Read Online Emily Hendrickson by Elizabeths Rake - Free Book Online Page A

mother had worked those. Or perhaps they had come from another estate, for one didn’t often buy such delightful treasures that so well fitted the decor.
    A writing table of the very latest design stood in the center of the room. Papers were strewn over the top, with a letter knife, a large seal, and red sealing wax in a clutter next to the inkstand. A tray with a pen and a knife for sharpening the quill sat by a silver-rimmed jar of sand. Quite evidently someone had been working here until a short time before. The pen point looked to need sharpening, and Elizabeth immediately decided that whoever used this desk seemed a trifle messy, and not as careful’ as he might be. Shouldn’t those papers have been stored away from prying eyes? Not that she would snoop.
    Dismissing the desk, she strolled to the first of the many bookcases set into the walls of the room. The latest works were found on the shelves at eye level. Above, she could see volumes in Latin and German. Walking on, she found a great number of books in French and a few in Italian. Evidently the Percys were a family well taught in many languages.
    It did not help her to understand David any better, however. He remained as much an enigma as ever.
    A pair of wing chairs flanked the fireplace, offering a cozy spot for reading or quiet conversation. The white marble fireplace was all classical elegance with fluted Ionic columns to either side. The portrait above the fireplace undoubtedly was a Percy, for he wore the faintly amused expression she saw so frequently upon Lord Leighton, not to mention the same brown hair and rich hazel eyes.
    At that moment the door opened. She turned around, expecting to see Sidthorp with a tea tray. Instead she found a young man of moderate height, certainly shorter than David, Lord Leighton, who seemed to tower above everyone around. As a matter of fact, this man seemed very much like David, only a faded shadow, not as handsome, or as personable. Confused, she raised her brows in inquiry.
    “Miss Elizabeth Dancy? Sidthorp told me that we had guests. I am Jeremy Vane, cousin to Lord Leighton.”
    Elizabeth bestowed a welcoming smile on the gentleman. “How charming to meet you, sir. When we drove up to the house, we were much impressed by the landscape, giving evidence of your care.”
    His modest shrug could only be commended, she decided. He did not assume airs and graces unfitting a person so removed from the title.
    “I appreciate all his lordship has done for me—the earl, that is. He has treated me like a son, and I do all I can to repay his faith.”
    “Praiseworthy, indeed, sir.” She was at a loss as to what to discuss next.
    Sidthorp solved the dilemma by entering the room with the tea tray. In addition to the generous pot of Bohea tea with the usual milk, sugar, and lemon slices, there were delicate lemon biscuits and treacle tarts.
    “Lovely,” Elizabeth said, recalling her slight meal before leaving Montmorcy Hall. In the process of arranging cups and saucers, she glanced up as the door opened once again.
    “Jeremy! So you found our guest,” Leighton said with a distinctly cool look at the steward.
    “Not often we are treated to such a pleasantry nowadays,” Jeremy replied evenly.
    “Good,’’ Lady Montmorcy said as she marched in behind Leighton. “We can refresh ourselves while we decide what to do. May I say that I find that man Filpot to be a nodcock of the first order. Lord Leighton?”
    “You may,” he said, sighing with apparent resignation. “Father refuses to part with the man, and indeed, he has been here a good many years. I’d prefer a reliable nurse, but that is not to be.”
    Aunt Bel exchanged a look with Elizabeth, one full of meaning.
    “Would he perhaps permit me to look after him? Aunt Bel? What do you think?” Elizabeth ventured to say. “After all, if David and I are to be wed, I am like one of the family. How could he take exception to that?” She gathered, from the hard look