Page 2 of The Duke and the Spinster

Which was exactly their situation. Funds were tight, for her father still had not managed to entirely repair the damage which his father had done to their estates and their wealth. And the house party at Hallingbrook Grange had overflowed to here, and to the two Inns. Her father had drawn the line at the idea of them staying in even a higher-class Inn, but had accepted the boarding house as a necessity.

Their driver turned into the narrow arch through the building and pulled to a halt in the courtyard within.

Soon, Juliana stood in the warm summer sun, watching as footmen rushed out to unload their belongings, and a stablehand came out to show their coachman where the vehicle and horses were to be housed. The bustle was pleasant, and mildly interesting to observe – far different from their stableyard at home.

“Come girls, let us go inside, away from all of this dust and dirt – your father can deal with the arrangements here for now.”

Juliana and Eleanor followed their mother dutifully, but Juliana cast a longing glance back outside – perhaps there was a garden, somewhere, where she might sit and read in the sun. The slight chill of the building closed around her, and she turned her attention to the woman who came forward to meet them.

“Good afternoon, my Lady – am I correct in the assumption that you are the Countess of Delbarton?”

“That is correct. Mrs Hardcastle, I presume?”

“Yes – and these must be your charming daughters.”

“Indeed. This is Lady Juliana, and this is Lady Eleanor. The Earl will be here in a moment – he is just directing the footmen who are dealing with our baggage. Our maid and his valet will be along in the other carriage shortly.”

“Excellent. Do let me show you to your suite of rooms, and then I’ll get some tea sent up. You must all be fatigued after your journey.”

They nodded, gratefully, and followed her up the stairs.