Fenella J Miller by A House Party Read Free Book Online

Coombs, my mother is trying to attract my attention.’ He gestured towards
the small group sitting in the shade of an ancient oak tree.
    A woman of middle years, dressed
in a sprigged-muslin gown more suited to someone half her age, was waving in
their direction. ‘Pray don’t let me detain you, sir. I’m quite able to find my
own way back.’
    The young man hurried away his
green coat tails flapping behind him. What had upset him? He appeared most
agitated.
    ‘Miss Coombs, I wish to speak to
you. Do you have a moment?’
    Lord Weston! How curious. Why had
his appearance driven her escort away in such a flurry? Slowly, she turned to
greet the man she had once wished to marry.
    ‘My lord, I’m returning to my
chambers. I wish to rest before dinner. Please forgive me.’
    Her evasive answer didn’t please
him. ‘You have been visiting the maze with my cousin.’ This was a statement
not, she considered, requiring an answer. He towered above her, using his
superior height to dominate.
    She stepped backwards catching
her heel in hem of her gown. Instantly his arm shot out and saved her from a
painful tumble. Flustered by the contact she tried to move away but for some
reason he retained his hold.
    ‘Please, my lord, release me.
We’re in full view of your guests.’
    ‘Exactly so, my
dear. We wish them to believe our announcement to be genuine and seeing
us like this will help to create the impression that we are romantically
involved.’ He reached out and casually straightened her bonnet which had
slipped sideways. ‘There, Miss Coombs.’ His fingers brushed her overheated
cheek as he moved back a pace.
    Her breathing only returned to
normal when she was out of arm’s reach. ‘Lord Weston, I’m going inside. I don’t
need your company.’ She walked across the grass knowing she hadn’t acquitted
herself well. She got the distinct impression he was going out of his way to
flout convention and cause gossip amongst his family and friends. This was
quite out of character and she was at a loss to know how to deal with it.
    The sound of horses approaching
attracted her attention. She stared down the drive that led from the front of
the house to the gates which were at least a mile away. The avenue of trees
made it impossible to see who was arriving, but there was a glimpse of scarlet
and gold between the leaves.
    Yes! She was correct, the militia
were arriving. But why did they feel the need to come at speed? Could they have
apprehended the villains so soon or were they bringing bad news of another
sort?

 
     

 
 
 
 
    Chapter
Five

 
 
    Ned also heard the arrival of the
militia and strode across the greensward to arrive at the turning circle as
Captain Smith dismounted. The soldier was a man of around his own age but a
good head shorter.
    ‘Good afternoon, my lord. I’m
glad you’re here to greet us. I’ve pressing news for you.’ The captain tossed
his reins to his sergeant. ‘Is there somewhere private we can talk, Lord
Weston?’
    ‘Inside. My study’s the best place; nobody would have the audacity to disturb us there.’
He led the way across the echoing hall and down the wide, wooden floored
passageway to his sanctuary. Footmen leapt to open doors, but he was so used to
the attention he didn’t notice. ‘In here, Captain Smith.’ He gestured to the
servant, poised to close the door behind them. ‘Have refreshments sent.’
    The door closed behind him. Ned
took the seat behind his polished desk and pointed to a straight-backed wooden
chair. ‘Bring that closer, Captain. Seated here, we’re sufficiently far from
the door not to be overheard.’
    If Captain Smith was surprised a
member of Weston’s own staff might eavesdrop on their conversation, he was wise
enough not to comment. When they were settled, Ned placed his elbows on the
desk and rested his chin on his steepled fingers.
    ‘Well, sir, what is it that
caused you to arrive at my door in such a hurry?’ The captain ran his