Janice Preston – Saved By Scandal's Heir (страница 12)

A footman hurried from Brierley Place, ready to lower the steps of the carriage after it drew to a halt outside the front door.

‘Lady Brierley’s maid has a broken ankle,’ Edward said as he clambered from the carriage. ‘Find someone to help you carry her upstairs, will you?’

The footman hurried back to the house, and Edward turned to hand Harriet from the carriage. ‘I will see you in my study, madam.’ He released her hand as soon as she reached the ground and stomped into the house, leaving Harriet to follow in his wake.

Smithson, the butler, was in the hall, giving orders to more footmen about Janet and the luggage.

‘Good afternoon, my lady.’ Smithson bowed. He directed a passing maid to take Harriet’s cloak, hat and gloves. ‘Would you care for tea? Her ladyship is in the drawing room with Lady Katherine. They have asked you to join them on your arrival.’

Thank goodness Fanny and the children were as welcoming as ever, despite Edward’s strong but unexplained discouragement of her visits to Brierley since his father’s death. Harriet had become used to his frostiness and had merely avoided him as much as possible—she had her own life to lead—but this fury and disdain was something new.

‘Thank you, Smithson, but his lordship has asked that I attend him in his study.’

‘I will inform her ladyship, my lady. If you would care to follow me?’

For all the world as if I did not know the whereabouts of Brierley’s study, Harriet thought, biting back her smile as she followed the butler. Edward insisted on the correct procedure being followed at all times. She was a guest; therefore Smithson must announce her.

‘Lady Brierley, my lord.’

Smithson stood aside and Harriet walked past him into Edward’s study with a smile of thanks before focusing on Edward, standing before the window, hands behind his back. He maintained his silence until the door closed behind Smithson.

‘What the blazes were you doing at Tenterfield Court?’

She stared at him a moment. ‘May I sit?’ Her tone was icy. It did not hurt to remind him that she was a lady and his stepmother and that he was, supposedly, a gentleman.

‘Of course.’

Edward tilted his chin to indicate the visitor’s chair set in front of his vast mahogany desk and then rounded the desk to stand on the opposite side. Harriet sat with a twinge of disquiet, tucking her feet under the chair and loosely clasping her hands in her lap.

Very formal. I feel like a child about to be scolded.

Edward sat down, then frowned at her, his fingers drumming on the desk. ‘Well?’

Harriet blinked, taken aback by the contempt conveyed by that one word. ‘Why, I wished to make some enquiries on behalf...’ She faltered as his expression blackened. She gripped her hands together and drew a steadying breath. ‘On behalf of a friend of mine.’

‘A likely tale, madam.’

Harriet stiffened. ‘I can assure you I am speaking the truth,’ she said with as much calm as she could muster. ‘Why would you think otherwise?’

‘You stayed for two days and nights. With no chaperone.’

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