Until You Read Free

prepare yourself.”
    So soon!   Though she tried not to show it, Ashleigh felt as if her entire world had just been turned upside down.  After the death of her parents, her grandfather and her Uncle James were the only family members she had left.  She adored James, her mother’s younger brother, but rarely got to see him due to his extensive travels throughout the continent, a requirement of his position within the English government.  He wrote often though, and came to see her whenever he could.  It was her grandfather however, who provided the constant sense of security and stability in her life.  The thought of being separated from him for weeks, if not months, seemed like a lifetime, especially as it seemed she was going to be living with a complete stranger for the duration of his absence. 
    Despite the inner turmoil she felt, she summoned her courage, determined to put on a brave face for her grandfather’s sake.  She didn’t want to make his leaving any more difficult for him than it already was.  “Yes, I’m sure that it will.” she replied, managing a slight smile.  “I will miss you dreadfully of course, so you must promise to return home as soon as possible,” she added, trying to keep her tone light.
    The earl came around his desk and pulled her from her chair, embracing her in a fierce hug.  “That's my girl,” he said, his voice full of pride.  “Madeline is a wonderful woman darling.  Be assured, I am leaving you in very capable hands.” 
    “I will do my best to make you proud grandfather.”
    Stepping back, her grandfather kissed her lightly on her forehead.   “You already have my dear.”

Chapter 3
     
     
    As the turning of the carriage wheels continued to close the distance to Sethe Manor, Ashleigh once again began to feel the faint stirrings of anxiety and the open leather-bound book of French poetry went unread in her lap .  Although her grandfather had assured her that the Dowager Duchess of Sethe was a warm, kindhearted woman, she was nervous to meet her all the same.  Though she had always been friendly and outgoing by nature, it was still a bit daunting to be residing, albeit temporarily, with someone she had never met.  She could only hope that the duchess was truly as eager to have her as a guest in her home as her grandfather had implied. 
    Unfortunately, she had neglected to ask her grandfather if the duke was currently in residence at his country home.  Although she had never met the Duke of Sethe personally, she was quite familiar with the name, as well as his reputation.  He was a powerful, well-known figure within the aristocracy and his name was forever being mentioned in the London papers.  He had a near constant presence in the society pages and scandal sheets as well, usually in connection with one female or another.  She had to admit, the thought of meeting such a notorious figure was slightly unnerving.
    In an effort to redirect her thoughts, she tried to concentrate on the passing scenery, but she was simply too nervous to fully appreciate the lush countryside and vast wooded parkland surrounding the estate.  She wished she had been allowed to ride Raider instead of being confined to the carriage, but Martha had insisted that it would be much more ladylike to arrive in the carriage, rather than on horseback, even if she were properly garbed in a conventional riding habit and seated atop one of the dreaded sidesaddles that generally sat collecting dust in the stable.  And so, Raider had been tied behind the vehicle and she had been restricted to the plush, well-sprung conveyance, pulled by four matched greys, attended by two footmen, and accompanied by no less than four outriders.  She felt ridiculous.
    As the carriage slowly approached the manor house, Ashleigh heard the distinct sound of gravel crunching under the wheels.  Looking out the window, she could see the long winding drive that led to the front of the estate, and as they rounded a