Only For Love (A Novella)

Only For Love - Chapter Two

Richard Grossmont, the fifth Duke of Lancaster, pulled on the reigns to halt the buggy in front of North Compton Manor. 

A footman ran forward to grab the bridle, "Good day to you, your grace." 

"Hello, Gary, are the twins here?" 

"Yes, sir, in the library with Lady Eleanor." 

The front door stood open, held by one of the footmen, Richard nodded to the man as he passed into the foyer. The sound of children's laughter echoed off the vaulted ceiling. Adjusting his cravat, and straightening his coat, he crossed the foyer to the open door of the library. 

Lady Eleanor Burton, the Dowager Marchioness of North Compton, sat close to the fire in a cushioned upholstered chair. Sitting on the floor in front of her, playing with wooden blocks were five-year-old twins, Katherine and Caleb Grossmont. 

Richard quietly entered the room. His footsteps silent on the rugs. The Marchioness caught sight of him and smiled, "Good afternoon, your grace." 

"Good afternoon, Eleanor." 

The children's heads popped up, "Hello, father." Katherine had the good grace to look ashamed, "are you looking for us?" 

Perching on the edge of a nearby chair, Richard rested his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward, "Well, young lady, the two of you ran away from your governess again. She did not know where you were." 

"NO NESS." Caleb scooted closer to his sister as he picked up a block and chucked it at his father. 

"Caleb, do not throw the blocks." 

As the little boy picked up a second block, his sister took it from him and began stacking them. The distraction pulled the boys attention back to the blocks, "Caleb doesn't like Governess Angela." 

Richard sighed in exasperation, "Why not?" 

"She does not like him." 

"Why does he think that?" 

"She said he was the devil." 

Straightening, Richard fisted his hands together, "Does she?" 

Katherine stood and approached her father, laying her small hands over his, "It's okay, father. Caleb doesn't believe her. He knows he isn't the devil." 

Richard engulfed his daughter in his arms and kissed the top of her head, "Of course not." 

"Paulson!" Eleanor called, the butler immediately appeared in the doorway, "I believe cook has just baked some delicious treats for these two. Would you please take them to the kitchen to see her?" 

The twins jumped up and down, clapping their hands, "Yesh...yesh..." Caleb cried. 

"Go with Paulson." Richard instructed his children. Once they were out of the room, he turned back to the Marchioness, "I am sorry they burst in on you again." 

Eleanor waved off his apology, "You know I love seeing those two." She folded her hands on top of her cane, "I am pleased you visited today. I am sailing for America tomorrow." 

Startled, Richard took a moment to process her words, "You found your daughter?" 

Tears filled the Marchioness' eyes, "Alas, the search for Elizabeth has come to an end, but not in the way I had hoped. Her daughter, Clara, my granddaughter, has written to me. Elizabeth was killed during a storm." 

"You are going to visit your granddaughter?" 

"Yes, I..." Eleanor paused to compose herself, "I must see her. I must..."