The Noble Hearts Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Callie Hutton

Author:Callie Hutton [Hutton, Callie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Callie Hutton

7

Juliet and Marigold climbed into their carriage, settling on one side of the comfortable coach. Lady Selina Crampton, whom Papa had secured as a combination companion and chaperone for the rest of the Season, took the seat opposite them, adjusting her skirts. He’d introduced her to them the week before, citing again his wish for Juliet to find a husband this Season, and his dislike of too many ton events for him to continue as their chaperone.

Juliet had not cared for the look in Papa’s eyes when he mentioned her getting married. He’d been acting strangely happy around her ever since Graham’s visit. She’d even heard him whistling in the corridor as he went about his business. Hopefully, Papa had not already given his consent to Graham’s request for her hand. At one time that would have made her ecstatic, now she wasn’t sure how she would feel about it.

Lady Crampton was a charming woman, a widow of perhaps five and thirty years, the mother of two young daughters. Juliet hadn’t asked, but for some reason she thought Papa was paying the woman for her services. Which, of course, could create a scandal for her, and her daughters.

Widows who accepted money from a gentleman were immediately considered a mistress. Which was probably why Papa introduced her as a companion. That was an acceptable type of employment, if not an enviable one.

However, there was something about this woman that refuted any ideas of impropriety. Lady Crampton was pretty in an older woman sort of way, with bright hazel eyes, beautiful skin, and a lovely smile that warmed up the room. Her manners were impeccable, and she was a stickler for decorum.

She had arrived at their home with her two daughters in tow, in an elegant, but outdated, afternoon gown and pelisse. Papa had insisted if she were to assume the duties of chaperone and companion in a successful manner, it would be necessary for her to take up residence in their home. So, the nursery was re-opened, where two adorable twin girls, Lady Phoebe and Lady Prudence, two and ten years, had been installed. Which, of course, required a governess for them.

Within days of Lady Crampton’s arrival, boxes began to appear that were sent directly to her bedchamber. Apparently, part of the pay for her services included a new, updated wardrobe.

When Juliet thought on the entire matter, it did seem unusual to go through all that trouble to hire a chaperone, but Papa had some odd ways about him, so she shrugged it off.

The carriage rolled down the pathway as they headed to the Colborne house party. Their home was only about a four-hour ride from London, so Cook had packed a luncheon for them to enjoy on the road, rather than having to stop at an inn for a meal.

Juliet had been looking forward to the party for some time now. She preferred the country to Town life, even though it was a necessity to be in London for the Season.

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