Every view pleases the eye and captures the imagination.” Louisa gazed through the window of the carriage at the picturesque Sperrin Mountains. “How far is Barons Court?” “We are on the estate now. It covers twenty-seven miles. The house lies in a sheltered valley of the foothills.” James cast her a glance of admiration. “You are a very good traveler.” The day after their wedding, they had left for Glasgow, where they had taken a steamer to Londonderry. “I warrant that’s because of your good planning. The journey didn’t take too many days.” Louisa was relieved that Abercorn had taken two cabins aboard the steamer and was honoring their agreement. He treated her with respect, which helped to maintain a polite facade, even though the strain between them was just beneath the surface. She drew in her breath as the setting sun reflected on a lake, turning the water to glistening gold. They passed two more lakes, and then a lovely gray stone house with a clock tower came into view.
