Never Less Than a Lady (2010) by Putney Mary Jo - Lost Lords 02

Author:Putney, Mary Jo - Lost Lords 02 [02, Putney, Mary Jo - Lost Lords]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2011-01-14T19:09:53.171000+00:00

Chapter 21

Randall sent a note to Daventry first thing the next morning, explaining that he had married and would like to bring his wife to call. His uncle replied immediately, setting a time that very afternoon.

When Randall handed Julia into an Ashton carriage, his wife said admiringly, “You look so calm. I’d be biting my nails if I wasn’t wearing gloves.”

He grimaced. “If I look calm, it’s a lie. When I was a boy and sent to live in Daventry’s household, he was God and the devil rolled into one. I preferred playing least in sight to engaging pitched battles, so I am not looking forward to this.”

His uncle had definitely played the devil when Randall lay dying in the attic of Daventry House. Was it possible to have a civil, adult relationship with the man? Probably not. Marrying Julia might end his relationship with his uncle forever.

If so, good riddance. “You were right to come,” he told her. “We can face him better together than separately.”

She gave a tight smile when he took her hand. Even in gloves, her fingers were icy. They didn’t speak for the rest of the journey.

When they reached Daventry House, Julia gripped Randall’s arm after emerging from the carriage. “I hate this house,” she said under her breath as they started up the steps. “Branford and I stayed here for several days after the wedding before moving to his estate near Bristol.”

Randall didn’t like to think what her wedding night and honeymoon had been like. “I’m not fond of the place, either. I believe it’s part of the entailed estate and can’t be sold, but no reason why the house can’t be leased out after I inherit. We can choose a home that we like.”

Her expression lightened. “What a splendid idea!”

They reached the door, which swung open to admit them. The butler bowed respectfully. “Lord and Lady Daventry will receive you and your wife in the morning room, Major Randall.”

If the countess was present at the meeting, his uncle must have decided to treat his heir with courtesy. Randall wondered how long that would last after Daventry recognized Julia.

They were ushered into the morning room. The Countess of Daventry sat behind a tea tray. The earl’s third wife was an attractive blonde of middle years with natural elegance and calm reserve. She nodded a welcome to the newcomers but didn’t rise.

Daventry dominated the room. Tall, white-haired, and forceful, he always reminded Randall of a sputtering rocket on the verge of ignition. He rose when Randall and Julia entered. Julia lagged a little behind Randall, and he guessed that she was delaying the moment when recognition became inevitable.

“Good day, Randall,” Daventry said stiffly. “I had expected you to consult with me over your choice of a bride. I trust you chose a suitable female.”

Clamping down familiar resentment at his uncle’s domineering ways, Randall replied, “I’m the one who must live with my wife, so I thought the choice should be mine. But there is no question she has the breeding you require of the next countess.

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