Color of Darkness (Sullyard Sisters Book 2) by Hartman Ruth J

Author:Hartman, Ruth J [Hartman, Ruth J]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-01-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

It didn’t take long for Stratford to reach the Queensbury estate. The property did adjoin his father’s after all, though Stratford had always done his best to avoid Miss Queensbury whenever possible. Even when they were children and were sometimes forced to play together, he’d only speak to her out of necessity. She’d grown up to be a striking woman, but it was only on the surface. Stratford used to think something dark lurked inside of her. Something deceptive. After hearing what she’d said and done to Lydia, he was more certain of it than ever.

He handed his horses’ reins to the groom and strode up to the front door. After a forceful knock, the door was opened by a young footman. Stratford leaned toward the other man, determined to see that vexing woman right that moment and not willing to take no for an acceptable answer. “I’m here to see Miss Queensbury.”

“She’s not taking callers today.”

“She will see me.”

He lowered his eyelids halfway and started to close the door. “I’m afraid it’s out of the question.”

Stratford caught the edge of the door to halt its progress. “You’re not listening. I’m here to see her, and see her, I shall.”

“But sir, I—”

He stepped up, close enough that the footman had to move back a single pace. “I said, I will see her. Now. You can either show me to the parlor or I can stand outside where others can hear me bellowing at the top of my lungs until Miss Queensbury comes out.” He tapped his chin as if thinking up something new. “Say… or I could—”

The door opened wider with a whoosh of air. “Please, do come in.”

“Thought you’d see it my way.” He removed his hat but waved away the footman’s offer to take it. Stratford wasn’t planning on staying too long. Only enough time to accomplish his goal. To see that Lydia was released. Immediately.

The footman showed him to the parlor and indicated that Stratford should take a seat. Instead, as soon as the footman had left, Stratford chose to pace. He did his best strategizing that way. Twenty-five steps across and back. He lost track of how many times he traversed the floor from fireplace to settee and the reverse.

The shushing sound of slippers came from the open doorway. “Mr. Bexley. How delightful to see you.”

Stratford stopped his frantic steps. Miss Queensbury stood there, with her perfectly coifed hair, expensive, form-fitting gown and flawless face. Pity her personality wasn’t as pleasing. “Good day.” He gave a small bow. Very small. Enough to be insulting should she choose to notice.

Her slow smile gave him the feeling she cared nothing about his implied slight, but that she’d been expecting him. Indeed, though he’d nearly been denied entrance, it was as if she’d waited for that very moment when he would visit her and give her what she desired most.

Then she had much to learn. He had come to free Lydia and would not be denied an audience.

“Where

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