Ormsley: Confirmed bachelors Book 4 by Jenny Hambly

Author:Jenny Hambly [Hambly, Jenny]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2022-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Hugh glanced up when the door opened, and the rather grim line of his jaw relaxed. He had noticed that Mrs Sherborne had waited for Miss Harrington as the ladies left the dining room, and this fact, coupled with her absence had made him wonder if she had suffered yet more rudeness in his house and been overset by it. The mischievous little smile that played around her lips suggested otherwise, however. He should have realised that she would not be so easily overcome; she was far more likely to give Mrs Sherborne her own again rather than beat a hasty retreat.

He went to greet her, but Mrs Sherborne was before him.

“There you are, Miss Harrington. I can’t imagine what has kept you so long. I had hoped that we might enjoy a cosy chat over a cup of tea.”

“Lady Asfordby wished to show me some of the family portraits,” she said lightly.

“Really? Then you will have noticed that a very important one is conspicuous by its absence.”

Hugh did not quite trust the sweetness of the smile Miss Harrington bestowed upon Mrs Sherborne.

“I did indeed, and I think it should be rectified as soon as may be. Although I do hope that Henry will be allowed to pose in a natural manner and that the artist will capture the liveliness of his character. He is such a handsome boy that I’m sure his portrait must immediately capture the attention of anyone who comes into the house.”

Hugh’s lips twitched in amusement. Miss Harrington was more than a match for Mrs Sherborne it seemed.

That lady forced a smile to her lips. “Very droll, Miss Harrington. I think you know that is not what I meant.”

“Oh, then you must be thinking of the wonderful portrait of Lady Asfordby. I quite agree that it should not be hidden away in a dark corner but be given pride of place somewhere where it can be admired.”

Lady Asfordby gave a crack of laughter and moved away, bestowing an amused smile upon her nephew as she did so. Hugh wondered what mischief she had been at.

“Do you not think, Miss Harrington,” Mrs Sherborne said repressively, “that Lady Ormsley should be given pride of place somewhere?”

Cressy laughed as if embarrassed. “But of course. How stupid of me. Lady Ormsley must provide inspiration to any artist, I should think. Oh! Why should she and Henry not be painted together?”

Mrs Sherborne did not seem enamoured by this idea. “I doubt very much that Henry could sit still long enough.”

Hugh was not sure if Miss Harrington had made the suggestion to merely nettle Mrs Sherborne or if she had some other altruistic motive, but he approved the notion. Not only would it provide Henry with the opportunity to spend some time with Eliza, but he would be reminded of her when she no longer lived under the same roof.

“I think Miss Harrington’s idea an excellent one,” he said, stepping forward. “And I think Henry will surprise you, Mrs Sherborne.” He held out his arm.

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