The Cursed Canvases by Marissa Doyle

Author:Marissa Doyle [Doyle, Marissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marissa Doyle
Published: 2022-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

“Oh, good,” Angelique said, practically in Annabel’s ear. “You got rid of him. I was afraid we would have to invite him in as well.”

Annabel started. “No. This is between us. Lord Quinceton was only…assisting.”

Angelique frowned and opened her mouth, but Philippe none-too-gently moved her aside. “Please come in, Lady Fellbridge,” he said, moving to open the door, which was in need of a coat of new paint.

Annabel cast one further look at the hackney carrying Lord Quinceton down the street, then sighed and turned to the door. Deciphering Lord Quinceton would have to wait until later.

“Why is that still here?” Angelique jerked her head back toward the other hackney. “Did not your rude friend pay him off?”

“I’m to wait for ’er ladyship,” the driver said, unperturbed. “’Is lordship said I must.” He fixed a stern look on Angelique. “An’ the sooner you stop flapping your gums out ’ere and do wha’ever yer s’posed to do, the sooner I can take ’er ladyship ’ome and go get me other guinea.”

Good lord—the marquis was paying the man two guineas to wait for her? “In that case yes, I shall go in at once. Thank you, er, mister…” Annabel smiled at the driver, who blushed furiously.

“I hain’t no mister, yer ladyship,” he said, removing his hat. “Jes’ plain Bob Carter.”

“Well, thank you for waiting for me, Mr. Carter. We’ll try not to keep you waiting long.”

“Take yer time, mum.” He accompanied this about-face with an airy wave. “I’ll jest catch me forty winks while I wait.” He wrapped the horse’s reins around his wrist, settled himself more comfortably in his seat, and tipped his hat over his eyes.

Angelique gave a sniff and swept through the door that her brother held open. “Ma’am?” Philippe said quietly to Annabel.

“Thank you.” Annabel followed after her.

As had the outside of the house, the inside had seen better days, or at least had once known a caring hand. Philippe cast an embarrassed glance at the entrance hall’s spotted mirror and dusty table cluttered with scraps of paper, bits of discarded clothing, and not a few dirty dishes and muttered, “This way, please.”

He led the way into a salon, where Angelique had already thrown herself down on a faded blue sofa, one arm flung dramatically across her eyes. “He is rather handsome, I suppose,” she said as Philippe led Annabel to a chair.

“Who is?” Annabel asked when Philippe did not seem inclined to respond but went to stand by the empty hearth, frowning.

“That hateful marquis.” Angelique shifted her arm slightly and surveyed Annabel with one eye. “Are you going to marry him?”

Annabel felt herself blush a fiery red. “Good heavens, no!”

“Is he rich?”

“Quite, from what I understand.”

“Hmm. If you’re not going to, then maybe I’ll marry him.”

Philippe sighed. “Go right ahead. Who cares if you haven’t actually made your come-out yet?”

Angelique propped herself up on her elbows to scowl at her brother. “That’s only two years from now. Why shouldn’t I plan ahead?”

“I beg your pardon—you’re only sixteen?” Annabel was surprised into asking.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.