THE CHRISTMAS RUSE by Jennie GOUTET

Author:Jennie GOUTET
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 2

Eleanor Daventry's posture was still perfectly erect when at last the carriage turned on the winding road that led to Worthing Estate. “Aunt, we’re here.”

The older lady gasped and sat up with a start, as Eleanor opened the window and leaned out. “There’s a rider in the distance headed toward the estate. A gentleman. Perhaps it’s the earl come back from the Peninsula early.” She pulled her head in and bestowed a mischievous smile upon her aunt. “To find out if he is, indeed, as rich as a nabob.”

“Don’t be vulgar, Eleanor.” Mrs. Daventry tightened her lips, but the admonishment had little effect on her niece. Her next words did. “The former earl was good to you at a time when no one else took up your cause. I wonder that you can speak so flippantly of him or his legacy.”

Eleanor studied her hands clasped on her lap. There was no point in trying humor with her aunt. “I should not, I know. It’s just that I did not know my guardian as I could’ve wished. I’m sensible of his every attention, yet I cannot help but feel I would have preferred his company over his benevolence.”

Mrs. Daventry’s face paled from another jolt in the carriage. “What he did for you is no small thing. He provided for your welfare and your schooling, and he ensured you would have everything you need for your first Season, including an introduction. Under his patronage, you needed not fear being shunned.” Her aunt shifted uncomfortably on the hard seat. “Considering your family history…”

Eleanor ignored the unspoken words, which she knew very well. Now the fourth earl was dead, there were no such guarantees. She shot her aunt a narrowed glance. “You’re unwell. I wish we’d stopped at the inn. The journey would not have been so tedious if we had traveled in easier stages.”

Mrs. Daventry closed her eyes and shook her head. “We would have arrived too late, and it would not do to stop in a public inn without a gentleman escort. I don’t mind for my own sake. But for you, I will do my duty, though I suffer as a result.”

“Aunt.” Eleanor’s voice contained only a trace of exasperation. “I can survive the taint of a public inn. And rest would have done you good. Never mind. We can ask that you’re shown straight to your room and that supper is brought to you.”

“You’ll do no such thing. As your guardian, I’ll remain with you throughout supper.” Her aunt sniffed and tugged at the folds of her purple wrap. “Even if I doubt I can eat a thing.”

Eleanor hid a smile and stared over the meadow at the copse of trees in the distance, which were starting to show hints of green. “I have the barest recollection of this place. I suppose I should be grateful Lord Worthing invited me even once. I had forgotten how…” Her voice trailed away as the carriage turned and sped toward the manor, whose rows of windows were filled with the golden iridescence of the late afternoon sun.

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