Return to the House of Sin by Anabelle Bryant

Author:Anabelle Bryant
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2017-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

‘Good heavens, daughter, let me have another look at you.’ Lord Beasley, Earl of Huntingdon, viewed Amanda over his spectacles with another assessing glance. ‘I haven’t slept well in weeks. It’s no small miracle you’re returned to me unscathed. Now that I’ve heard the whole of your confusion, it’s a wonder more people aren’t shipped off to places unknown. How dreadful for you. Come closer. I need another hug.’

He made good on his promise and wrapped Amanda within his comforting arms. She couldn’t help but relish the feeling of being safely tucked back where she belonged. Even Raelyn seemed to have overcome her sadness, her smile returned and colour much better than that grey morning weeks ago when Amanda had unintentionally changed the course of all their lives.

‘It was an unbearable separation.’ Raelyn looped her arm with Amanda’s as soon as their father relinquished his embrace. ‘But a joyful reunion all the same. We should do something special to celebrate.’

‘Whatever you decide, let it not be ship travel,’ Amanda quickly added and they all shared a laugh.

Father, Raelyn and Enid, their maid, had returned home late afternoon. Like clockwork a footman was dispatched to notify Aunt Matilda and Amanda. They hurried to the house on Wigmore and now sat reposed in the drawing room after a sumptuous dinner.

‘I suggest we take in a show tomorrow evening to celebrate your homecoming. Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is playing at the Drury Lane Theatre. I’ve heard only good things about the company.’ Matilda clapped her hands with the suggestion, a gleam in her eye.

‘That sounds wonderful.’ Raelyn looked to Amanda, who nodded in approval.

‘You’ll need to go without me, I’m afraid.’ Huntingdon frowned as he answered. ‘I’ve so much correspondence left long overdue, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the play. With a footman or two and our private box, you should be well equipped for an enjoyable evening. I look forward to hearing all the details at breakfast.’

‘Why don’t you share the story of the gracious gesture which resulted in your secure return, Amanda?’ Aunt Matilda smiled in her direction. ‘I’m sure Huntingdon will want to thank Lord Hastings for his responsible courtesy.’

‘Hastings?’ Her father’s face grew pensive. Then his eyes narrowed and he slue his attention in Amanda’s direction. ‘Do you mean Baron Hastings’ son?’

‘Yes. I believe so.’ Amanda didn’t understand her father’s reaction. ‘Lord Hastings assisted me aboard the ship. He lent his protection, in a matter of speaking.’

‘I don’t like the sound of this.’ The earl rose from his chair, the room fast to lose its jocular mood. ‘Hastings’ son, Crispin Daventry, is an irresponsible rascal. A neck-or-nothing youngblood who lost an enormous sum wagering away his future at some shady gaming establishment called the Underground.’

‘The Underworld. It’s called the Underworld,’ Aunt Matilda interjected with a mite too much enthusiasm.

‘What do you know of it, Matilda?’ Her father shook his head in frustration. ‘Hasn’t this house experienced enough disappointment and havey-cavey business when it comes to gambling?’ Although he didn’t voice the words, he settled his gaze upon Raelyn and they all followed suit.

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