Whitefield Hall: Novella by Nora Covington

Author:Nora Covington
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Suspense, Romance, Victorian, Suspense, Historical, Literature & Fiction
Publisher: Holland & Eyre Press
Published: 2015-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

Prison of Consequences

After a quick nap to regain my strength for the evening, I dressed and readied myself for dinner and whatever lay ahead.

When I exited my bedchamber, I glanced to my right and left of the hallway. To my surprise, I witnessed Dudley whispering into Miss Wade’s ear. She smiled and nodded her head in return. Neither of them noticed my presence. My mouth dropped open at the sight, and immediately I concluded that he had to be up to no good. Did he also seduce other women on his staff?

I remembered Miss Wade’s words about being jealous of me being in the baron’s company. Perhaps she secretly held affections for him, and they consorted behind closed doors. Their closeness and intimate exchange brought me to the conclusion they enjoyed an immoral tryst.

Disgusted at the improper display, I turned around and sprinted down the staircase. As I entered the drawing room, I halted my step upon seeing her ladyship. Dark, puffy circles underneath her eyes exposed a day of pain and suffering.

“Lady Catherine, I’m surprised to see you,” I said, cautiously walking forward.

“I’m sure you are,” she said coldly. Her mouth parted as if she were going to say something else but closed when Dudley entered.

“Good evening,” he said. He glanced at me and nodded his head. His eyes turned downward toward my feet. “Are those new shoes?” His face held a knowing smirk.

I glared at him. “No,” I answered, trying my best to sound nonchalant over his inquiry. “I do have a few pairs you have not seen, your lordship.” His ridiculous comment must have been meant to get me in trouble. Lady Catherine scowled. After we had taken our seats, her ladyship spoke.

“I’m quite bored with everything,” she said. “I do wish we could dine more often in Manchester.”

“Manchester?” Dudley echoed.

“Well, I know you prefer London, so why don’t you go back?” Lady Catherine snapped in a high-pitched tone.

I rolled my eyes. Here we go again, I thought to myself. Another hour of poking at one another with insulting comments.

“I plan to this evening,” Dudley growled in return. “You will be rid of me soon enough.”

He glanced over at me, no doubt waiting for my reaction. Good riddance was my only thought. The tempting rogue would be gone from Whitefield Hall. Surely, things would improve after his departure. It would give me an opportunity to squelch any budding emotions that had been dashed a few moments ago with Miss Wade. I glared at him angrily over his little whispering private moment of consorting with the staff.

“I have an idea,” he suddenly announced. “Why don’t we go to Manchester? I have a carriage waiting for me outside as we speak. Miss Gleadhell and I can pursue another entertainment while you busy yourself playing cards.”

“There will be no taking Miss Gleadhell anywhere.” Her ladyship screeched so loudly that Mr. Grove jolted. He was about to announce dinner but stood mortified in the doorway.

“I think dinner is ready,” I interjected. The butler nodded and retreated from the room.

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