September 15, 1814

Eleanor had never ridden in a carriage so luxurious. The seat was upholstered in a soft velvet, and the interior was lined in silk. She could not imagine a queen riding in anything as regal. She shared a carriage with her two younger sisters. Her parents and younger brother rode in a separate carriage, leading the procession. They had traveled from Lansdowne and were within a few miles of their new home, Hempsted Park.

It was difficult for Eleanor to imagine that her father, a man so humble and compassionate, had been raised in such opulence and wealth. He had not been back to his family’s home in more than twenty years, since his father had died. Eleanor knew that he had grown up here, but she had never seen it before today. She was not even certain that Katherine and her younger brother even knew their father was from Gloucester.

The procession of carriages wound its way down the dirt road, and at the top of a hill, gazing out the window, Eleanor saw the gray towers of Hempsted Park rising on the horizon. Katherine, being the youngest, was also the most enthusiastic with her head pressed against the glass.

“Is that our new home?” asked Katherine, her excitement palpable

“Yes, I believe that is Hempsted Park. Father grew up there,” said Eleanor.

“Is it quite large, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is; you may even get lost!” answered Emma, joking with her sister.

“Oh what fun, to live in a house big enough to get lost in!”

The carriages arrived at Hempsted Park, and an army of servants stood in the courtyard to greet the new Earl and his family. Eleanor stepped out of the carriage and followed her father and mother into the great hall. The house was enormous, and Eleanor noted that it was even bigger than Deerfield Court. She stood in the great hall and stared at the fireplace, which was large and imposing. She imagined that a carriage could easily fit inside of it.

Eleanor’s imagination ran wild as she took in the luxuries of her new home. She imagined the parties and balls her parents would host. She envisioned walking down the grand stone staircase in beautifully detailed gowns to greet the guests. When the Christmas season arrived, Eleanor planned to trim an elaborate tree that would be placed in the great hall, which would look stunning against the dark wood. She was ready to create some amazing memories in this grand house, a house that was now her home.

Eleanor was brought back to reality when her father put his arm around her and asked, “What do you think, Eleanor? It’s just beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It’s as if I am dreaming, Papa. I never envisioned Hempsted Park to be this remarkable.”

“Well, my dear, I do hope that you find comfort here.” Her father gave her hand a tight squeeze, and turned to address his family, “Your rooms have already been chosen. Mrs. Allan, the housekeeper, will show you each to your rooms and see that you get settled in comfortably. We will all meet downstairs in a short while for an official tour so that you can get acquainted with your new home.”

A tall, older woman stepped forward, curtsied, and introduced herself. Motioning that she wanted them to follow her upstairs, she continued, “Please come this way, and I will be sure that you are settled and that the staff are aware of any requests to make you feel right at home.”

After reaching the top of the staircase, Mrs. Allan led Eleanor and her siblings through a long corridor, and stopped at the second door on the right, “Lady Eleanor, this is to be your room. A footman will be up shortly with your things. Rebecca will help you get unpacked and dressed.”

Stepping inside the luxurious room, Eleanor’s eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the space that was all her own. The room was decorated in pale blue and cream with purple accents. A velvet couch and a settee were placed by the fireplace with a table, which looked warm and inviting. She looked around and examined the elegant furniture that was ornately carved with beautiful details. The four-poster bed had a canopy with thick, cream-colored drapes. The dressing table and armoire were made from walnut, while the tall mirror was framed in silver. The floor was covered in rugs, and the window was cut glass that opened to a view of the garden. The ceiling was high, and the walls were white with gold trim. Eleanor was awestruck, and almost failed to notice that she had a companion, Rebecca.

Rebecca was a house maid that had just been promoted to lady’s maid with the arrival of Eleanor and Emma. She stood in the doorway and waited patiently for her new mistress to acknowledge her presence.

“Pardon me, I was lost in thought and didn’t see you standing there.”

The young woman in the doorway curtsied, then introduced herself. “m’lady, I am Rebecca. I will be looking after you and your sister, Emma.” She appeared to be about the same age as Eleanor.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rebecca. You will have to excuse me. I have only recently been titled, so it may take me some time to get used to all of this.”

“My lady, I’m sure you will do quite well. The footman will be bringing your trunks up soon, and I will get everything unpacked for you. Can I get you anything?”

“Tea would be lovely.”

“Yes, m’lady.”

Eleanor enjoyed her tea on the pale blue velvet couch while the fire warmed her. She joined her family for an official tour of the home. After that, Eleanor and her siblings were left to explore the house and the grounds on their own.

Hempsted Park was more than four centuries old. The architecture was a medley of styles, including Medieval and Rococo. It was imposing, and yet Eleanor had never seen a more romantic residence. The interior consisted of dark wood, stone floors, silk panels, and white and gold inlay from the previous century. It was delightfully eclectic in the manner of English country homes of long established titles.

Eleanor found her way to the library, a truly magnificent room with tall stained glass windows, bookcases that stood well over ten feet tall, and dark brown furniture. This was her favorite room, and Eleanor decided that she would spend much of her time reading by the fireplace. It was such a lovely thought, considering the weather was getting cooler.

Outside, there were acres of green lawn, gardens of flowers, herbs and vegetables, and a horse stable three times the size of the rectory she had only recently called home.

The house was three stories tall with towers, bedrooms, servants’ quarters, and rooms she was sure she had yet to see, or even locate. The family was having a delightful time getting acquainted with their new surroundings, but their routine was a different matter altogether. Life at the rectory had been unshackled and by comparison, free.

At the rectory, there was a cook and a maid, and that was all the domestic assistance the family required. The family had come and gone when they pleased and ate their meals on a somewhat flexible schedule. Here at Hempsted Park, they were on a strict schedule of meals and they had to follow age-old customs, which at first, proved to be challenging to a family that was used to a middleclass lifestyle. Eleanor and Emma were now expected to change clothes at least three times each day and dress formally for dinner, even when it was only their family in attendance. They even shared a lady’s maid.

Despite the changes in her life and her wealth, Eleanor still thought about Charles. After the summer ball, she had only spoken to him at church. The conversation was awkward, as neither one of them knew what to say. They made comments about the weather and the fine sermon, but Eleanor excused herself as quickly as she could. He had broken her heart, and she spent her last weeks in Lansdowne avoiding all contact with him. It was exhausting. Moving was a way for Eleanor to start fresh, and it also ensured that she would not have to see Charles with his new bride.

Never again would she make the mistake of pursuing a relationship. She had made a fool of herself, and she couldn’t imagine having to bear that kind of pain again. If she ever married, it would be because a man pursued her, regardless of whether or not she loved him back. From the minute she stepped into Hempsted Park, she was no longer just plain Eleanor Chatham, she was Lady Eleanor Chatham, daughter of the thirteenth Earl of Gloucester.