Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
He was dressed carefully in a black evening jacket, white shirt and black breeches with hessians. He combed his hair carefully and tied it in a queue at the base of his skull and then took up his hat and cane. “Fetch the coachman,” he asked Anson.
* * *
Now that he was likely to imbibe and had no intention of sleeping in a ditch again, he decided to take a coachman along to bring him home.
* * *
He arrived just as the sun was setting and paused to enjoy the spectacular view before stepping up to the front door and knocking.
* * *
The door opened to reveal the brother, Lord Frederick, who blinked at him, unsmiling. “Your Grace. Welcome.”
* * *
“Thank you.” He stepped into the house, tensing instinctively for a fight.
* * *
“Come down this way,” Frederick said, “we’re in the parlor.”
* * *
“Ah.” Arthur relaxed but only slightly as he followed Janice’s brother down the hall. He could not really tell but Frederick did not seem that glad to see him.
* * *
He opened the door of the parlor and ushered Arthur in. The room was fully occupied by the rest of the family. The three sisters sat on the sofa, impeccably dressed in dinner gowns, while their aunt sat on a nearby armchair. The men stood around them, like guardians.
* * *
Arthur smiled. “Raven family. I am so grateful for the invitation.”
CHAPTER 14
Janice’s heart leaped as Arthur appeared in the doorway, clutching two bottles of wine. The butler relieved him of them as he came into the room and then he bowed, acknowledging the ladies and then the gentlemen.
* * *
All the family was present for dinner, there having been quite a furor over Janice disappearing with the duke. She knew they’d be keeping a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
* * *
So, she was relieved when the talk turned at once to the unseasonable rains they were having. It was just the sort of polite chit-chat to relax everybody before dinner. The butler came in to announce that dinner was served, and they all trooped to the dining hall.
* * *
Arthur smiled at her as they walked arm in arm. “I didn’t tell you how lovely you look in that gown. The green really brings out your eyes.”
* * *
“Thank you.”
* * *
She saw his gaze sweep her figure from head to toe and preened a bit, standing a bit straighter. The square-necked gown left much of her chest bare to his gaze and the bodice cinched her waist in quite nicely. She felt every inch the lady, her dark hair swept up and secured with pins in swirling curls. She could appreciate the light in his eyes as he stared at her, knowing that all her effort was noticed and admired.
* * *
He seated her before taking his own place to her right. Her brother was seated to her left with her aunt on his other side. On the opposite side of the table, Anne sat in the middle, flanked by Rhys and Keith. Her father took the end of the table and Emily sat at the tail.
* * *
“What a terribly full house we have tonight,” her father said with a wide grin. “It is glad that we are to receive visitors, Your Grace. You are welcome at any time.”
* * *
“That’s very kind of you. Not having a large family of my own, it is refreshing to sit among you.” His face was lit up and Janice could see he was sincere. Her heart broke again for him.
* * *
“Well, I for one, am very happy to have you here.”
* * *
“Yes, yes, darling. We know you enjoy the duke’s company.” Her father rolled his eyes.
* * *
“The question is,” Uncle Keith said, “Does the duke enjoy yours?” He was watching Arthur keenly as he said it. Janice blushed, embarrassed that her uncle had put him on the spot like that.
* * *
“I don’t think-” she began to say before Arthur forestalled her.
* * *
“I do understand that this is unusual,” he said. “In fact, I’m sure you’re all wondering what I’m about, gallivanting around the countryside with your sister…” he gestured to Keith, “or niece,” then nodded to Lord Benjamin, “Or daughter. It must be worrying for you. I do assure you; I have no intention of sullying her in any way. I have simply enjoyed her company in the last few days and feel that she and I have become…friends.” He turned to her as he said the word, his eyes widening as if he himself could not believe his words.
* * *
Lord Benjamin laughed ruefully. “Yes, that is my Janice. Always looking before she leaps. Of course she’d make a friend of you. We really shouldn’t be at all surprised,” he paused. “Your soup will get cold, and leek is really at its best when piping hot. So, no more questions for now. Let us enjoy the meal.”