Harlequin Historical April 2021--Box Set 1 of 2 by Annie Burrows

Author:Annie Burrows
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Millie flushed. She was already partway down the corridor towards the back of the house, but even from that distance Sam could see the pink stain her cheeks.

There was an excitement in seeing her again which even his worry over Frances couldn’t quite negate. He had not realised his own eagerness to see her again until she’d greeted him in that dismal threadbare parlour. There was a thrill in seeing her as the proper young lady in her plain, well-cut dress with her hair tidy. It was not only that she looked attractive, but also that he knew that other part of her, as though they shared an intoxicating secret.

He watched as she walked briskly towards the back of the house. The evidence of the family’s poverty was everywhere: in the bare floors, the pale square of lighter wood where a grandfather clock had once stood and the rectangles bereft of pictures. He must talk to Banks and ensure that any food or additional coal required by Frances was provided.

On entering the parlour, he was pleased to see that Noah now slept in his bassinet while the three ladies appeared to be conversing pleasantly. Millie’s younger sister was detangling a mess of silks while Mrs Lansdowne discussed hairstyles and the delight of the classically inspired modern looks. Frances still appeared abstracted, but seemed to be paying some attention.

Indeed, the scene was so entirely normal he almost wanted to laugh. It was the first time anything had been even a little ‘normal’ since he had regained consciousness on that pirate’s ship. Indeed, even thinking the phrase ‘pirate’s ship’ made him almost chuckle because it was so bizarre and completely discordant with this scene of pleasant domesticity.

He was about to sit down when he heard footsteps outside. The door opened and Flora and Millie entered with a tea tray. This was placed on a table and Mrs Lansdowne moved forward to pour the tea. She handed a cup to Millie, who placed it beside Frances with a reassuring smile.

‘Mother, I have delightful news. Dear Mrs Ludlow has been finding the sea breezes too brisk. Manton Hall is dreadfully windy at this time of year and we are so much more sheltered. She would like to stay here for a day or so and, naturally, I said we would be delighted.’

‘I...’ Mrs Lansdowne, briefly put down the teapot. ‘Yes, of course, we always enjoy company. That would be very pleasant.’

‘Thank you,’ Frances said.

‘We are so very happy to help,’ Millie said. ‘Truly.’

‘But you will be very cramped. We live quite simply, being in mourning. Perhaps we could clean out the nursery,’ Mrs Lansdowne suggested. ‘Flora, could you—’

‘Please, that isn’t necessary,’ Sam said, noting his sister’s increased agitation, the movement of her hands as they twisted nervously within the fabric of her gown.

‘I insist. It will cheer me up. I have been lachrymose lately. It is a nice enough room, quite large with a bay window facing the sea so that one can see it in the distance.

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