The Lady and Her Quill by Casie Ruth A

Author:Casie, Ruth A.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2021-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Justin spent the twenty-minute walk along the river to Hartmore Manor crafting what to say to Elkington. He did not care about the information about the smugglers. Barrington had put that into a letter. No, he was more concerned about how to explain his inability to reveal his pen name to Alicia: that had turned into a dilemma.

The closer he got to the hall, the more he prepared for the verbal lashing he deserved. By the time he arrived in front of the house he was prepared for battle.

He came through the gate and caught sight of a movement in the drawing room window. He went to the door and tugged on the bell pull.

“Good morning, Captain Caulfield. Lady Alicia is expecting you. This way please.”

The butler ushered him into the drawing room.

“Good morning, Lady Alicia.” He stepped into the room, his face brightening at the sight of her.

Alicia turned toward him from settling the curtains in place.

“Good morning, Captain Caulfield.” The voice came from behind him.

He turned abruptly and faced Lady Elkington, who tried to hide her faint amusement.

“Lady Elkington.” He nodded with a gracious smile. “Will Captain Elkington be joining us?” His jaw muscles tightened, but he succeeded in keeping his smile pleasant.

“I regret my husband has not returned from London,” she said.

He didn’t know if he was relieved or terrified. This was only a reprieve, but not for long. He had to tell her before tomorrow’s reading.

“The weather has cleared nicely for our adventure. There is a more direct way to reach the beach. Rather than a carriage ride along the river, we’ll walk across the heath. That route provides a different vantage point of the village.”

“As you wish.”

“The weather is unusually warm for November and last night’s wind has turned into a breeze. It should be an invigorating, pleasant walk.”

“I’m glad you’re pleased. Shall we?” He motioned to the door. The ladies gracefully swept past him.

They strolled through the heath. The breeze sent ripples along the uncultivated landscape on the top of the cliff filled with its purple and pink heather as well as wild bilberry bushes.

“I’m surprised no one else is here. Last month, the area was filled with people picking berries and gathering honey for the yearly Harvest Festival.”

“Sane people are all warm and cozy baking their pies and cakes or brewing their wine and beer for the festival contest,” Lady Elkington said then turned to Justin. “Our village is well-known for bilberries – blaeberries – and the nectar from the heather produces some of the finest honey.”

“The awards will be given out at Mrs. Miller’s Harvest Salon,” Alicia said.

“Will you be competing?” he asked although he didn’t think either Alicia or her sister were inclined to bake or brew.

“My sister will not easily admit it, but she is the current champion. Beatrice makes a very unique tart filled with bilberries and apples. No one can pry the recipe from her. She has the kitchen staff sworn to secrecy.”

“Captain, don’t believe her. I am more than happy to share my recipe, for the right price.

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.