Lord Powerscourt’s eyebrows were as bushy as his beard, yet his hair, which had receded though not yet entirely retreated from his head, sat in soft curls, like a baby’s. He had a good nose, neither delicate nor forceful, and his brown eyes reminded her of a spaniel. “It’s very good to meet you, Lady Margaret. I am indebted to you for keeping my wife company.”

“It has been a pleasure, my lord,” Margaret replied, feeling guiltily undeserving of any praise in that regard.

“Well now, sit down and join us.”

“Margaret will wish to get changed, won’t you, Margaret?”

“Oh, yes.” Responding to Julia’s plea, she started backing away. “I can’t sit here caked in mud.”

“Nonsense,” Lord Powerscourt exclaimed, “a sod of good Irish soil never hurt anybody.”

“But you will wish to catch up with Lady Julia, after being apart for so long.”

“There’s nothing urgent, is there?” Lord Powerscourt said. Then, when Julia shrugged defeatedly, he turned back to Margaret, indicating the chair next to him. “Please sit down. Your father owns many estates, I believe. I would value your opinion on my own humble abode.”

Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

The Rectory, Lambeth, 28 October 1866

Dear Lady Margaret,

I obtained your forwarding address from Her Grace, your mother, who reluctantly granted me permission to write to you, with certain caveats, which I am sure I need not spell out. I understand your stay at Powerscourt is likely to be a lengthy one. I hope that you are in good health and spirits, and able to make the most of the fresh country air—how I envy you that!

I have not written until now because I believed that a clean break would be best for all concerned, most particularly you. Be assured, though, that you are often in my thoughts. I write now in the hope that time has healed the scars and that you are able to take comfort from knowing that life in Lambeth goes on as usual, with all its highs and lows.

There have been a few changes in our household since you last visited us. My brother was finally persuaded to approach the bishop about a curate, and to his astonishment, the bishop agreed. Mr. Glass is young but extremely enthusiastic, and his presence has greatly cheered Sebastian. I, however, am still missing dear Esther, whom I have not been able to replace. As a result I am forced to spend a great deal more of my time on household management than I would like, especially now that I have two men to run after! Esther and Molly seem very happy in their new life together, and that is something not to be sneezed at, as the saying goes. Sebastian says we are all equal in the eyes of God, which is typical of him.