Read Online Season's Regency Greetings by Carla Kelly - Free Book Online Page A

What are your plans?”
    â€œ I am off to the manor to get the renovation started. Mrs. Grey will accompany me. She has set breakfast, and left one servant, should you need to send a message.”
    â€œ And did she locate a plethora of silver begging for polish?”
    â€œ Indeed she did! There is more than enough to keep my relatives in cozy proximity with each other.”
    â€œ If they choose to be so,” she reminded him. “Sir Lysander ….”
    He put a finger to her lips. “Miss A, trust me there.” He took his hand away, and she watched in unholy glee as his face reddened. “Sorry! And Janet is to apologize.”
    â€œ Only if she means it,” Cecilia said softly.
    â€œ She will,” he told her, then leaned closer. “I am not her favorite uncle, at the moment, however.” He straightened up. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Do carry on.”
    He left, and she suffered another moment of indecision before straightening her back and mounting the stairs to the room where the girls slept. They were awake and sitting up when she came in the room and pulled back the draperies. She took a deep breath, not wanting to look at Lady Janet and see the scorn in her eyes.
    â€œ Good morning, ladies,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “Your uncle has gone to the manor to direct the work there, and breakfast is ready.” She took another deep breath. “Lady Janet, there are letters to finish. Lady Lucinda, you and your brother may wish to begin polishing some silver below stairs. Excuse me please while I dress.”
    It took all the dignity she could muster to retreat to the dressing room, throw on her clothes, and then pull that comb through her recalcitrant curls. When she came into the chamber again, Lucinda and Janet were making the bed. She almost smiled. The pupils at Mrs. Dupree’s all did their own tidying, but Janet was obviously not acquainted with such hard service. Her eyes downcast, her lips tight together, she thumped her pillow down and yanked up the coverlet on her side of the bed. Lucy took a look at her sister and scurried into the dressing room. Cecilia stood by the door, not ready to face Janet, either. Her hand was on the knob when the young lady spoke.
    â€œ I am sorry, Miss Ambrose.”
    She turned around, wishing that her stomach did not chum at the words that sounded as if they were pulled from Janet’s throat with tongs. “I know your uncle Trevor meant well, Lady Janet, but I know I am a stranger to you, and perhaps someone you are not accustomed to seeing.”
    â€œ That doesn’t mean I should be rude,” Janet said, her voice quiet. “It seems like there is so much to think of right now, so many plans to make ….” She looked up then, and her expression was shy, almost tentative. “Lucy tells me you are a wonderful artist.”
    â€œ She is the one with great talent,” Cecilia replied, happy to turn the compliment. She returned Janet’s glance. “I hope Lord Trevor was not too hard on you.”
    Janet turned to the bed and smoothed out a nonexistent wrinkle. She shook her head. “I know I will feel better when Lysander arrives.”
    Well, that is hopeful, Cecilia thought as she went to the next room, woke Davy, then went to the breakfast room. By the time the children came into the room, chose their food, and sat down, her equilibrium had righted itself. Janet said nothing, but Lucinda, after several glances at her sister, began a conversation.
    It was interrupted by the housekeeper, who brought a letter on a silver platter. Janet’s eyes lighted up. She took it, cast a triumphant glance at the other diners, excused herself, and left the room, her head up.
    â€œ I hope Sir Lysander swoops down and carries her away,” Davy said.
    â€œ Do you not call him just Lysander?” Cecilia asked, curious. “He is going to be your brother in February,