The Rogue's Reluctant Rose by Daphne du Bois Read Free Book Online

brother, the Colonel Trevor, Lord Kipridge who will inherit the whole. Such is the lot of the younger son.”
    These words might have been melancholy when spoken by any other gentleman, but Sir Timothy’s tone was light and jovial, and Araminta knew that he had been left a very significant fortune by his Aunt Huston’s younger brother and so could not want for anything. She smiled up at the handsome man.
    “I am sure you had many happy hours of play here.”
    Sir Timothy laughed, “That I did, my dear. There are many rooms for a child to play in, and the grounds are quite large. Then of course, there is a lake for a boy to swim and row, and a fine deer park for hunting. I should like my own son to enjoy the same here, one day.”
    “It sounds like a fine childhood,” agreed Araminta, now certain that the look in Sir Timothy’s eyes was very significant.
    “Do you enjoy hunting, Miss Barrington?” he asked, but, before Araminta could reply, his eyes seemed to catch sight of someone across the room, and he gave her a quick, eager smile, extending his elbow. “Ah. My dear, I can see my aunt just over by the settee. Shall we approach her? I am most eager to introduce you to her.”
    “Certainly.” Araminta accepted Sir Timothy’s elbow.
    She felt quite nervous approaching the important lady. Lady Huston was a tall, handsome woman in her late middle age. She wore an elegant dark green gown and emerald necklace. Her bearing was very straight and elegant, and her hair was intricately coiffed in accordance with the latest fashions. Her aristocratic gaze fell on Araminta as they approached, and Araminta felt herself closely examined, like a bonnet in a window display. She could not guess what conclusions Lady Huston drew, however, as the woman’s expression remained unreadable.
    Sir Timothy wasted no time in introducing Araminta to his aunt, and Lady Huston nodded in acknowledgement of Araminta’s curtsey.
    “Well met, Miss Barrington. My nephew has spoken of you with such unmistakable admiration that I have been most curious to speak with you. How are you enjoying the party?”
    “Very much so, Lady Huston.”
    The older woman nodded approvingly at this, and fixed Araminta with a smile that did not melt her formal manner.
    “I’m sure you are, my dear. I expect you have not seen much in the way of parties these past few months. I understand you were in mourning for your brother.”
    Araminta felt a stab of sadness at the mention of Charles. She missed him very much, and though the months had lessened the pain of his passing, she did not think that she would ever stop longing to speak to him, or to share a laugh, or to receive his cheeky grin as he teased her about her hair, dress or admirers. Her throat tightened a little, but she fought it back and replied politely.
    “No, madam. None at all. It would not have been proper.”
    “Very right, my dear girl. It certainly would not have been at all the thing. You must feel relief now, to be out in society once more.”
    Araminta resisted the urge to frown at this. “I am certainly enjoying seeing all my friends again. It is a great comfort. But it was no hardship at the time, to keep to my seclusion in Fanshawe Hall.”
    “Of course not. As was only proper. Fanshawe Hall, you say? It is a fine house, I understand, though I have never seen it myself.”
    Araminta was not certain what reply to give, but at that moment the bell rang, calling the guests into the great dining hall for their dinner. Araminta could not exactly name the reason, but something in Lady Huston’s manner had made her feel faintly uneasy. The lady had been perfectly polite, and the more Araminta thought about it, the more she felt sure she had imagined it. She decided that her nerves about the evening must have made her more fanciful that usual. Still, she was glad not to be seated near Sir Timothy’s aunt at dinner.
    The seating arrangements were quite pleasant. Sir Timothy sat on Araminta’s