Our ladies continue to meet, and your name comes up in conversation every now and then. The children in particular miss your stories, and are scathing, in the way only children can be, of my feeble attempts to replace you. We had a cholera outbreak during the summer which put a great strain on the infirmary as you can imagine. I am sorry to have to inform you that Sally lost her little Alfie to it. It is a cruel and indiscriminate disease.

It is Sunday afternoon, and I can hear my brother making those harrumphing noises that tell me his sermon is not going well Sebastian is preparing for evensong. He will be expecting the kitchen fairy to have prepared tea before then, so I must end now and go and assume her duties!

I pray you find contentment and fulfilment in the fullness of time.

God bless you, Lady Margaret.

With kindest regards,

Susannah Elmhirst

Lady Margaret to Susannah Elmhirst

Lady Margaret to Susannah Elmhirst

Powerscourt, County Wicklow, 2 November 1866

Dearest Susannah,

Thank you for your kind letter, which I assure you warmed my heart to read. I will not insult you by pretending that the last few months have been sunshine and roses, but there are fresh buds of hope which I trust will bloom. (The natural beauty of my surroundings has not only been a tonic, it seems to have pollinated my letter writing!) My own dear Molly has written confirming how happy she is in her new life, which is another great comfort to me, though I am saddened to hear that Esther’s departure has forced you into the kitchen, when your time could more usefully be spent easing the domestic woes of women. But alas! I cannot deny that we live in a man’s world.

I was touched to hear that the children ask after me, and sorry, if somewhat amused, to hear that your storytelling skills have been derided. I have dashed off a little tale for you to tell them in the hope of sparing your blushes further, which you may happily claim as your own. It is called “The House in the Middle of the Wood.” I have left it to the children to provide the ending, something which I discovered they take much pleasure in doing. If my small contribution is a success, then I would be delighted to write more and send them to you.

I will not ask you to pass on my best wishes to your brother, though he has them regardless, and will, as you do, always occupy a special place in my heart.

Your friend,

Margaret

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

VISCOUNT POWERSCOURT HAD BEEN HOME for three weeks now, and Margaret had as yet failed to effect her planned escape. She had mooted the notion several times, and though Julia had been enthusiastic, the viscount had effectively vetoed any trip, preferring instead to bestow on Margaret the benefit of his wisdom.