Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) Read Free

Lord Vaughan Bruges was at home.  

Chapter 3
     
    As the medieval Denning Castle came into view, Phillipa’s eyes widened.  Turrets with arrow slits, soared through clouds, whilst a multitude of mullioned windows sparkled like tarnished jewels. The iron drawbridge over a green-coated moat looked huge and menacing.
    ‘Ooh milady, tis such a grand place,’ her maid cried, clapping her hands.
    ‘Yes and I hope his lordship is at home.’ Phillipa said, wondering how Lord Vaughan would receive her.   It was a rush, racing home and instructing her maid to accompany her. Although well acquainted with his lordship, the rules of propriety demanded she have a chaperone.
    Gazing through the carriage window, she wondered why Henrietta was so frightened; why use the book as an excuse? Surely Lord Vaughan had more sense than to show a young idealistic virgin such coarse etchings ?
    As the carriage rumbled over the drawbridge and into the medieval bailey, Phillipa gathered her composure. One of her strengths was in making known her opinions.  Many females would shrink from addressing a male on equal terms, but as a follower of Mary Wollstonecraft’s new movement, she was prepared to speak up. She must apprise him of Henrietta’s dilemma, otherwise both, he and his new bride faced disaster. A footman jumped down to help her alight from the carriage. ‘Be careful milady the cobble stones are slippery.’
    She saw his eyes yearn for her, as usual.  He was indeed handsome, with his powdered wig and blue livery, his tendre for her made for a loyal bodyguard.  ‘Why thank you John. Pray wait here for me. I will not be long I hope.’ In awe, she gazed around her, she always loved this particular castle. However, it looked in sore need of renovation.
    She followed the butler up to the first floor, with Mary close behind. On entering the huge drawing room, to her relief , Lord Vaughan smiled warmly striding towards her, and taking her hand.  Bowing, he kissed the air above her knuckles.  ‘Enchanted, Lady Phillipa – what an unexpected pleasure. Can I offer you tea?’
    ‘Thank you my lord for receiving me ,’ she said, sinking into a curtsey. As usual, he was immaculate in a navy frock coat and pale blue silk vest; his short blond curls arranged carefully a la Brutus style. ‘That would be very welcome, thank you.’
    ‘Please take a seat.’ He waved towards an array of aging chairs, some in need of upholstering.  Phillipa sank into a love seat, whilst Mary sat discreetly by a bay of arched leaded light windows.
    Although perplexed with the unexpected visit, the marquis engaged in small talk until the maid served tea and petit fours, before gently closing the door behind her. 
    ‘Shall I pour?’ Phillipa asked, rising from her seat, and straightening the folds of her violet satin dress.
    ‘Why thank you.’ He was genteel enough not to ask the purpose of her visit.
    After another agonizing five minutes sipping tea, and nibbling on cake, Phillipa took a deep breath. ‘Pray my lord, please forgive me for what I am about to say. I come on behalf of my dear friend, the Lady Henrietta. I fear there has been some misapprehension about a certain little book.’ She glanced around at Mary, her maid was party to most of her secrets, however, in this instance, the matter was far too delicate for her ears. Turning to the marquis, she said, ‘Would you mind if my maid stood outside the door for a few moments?’
    ‘Hmm – you think we should be alone?’ he asked, his eyes twinkling.
    Biting her lip, Phillipa said slowly. ‘I think on this occasion if the door is ajar, then it would be appropriate.’
    ‘Hem, demme – so be it.’
    Nodding at Mary, she said, ‘Leave us, but keep the door open, and stand some paces away. Thank you Mary.’
    Mystified, Lord Vaughan watched the maid rise, and depart in a rustle of cotton skirts. ‘Pray, why the serious expression?’
    ‘Please my lord, bear with me.’ Rising, Phillipa