The Baronet's Prize: A North Riding Novella Regency Romance by Valerie Holmes

Author:Valerie Holmes [Holmes, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2021-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

They entered through the old door passing black timbers that looked stark against the whitewashed walls.

Inside, the smell of lamps and candles mingled with that of old papers, ink, leather, and velum. With the heavy scent of the musk that filled the air from the male clerks that worked at high desks in a room to her left, the place was somewhat airless.

They were escorted into a small office by a clerk. Unable to turn away and walk out, she dutifully followed Christian’s lead. A man in a powdered wig, a serious expression and a precariously balanced monocle stood as they entered. Christian was careful to allow her to walk in front of him and into the room where she took a seat.

“Please be seated, Sir Christian,” the man said. Christian assumed his seat facing the gentleman, as did she, in front of his paper covered desk. It seemed busy, rather than disorderly.

“Now, Sir Christian, I am glad to learn that you have actually located Miss Eleanor.” The man favoured her with a stern and disapproving look.

“I did not have to search far, Mr Copeland, she was in the care of her mother’s faithful companion being looked after on the estate. I am amazed that your man did not manage to seek her out and inform her of the arrangements that have been made. He seems to have only dealt with the lady of the Hall, ignoring Miss Eleanor’s concern and interest in the situation. Indeed, Miss Eleanor even held a conversation with your representative. He knew she was there!”

“Master Horace’s good lady gave her word that she would break the sad news to her sister-in-law in a gentle way. We had no reason to doubt her word,” Mr Copeland replied firmly.

“This lady was believed, rather than the man stay and do his legal duty. Lady Jemima then left with my carriage and four fine horses,” Christian added to stress his point.

“Well, when we were advised that Miss Eleanor had left the Hall via a note from Lady Jemima, and we enquired with her aunt who had no knowledge of her whereabouts, it was then that both she, and ourselves, became most concerned for her.”

“Was that when you told her aunt that a provision for her care had been offered in exchange for the inconvenience?” Sarcasm dripped from Christian’s tongue, but the man shuffled papers and then stared defiantly back at him. He was not used to having his professionalism challenged, that was clear even to Eleanor.

Mr Copeland coloured deeply, but his gaze did not flicker.

“I will not live with my aunt,” Eleanor said, breaking her silence.

Mr Copeland glared at her. “My dear, think of what you are saying. You have left yourself in a precarious position. If you have been seen alighting from that coach with Sir Christian, a virtual stranger to you, your reputation has already been damaged, even if we can find a plausible explanation for where you have been whilst coming to terms with your grief.

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