Read Online Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay by Christina Courtenay - Free Book Online

It’s magnificent! I thought you said you had a small property.’
    ‘ Well, it’s small in comparison to some. My grandfather’s house is much larger. I haven’t lived here for very long myself,’ he added. ‘I’ve been abroad until recently.’
    Amelia did not reply, bu t stared at the house instead. She couldn’t believe she was going to be the mistress of such a grand establishment. It was too good to be true, but also daunting in the extreme. What if she couldn’t manage such a large household? She shook herself mentally and told herself sternly not to be so silly. Of course you can manage!
    The carriage came to a halt next to a curving flight of steps le ading up to the front portico. As James helped her alight, Amelia marvelled anew at the beauty of the house, but her attention was soon claimed by the front door opening, and a butler who greeted them with a bow.
    ‘ Ah, Jamieson, forgive our sudden arrival, but we finished our business in town a trifle early,’ James said to the butler. ‘I’m sure that with your usual efficiency you have already arranged everything to our satisfaction.’
    ‘Indeed, my lord. We have been ready for days. May I take this opportunity to wish you joy and on behalf of myself and all the staff to welcome her ladyship to her new home.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Amelia smiled at him. ‘You are very kind.’
    Next, she was introduced to the housekeeper, Mrs Flint, and this lady escorted her upstairs to her room, which proved to be an entire suite on the seco nd floor overlooking the park. It was decorated in shades of moss green and gold and Amelia could not but approve of this choice as green was one of her favourite colours.
    ‘This is lovely!’ she exclaimed.
    Mrs Flint looked pleased, but said, ‘To be sure, we hope you will find everything satisfactory, although I expect you’ll want to make some changes.’
    ‘ Oh no, not in here at any rate. This is just perfect.’
    ‘I’m glad you like it, my lady. Now I will send up one of the maids to help you with your unpacking. Her name is Maryann and if you approve of her, she can be your maid, as I understand from his lordship’s letter that you didn’t bring anyone with you.’ There was a knock on the door. ‘Ah, here she is now with some hot water and towels.’
    ‘ Thank you, Mrs Flint, you have thought of everything.’
    Amelia was soon pleased to approve the housekeeper’s choice of maid for her, as Maryann was a very capable country girl, cheerful and willing to help. Together they set about repairing the ravages of the journey.
    Amelia wanted to look her best before seeing her husband again. Not because I want to impress him, she thought. That was clearly impossible. But it would make her feel better and there was no harm in trying, was there?
     

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Amelia was asked to join his lordship in the library as soon as she was finished, and with a last look in the mirror she followed a footman downstairs. She felt unaccountably nervous, despite knowing that she did look her best in one of her new gowns, and wondered what mood James would be in now.
    The library proved to be very grand, its walls covered with bookcases from floor to ceiling, with little niches in between which house d tiny antique marble statues. The high ceiling was covered in lavish plaster decorations and the windows were draped in burgundy velvet, a colour scheme echoed in the furnishings and thick Oriental carpet. The footman announced her, then bowed and took his leave.
    James watched her as she approached, then indicated that she should t ake a seat near the fireplace. He took the chair opposite.
    ‘ I have been doing a lot of thinking since yesterday evening,’ he began, ‘and I have decided that perhaps we need some time away from each other to enable us to get used to this strange bargain we have struck. I own a stud farm not far from here called Westfield, and I propose to go and stay there for a while. It is no great