The Tale of Two Barons by Linda Rae Sande

Author:Linda Rae Sande [Sande, Linda Rae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-29T00:00:00+00:00

Evangeline watched the Torrington coach as it left the semi-circular drive in front of Rosemount House, breathing a sigh of relief when it finally disappeared from view. Although she understood Lady Torrington’s concern, she couldn’t help but look forward to seeing Lord Sommers again.

No sooner had she thought about the baron than she was aware of Jones opening the front door. She glanced at the clock above the fireplace. Eleven o’clock. The man is punctual, she thought with a grin.

Before she had a chance to tidy up the tea tray, Jeffrey was suddenly standing on the threshold of the parlor, his dark hair glistening with rain drops. He bowed and said his greeting before hurrying to take her hand.

“I almost came earlier,” he said as he took her hand to kiss the back of it. His lips lingered a moment too long, but Evangeline wasn’t about to scold him.

“It’s a good thing you did not, for I was hosting Lady Torrington for tea,” she replied, one eyebrow arching up.

Jeffrey straightened, his good humor suddenly replaced with a more sober expression. “Is anything ... wrong?” he asked carefully.

Evangeline shrugged one shoulder. “Apparently the butler told my godfather about your visit the other night,” she replied. “And so his wife felt it necessary to remind me of propriety.”

Alarmed, Jeffrey backed up a step. “I shall take my leave of you ...”

“You will do no such thing,” Evangeline replied with a shake of her head. “You will stay here and read with me. All day, should you like, although I’ll be hosting some friends for luncheon at two. You’re welcome to join us, if you’d like.”

His eyebrows furrowing, Jeffrey regarded Evangeline with new found respect. The chit had apparently been counseled about her reputation and yet she wasn’t about to allow the countess’ warning to prevent her from hosting him in her home.

He nodded. “I should like that very much, my lady, although I do have plans this afternoon and so will forego the luncheon.”

Evangeline felt a bit of relief at his mention of not being available for luncheon. Samantha and Julia would be joining her, and she didn’t yet want to share the baron in a social setting. “Let’s move to the library,” she suggested suddenly, thinking they would be more comfortable in the leather couch than on the high-backed settee.

“Of course,” Jeffrey agreed. Picking up the book whilst Evangeline saw to the tea tray, he followed her out of the parlor and down to the library. A fire had already warmed the room, and Evangeline turned up the gas to the overhead chandelier so it’s golden light illuminated the couch and low table.

Moving to the couch, he took his usual position and stood waiting until Evangeline joined him. Once she was seated, he pulled the book onto his lap whilst Evangeline poured the tea and they began to read.

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