The Tudor Signet by Carola Dunn

Author:Carola Dunn [Dunn, Carola]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1995-03-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

When Mariette awoke in the morning, she knew at once that it had snowed in the night. Between and around the curtains, a cold, clear, white light crept into her chamber, and the silence had a curious muffled quality. The air was chilly though a housemaid had crept in earlier to build up the fire.

How much had it snowed? Mariette lay snuggled beneath the bedclothes trying to summon up the resolve to emerge and go to see. If only she knew whether she wished for deep drifts or a thin, crisp covering! Of course she wanted to go home to Uncle George and Ralph, yet...

She had to admit that should Fate decree several more days at Corycombe, she would not be utterly overset.

“Mariette!” Emily burst into the room, swathed in a blue velvet wrap but bare-footed. “Look!”

She dashed to the window and pulled open the curtains. Beyond the glass white flakes floated down, soft, feather-light, incessant, impenetrable. No mistress as considerate as Lilian would ask her coachman to drive out in that.

“Is there much on the ground?” Mariette asked, as the usual earthquake under her bed preceded Ragamuffin’s appearance.

“Lots. Jenny says it has been snowing since before midnight, on and on and on. Good morning, Ragamuffin.” She shook the paw the dog offered, scratched his head, and went on joyfully, “You cannot possibly leave today.”

“And that’s the truth, miss.” Jenny came in bearing Emily’s slippers. “I don’t know when I’ve seen such a fall down here in the valley. The stable lad who rides into Plymton for the post couldn’t get through. Here, Miss Emmie, put these on afore you get frostbite.”

“I shall stick my feet under Mariette’s covers.” Emily bounced onto the bed. “Mariette, I have had a simply famous idea. Mama was saying only a little while before you came that it is time I learned to dance. And lo and behold, here we are stuck in the house with two gentlemen for partners, even if they are rather elderly. What could be luckier?”

“It would be fun to learn,” Mariette agreed, smiling at her enthusiasm, “though I don’t expect ever to have the opportunity to dance. But remember that one of our gentlemen has only one arm. He might find it embarrassing or impossible.”

“Oh yes.” Emily’s face fell. “I should hate to embarrass Captain Aldrich. I like him, do not you? He never makes me feel as if I scarcely existed, as Lord Wareham does.”

“Only think how horrid it would be if Lord Wareham had been snow-bound here!” Both girls giggled as they recalled the routing of the abominable baron. “You know, Emmie, it is best if you don’t ask Captain Aldrich to dance with us, but I daresay your uncle would know how to ask him without making him uncomfortable.”

Emily flung her arms around Mariette and kissed her cheek. “You are a perfect lady,” she declared, “whatever Cousin Tabitha may say, for you always consider other people’s feelings and Mama says that is the most important thing.

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