Lord Atherton's Ward by Fenella Miller Read Free Book Online Page A

return. It is my intention to launch my sisters on unsuspecting Society next season. I shall expect you to be there too.’
    He stood up and strolled towards the window, blocking the light with his broad shoulders. Before Jane could restrain her, Sarah slipped from her chair and crept across to stand a yard behind him. She was certain he had not heard her approaching.
    ‘Lord Atherton, ‘ she said loudly and was gratified to see him rise a full two inches into the air. She hastily took several steps backward and waited with the explosion. He turned a look of incredulity on his face.
     ‘Devil take it! I have been saddled with a mad woman! What is it, Miss Ellison?’
    Sarah curtsied, not wishing him to see the amusement on her face. ‘Do we have your permission to leave for Kesgrave as soon as we are ready, my lord?’
    ‘You do. But be very sure, miss, that I shall be aware of everything you do. I advise you to be on your best behaviour whilst I’m away.’
    He was going to spy on them? Sarah prepared herself to launch an attack but Jane’s arm around her waist gave her a warning squeeze. Instead she said frostily. ‘As you are so busy, Lord Atherton, I shall not detain you further. No doubt you have pressing affairs of state to attend to.’
    He stared at her; she could see him fighting a battle to gain control of his temper. He nodded curtly. ‘You’re quite right, Miss Ellison, to remind me of my duty to his Majesty. I shall bid you good day, Miss Jane, Miss Ellison. Expect me at the end of August’
    Without a further word being spoken he strode out. Sarah felt her knees wobble and was grateful that Jane still supported her. ‘My word, I don’t know what it is about him, but I can’t help myself. He is such an objectionable man, so arrogant, or full of his own importance, so determined to get his own way.’
    ‘I think without you goading him, Sarah, he might be quite pleasant. The problem is, as I see it, that you are of similar character. Both stubborn and headstrong and with tempers to match. I thank the Lord that he will be away for the next few months.’
    Sarah looked her sister thinking at first she was suggesting. ‘I am like him? Have you taken leave of your senses? If I was an objectionable as he, I should shoot myself.’
    Jane dissolved into giggles. ‘Now who is being dramatic? It is a good thing that we are leaving. You have been behaving decidedly strangely since we arrived in London.’
    * * * *
    The summer passed uneventfully and apart from the fact that she only had the house to run, and not the estates, Sarah’s life was much the same as before she had met Lord Atherton. The only difference being that she had to submit the household expenses to her man of affairs who then sent it to London where the lawyers paid it.
    They were still in mourning so could not attend picnics or parties, but she was content to ride, read and play the piano. She did this with such attack that Jane said she was an excellent deterrent for the mice.
    August was over. She had now almost convinced herself that the two encounters with her guardian had meant nothing. ‘Jane, didn’t Atherton say he would be here by now?’
    Her sister who was playing cards with Miss Read glanced up. ‘I believe he did. I seem to recall his parting words were that he would see us at the end of August. It is now the beginning of September, so he must be due to visit any day.’
    ‘The apartment has been ready these past two weeks,’ Miss Read said. ‘so there is nothing else to do, but wait. One must hope that he is in a better temper when he comes here.’
    Sarah smiled. ‘I promise I shall do nothing to antagonise him. I’m not exactly looking forward to spending several months gallivanting around London, however, I am resigned to my fate.’
    ‘Sarah! How can you say so? You have been perusing the pages of La Belle Assemblee and Ackerman’s Repository as eagerly as I. In fact, I can safely say, that you have ordered as