Henry’s life and become such an integral part of their household.
“I agree with you, Mother,” Charlotte said. “He’s a very sweet man. Our cook, Mrs. Chambers, on the other hand, is rather more frightening.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “She knows her worth, my dear. And rightfully so. I have only admiration for such a feisty woman. I know I can always rely upon her.” She turned toward Adele. “Mrs. Chambers was
also with my husband’s family for a long time before she became our cook. I don’t know what I would do without her. The magic she works in the kitchen is unrivalled.”
Charlotte asked, “Is that why you felt the need to apologise for Papa’s faux pas when grandmother visited us last time?”
“My darling, there are times when even a duchess must step down and make amends with those who happen to serve her. Mrs. Chambers had saved me from an otherwise most embarrassing ordeal, and such an effort had to be acknowledged.”
“Papa said you asked Mrs. Kavanaugh to accompany Mrs. Chambers?” Charlotte inquired curiously.
“Ever since Mrs. Kavanaugh became our housekeeper, we questioned whether they were going to one day murder or kiss each other, as you well know. I can honestly say I am deliriously happy it was the latter.”
This caused everybody to laugh heartily. But the assessment was true. Eleanor remembered how often she or Cathleen had to listen to either woman complain about the other overstepping her boundaries. When Eleanor reached the end of her patience, she ordered them plainly to stop annoying her and to work out their differences between them or she would have to look for new servants.
How she had hoped at the time it would be an empty threat. Everybody held their breath for days . . . and nearly all were more than surprised they hadn’t strangled each other.
At long last, the two women finally admitted their mutual attraction and quietly went about rearranging their lives in such a way that most of the other servants weren’t aware of how deep their bond became.
What followed then was blissful peace downstairs and people upstairs grateful that everything was running smoothly again.
Eleanor said, “As for our footmen, James and Cedric, I have to admit with great trepidation, they were both involved in the Cleveland Street scandal in 1889.”
“Please elaborate, my love.” Sophie gazed over at Adele and Charlotte. “By the expression on your face, Adele, I would wager that you’re not aware of this scandal either.”
“It was a very sordid affair, really,” Eleanor said. “There happened to be a male brothel where men of prominent position sought the service of young men.”
“It caused quite an uproar, as you can imagine,” Charlotte added. “James and Cedric were two of the young men involved, but we only found out about it later, after one of Papa’s business associates dined at our house and recognised them.”
“What happened?” Adele asked with keen interest.
“Initially the man visiting was very distressed because he thought Henry had arranged this in order to blackmail him.” Eleanor snorted out a guffaw at the ridiculousness of the thought. “When we assured him that nothing could be further from the truth, he was relieved but never again accepted an invitation. Not that we were overly sorry about that, mind you.”
Adele said, “I suppose you know more about your servants than most other people do.”
“We try to, dear, but ours is a large household. We do not know each and every detail about all our kitchen maids, stable hands or many others who keep the place running so smoothly.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to,” Adele said. I appreciate your concerns. It is still quite remarkable how kind you are.”
“Thank you, I guess.” Eleanor said, flustered. Being praised for what wasn’t her doing at all seemed inappropriate. When she felt Sophie entwine one of her hands with one of hers, she leaned back and instantly felt better.
Rose came back with Josefine a quarter hour later, and the new maid seemed decidedly more at ease. Eleanor raised a questioning eyebrow at her maid and after she received a confident nod, she closed her eyes. Trust Rose to make sure the new addition to the servant’s quarters would feel more welcome and at ease around the family.
When the train from Salzburg rolled into the station, Lord Edgewood was already waiting patiently for the party. Eleanor’s telegram had been nothing short of a surprise to him. He had never thought that not only his wife but also his daughter would return with a significant other at their sides.
The first to exit the train were Rose and Josefine who greeted his lordship respectfully before they hurried off to take care of the luggage and call a second carriage. When Charlotte jumped from the compartment into his waiting arms, Henry joyfully embraced her. He laughed at the exuberant behaviour of his firstborn, holding her tight in a fatherly embrace.
“Papa!” Charlotte inhaled her father’s familiar cologne.
“Hello, darling!” He peeked over her shoulder and found his wife waiting for him to help her step down from the compartment. Henry let go of Charlotte and held out his hand to guide Eleanor down onto the platform.
“Welcome home, dear.” He kissed her rosy cheek gallantly.
“Hello, Henry,” she said warmly.
Both waited for the other two women to exit, and Eleanor made formal introductions. “Henry, dear, please meet Sophie von Hagendorf and her cousin Adele von Hochstetten.”
“Lord Edgewood.” Sophie and Adele greeted him respectfully. Henry shook Sophie’s hand somehow sensing that anything else would not be welcome, but he kissed Adele’s hand with a flourish that made her blush.
“Please, ladies, call me Henry when we are amongst family,” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes. “Will the both of you come to the palais with us?”
“I should go home.” Sophie locked her gaze with Eleanor who under-stood the need but wasn’t ready to say her goodbye right now.
Although Eleanor had told Sophie about the status of her marriage, she thought Sophie might feel insecure when confronted with her beloved’s husband. “Darling, why don’t you come to the palais with us, and Parker can drive you home later?” Eleanor put a hand imploringly on Sophie’s arm. She knew there was no way Sophie could ever deny Eleanor anything. One glance in those sky-blue eyes and Sophie was lost.
Sophie agreed and held out her arm for her love to take which she did with pleasure. Henry led them outside where Parker was waiting with a carriage. Behind it stood another to carry their luggage and their maids.
His lordship and Parker helped the ladies climb inside before the driver took the reins and spurred the horses towards their destination.
Charlotte chattered away happily about their time in Salzburg giving Henry the opportunity to observe Eleanor and Sophie unobtrusively. He noticed the closeness between them and the way they held hands the whole time. It seemed as if Eleanor’s presence put Sophie more at ease than anything else. When he’d shook hands with his wife’s lover, he noticed the tensing of her body, but her whole demeanour changed when
Eleanor touched her arm. Even her features seemed more relaxed with Eleanor so close.
Henry couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear when he looked at them. His wife had her beloved already wrapped around her little finger. The willingness with which Sophie had given in to Eleanor’s request to accompany them was proof enough, at least to him. No longer did he possess a single doubt in his mind that they loved each other.
Henry let his gaze wander to his daughter and her love interest, finding her equally smitten and very much in love with Adele. Adele felt the same way for his daughter—that much was as plain as day. Henry leaned back with satisfaction, happy that the most important females in his life had found the love they deserved.
The welcome of the new members of the family at the palais was warm and sincere. Eleanor was greeted just as cheerfully by her sons as Henry had been by Charlotte.
Giulia embraced her granddaughter tenderly and said, “Love does suit you, my dear.”
“Thank you, Nonna.” She drew apart and presented Sophie to her grandmother.
“Contessa.” Sophie’s greeting was stiff as she held the contessa’s hand in her own.
“Call me Giulia, dear.”
“Thank you, Giulia.”
“See that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Sophie shook her head mournfully, eliciting a laugh from the contessa. She had wanted to fold Sophie in a grandmotherly embrace as she had Eleanor, but she knew it wouldn’t be welcome, yet. Giulia had registered how Sophie’s body language changed when Philip and Martin embraced their mother and then shook Sophie’s hand in welcome. Sophie reminded her of a trapped animal only soothed by the presence of the woman her heart desired.
The young men welcomed Adele warmly, but Philip was clearly more intrigued by the woman who had captured his mother’s heart. Martin remained in the background so far which didn’t go completely unnoticed by his mother or grandmother.
Giulia barely suppressed a chuckle when Philip bombarded poor Sophie with questions about her work, asking how she had learned all those languages and what she found most difficult when translating manuscripts.
Eleanor finally had to put a stop to it, glad that Sophie was so easily welcomed but sensing her lover’s discomfort, so she asked Philip to slow down. “Please, safe some of your questions for later. I am sure Sophie will be happy to answer each and every one of them. Just give her time to breathe and settle down.”
“Sorry, Mama,” Philip apologised with a healthy blush on his cheeks.
“Why don’t you accompany your sister and Adele?” Eleanor suggested. “I’m sure Adele would love to get to know you better.”
When the young ones left, she shot a meaningful glance at her husband and her grandmother, making it clear that she needed time alone with her love to say goodbye.
“Henry, my dear,” Giulia said, “why don’t we fetch Jonathan and have a nice cup of tea.” Giulia hooked Lord Edgewood’s arm and stirred him towards the drawing room.
Henry caught on instantly. “Yes, splendid idea.”
“We’ll see you soon, Sophie,” Giulia said as Henry swept her toward the door.
“Of course.”
Silently the two women watched them trudge off, breathing a sigh of relief when they were finally alone. Eleanor stepped closer to wrap her arms around her lover’s neck. She rested her head on Sophie’s shoulder. Slender arms pulled her closer against a warm body.
“I am sorry,” Eleanor murmured. “They can be a bit overwhelming. But they mean well, and I think they like you.”
“It is quite all right, love. I’m not used to such openly displayed affection.”
Eleanor pulled back to study Sophie’s deep brown eyes. She gently cupped her cheek in her palm and stroked her thumb over plush lips before she leaned in and brushed her own lips over Sophie’s fuller ones.
“I am afraid you will have to get used to it, my darling. They care for you, and it is their way of making you welcome.”
“They will have to be patient, though.”
“Don’t worry,” Eleanor assured her. “They will be. But even after all these years, Jonathan is still not used to this open and readily displayed affection. He wasn’t there to greet me which means he will do so later, in a quiet moment.”
“You don’t mind?” Sophie asked, surprised.
“Not at all. He is a vital part of the family, and I cherish him very much. It was long ago that I learned to accept his way of conduct. Jonathan is a rock in a stormy sea. Solid, reliable but also warm and loving in his own way.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
Sophie kissed her again, lingering with more passion than before. They parted when air became an issue but refused to let go completely just yet.
“I should go.”
“I know.”
“When will I see you again?”
“Why don’t you have dinner with me tomorrow?” Eleanor asked.
She didn’t want to be needy or cling too much because she would have preferred if Sophie stayed with her. Going to sleep with her and waking up with her was what she wanted, but she didn’t want to push her. Patience was a virtue she had to master right now.
“I would love to.”
They kissed for the last time and Eleanor brought Sophie to the door where she stole another kiss before she left for home.
Oh, yes, Eleanor would love to have Sophie with her all the time to kiss and touch to her heart’s desire. With a blissful smile on her lips, she decided to change out of her traveling clothes before she joined the family for tea.