The Ransom by Marylu Tyndall

Author:Marylu Tyndall [Tyndall, Marylu]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780991092123
Publisher: MaryLu Tyndall Books
Published: 2014-03-04T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

“Where is he, Mr. Whipple?” Juliana glared at the pretentious butler. “I insist you tell me at once.” She had searched the entire house for Lord Munthrope—except for his private chamber, of course—and not a speck of His Grace nor his lace could be found. How dare he abandon Juliana in the midst of his celebration of Lady Cransford’s birthday? How dare he leave her to entertain his guests alone? In his home!

“I believe I just saw him discussing politics with some gentlemen in the garden.” The butler looked bored.

“I was just in the garden, Mr. Whipple, and I assure you, your deviant master is not there.” She glanced through the throng milling about the foyer toward the front door. She should leave. Courting the illusive coxcomb was turning out to be more trouble than it was worth. She faced the stodgy butler.

“It’s nearly one-thirty in the morning. And Lady Cransford is asking about her cake. Where is His Lordship? With another woman?”

“I assure you, miss, you are the single object of his desire.” He straightened his shoulders.

“Oh, fie, Whipple. We both know this betrothal is a farce.”

One bushy brow rose.

“I’ll have the cake brought out forthwith, miss. And I shall fetch milord. If he is tardy, please start the festivities without him.”

The wooden butler was hiding something. She knew it. Behind that proper façade, he seemed worried. Or was it disgust? She couldn’t figure out which.

Gathering her skirts, she flounced through the crush, pasting on a smile at those who greeted her as she passed. By the time she made it to the dining hall, after being waylaid by a few rather besotted guests, the cake was being wheeled in on a cart. A magnificent three-layered cake that looked as though it should be for King William instead of a mere baronet. But then, Munthrope always did everything to excess. Including his absences, it would seem. And, much to her delight, keeping Mr. Kinder occupied as well. She spotted the merchant deep into his cups, consorting with three doting dowagers across the room.

Forcing down her frustration, she headed toward the long table laden with now-empty silver trays glittering in the waning candlelight. Grabbing a glass and spoon, she thrummed them together, making quite a racket in order to get everyone’s attention. The chattering slowed to a hum and people thronged into the room as all eyes sped to Juliana, including those of Lady Cransford, who clapped her hands in glee when she saw the cake.

Feeling conspicuous—not to mention nervous—in front of so many people, Juliana drew a deep breath, set down the cup and spoon, and clasped her hands before her. “It would seem I have misplaced Lord Munthrope,” she began with a smile. Laughter bounded through the room, followed by whispered comments.

“Have you checked the mirror in the upstairs hallway? I daresay, he so enjoys preening himself,” one man shouted, drawing more chuckles from the crowd.

“I did spot him with Miss Langston,” one tipsy lady announced. “Mayhap

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.