Anna Jacobs by Persons of Rank

Author:Persons of Rank
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

At Satherby, the day following Snowy’s adventure dawned sunny and bright. Eleanor shivered with happy anticipation as she jumped out of bed and went to stare though the window. Since the Dowager was still a little lethargic, no impediment arose to prevent Eleanor from keeping her rendezvous with Mr Lanby, though it seemed a long time until luncheon was over and the Dowager safely back in her chamber.

After the meal, Eleanor dressed in one of her prettiest gowns and spent a long time fussing over her hair, till her maid started to stare at her.

When at last the clock showed it was time to leave, Eleanor went down to the stables to meet Anders as arranged, not daring to disobey him, for she knew that he’d keep his promise to inform the Dowager if she tried to leave him behind. Anders always kept his word.

She spent a minute or two petting Snowy, who was still convalescing in one of the stalls, then suggested they leave, trying not to sound too anxious.

Anders shook his head, sighing. “Aye, I suppose we can go now. But I doubt I’m doing the right thing, letting you meet this man.”

“You said you would!”

“Yes, well, that was yesterday. Today, I’m not so sure. Mind now, if I don’t like the looks of him and say we’re to return, then you must do as you’re told straight away. Promise me!”

“Well, I will promise, but only because I’m sure you’ll find nothing to object to in Mr Lanby.” She danced along the woodland path beside the elderly groom, chattering happily about the progress of the latest foal and speculating as to how soon Snowy’s leg would be better. “Perhaps I can take him up to the house when we - Oh, Mr Lanby! You quite startled me!”

He had been waiting there for nearly an hour, annoyed with himself at how afraid he was of missing her. When he saw that she’d brought someone with her, he looked toward the man questioningly, for he was obviously a servant. Servant or not, the fellow looked disapproving and when their eyes met, he didn’t lower his or look away, but stared steadily back.

Eleanor found the sight of Mr Lanby so splendid that it was a minute or two before she could speak. “This is my groom, Anders, come to keep an eye on me.”

The older man was at his most wooden. “You’ll pardon me for coming along, sir, but her grandmother doesn’t approve of her walking in the woods alone.”

The younger man nodded, but looked disappointed. “It’s only to be expected that a young lady should have proper guardians. “

“Oh, pooh! “ Eleanor exclaimed. “As if I need guardians on our own land.”

“I have to look after her,” Anders continued, determined to get things clear, “for she’s as trusting as a kitten.” His tone implied that he was not.

“Well!” exclaimed Eleanor, setting her hands on her hips. “What an awful thing to say, Anders!”

“It’s true, though, Miss. Anyway, I’ll just drop behind a little and leave you two to choose our path.

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