The Captain's Disgraced Lady. Catherine Tinley
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Название: The Captain's Disgraced Lady
Автор: Catherine Tinley
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Историческая литература
isbn: 9781474073318
isbn:
Juliana and Charlotte exchanged knowing glances. ‘Gratifying to be sure, Mrs Wakely. So you are not long married?’
‘Seven months—and at a time in my life when I had finally accepted my fate as a spinster.’ She nudged Juliana hard in the ribs. ‘So do not give up hope, miss. You may yet find a man who will take you on!’
‘Of that, there can be little doubt!’ A man’s voice rang out behind them. They turned to see Mr Wakely, Harry a step behind him, walking through the long portrait gallery towards them.
Mr Wakely laughed at his own witticism. Bowing to Juliana, he added, ‘For one so beautiful to remain unwed and untouched would be a sin.’
‘Miss Milford is indeed pretty,’ said Mrs Wakely, rather huffily.
Crash! The sound of metal on wood reverberated around the room as the housekeeper’s keys fell to the floor, making them all jump. Really, it was surprising just how loud a bunch of iron keys could be.
Mrs Campbell bent to pick them up, apologising profusely as she did so.
‘You stupid, clumsy oaf!’ barked Mr Wakely, his face white with anger. He turned to Charlotte. ‘Lady Shalford, I do apologise! What must you think of us?’
‘Oh, dear Lady Shalford, I do hope this does not prevent you from visiting us again,’ added his spouse, two spots of bright colour on her cheekbones, ‘For as the only notable landowners in the district, I had hoped we could become fast friends!’
Charlotte seemed lost for words. Juliana, her anger building at the rudeness of the Wakelys towards their housekeeper, immediately thought of at least ten things she wished to say. Unfortunately, she realised, none would do. How frustrating it was to be a gently bred lady when one wished to swear like a sailor!
Rescue came from an unexpected source. ‘Come now, Mrs Wakely,’ said Harry, a glint in his eye, ‘you must know there are many estates in our corner of Surrey. Chadcombe, to be sure, is by far the largest, but the Squire’s residence and Monkton Park are at least the same size as Glenbrook Hall and quite possibly larger.’
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