Old Acquaintances: Christmas Regency Tale (Regency Tales Book 2) by Buck Gayle

Author:Buck, Gayle [Buck, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-06-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Judith had dreaded the half hour before dinner when all of her guests could be expected to assemble in the drawing room. But it went easier than she had expected, principally because the Nicklebys did not immediately appear. She was talking quietly with Lord Baltor and Sir Peregrine when Cecily came hesitantly through the door.

Judith knew that Cecily had entered when Lord Baltor’s eyes flew wide and a stunned expression settled on his face. She rose and went toward the girl. “Cecily, my dear child,” she said, holding out her hands.

Cecily grasped her fingers with almost a desperate grip and Judith looked searchingly at her. The girl appeared strained and her eyes were overbright. Judith smiled reassuringly. “I shall stay right beside you,” she murmured. Cecily cast up a grateful glance and allowed herself to be drawn toward the gentlemen.

Lord Baltor had leaped to his feet. His eyes had never left Cecily’s face. His thoughts tumbled incoherently, but one remained crystal clear: He had never seen a more beautiful vision. When Judith brought Cecily up to him and introduced her, Lord Baltor accepted Cecily’s hand almost with reverence. “Your servant, Miss Brown,” he said in a strangled voice.

Cecily was not unused to admiration and she forgot her nervousness for a moment. She looked up at Lord Baltor with her wide innocent gaze. “I am so very glad to make your acquaintance, my lord,” she said softly. She was quite taken with the manner in which Lord Baltor kissed her fingers and she was smiling as she reclaimed her hand.

But when she met the glance of her guardian, her smile faltered and a scared look entered her eyes. “Good-good evening, cousin,” she stammered.

Sir Peregrine looked at her somewhat grimly. “You have led me a fine chase, Cecily. I hope that you are aware of the folly of your actions.”

Cecily looked ready to sink into the carpet. Judith came to her support. “You shall be much better able to discuss these private matters at another time,” she said firmly.

Sir Peregrine threw a piercing glance at Judith, who awaited his reaction with lifted brows. He seemed to reconsider whatever comment that he was on the point of making and instead nodded. “Miss Grantham for once is right. We shall speak after dinner, Cecily.”

Lord Baltor had listened to the interchange with a gathering frown. He understood little but that somehow Sir Peregrine was related to this glorious creature and that she was frightened of his displeasure. When Lord Baltor looked into Cecily’s piteous and lovely face, he was seized with a strong feeling of chivalry. He knew that he would do anything in his power to protect her from distress. “I hope that you will do me the honor of joining me at dinner,” he said, addressing Cecily as though she was the only other individual in the room.

She nodded with a shy smile, soft color rising in her face. “You are most kind, my lord,” she said, and placed her hand trustingly in his.

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