The Blackstone Key by Rose Melikan

Author:Rose Melikan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria Books

13

The ladies returned to Storey’s Court on the following afternoon. Holland was in the timber yard, observing Charlotte’s efforts to direct Clemmie over a very modest structure, when one of the stable lads announced that Lady Armitage’s carriage was on the drive. The necessary precautions were instantly put in train: the structure dismantled, Clemmie taken away to his stall, and Charlotte ordered into the house to change her clothes and temper her mood of exultation. Holland undertook a hastier toilet as he passed through the kitchen garden, rinsing his hands at the well.

When he arrived at the front of the house, the carriage had already disgorged a great quantity of baggage and two passengers. Care of the former was given over to a pair of footmen under Jeffries’ supervision. Sir William and Mrs. Ramsay, the housekeeper, had taken charge of the latter, and Holland established a discreet position on their left flank. He caught Susannah’s eye immediately, and she favored him with a smile of delight. A few moments later Charlotte appeared beside him, looking demure in a gown of apricot muslin and actually carrying her needlework.

“Don’t be daft, shrimp,” muttered Holland. “She’ll never believe you’ve been pegging away at that damned thing and will guess you have something to hide.”

No sooner had he spoken than Lady Armitage called out that it was far too cold to stand about in such a light gown and Charlotte must go inside immediately. Apparently also noticing Holland for the first time, she advanced to greet him. Lady Armitage was a tall, fair woman, handsome, if a trifle severe. Although matronly, her attire bespoke a matron of wealth, fashion, and a certain dash. She had borne the six-mile journey from Fordham with the equanimity that comes from a well-sprung vehicle and a disciplined temper, and now she displayed neither a crease nor a tumbled curl.

“Ah, Robert,” she said, extending a gloved hand. “How charming to see you.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he replied. “I hope you enjoyed your visit?”

“Yes, quite. We had not intended to stay away as long as we did, but Susannah is such a favorite with the Moltons that there was no getting away. I hope that you have been making yourself quite at home—when did you arrive?”

“Tuesday night.”

“Oh, what a pity we were not here. Still, you will be with us some time yet?”

“A few more days—then I’m due back in Woolwich.”

“Ah, yes, the call of duty. We mustn’t chafe at duty, however much it interferes with our private pleasures, especially in wartime.” She beckoned her elder daughter. “Susannah, here is your cousin.”

“Dear Bobs, how wonderful this is,” cried Susannah, hurrying toward him. “We have all been longing to see you.” She was a softer, gentler version of her mother and very beautiful.

He smiled at her, taking her hand and saying something appropriate. Then Lady Armitage, having pronounced their greeting “charming,” cried that Sir William must not attempt to lift any of the baggage—she was quite worried about him. When Holland turned

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