Chapter XI
A Day at Ashden
THURSDAY was as fair a day as English eyes had ever looked upon. “Queen’s own weather,” said Dr. Norton at the early breakfast, which was taken hours before the usual time in order to lengthen out the long day of pleasure.
Even the rector was persuaded to join the party which started in such gay spirits, in the order proposed, except that Rose gave her seat in the carriage to her uncle and rode by her father’s side on a shaggy little pony hired for the occasion, which was to be ridden by Lillie on the return trip.
Ashden Park was like a fairy domain to the children, with its running streams spanned by fragile-looking bridges, mimic waterfalls, dense labyrinths and shady walks; but Aunt Delia advised them to delay exploring the grounds till they had seen the wonders of the house.
The housekeeper met them at the door, looking so very grand in her black silk dress and lace cap with floating strings that Philip was quite awe-struck, and thought she must be a duchess at the very least. But she was very gracious, and, having been told by her master of their expected visit, was prepared to be extremely civil.
“His lordship left word, ma’am,” she said to Mrs. Seldon, “that he was very sorry he couldn’t ’ave been ’ome in time to see you, but I was to show you every attention, and after you ’ad seen the house, or before, just as it pleased you, I was to beg you to take some lunch.”
“Oh, thank you,” said the rector, coming forward to shake hands with Mrs. Hardy, who was one of his parishioners, although she lived so far from Lowdown. “You and Lord Ashden are both very kind, but we have brought a bite with us, and, if it is not a liberty, propose to give the children a picnic under some of those royal old oaks.”
“Well, sir, his lordship will not be half pleased, I’m afraid, and perhaps you will change your mind after you ’ave looked through the ’ouse. I’ll show you the first floor myself, and then if you won’t mind I’ll let one of the men go over the rest with you, for my rheumatism makes me so clumsy.”
They begged her not to take the trouble to show them any part herself, but she evidently took a delight in escorting them through the lofty rooms and halls, which they gratified her by admiring immensely.