The Lovels of Arden

In her cramped white bed in the desolate dormitory at Belfor?t, Clarissa witnessed the sights she had frequently dreamed of. Every hedgerow, group of trees, white-walled cottage with thatched roof covered in moss, and rustic garden roused a flutter of ecstasy in her chest. She recalled her former companions, the cottagers, and pondered the status of Goody Mason. Her father expected very little of her and treated her with the requisite deference in a way that was less than encouraging. However, since Lady Laura's arrival, he had been nicer to her, and as a result, she felt much lighter in her heart. She was glad because she believed he was rediscovering his love for her. Guests who had been invited to stay one night at Hale Castle were crammed in there to capacity and pressured to extend their stay. A few young aficionados played croquet, but even this soul-stirring game was pursued with a certain listlessness. After his brother's passing, George Fairfax took over as ruler. Although he was happy to have unrestricted access to cash, he did not give the estate any thought. That gem was a priceless gift that Clarissa had presented to Bessie Lovel. Austin was working in a room that opened directly onto the stairs, and when he saw Mrs. Granger, he glanced up from his easel in genuine shock.