AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I never thought of it before, but I suppose he does set a high standard...’ she feigned a wistful-sounding sigh ‘...and he’s very handsome.’
‘I hadn’t noticed.’
‘A talented businessman, too.’
‘As I said.’
‘Quite perfect really.’
‘In your opinion.’ Lance’s tone was distinctly annoyed.
‘Not really.’ She relented at last. ‘He’s perfect in a lot of ways and definitely for Ianthe, but I’ve never thought of him like that.’ She tilted her head thoughtfully. ‘I wonder why not.’
‘Never?’
‘No. Not even when he used to visit my father to discuss buying the shipyard.’
‘Visit?’ His gaze seemed to sharpen. ‘You never told me about that. Was it often?’
‘I suppose so. Once a week maybe.’
‘Was he kind to you?’
‘Very. More than he needed to be.’
‘I suppose you never thought he was mocking you?’
‘Never, but then he never chased me across the moors or locked me in a tower either. It makes him seem quite boring now.’
‘Really?’
Lance looked faintly pleased and she couldn’t resist smiling back.
‘I suppose I like adventure more than I thought. Oh, thank you, Mrs Gargrave.’ She looked up as the housekeeper reappeared with a tea tray. ‘I can manage from here.’
‘Of course, Mrs Amberton, but just so you know, your new rooms are both ready.’
‘Our what?’
Lance’s tone hardened abruptly and the housekeeper’s spine stiffened like a ramrod. ‘I presumed that you’d want to move back into the family quarters now that you’re married. I’ve prepared both your parents’ old rooms.’ She pursed her lips primly. ‘I wasn’t sure which you’d be using tonight.’
‘Neither! And you presumed wrongly.’
‘That was very thoughtful of you.’ Violet interjected again. ‘We appreciate your efforts, Mrs Gargrave.’
‘Very good, Mrs Amberton. I’ve already moved your belongings.’
‘Then you can damned well m—’
‘Thank you, Mrs Gargrave. That will be all for now.’
‘Damned woman!’ Lance burst out of his chair as the housekeeper closed the door behind her.
‘She was only trying to help.’
‘Help?’ He snatched up a glass from the sideboard and then remembered himself, putting it down again without filling it. ‘She’s been trying to make me move rooms ever since I got back. Typical of her to use today as an excuse!’
‘Ye-es.’ Violet chose her words with care. Uncomfortable as she was with the subject of their sleeping arrangements, the strength of his reaction surprised her. ‘But I suppose it might look suspicious for us to be sleeping at opposite ends of the house.’
