The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson

Author:Rachael Anderson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2017-08-22T21:00:00+00:00

THE MOMENT WATTS SPIED Harriett in her disheveled state, he sent for Tabby, who fretted and fussed all the way up to Harriett’s bedchamber. More servants came bearing warm water for a hot bath, and Sally, the housekeeper, soon appeared with a tray filled with the most delicious tea and an assortment of sweet rolls.

The servants’ kindness was a balm to Harriett’s bruised heart, and she luxuriated in the blessed feeling of being looked after. When at last she left her room, she felt cleaner, warmer, and refreshed. But that did not mean she was anxious to speak with the lieutenant again. She took her time walking down the long hallway, her troubled thoughts drifting in his direction. Why did he always seem to find her humiliation a source of amusement? Yes, he had been good enough to pull her from the pond and place his coat around her shoulders, but that was the extent of his kindness. He had not bothered to inquire about her welfare or even apologize for his failure to mention that his horse did not care for whips.

His actions, or lack thereof, had injured her. During the chilling ride back to the manor, she had come to the unhappy realization that she craved more from Lieutenant Jamison than flippancy and invigorating conversation. She wanted him to care about her and show her some concern—genuine concern. But was he capable of such sentiments?

Harriett had no answer to that. She only knew that she wanted him to be capable of it.

When she reached the stairs, she slid her fingers across the smooth and satiny banister as she descended slowly. Voices reached her ears, originating from the drawing room, and she paused to listen. Had Cora and Jonathan returned?

“No bedchambers available?” came an unfamiliar feminine voice, followed by light laughter. “Don’t be ridiculous, Christopher. In a house as large as this, of course there are rooms to spare. Why wouldn’t there be? Or is there a house party in progress that you have neglected to mention?”

A heavy sigh sounded. “No, Mother,” came Chris’s voice. The mere sound of it set Harriett’s heart to pounding, but she was quick to push it aside as another thought took over. His mother was here?

Intrigued, Harriett quietly descended a few more stairs and leaned over the banister to better hear the conversation.

“One would think you did not want us here,” came a deeper voice. His father’s, perhaps? How very interesting.

“Of course he wants us here,” his mother insisted. “He wouldn’t dare to think otherwise, would you, darling?”

“No, Mother,” Chris said again. “I only meant to say that since you did not see fit to send word that you were coming, no rooms have been made ready.”

“But your father did send a note ahead, did you not, my love?”

“Er…”

Harriett had to stifle a giggle. She really should not eavesdrop, but this conversation was proving most diverting.

Christopher’s mother didn’t seem at all put out by her husband’s lapse. “No matter. We are here now, and Jonathan is an old and dear friend.

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