Emily Hendrickson Read Free

She rose from her little table and crossed to where the couple had sat in argument while consuming their coffee and rolls.
    The gentleman rose from his place as she paused before them, looking at her with undisguised curiosity.
    “I do beg your pardon,” she said softly with her pretty manners and best smile firmly in place. “I could not but help overhear what you said about the house belonging to Viscount Hawkswood. It is nearby? I am on my way there, and I must confess that I am completely at a loss as to where it might be.” She bowed her head and contrived to look very humble as she added, “I dismissed the driver of my post chaise when he could not find the place.”
    “And now you need to reach the house before dark,” the woman who was doubtless Mrs. Ogleby exclaimed. “And you are...?”
    “I am Lady Hawkswood. My husband has remained in London while I sought the tranquility of the country. I do not care for the smells and noise of the city, you see,” Juliet added shyly. She darted a glance at Mr. Ogleby to see if he swallowed her tale, and it seemed he did.
    He exchanged a look with his wife, then said, “‘Tis not an easy house to locate unless you know the area. I daresay your driver was a stranger to these parts. Please allow my wife and me to escort you to your home.”
    “Oh, indeed, yes. You must be worn to a Hinder, having traveled all the way from London!” Mrs. Ogleby cried, sympathy clear in her voice. She rose from her table, obviously pleased to make the acquaintance of the very woman she had so desired to see. She would be the first to have met the pretty Lady Hawkswood and would be able to lord it over Mrs. Tackley, who claimed to have known the old viscountess before she moved away.
    Within less time than Juliet would have believed possible, she was ushered into a very neat landau with Pansy settled alongside the coachman. The luggage was to be brought later by the landlord’s son, who looked smitten when he clapped eyes on Juliet. One shy smile from her and the trunk was stowed on his wagon with all speed.
    “Now my dear, we will have you at Hawkswood Manor in no time at all,” Mrs. Ogleby gushed.
    Juliet merely smiled and permitted the older lady to natter on regarding the sights to be seen in this area as well as the many little assemblies and church-related functions that Juliet would doubtless want to join.
    “Will Lord Hawkswood be joining you soon?” Mr. Ogleby inquired.
    “No!” Juliet said emphatically, then modified her reply by adding, “I believe my husband finds the country not much to his liking.” She fastened her gaze on her lap and thought she might just get away with the masquerade once she passed this hurdle.
    The house was all that Mrs. Ogleby had claimed and more. The housekeeper met them at the door, ready to repel invaders if needs be, but was clearly thrilled to welcome the new mistress of the house. She bustled about, proudly pointing out the better points of the interior until Juliet espied a harp in the corner of the snug drawing room.
    “A harp! Of all things delightful. I adore to play a harp,” she said happily. Things were truly looking up. She had a roof over her head, a couple who accepted her in her new role, and a harp to keep her company. “Oh, I am so pleased I decided to come here!”
    The Oglebys were obviously delighted to hear these sentiments and beamed a smile at the new resident of their little village. They left the young viscountess to settle into her new home and drove along the lane, discussing the startling turn of events.
    “I think they must be separated!” Mrs. Ogleby declared in ringing accents. “Tell me, Mr. Ogleby, what man in his right mind would allow that pretty little thing to go off to live deep in the country all by herself!”
    Her spouse agreed with surprising alacrity, considering his usual deliberate replies. He was not the slightest immune to a pair of long-lashed amber eyes set into a perfect oval face.