Patience had been quite busy all morning ordering the maids about, having them make up a spare room for Ella's visit and to use the good linen and find some flowers to brighten it up with.
She had been in the kitchens, instructing that they make a light lunch - duck pottage and a platter of freshly baked pasties of minced beef and carrots that Ella could nibble on. She had a pitcher of Raspberry Shrub made up to refresh her after her long journey and a pudding of fresh strawberry tarts which sat prettily upon their serving dish.
Now she waited, watching out of the drawing room window for Ella's arrival and when she saw the carriage pull up she jumped from her seat and ran to the front door, opening it herself in her haste. "Ella!"