Thursday's Child by Rosemary Morris

Author:Rosemary Morris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: feisty heroine, regency rake, strong hero, regency bride, lords and ladies in british nobility, mistress or wife, regency love and romance
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.

Chapter Seventeen

Saunton handed Rochedale’s housekeeper his card. “Please inform the baron, I and my wife wish to speak to him.”

Obviously flustered by their arrival, the woman curtsied. “The baron has gone to London.”

“Then be good enough to announce us to my sister, Lady Margaret.”

“She is not here.”

“Where is she?” Saunton asked,

“Out riding with his lordship’s cousin Mr Devlyn.”

“And Mrs Grey?” he asked, a sharp edge to his voice.

“I’m not sure whether she’s here,” Mrs Burnet said.

“Please find out,” Amelia said.

Since they left St Albans, the sky, previously the colour of a robin’s egg, was now overcast by ominous grey clouds that released a sudden downpour.

Without waiting for the housekeeper to speak, Saunton stepped forward so briskly that she was forced to back into the panelled hall, where she bumped into a suit of armour which fell with a loud clatter.

Saunton moved away from the door and beckoned to Amelia. “Come inside.”

A hand across her mouth, Mrs Burnet stared down at the burnished helmet which rolled towards her.

Feet pattered down the flight of stairs that led into the hall. “Mrs Burnet?” a well-bred voice enquired.

“I’m that sorry, madam. When this gentleman forced his way into the manor I knocked over the armour. I hope it’s not dented.”

Saunton eyed the well-dressed lady whom he assumed was Mrs Grey. Nothing in her appearance or deportment indicated she was an unsuitable chaperone for his sister. He removed his narrow-brimmed black beaver hat, held it in his right hand and executed an elegant bow. “My apology for our intrusion due to the rain.” He straightened and looked at her. “Allow me to introduce us. We are the earl and countess of Saunton.”

A pair of inquisitive blue eyes regarded them as she curtsied. “I am Rochedale’s cousin, Mrs Grey.” Phoebe transferred her attention to Mrs Burnet. “Please send for a maid to pick up the armour.”

Saunton looked about.

“My lord, Lady Margaret is riding around the estate with my cousin. Maybe a glass of wine in the parlour while you wait for them to return.” She peered past them. “It is raining so heavily that I don’t think you will have to wait for long.”

Mrs Grey was right. By the time he and Amelia had drunk some excellent Canary wine, Margaret, dressed in a sodden, beautifully tailored riding habit, had arrived.

“Saunton, Amelia,” Margaret commenced in well-modulated but expressionless voice when she scrutinised them, a guarded expression in her eyes. She removed her hat, stripped off her gloves and put them with her riding crop on the window seat. “Rochedale is not at home. If you wish to see him, you should have sent word.”

He exchanged a brief glance with his wife. Margaret’s voice and manner made her seem several years older than when they last saw her. Where was the impulsive sister he was accustomed to?

“Although we wished to speak to the baron, we have come to see you,” Amelia explained.

“To upbraid me as Julian and Great-aunt Augusta did?” His sister’s hands clenched at her side.

“No, out of concern for you and to bring an end to your unfortunate situation.

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