Lady Ellingham and the Theft of the Stansfield Necklace: A Regency Romance by Rochester Miriam

Author:Rochester, Miriam [Rochester, Miriam]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2014-12-02T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Felicity Inadvertently Diverts the Hunt

The following day was the day of the hunt and Alex invited all of the party to join them. Much to his disappointment Felicity declined. She loved the thrill of the chase but she could never quite stomach the kill. The fox may be considered as vermin but she could not quite bring herself to believe that the poor animal deserved such an end, so she elected to stay at home with her mother and the Dowager. The three men had left after an early breakfast and the house seemed quiet. Felicity joined the ladies in the drawing room but very soon began to feel restless. She walked over to the window, leaned against the frame with folded arms and looked out onto the vista. She gave a heavy sigh. It was a mild November day and she was beginning to wish that she had gone along after all. At a push, she could have held back at the kill so she did not have to witness it. It was something she sometimes did at home but she never quite succeeded in avoiding the unpleasant scene completely and it always distressed her.

The Dowager, who was sitting with the Countess sewing samplers, noticed her restless behaviour. ‘Have you not got a sampler of your own you can work on Felicity? I am sure I can find something for you.’

Her mother looked up from her own work. ‘When it comes to sewing Flick has two left hands. She could not set a straight stitch if she tried.’

Flick sighed. ‘I am afraid it is true. I have neither the talent nor the inclination. Whatever I attempt, it always turns out crooked.’

The Dowager smiled. ‘You must have some talent Felicity, what would you like to do?’

The Countess eagerly replied for her. ‘She is very good at drawing, and Latin and French and she has a remarkable singing voice.’

‘You sing my dear,’ asked the Dowager quite surprised. ‘You must let me hear you.’ She pointed to the grand piano. ‘I would feel myself most privileged if you would consent to sing a song for me.’

Felicity could hardly refuse such a genuine request and walked over to the grand piano. It was a beautiful piece of furniture made from highly polished mahogany. It was finer than her own instrument at Lealholme Manor. She sat down and ran her fingers lovingly over the ivory keys to familiarise herself with the feel of the instrument before she began. With brilliant clarity and sweet melody, she launched into the haunting melancholic tune of Greensleeves. The Dowager, who had not expected a voice so lovely, opened her mouth in total astonishment and then changed her expression to that of admiring appreciation. ‘You have the voice of an angel my dear and that gives me a very good idea. I think we should have a musical evening. We shall invite some friends over and you can sing for us. I will invite one or two others

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