Chapter Five: The Thornmeres

Previously: The Morning After

 

"Sir Adrian Thornmere, Madam Leonora de Valcera Thornmere, and Miss Rowena Thornmere."

 

Mireille du Maurier had to remind herself not to bow to those of lower rank. Despite their status, the Thornmeres were a majestic family, draped in shades of blue. Adrian and his mother walked with their backs straight and chins up, but Rowena appeared less confident than her elders. Her dark eyes darted uncertainly about her, and as her brother and mother strode into the Viscountess's sitting room, her footsteps were more hesitant.

 

It was Leonora who spoke first. "Viscontessa," she greeted neutrally, in a thick, rolling accent. Her whole family bowed on cue.

 

Edith stood near Mireille, who was seated. The red-haired maid stared in breathless awe, while Mireille sat mute, her heart pounding in her chest. When Godwin raised an eyebrow, she finally found her voice.

"I bid your family welcome," she said, her accent raspy. "Please be seated." They were a tall family, and their height filled the room and made her nervous. Their dark clothes clashed with the brightness of the rosy room.

 

"Forgive us, Viscontessa," Leonora said, her face stubbornly emotionless and her tone bordering on flat. "When Master Godwin sent word, we were surprised by the invitation, as we are neither noble nor previously acquainted with you."

 

Mireille had prepared for this. "I have no shortage of nobles in my life," she began. "However, what I need are good people, and by all reports, House Thornmere is a paragon of nobility, honesty, and loyalty." That last part came courtesy of Godwin. "You know who I am. You know what I have to offer," Mireille added, her voice settling into a deeper, more assured tone. "We can be useful to one another."

 

The Thornmeres briefly exchanged looks before Leonora gave a stiff nod. "Very well. You want Rowena be one of your ladies. I accept. But in exchange, I want a dowry for my daughter, and your assistance in finding a husband of noble birth."

 

"Done," Mireille said, trying not to betray her relief. "Now, let us enjoy tea and sweets like civilized people, and you can tell me everything there is to know about your family."

 

Edith began pouring tea while Godwin bowed out of the room. The Thornmeres began helping themselves to the small cakes.

 

"Have you been a knight long, Sir Adrian?" Mireille asked, sipping her tasteless tea.

 

"I was knighted three years ago, my lady," he said with a polite nod.

 

"I understand your father was a knight before you."

 

"My husband served House Stoneleigh for twenty years," Leonora said. She was starting to relax in body and voice.

 

Mireille blinked. "Stoneleigh? Miss Adela's family?" 

Leonora smirked. "Adrian was sweet on her when they were children."

 

The knight shifted uncomfortably, even as he forced a smile. "Mother," he said, cautioning. 

 

Leonora was unfazed. "As Lord Stoneleigh enjoys constantly reminding everyone, his family are distant kin of the King. He hopes his daughter will wed royalty someday. He would never consider marrying her to the son of a knight... even though she's the youngest of eight children."

 

Mireille blinked again. I might have to keep having tea with this woman.

"What a shame," she lied, mustering a smile. "Would it please you if his lordship changed his mind, Sir Adrian?"

 

The knight paused, as though weighing the consequences of his words. "As a man, I know very well my childish affections were but a flight of fancy. I hope Miss Adela marries well, and has many happy years."

 

Mireille's fingers tightened on her cup. She could tell when someone was being diplomatic.

 

Forbidden love, her mind raced. Adela was a beautiful maiden, the daughter of a lord, and the distant cousin of a king. Of course, Adrian probably grew up idolizing her. She was likely his first and forever love, that perfect, unattainable one who got away.

 

"And you, Miss Rowena?" Mireille asked, swallowing her tasteless tea, desperate to change the subject. "What are your interests?"

 

Rowena's voice was soft and low. "Hunting, I suppose, my lady. I'm a fair shot with a bow. I also enjoy riding horses and practicing swordplay with my brother." She gave Adrian a sweet smile, and he gazed back at her tenderly.

 

Oh, fuck, Mireille cringed. She's an outdoorsy girl. The computer could have warned me.

 

Leonora cleared her throat. "Unfortunately, Viscontessa, my daughter knows nothing of fashion or music or embroidery—"

 

"It is no trouble, madam," Mireille hastily assured her. "I cannot embroider either, so we will learn together." It suddenly occurred to her that she was every bit as ignorant as the girl sitting before her. "In the coming days," she quickly added, "Godwin will find a suitable music tutor and dance master for us as well."

 

"My lady," Edith whispered, leaning in, "the dinner tomorrow."

 

"Right!" the Viscountess exclaimed. "I am having a small dinner tomorrow with my other lady friends. Rowena, can you have your things moved in by morning? I would very much like to get you acquainted." 

 

Rowena nodded nervously. "Yes, my lady."

 

"Excellent," Mireille said, grinning. "Sir Adrian, feel free to stop by whenever you please to confirm your sister's well-being. Your whole family is welcome."

 

***

Once the Thornmeres had departed and Mireille was alone, she pressed her bracelet.

"Computer, fast forward to when the Thornmeres are back in their carriage heading home, and show me what they're saying."

 

"What is your impression of la Viscontessa?" Leonora was asking her son. Mireille was on pins and needles waiting for his response.

 

"She seems well-meaning enough," Adrian replied with a slight shrug. "I find her interest in Rowena to be somewhat surprising. How did she even hear about her?"

 

Leonor raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you speak to her last night?"

 

"Only to say hello. Then the Baron dismissed me, and the Viscountess spent the rest of the night chatting with the ladies."

 

His mother snorted. "Of course he dismissed you. How I've wished you could have found service with a better man."

 

"Stoneleigh was never going to have me knighted," Adrian told her, with a wry smirk. "He feared it would give me 'ideas' about his daughter."

 

"Typical," Leonora grumbled. "They smile to our faces and accept our service, but then balk at the mere notion of our rise. La Viscontessa is the first person to welcome us openly."

 

"We'll see how well she keeps her promises," her son replied, ever the cynic. "We still don't know why she chose Rowena."

 

"Does it matter?" Rowena finally asked, dismayed. "For years you've both complained about opportunity, and now one fallen in our lap."

 

"Lady Mireille is a stranger," Adrian warned.

 

"A wealthy stranger," Rowena scoffed. "Did you see her house, her clothes—what of her perfume? I've never smelled anything so fine. If she can make me in her image, think of what that can do for us."

 

"You are both right," Leonora said firmly. "Mireille presents opportunity. But as we do not know her true motives, we must remain vigilant."

 

Mireille closed the screen. "Computer, is the Thornmere family in any debt?"

 

"The Thornmere family is currently over two hundred and forty crowns in debt," the computer replied, displaying a new screen. "Some of the debt was inherited from the late Sir Thornmere. Adrian pays what he can, but with the Baron also being in debt, he isn't paid consistently or sufficiently."

 

"What other income do they have?"

 

"The Thornmeres raise horses."

 

Mireille rolled her eyes. Of course they do. "Computer, aren't horses expensive as fuck in this world?"

 

"They are... which is why hardly anyone is buying them right now." 

 

"Pay off the Thornmere debt," she ordered, "courtesy of la Vicomtesse du Maurier. And have Godwin to inspect their stock before purchasing his horse. If he finds one he likes, make sure he pays full price."

 

"Understood."

 

"And have Godwin compile a list of eligible lords for Rowena. No drunken gamblers like Simon Rosemere and definitely no one disgusting like the Baron. Find someone kind, someone gentle, someone actually capable of making her happy."

 

"Understood."

 

Mireille sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. I didn't want to go on any quests and here I am. How the fuck did I get here?