Lady Trevarren and the Emerald Brooch: A Regency Romance and Murder Mystery by Miriam Rochester

Author:Miriam Rochester [Rochester, Miriam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2016-12-13T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Colonel Northcote returned to Winstanley Hall and was greeted by Metcalfe who advised him that Lady Northcote was wanting to see him as soon as he arrived home. The butler had a smug smile on his face as he knew that the Colonel was out of favour. Harry frowned. What could Lady Northcote want? He ascended the stairs and entered the drawing room. The Countess looked as if she had just swallowed a wasp and if looks could kill he would most surely have been dead.

She put down her stitchery when he entered. ‘So there you are, Harry,’ she said sourly.

Ignoring her ill humour, he just bowed politely and nodded. ‘You wished to see me, Cecelia?’

‘Yes, you are never around when you are wanted but no doubt you have been out visiting that Trevarren chit,’ she replied testily. ‘Ah, well that is your business but I wish to inform you, that you have no authority to be interfering in mine.’

Harry sighed wearily. He knew what was coming and braced himself for the oncoming verbal attack. He gave a patient smile. ‘I assure you that I only have the interests of our family at heart.’

The Countess ignored him. ‘Winstanley tells me that you asked for an inventory and that you have examined the books. Furthermore, my allowance has been reduced and I am now to apply to Winstanley for any major purchases. Good Lord, I cannot even change the curtains without his approval. How dare you, Colonel. You are not the Earl, merely a younger son, and I resent your interference in the Earl’s affairs.’

Harry felt his anger rising but kept his composure. He did not really know how much his brother had confided in his wife and had no wish to discuss details. He acknowledged her with a brief reply. ‘I think that you must be aware, Cecelia that although you live in the state of luxury, the estates are not in the order that they should be. Your husband has accepted my assistance and I have agreed to help him. I regret that you are inconvenienced somewhat but with your cooperation, I am sure we will come about.’

Cecelia pursed her lips in disapproval. ‘All was well before you arrived here and Winstanley is quite capable of governing his own affairs. I suggest that you return home to Rothbury and set your own estates in order. I would thank you for doing so, Harry, for you are no longer welcome here.’

Harry glanced at her belligerent face. He had once thought her attractive but a glimpse into her true nature had taken some of that attractiveness away. She could complain all she wanted to but he was not going to bow to the will of his sister-in-law.

‘I have an excellent manager and Northcote Manor is in very good order, Cecelia. As you care to point out, I may only be the youngest son but first and foremost I am a Northcote and I care about the Earldom and my family name.

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