Read Online Once Upon a Rake by Samantha Holt - Free Book Online Page B

presence would draw more.
    Eleanor stepped out into the
central courtyard and eyed the Palladian house rising up around her. This house
needed the life brought back to it. Parties, balls...a family. She smoothed a
hand over the waist of her dress as she strolled through to the other side of
the house and out onto the terrace. Edward had not been interested enough in
her to take the time to make a family and she had never fallen pregnant from
the few times they had made love. Perhaps she would never have a family. And
what man would wish to take on a barren wife?
    She shivered, regretting not
bringing a shawl. It didn’t look likely to rain but a wind travelled over the
hills and ruffled her curls. Still, she had much. A chance to make a difference
in the mill for one.
    Ignoring the formal garden
with its carefully arranged rows of plants, she followed the gravelled path
around the outside of the house, running a finger along the grey stone of the
house. She followed the path as it led away from the house toward the grand
bridge—worthy of the finest parks in England. Blenheim Palace had a similar one
she had heard.
    Wide enough to fit carriages
through, the enclosed bridge provided a fine exit for those staying at
Broadstone for long periods as they left to hunt or ride. The formal gardens
provided the excitement for anyone arriving to Broadstone. Edward had told her
his father had liked surprises, hence why the bridge had been tucked away at
the back of the house. To continue amazing guests had been the last earl’s aim
according to her husband.
    She rested her elbows on the
stone and peered out over the river that flowed lazily beneath it. When she
looked closely, she saw minnows darting between the reeds. She almost envied
them. Swimming about with no concern for rank or duty. The only time she didn’t
feel bound by her status was moments like these. She could release a breath,
let loose her muscles and not fear she might trip or blurt something foolish.
    Eleanor didn’t hear the
horse until it was almost upon her. She turned her head to the side only to
realise it was Lucian. Hastily, she straightened and waited for him to come to
a stop at her side. He slid from the horse with all the ease of a cheetah
pouncing on his prey. Reins in hand, he paused a few paces away and scowled at
her.
    “What are you doing out
here?”
    Eleanor raised both brows
and gave herself a moment to take in the sight of him. One had to be prepared for
Lucian, and she was not. She allowed her gaze to travel from his shining black
boots, over his doeskin trousers and up to the fine fitting blue waistcoat and
matching frock jacket. He peered at her from under his top hat, forehead
creased into a scowl. Lord Rushbourne did not like her study of him it seemed.
Funny, for once she would have thought he enjoyed every moment of feminine
appreciation, even if from a plain creature like herself.
    “I am taking some air in my
gardens, if that is agreeable to you, my lord.”
    “Agreeable to me? Good Lord,
Ellie, you were nearly knocked senseless. You should have stayed abed until the
doctor arrived.” He tugged out his pocket watch and flicked it open. “When the
devil is the man arriving anyway?”
    “Not for another three
hours. I can’t think what use my lying in bed until then would do.”
    A muscle twitched in his
jaw, but he didn’t respond straight away. Instead, he began to lead the horse
to the house, forcing her to follow along beside him.
    “Are you expecting guests?
Is that why you are up?”
    “No. I am up because I would
die of boredom being confined to bed when I am perfectly well.”
    He kept his gaze ahead as he
spoke. “Does it hurt?”
    Eleanor fumbled for a
response for several moments. He meant her head, yet inside her mind screamed
at her to declare a hundred other responses. Yes, it hurt, the words he had
said to her all those years ago. Yes, being in his company made her chest ache
for the dreamy girl she had once