The Duchess of Gracechurch Trilogy Boxed Set by Catherine Kullmann

Author:Catherine Kullmann [Kullmann, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

That part of the country in the immediate vicinity of the Lake of Affection is truly charming; the climate serene and mild.

Lallie swallowed convulsively as the carriage turned into the approach to Sir Howard Grey’s home. “I hope they will receive me.”

“I am sure they will,” Mr Tamrisk said comfortingly.

They rounded a bend to see a long house some two stories in height, made of a faded pink brick that seemed to bask in the fading rays of the sun. Candle-light gleamed through leaded window panes and as they approached, the front door swung open invitingly. A butler flanked by two footmen descended the shallow flight of steps.

“We are welcome, it seems,” Mr Tamrisk remarked.

Willis jumped down before the horses came to a halt. He murmured something to the butler who at once sent one footman indoors and waved the second to the carriage door before coming forward himself to bow as Mr Tamrisk alighted and handed Lallie down.

“Welcome sir, welcome, Miss Grey. If you would be pleased to come with me?”

He led them into an oak-panelled hall where Lallie had eyes only for the frail lady wearing a lace cap and a pretty shawl thrown over her stooped shoulders, who stood beside a white-haired gentleman leaning on a cane.

“Miss Grey and Mr Tamrisk,” the butler announced.

The lady hurried forward. “Is it indeed you, Lalage? Oh, my dearest girl, to see you again after all these years!”

She held out her arms and Lallie walked into them, carefully closing her own arms around her grandmother who felt as slight as a little bird. She tried to speak but couldn’t. Her eyes were misted and her throat full of tears. She gulped and tried again. “Grandmother, I hope you will forgive this intrusion.”

The old man snorted and limped forward to embrace her. “Intrusion? Nonsense! You must know you are always welcome here. But why are we standing in the hall? Come into the parlour.”

“Just come up to my room first, my dear, and remove your outer garments,” Lady Grey amended this invitation. “They’ll have rooms ready for you in a trice, but you will like to tidy yourself, I’m sure.”

Gently but firmly, she tugged Lallie towards the stairs, pausing only to look back and say, “Of course you will spend the night with us, will you not, Mr Tamrisk?”

“The night? You must remain until Monday, sir. You will not wish to travel on the Sabbath-day,” Sir Howard instructed his guest. “Elcott here will see to the carriage and your luggage.”

“I should be very happy to, Sir Howard but pray excuse me while I have a word with the post-boys,” Hugo said hastily. He had forgotten that tomorrow was Sunday. How gratifying to have unimpeachable grounds to remain with the Greys for at least two nights.

“Of course, of course. Then you must take a glass of wine with me while the ladies are primping. I took the opportunity of the peace ten years ago to replenish my cellars and have an excellent Chambertin that is now at its peak.

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