“Aren’t you excited, Juliana? We’re nearly there!”
Eleanor’s voice was light, musical, and always full of delight in the world. Juliana, as always, felt the contrast between her, and her sister, acutely. She sighed, and leant back against the padded seat as they bounced over another rut in the road.
“I have nothing to be particularly excited about, Eleanor, although I will admit that the scenery is pretty. This visit is, after all, primarily for your benefit.”
“Oh, don’t be so gloomy, Juliana – I am sure that you will meet some interesting and eligible men as well. There will even be a Duke present – an unmarried Duke!”
“Who will, undoubtedly, not even notice my existence. You, however, are far more likely to be noticed.”
“Don’t be so silly Juliana – I am sure that you will be noticed.”
Juliana sighed again, shaking her head. Their mother, used to this type of conversation, decided to distract them. Their father, as always on long journeys, was propped against the corner of the seat, and gently snoring.
“Girls! Must you have this conversation over and over? Eleanor – Juliana is older – why she’s nearly a spinster by most people’s accounting, and it stands to reason that you, at nineteen, and pretty as you are, will get more attention. Just accept it, and concentrate on finding yourself a husband – preferably a wealthy one.”
Eleanor nodded, with a sidelong glance at Juliana, and began to discuss with their mother who might be in attendance. Juliana kept the gentle smile fixed on her face, and went back to watching the world go by outside the window. Her eyes pricked with pointless tears, but she repressed them ruthlessly. By now, she should be used to it.
Being a spinster was infinitely preferable to being a clumsy, inelegant, too tall, too old woman amongst the glittering parade of young beauties. The tongues of the gossips of the ton were cruel. She’d had enough of their edge three years ago, and had avoided society as much as possible since.
Soon, they rumbled over an old stone bridge, the river rushing beneath, and the road took them into a large open square in the centre of the town of Upper Nettlefold. At one end of the square stood their destination – Hardcastle House.
It was a large building, which had once been an elegant manor, and now had been converted into a boarding house for the upper classes, a summer retreat for those who could not afford the prices in nearby Bath, or who were attending an overfull house party at one of the surrounding estates.
Which was exactly their situation. Funds were tight, for her father still had not managed to entirely repair the damage which his father had done to their estates and their wealth. And the house party at Hallingbrook Grange had overflowed to here, and to the two Inns. Her father had drawn the line at the idea of them staying in even a higher-class Inn, but had accepted the boarding house as a necessity.
Their driver turned into the narrow arch through the building and pulled to a halt in the courtyard within.
Soon, Juliana stood in the warm summer sun, watching as footmen rushed out to unload their belongings, and a stablehand came out to show their coachman where the vehicle and horses were to be housed. The bustle was pleasant, and mildly interesting to observe – far different from their stableyard at home.
“Come girls, let us go inside, away from all of this dust and dirt – your father can deal with the arrangements here for now.”
Juliana and Eleanor followed their mother dutifully, but Juliana cast a longing glance back outside – perhaps there was a garden, somewhere, where she might sit and read in the sun. The slight chill of the building closed around her, and she turned her attention to the woman who came forward to meet them.
“Good afternoon, my Lady – am I correct in the assumption that you are the Countess of Delbarton?”
“That is correct. Mrs Hardcastle, I presume?”
“Yes – and these must be your charming daughters.”
“Indeed. This is Lady Juliana, and this is Lady Eleanor. The Earl will be here in a moment – he is just directing the footmen who are dealing with our baggage. Our maid and his valet will be along in the other carriage shortly.”
“Excellent. Do let me show you to your suite of rooms, and then I’ll get some tea sent up. You must all be fatigued after your journey.”
They nodded, gratefully, and followed her up the stairs.
Read more at :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQFHNCD/
Books in the
Nettlefold Chronicles
Books in the ‘His Majesty’s Hounds’ Series
Intriguing the Viscount
Giving a Heart of Lace
Being Lady Harriet’s Hero
Enchanting the Duke
Redeeming the Marquess
Finding the Duke’s Heir
Winning the Merchant Earl
Healing Lord Barton
Kissing the Duke of Hearts
Loving the Bitter Baron
Falling for the Earl
Rescuing the Countess
Betting on a Lady’s Heart
Attracting the Spymaster
Courting a Spinster for Christmas
Restoring the Earl’s Honour (coming soon)
Books in ‘The Derbyshire Set’
The Earl’s Unexpected Bride
The Captain’s Compromised Heiress
The Viscount’s Unsuitable Affair
The Count’s Impetuous Seduction
The Rake’s Unlikely Redemption
The Marquess’ Scandalous Mistress
The Marchioness’ Second Chance (now available as part of the collection ‘Unwrapping a Rogue’)
Lady Theodora’s Christmas Wish
The Derbyshire Set Omnibus Edition Vol. 1 (the first three books all in one)
The Derbyshire Set Omnibus Edition Vol. 2 (the second three books all in one)
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Regency Collections with Other Authors
Other Books from Dreamstone Publishing
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To Dance with the Dangerous Duke: Clean Regency Romance (The Nettlefold Chronicles Book 2) Page 10