Marblestone Mansion, Book 4 Read online

  “The one the duchess wrote to Mr. Sinclair?”

  “It is in my Bible and I shall keep it, just in case Charles finds her in England and decides he wants her back. I can be devious my own self, if the need arises.”

  “‘Tis very wise of you, Abigail.”

  “Do you miss having a butler and a lady’s maid?”

  “Nicholas does not miss it at all. We still have a cook and housekeeper and I find we are quite content. I do miss Alistair and Sarah, but as you know, they have gone back to the castle in Scotland to care for Cameron and his daughter, Blair.”

  “Ah, yes, and that supposes another question. I did not see much of her and it may well be my imagination, but does Blair not look a great deal like the duchess?”

  Again, McKenna hung her head. “I am sad to say, the duchess deserted Blair. She was apparently born before she married Hannish and the duchess left the child with her second husband, Mr. Sinclair.”

  “She deserted her own child? Oh, dear me, is there nothing that woman will not do?”

  “At least she left Blair with a good lad. Unfortunately, after Mr. Sinclair passed, his second wife dinna want Blair. When Cameron heard of it, and having just lost his wife and their unborn child, he gladly took her.”

  “How very good of him.”

  “I wonder now if ‘twas a mistake,” said McKenna.

  “A mistake? How can loving a deserted child be a mistake?”

  “I cannae think how Cameron will keep the duchess from findin’ Blair. The duchess no longer has a reason to go to the castle, but one never knows what she will do.”

  “Well, if there is trouble, we could hide Blair here,” Abigail suggested. “This is surely the last place the duchess would look for her daughter.”

  “I shall tell Cameron you offered.”

  “When is the duke coming back?” Abigail asked.

  “Not until spring, I imagine.”

  “Has Leesil managed to hire enough help? I know you are expecting your cousins soon.”

  “We cannae wait to meet them and it will not be long now. There are few MacGreagors left in the clan and how happy we were to find these. ‘Tis a man, his wife and six children.”

  “And I shall love them all, but tell me, do Leesil and Hannish have enough help? Should I send one or two of our servants?”

  “I am certain they can manage. Leesil said they secured a few more housekeepers and lady’s maids for the lasses.”

  Abigail put her hand on her chest, as she was prone to do from time to time. “If I could, I would steal Prescot from you. He likes me, I think, and always has a smile when he sees me.”

  “Prescot is truly the best sort of lad. He is American, kind, faithful and very handsome. I cannae think what Leesil would do without him. He is stern, when he needs to be, and when there is a problem with the servants, he sees to it right away.”

  “Ah ha, so there are problems with the servants!”

  “Abigail, people are people no matter the circumstances. There will always be disagreements; it cannae be helped.”

  “What sort of disagreements?”

  McKenna suspiciously eyed her friend for a long moment. “What sort are you havin’?”

  “Well, if you must know, I believe we have a thief.”

  “Oh, no. Do you know who it might be?”

  “I’ve no idea and not much is missing. A diamond brooch is all.”

  “Might you have misplaced it?”

  “I do hope so; I do not like being wary and I have no other complaints,” said Abigail.

  “Perhaps you shall find it still pinned to a dress.”

  “Yes, that must be it. I shall look into the matter later. Meanwhile, how are you feeling, my dearest friend?”

  McKenna patted her extended stomach and smiled. “Fat. You need not be concerned; Doctor Parker says I am in good health.”

  “Good for you. Does Nicholas want a girl or a boy?”

  “The judge wants a boy first and then a girl. He says ‘tis good to have a brother to protect a sister. My brothers were always quick to protect me, but quicker to pester me when we were growin’ up.”

  “Yes, well, I had a brother of my own. He lives in the east, but never mind all that. Shall I ring for more tea?”

  “Nay, I best get home. Court will be out soon and my darling’ husband will be hungry when he gets home. It is quite possible he is eating for two – instead of me.”

  Abigail laughed and walked McKenna to the door. “Call when your cousins arrive. I shall be very pleased to welcome them.”

  *

  Solicitor John Crisp would have been astonished if he knew where his missing secretary was. The new MacGreagors arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, two days late, having been delayed by storms in the Midwest. With them came Cameron MacGreagor, who upon their late arrival in town, managed to rent a driver and a carriage that took them up the winding road to Marblestone Mansion.

  *

  As soon as the butler let them in, Cameron vigorously shook Prescot’s hand and asked, “Where is Cathleen?”

  Prescot smiled. “Swinging in the backyard.”

  “We’re here!” Cameron shouted as he hurried through the parlor. By the time Hannish came out of his study, Cameron was already halfway through the house and headed out the back door.

  Cameron’s shout alerted everyone and soon, Leesil came down the white marble staircase carrying her infant son in her arms. The servants scrambled to line up in the parlor, while Hannish decided against following his brother in favor of joining his wife in the foyer.

  An incredulous Moan stood with his family, taking in the beauty of the mansion. The house was easily twice the size of Lord Bayington’s manor. On the ship from England and again on the train from New York, Cameron described it, but his descriptions did not do it justice – the place was gigantic.

  “Silver,” Moan whispered to his wife, while Prescot helped them off with their coats. Of course, his wife already knew that. Even so, Moan had not often seen the kind of wealth displayed at Marblestone and felt the need to explain it, if only for his own benefit.

  Buying and then selling a silver mine in Idaho was Hannish MacGreagor’s means of making his millions, and it was clear he spared no expense when he built his home. Nearly every room in the mansion contained something made of marble, but the foyer was the most remarkable. It had white marble floors, a thin marble table down the center of the room, tall windows and three marble window seats. A collection of autumn foliage replaced fresh flowers in vases on the table and a large, colorful tapestry hung on the wall opposite the windows.

  Like many married couples, Moan and Elizabeth looked like they belonged together, and by the way she clung to him, it was obvious they cared deeply for each other. They shared the same hair color which was more red than blond, the same blue eyes and their children appeared to be exact copies, with the boys looking more like their father and the girls more like their mother.

  Hannish smiled when Moan and his sons bowed, and Elizabeth and her daughters curtsied to their laird. It had been a long time since he had been paid that sort of homage. Centuries before, the clan was allowed to choose their laird, but now that they were scattered to the wind, the title of laird passed down from generation to generation. Hannish did nothing to deserve it, he just happened to be the first-born son, and now that he lived in America, it was even rarer to receive such respect.

  Hannish was an exceptionally tall man with wavy dark hair and intense blue eyes that had also been handed down through the generations. “Where did my brother go in such a hurry?” he asked Leesil.

  “He went to ask Cathleen to marry him, I suspect.” Leesil had on a simple high-waisted blue frock and wore her auburn hair in a bun atop her head. Her eyes were a softer blue than her husband’s, and she had dimples when she smiled, especially now as she enjoyed the surprise in her husband’s expression.

  “Apparently, I have missed something,” said Hannish.

  “App
arently so,” Leesil agreed with a twinkle in her eye. “Will you not introduce me to our cousins?”

  Hannish finally reached out to shake Moan’s hand. “This is my wife, Leesil, and in her arms is my son, Justin.”

  “Named after Laird Justin of old?” Moan asked.

  “Aye, you know the stories?”

  “Some of them are written in a…” He paused when his wife cleared her throat. “Forgive me, my dear. Laird MacGreagor, this is my wife, Elizabeth.” He motioned to each as he introduced the children. “My son Lenox and my daughter Paulette are twins and have just turned seventeen. David was born next, and then came Janna, Mary and Wade, our youngest. “Wade is seven.”

  “I am pleased to meet you,” Hannish said. “You and your family are very welcome here. The footmen shall see to your luggage and Prescot will show you to your rooms.”

  “You wish us to stay here?” Moan asked, “I thought...”

  “Aye, you are family and you shall live with us…unless you prefer a home of your own.”

  “You are very kind,” said Moan. “We accept your hospitality.”

  “Good.” Hannish led Moan and his family into the expansive parlor. “Frankly, we grow a bit lonely here and it appears we are about to lose yet another member of the family. We could use the company.”

  Moan slowly took in the expensive paintings, furniture and the decorations in the parlor. “Very nice indeed.”

  Butler Prescot checked to be sure all the servants had arrived and then went to stand beside his wife, Millie. She was expecting their first child and he kept an eye on her as often as he could, while still maintaining his duties. Today, she seemed perfectly fine, much to his nervous relief. Becoming a father was much more wearisome than he imagined.

  “This is our butler, Prescot, and his wife, Millie.” Hannish said, walking down the line as he began the introductions. “These are two of our footmen, Ronan and Dugan. Dugan’s wife, Beverly, is our schoolteacher and the one who helps with Justin. Shepard and Brookton normally serve our meals and Egan is our driver. Harriet is our head housekeeper and Leesil’s lady’s maid. Next is our beloved Blanka, she is retired and keeps the cooks company in the kitchen. I have lost track of what each of these do, but they are Leslie, Ruth, Marie, Bessie, and Grace. Leesil sees to all that, now that I go to town each day to tend the construction company. Margaret Ann is Cathleen’s lady’s maid, her son is named William, and Margaret Ann shall soon wed Keith, who has not yet come to live with us. Gretchen is our seamstress.” He paused and looked back at Prescot. “Have I missed anyone?”

  “You got us all,” Prescot answered.

  “Good.” Hannish was somewhat proud of himself. There were so many new ones now, he wasn’t certain he remembered all their names. He walked back to his cousins and then said, “If you are in need, simply ask. They are here to serve you.”

  Elizabeth’s mouth dropped. “We are to have servants?”

  Leesil handed the baby to Beverly, and then looped her arm through Elizabeth’s. “‘Twill take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll manage. My sister and I were raised in an orphanage and if we must abide it, so must you. Our job is to keep them busy, so they do not desire to go elsewhere for their excitement. We would miss each far too terribly should they leave us.”

  “I see,” said Elizabeth, although the look on her face betrayed her doubt. Her ordinary clothes made her feel as common as she always assumed she was, yet the idea of having help with all her children greatly appealed to her, so she smiled finally.

  “Dearest,” said Leesil, “You forgot to introduce the cooks.”

  Hannish looked around, spotted them standing in a doorway and let his chin fall to his chest. “Now I’ve done it. We have but one very important rule at Marblestone – dinna upset the cooks.” He hurried over to kiss each on the cheek.

  “Two cooks?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Aye,” said Leesil. “Jessie came from Scotland and Halen is our American cook. Later, you must see them in the kitchen and let them know what your family prefers.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I assure you; my family will eat what they are served and be glad of it.” She did not know it, but already Elizabeth had won the hearts of the cooks. She was not one of those fussy women, not like the duchess.

  “All is prepared for your arrival,” Hannish said to Moan. “I am certain your wife and daughters would like a bath and after, we shall give you the grand tour.” He enjoyed the smiles on their faces and then nodded for the servants to disperse, and for Prescot to take the new MacGreagors up to their bedrooms on the second floor.

  CHAPTER 2

  As soon as Prescot led the guests up the marble staircase, most of the servants rushed up the back staircase to their quarters on the third floor. At the back windows, they watched Cameron kissing Cathleen and that made them all smile. What happened in the MacGreagor family was never a secret from them for long, and Leesil’s little sister, Cathleen, was a favorite.

  “I told you he loved her,” cook Jessie said.

  “I said the same,” cook Halen reminded her.

  *

  Downstairs, the very pregnant Millie put her arm around the elder Blanka and walked her to the ballroom windows, where they too could see the young couple embracing in the backyard.

  “Our little darlin’ Cathleen is getting’ married,” Blanka said.

  “And to our darlin’ Cameron. I cannae be happier for them both.”

  “I remember when Cameron was a wee laddie, skinning’ his knees at least twice a day in Scotland.”

  Millie giggled, “That was a bit before my time in the MacGreagor castle, but I remember him fancyin’ a good many girls his age. He was not more than fifteen, too. Now look at him, he is a duke and he has chosen the best wife in the world to be his duchess.”

  *

  Standing at the study window that faced the backyard, Hannish put his arm around his wife and kissed the top of her head. “Now, my dear, how long have you known my brother fancied your sister?”

  “You had no inkling at all? I thought a laird kept a close eye on his clan.”

  “Aye, but he is my brother. I dinna think he needed regulatin’.” Hannish watched the couple kiss again and raised an eyebrow. “Do you not think he has kissed her long enough?”

  “Oh, leave them be. They have waited months for this moment.” She slipped her arms around him and nuzzled her husband’s neck. “Cathleen shall be floating on air, just the way I was when I knew you loved me.”

  Hannish laid the side of his face on the top of Leesil’s head. “And then you shall cry yourself to sleep when she is gone?”

  “Aye, that too. Scotland is so very far away.”

  “Suppose we go to Scotland come spring?”

  She leaned back to look into his eyes. “Could we?”

  “I see no reason not to. You have yet to see the castle and meet all our old friends.”

  “So long as the duchess is not counted among them. Do you think she is back in England by now? You dinna give her much money.”

  “Not according to her tastes, but it was sufficient to get her aboard ship…in steerage.”

  Leesil giggled. “That, I should have liked seeing.”

  “I best call McKenna and invite them to dinner.”

  “Indeed, you must. I shall tell the cooks to expect two more. I like our new family already. What a merry time we shall have now.” She quickly kissed his lips and rushed out of the room.

  *

  Butler Prescot was not having a merry time.

  He showed Moan and his family to their bedrooms on the second floor easily enough, and on the way explained, “On this floor are the bedrooms and a sitting room for the family. The third floor is for the servants, but the first floor has a well-stocked library, a billiard room, a sewing room, the ballroom and another sitting room. There is one bedroom on the first floor where our elder Blanka sleeps. There is a note on the door of that room so you will know which one. She has trouble
climbing the stairs, and Mr. Hannish insists she keep a room down there.” Prescot stopped and opened the door to first bedroom facing south. “You will have this and the next five rooms. If you find them not to your liking, please let us know.”

  “Is it true we are to keep you busy?” Paulette, the oldest girl asked while her parents went inside to survey the first nicely furnished room. All of the bedrooms looked similar with four-poster beds, chest-of-drawers, mirrors and clothes closets. The only difference was the predominate colors used to decorate them.

  Prescot smiled. “Indeed it is. Each room has a pull bell if you are in need.” When he looked back, two of the footmen were carrying the first trunk down the hall. He nodded for them to leave it in the hallway and then watched them go back for more. Then he clasped his hands behind his back and watched as Moan and his family went down the hall to look at the rest of the rooms.

  For the most part, Prescot was an easygoing man and this was not the first large family he had served. In upper New York, his first and only other butler position was for a family with ten children. He loved the children, but not his employer. The master of the house and his wife cared far more for their money and prestige, than they did for their children. The sadness in the faces of the children was a painful thing to see and when he could bear it no longer, Prescot set out to make his fortune in boxing.

  Boxing did not please him for long either. He missed having a family to care for and particularly missed being around children. Therefore, after a boxing match in Denver, he bought a horse and went to see where all the wealthy gold miners lived, hoping to find a new butler position. Marblestone mansion was just being built, so Prescot rode up the hill to help with the building.

  His new employer, Mr. Hannish MacGreagor, was a fair man who loved children as much as he did, and the two became the best of friends. After Marblestone was finished, it was only natural that Prescot would be its first butler. Not long after he fell in love with Millie, a very becoming Scottish lass, and married her.

  Yet, after helping build the mansion, Prescot thought building was his true love and once formed, he gave up his position as butler and went to work for the Whitfield and MacGreagor Construction Company. That lasted but a few weeks. Prescot accidentally dropped a heavy boulder on his foot and broke it. Laid up in bed for a time, the servants began coming to him again for advice. Shepard, his replacement as butler, was not happy with the position anyway, so as soon as he could walk, Prescot went back to being a butler. Nevertheless, it looked as though it would take a while to fill the place with children -that is until Moan and his family arrived.