Lord Deverill's Secret by Amanda Grange

Author:Amanda Grange [Grange, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2005-01-02T06:00:00+00:00

Cassandra finished sorting out the spare furniture and by the time Monday arrived she felt she could join Maria in a tour of Granmere Park with an easy conscience. Her work in Brighton was almost done. When she dressed, she did so more warmly than previously, wearing a long-sleeved gown and donning a pelisse instead of a short spencer. The weather had turned cooler, and it looked as though it might rain.

“I am looking forward to seeing Granmere Park,” said Maria, as they set out together, accompanied by Harry. “I hear it is wonderful.”

The carriage rolled through the streets of Brighton and then made its way out into the country, bowling through winding lanes. The fields and hedgerows were yellow and needed a downpour to restore their fresh, rich green.

After an hour of travelling they reached a massive set of gates and went in, arriving in front of a splendid Palladian villa soon afterwards. It glowed in the blue light as the sun shone down on it through heavy clouds. A terrace stretched in front of it, and steps led up to the door.

“Are you sure it’s all right for us to visit like this?” asked Cassandra.

“Positive,” said Maria. “Harry and I do it all the time. As long as the owners are not at home, they are happy for their house keepers to show people round. I have it on good authority that Lady Anne is visiting friends.”

The footman let down the step and they climbed out of the carriage, then went up the steps to the front door. The footman knocked. The door was opened by an elderly butler, and on stating their business he bade them welcome and sent for the house keeper.

Cassandra was relieved. It seemed that Maria was right about visits being commonplace.

The house keeper soon joined them in the imposing hall. She was a sensible looking woman, soberly dressed in a grey gown.

“It’s a splendid house,” said Maria.

“That it is,” said the house keeper. “I’ve seen many fine houses, but none to compare with Granmere Park. Lady Anne and her husband have done a great deal to improve it since they bought it a few years ago.”

“It is not their ancestral home?” asked Maria.

“No. Lady Anne fell in love with it, and her husband is always pleased to give her anything that will make her happy. The marble columns are some of the finest in the country,” said the house keeper, directing their attention to the finest feature of the hall.

Cassandra could well believe it. They were very impressive.

“The floor, too, is made of marble.”

The house keeper went on to point out the sweeping staircase and to comment on each of the works of art adorning the walls.

Having displayed the hall, she took them through into the morning-room, which was no less splendid. The proportions were elegant, and it was adorned with plasterwork. She then took them into the other principle rooms, leading them in to a huge gallery.

“This is part of the original house, which was built in Elizabethan times.

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