Caroline Linden by Loveand Other Scandals

Author:Loveand Other Scandals
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Before she reached the breakfast room the next morning, Joan could tell her aunt had a visitor. She could hear a soft rumble of conversation, a man’s voice as well as her aunt’s lighter tone, and then, just as she turned the knob to enter, a sharp bark.

Evangeline and a very handsome gentleman glanced up like two guilty lovers at her entrance. Her aunt looked happy, flushed pink with laughter and one hand stroking a small dog curled up on her lap. She had been leaning forward, her whole body tilted toward her guest, but now sat back in her chair. “Good morning, Joan!” She gave her companion a rueful look. “I didn’t expect to see you so early. This is Sir Richard Campion. Sir Richard, my niece, Miss Joan Bennet.”

Sir Richard was already on his feet, and swept a gallant bow. “A very great pleasure, Miss Bennet.”

“And mine,” she replied, eyeing him with interest. So this was the fearless explorer who had climbed mountains in Switzerland and traveled into the dark recesses of Africa—and who was also her aunt’s reputed lover. According to rumor, he was far younger than Evangeline, but Joan wouldn’t have guessed it to look at him. He was about Papa’s height, and very fit, almost lean. His light brown hair was streaked with silver threads, and his face was tanned and lined, especially around his eyes. But those eyes, a startling blue, were keen and alert, and his whole manner crackled with energy. He was dressed like a country squire but moved with the grace of a London gentleman.

The ginger dog in Evangeline’s lap barked again, a sharp little yip. Evangeline smiled fondly as she scratched the dog’s ears. “And this is Louis. Sir Richard has been caring for him while I’m here. He brought my Louis for a visit.”

“He missed you so, my dear,” said Sir Richard, smiling at her. He spoke with a trace of accent, clipped but soft.

“You must meet him properly, Joan. Here; take a bit of bacon and call him.” The little dog, his fur bristling, jumped to the floor as Joan got a piece of bacon from the sideboard. He trotted over to her feet and sat, his tiny tail wagging furiously and his dark eyes fixed on the bacon. “Good boy, Louis,” said Evangeline. “Be polite!”

Louis sat back and raised one front paw, holding it in front of him like a cavalier begging for a lady’s hand for a dance. “Oh, how darling you are, Louis,” cried Joan. She stooped and held out the bacon. He delicately nipped it from her fingers and settled down to chew it. Joan looked up. “Why didn’t you bring him with you, Evangeline?”

Her aunt waved one hand. “He’s a demanding little fellow. I knew he wouldn’t have enough exercise here in town. He’s much happier in Chelsea.”

“Oh.” Louis had finished the bacon and was regarding her hopefully, tail wagging once more. Joan let him sniff her hand and lick her fingers, then stroked his fur.

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