Seducing Miss Lockwood. Helen Dickson

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      ‘Then where do you belong, Miss Lockwood?’

      ‘Somewhere in between.’

      ‘Then since my own elevated position sets us apart, and the servants are not in your league either, it would seem you are going to have your work cut out—and I am not talking about your work in the library.’ His eyes on the window, suddenly he frowned.

      Juliet followed his gaze and saw a carriage approaching the house. ‘You have a visitor.’

      ‘Mmm,’ he murmured thoughtfully. ‘My sister, Cordelia. No doubt she’s come to nag me some more about taking a wife.’

      There were footsteps across the hall outside. A moment later the door opened and an elegant woman breezed in.

      Cordelia, a brisk, businesslike woman, was tall like her brother, in her late thirties, slender and with the upright carriage of a woman who sat a horse superbly. Her light brown hair had lost most of its colour, but her face was still young, her angular cheekbones and well-defined nose had kept their lines and her complexion had a bloom many a younger woman would envy.

      ‘Good morning, Dominic,’ she said coolly, crossing towards her brother and offering her cheek, which he kissed dutifully.’

      ‘Cordelia.’

      ‘You enjoyed the shooting yesterday?’

      ‘As always, Cordelia,’ he answered drily.

      ‘And no doubt you spent the night with your friends drinking yourself into oblivion,’ she chided dryly, pulling off her gloves. ‘I called on Maria Howard on my way here. Her darling Thomas looked dreadful—haggard and hollow eyed—clearly under the weather. Geraldine was still in bed—I’d wager she made a total fool of herself and disgraced herself with young Sedgwick as usual. Thomas and Geraldine are both spoiled, promiscuous and irresponsible. They drink far too much—in fact, the pair of them are over-indulged. Neither of them know anything of self-discipline—and you shouldn’t encourage them, Dominic,’ she reproached harshly.

      Dominic’s brows shot up in offended surprise. ‘Me?’

      ‘Yes, you, since this is where they make for whenever they wish to misbehave. Why on earth Geraldine’s father doesn’t take a crop to her backside I’ll never know. Although that said,’ she said wryly, ‘I strongly suspect he’s hoping young Sedgwick will offer for her.’

      Interest kindled in her eyes when she turned and saw Juliet standing patiently by the desk. ‘Oh, forgive me. I had no idea you had company. And who is this young lady, pray?’

      ‘Cordelia, allow me to present to you Miss Lockwood. Miss Lockwood, my sister, Lady Cordelia Pemberton. Cordelia, I told you I was to employ someone to sort out the library,’ he said, somewhat vexed that she had clearly forgotten.

      ‘You did? I don’t recall you doing so. Still, it does need updating, I suppose—but I am surprised you of all people should employ a woman to do it—and isn’t she a little young?’

      ‘Miss Lockwood may be young, Cordelia, but she is highly qualified and comes with excellent recommendations.’

      ‘Well, that’s something I suppose. I am pleased to meet you, Miss Lockwood. I do hope the task of cataloguing these dusty old tomes won’t be too daunting a task for you.’

      ‘Not at all, Lady Pemberton. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.’

      ‘You are? Well, I suppose it takes all sorts. You are like Dominic. The library is close to his heart, but I fear I could not bear to devote myself to such a tedious task. My late husband was an avid historian and often came here to peruse, so to speak.’

      Juliet wondered how anyone could call such work tedious.

      ‘Don’t let my brother work you too hard,’ Lady Pemberton remarked, eyeing her brother as though he already had.

      ‘But I enjoy my work,’ Juliet counted. ‘This is where I like to be.’

      ‘I suppose you do, otherwise you would not be doing it, but you must not hide yourself away. You must have some kind of recreation. It’s important that you get into the fresh air—take some exercise. Do you ride, Miss Lockwood?’

      ‘No, I’m afraid not.’

      Lady Pemberton waved her hand in a dismissive manner. ‘Oh well, I suppose you can always learn.’

      Smiling, Juliet shook her head. ‘Oh, I don’t think so, Lady Pemberton. I prefer to leave horse riding to others.’

      As if reading her mind, Dominic said, ‘I must warn you that outside pursuits are close to my sister’s heart, and if you are not careful she will take you under her wing and before you know it you will have become an accomplished rider trotting about all over the place.’

      Juliet could not help laughing at that. Lord Lansdowne’s sister had a forthright friendliness she liked.

      ‘She is the same with everyone,’ Dominic went on, ‘although it causes some of her friends much vexation.’

      ‘I can’t see why,’ Juliet countered. ‘I would be happy for you to visit me here in the library at any time.’

      Lady Pemberton beamed. ‘Good. Be assured I shall do just that and we shall have tea together. Since my dear husband passed on I find I have far too much time on my hands. I shall often come to see how you are progressing with your work, but I must insist that you do not impose a discussion of literature upon me. I prefer to chat about more interesting matters.’

      ‘You heard what Miss Lockwood said, Cordelia. She is here to work, not socialise,’ her brother firmly stated. ‘Besides, she has already told me she has no interest in frivolous matters.’

      ‘Well, I’m sure we shall find something in common to talk about.’

      ‘When she accepted the position she took on an obligation to me through to the completion of this project.’

      ‘Really, Dominic, you cannot keep the poor girl cooped up here all the time. And might I suggest that in making her feel welcome you do not terrify her with your ducal intimidation. Make use of the charming aspects of your character. Do not drive her too hard. Remember that she is a woman first.’

      Dominic scowled and, taking his sister’s arm, marched her to the door. ‘I will keep what you say in mind, Cordelia. Now let us leave Miss Lockwood to do what I am paying her a great deal of money to do and we will go elsewhere to discuss why you are here.’

      ‘Oh, very well. Goodbye, Miss Lockwood. I shall visit you very soon. You know why I have come to see you, Dominic, so don’t pretend you don’t,’ Lady Pemberton retorted as she was led away, unaware that the library door was ajar and that she was being overheard by Juliet as they crossed the hall to her brother’s study. ‘There is nothing that would delight me more than to know you have found someone to marry, a young woman who possesses the requirements of birth and breeding enough to make her worthy of marrying into the Lansdowne family and producing your heir.’

      ‘I know, Cordelia, since you never tire of telling me at every opportunity.’

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