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tour of the estate on the day following their arrival, introducing her to his tenant farmer, John Scott, his wife, and their abundant family of eight children.  Mr. and Mrs. Scott wished the young couple well and presented them with a wedding gift of two goose-down pillows. 
    Of all the duties belonging to the mistress of the estate, Victoria had been most nervous of managing the household staff, but was relieved to find that the well-trained and efficient servants could manage things without any special direction from her.  She observed, however, that some of the older servants, the housekeeper in particular, were too accustomed to her mother-in-law’s ways.  After a fortnight had passed, Victoria consulted Jemma on how best to make a few alterations to the household routine.
    “I can see that making changes will be a bit ticklish, Victoria.  Mrs. Hunt has been running this household according to your mother-in-law’s preferences for the past eighteen years,” Jemma remarked as they walked around the garden on a dry but windy November afternoon.  “She does an excellent job with the household budget, ensures that the house is well-kept and the food properly prepared, and is a thoroughly reliable woman.  I do agree with you that she is rather grim, but she would be difficult to replace.”
    “I know,” said Victoria, clutching at her hat as the wind threatened to tear it from her head, “but what a fuss she made yesterday when I told her that we would dine together at one end of the table rather than at the opposite ends.  You would think that I was asking for the moon!  And Mother Ladbrook might have preferred to breakfast in her room before coming down in the morning, but if I wish to breakfast downstairs with my husband and my guest and sit before a cozy fire in the morning room afterward, I do not see why it should inconvenience anyone.”
    “It is not an unreasonable request, my dear, it’s just a change. You must have patience with Mrs. Hunt, but you are right, you are not asking for anything outrageous.  You are the mistress of this house now, and you will have to make your preferences known and be firm about them.  However, would it not be best to submit your instructions directly to Mrs. Hunt, rather than asking the housemaid to light the morning room fire for you?  Mrs. Hunt will not like feeling that you are undermining her authority.  What if you were to hold a special meeting to inform her of all the changes you wish to make?  Have it all out in one big battle, rather than fighting several little skirmishes?”
    “No doubt you are right, Jemma,” Victoria said with a sigh.  “I guess that I must face the old dragon sometime if I want the household run my way.”  And so Victoria set about making herself the new mistress of Eston House.
     
    Chapter Six – A Grievous Transgression
     
    Before it hardly seemed possible, Mrs. Greene’s visit was drawing to a close and plans were being made for her departure.  David was to escort Jemma home in the family coach, procuring fresh horses on the road to Bath to shorten the travelling time.  He would lodge one night with his in-laws before returning to Eston House and Victoria in time for Christmas.  David did not wish Victoria to accompany them on the journey because he knew how fatiguing it would be, and Victoria decided to forgo the pleasure of seeing her family until a proper visit could be enjoyed. 
    Privately, David was pleased that Mrs. Greene was leaving.  Although he considered her a worthy companion for his wife and appreciated her efforts in helping Victoria settle into her new role, David secretly longed to have his bride to himself.  No newly-wedded husband could fault him for his feelings.  After all, David had shared his bride with friends and family ever since they had become man and wife, and it was difficult to express himself to his wife as freely as he would have wished with so many interested parties around.
    Before