Read Online A Poor Relation by Carola Dunn - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Carola Dunn
Tags: Regency Romance
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was a pity, for Rowena could not help liking him. There was something about those expressive grey eyes that captivated her.
She wished she dared discuss the neglect of his orchards with him. The memory of Geoffrey Farnhouse’s disbelief in her capability deterred her. Even Geoffrey’s father, who had helped and advised her, would have been shocked if she had ventured to suggest any improvement in his own management. For some obscure masculine reason, it was beneath a man’s dignity to consult a woman on such a subject, however knowledgeable she might be. Lord Farleigh’s grey eyes would turn to ice if she was so bold as to tell him to prune his trees!
Instead of alternately pitying and ignoring her, he would take her in aversion, a horrid prospect.
Walking in a wide circle, Rowena returned to Grove Park near the entrance gate. As she started up the drive towards the house, the sound of hooves and wheels on gravel alerted her and she stepped aside as Mr. Ruddle’s phaeton rolled past. It moved slowly for his blacks, chosen for showy action rather than strength, disliked the hill up to the Park.
She might as well not have existed for all the notice Mr. Ruddle took of her. In her grey dress and unaccompanied by Millicent she might have been any servant girl, and servants were invisible. All the same, she was glad to see him, for his arrival could only improve Millicent’s mood.
It was odd how fond her cousin was of the pompous, vain little man. Rowena did not think his money was the attraction, though no doubt it helped. At least Millicent could be sure that it was not her own fortune that drew him to her side. Besides, they had in common an interest amounting to obsession in fashion and appearance. Yet if Millicent was tempted to accept the fop’s frequent proposals, her mother’s constant reminders that he had no title seemed to be enough to quench her undoubted affection.
Rowena looked back at the sound of another carriage. This time it was Lord Farleigh’s curricle, driven at a brisk trot by his lordship with the captain next to him. The earl pulled up beside her.
“Well met, Miss Caxton. May I offer you a ride?”
“Thank you, my lord, it is only a step to the house and there is no room in your carriage.”
“You must allow Chris to make amends for his rudeness when we met you in the lane the other day.” The captain moved over on the seat. “See, there is space enough for one slim young lady between us.”
Suddenly Rowena was tired of being subdued and discreet and compliant. She smiled up at the gentlemen and nodded. Passing the reins to his friend, Lord Farleigh jumped down. She accepted the hand he offered to help her into the curricle and settled herself beside the captain.
The earl rejoined them and took back the reins. It was a tight fit. Rowena was conscious of his muscular thigh pressed against hers, of every movement of his strong arms as he gave the office to his team and set them trotting up the drive. Captain Cartwright’s words came as a welcome distraction.
“I understand I have to thank you for your care of me at the Four Feathers, Miss Caxton. Chris tells me I’d have bled to death failing your intervention.”
“His lordship exaggerates, sir. I was happy to give what little assistance I could, and I am happier still to see you so much recovered.”
“Do you not think Bernard’s convalescence will proceed more rapidly in the country, ma’am? Your Dr. Benson rightly insisted that he see a London surgeon, but I cannot think town life healthy for an invalid.”
“Cut line, Chris, I’m no invalid! You make me sound like a gouty old gentleman taking the waters at Bath. A fine idea Miss Caxton will have of me.”
Rowena giggled. “I think you already look better than when you arrived here. You need not go to Bath. But though I have never lived in London, I believe his lordship is right that the fresh air and peace of the country will suit you better.”
“As for peace, he
She wished she dared discuss the neglect of his orchards with him. The memory of Geoffrey Farnhouse’s disbelief in her capability deterred her. Even Geoffrey’s father, who had helped and advised her, would have been shocked if she had ventured to suggest any improvement in his own management. For some obscure masculine reason, it was beneath a man’s dignity to consult a woman on such a subject, however knowledgeable she might be. Lord Farleigh’s grey eyes would turn to ice if she was so bold as to tell him to prune his trees!
Instead of alternately pitying and ignoring her, he would take her in aversion, a horrid prospect.
Walking in a wide circle, Rowena returned to Grove Park near the entrance gate. As she started up the drive towards the house, the sound of hooves and wheels on gravel alerted her and she stepped aside as Mr. Ruddle’s phaeton rolled past. It moved slowly for his blacks, chosen for showy action rather than strength, disliked the hill up to the Park.
She might as well not have existed for all the notice Mr. Ruddle took of her. In her grey dress and unaccompanied by Millicent she might have been any servant girl, and servants were invisible. All the same, she was glad to see him, for his arrival could only improve Millicent’s mood.
It was odd how fond her cousin was of the pompous, vain little man. Rowena did not think his money was the attraction, though no doubt it helped. At least Millicent could be sure that it was not her own fortune that drew him to her side. Besides, they had in common an interest amounting to obsession in fashion and appearance. Yet if Millicent was tempted to accept the fop’s frequent proposals, her mother’s constant reminders that he had no title seemed to be enough to quench her undoubted affection.
Rowena looked back at the sound of another carriage. This time it was Lord Farleigh’s curricle, driven at a brisk trot by his lordship with the captain next to him. The earl pulled up beside her.
“Well met, Miss Caxton. May I offer you a ride?”
“Thank you, my lord, it is only a step to the house and there is no room in your carriage.”
“You must allow Chris to make amends for his rudeness when we met you in the lane the other day.” The captain moved over on the seat. “See, there is space enough for one slim young lady between us.”
Suddenly Rowena was tired of being subdued and discreet and compliant. She smiled up at the gentlemen and nodded. Passing the reins to his friend, Lord Farleigh jumped down. She accepted the hand he offered to help her into the curricle and settled herself beside the captain.
The earl rejoined them and took back the reins. It was a tight fit. Rowena was conscious of his muscular thigh pressed against hers, of every movement of his strong arms as he gave the office to his team and set them trotting up the drive. Captain Cartwright’s words came as a welcome distraction.
“I understand I have to thank you for your care of me at the Four Feathers, Miss Caxton. Chris tells me I’d have bled to death failing your intervention.”
“His lordship exaggerates, sir. I was happy to give what little assistance I could, and I am happier still to see you so much recovered.”
“Do you not think Bernard’s convalescence will proceed more rapidly in the country, ma’am? Your Dr. Benson rightly insisted that he see a London surgeon, but I cannot think town life healthy for an invalid.”
“Cut line, Chris, I’m no invalid! You make me sound like a gouty old gentleman taking the waters at Bath. A fine idea Miss Caxton will have of me.”
Rowena giggled. “I think you already look better than when you arrived here. You need not go to Bath. But though I have never lived in London, I believe his lordship is right that the fresh air and peace of the country will suit you better.”
“As for peace, he
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