Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1), Sahara Kelly [the best e book reader .TXT] 📗

“Excellent, my dear. I see our new neighbour is wise as well as charming.”

Adalyn inclined her head noncommittally, uncomfortable with such obvious flattery. “Although I am endeavouring to remain in seclusion during this time, it seems that your suggestion of a simple evening might be acceptable. Will you let my butler know as soon as you determine a day?”

“Well, why not now?” replied Sir Amery, all geniality.  “Let’s say Friday, shall we?”

Three days, thought Adalyn. Yes, that ought to give me time to learn more about the pitfalls of dining with the Fairhursts.

“I believe that will be acceptable,” she nodded.

“Very well then,” he said, a wide smile on his face. “I shall send my carriage—”

“Oh no,” Adalyn stopped him with her words and a raised hand. “You are too kind. I will use mine, Sir Amery. You are the host after all. And my carriage horses need a little exercise now and then.”

“Well, but…I…” He blustered a little, as if surprised she had refused his offer.

“It is my pleasure to visit. You must not allow this dinner to inconvenience you in any way.” She rose. “So I shall look forward to seeing you on Friday then.” Her words made it quite clear that this would be her final statement on the matter.

Miss Judith also stood and came to her side. “It will be lovely having you come to Fivetrees, Lady Wilkerson. I will be looking forward to it as well.” She curtseyed, and Adalyn smiled.

“My niece is quite correct,” added Sir Amery as they walked into the hall. “We shall very much enjoy your presence, I’m sure.” He raised her hand and placed a warm, enthusiastic kiss on the back of it.

She wanted to wipe her hand on her gown, but managed not to. “You are too kind.”

Giles was at the door, Sir Amery’s hat in one hand and Miss Judith’s gloves and muffler in the other. “Sir, Miss.” He bowed, a fluid and graceful move that put Sir Amery’s attempt at polish to shame.

“Thank you again for your kindness.” Adalyn watched as they left, sighing as Giles closed the door.

She turned to him. “I don’t think I like Sir Amery very much. He leaves one with an odd feeling. The sort of thing I imagine would result if a caterpillar just crawled over one’s skin.”

Giles did his best to stifle a laugh. “I couldn’t have said it better, my Lady.”

“And what of poor Miss Judith? There is something troubling there. She looks apprehensive. Not scared exactly, but edgy. As if she might run and hide at a loud noise.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know. This is the first I’ve heard of a niece, let alone met her. So I would assume she is a recent addition to the family.”

“I’m sure she is his niece,” mused Adalyn. “Not even someone as cocksure as Sir Amery would risk bringing anyone to Wolfbridge who was of a less-than-acceptable nature.” She thought about it. “Besides, she’s entirely the wrong type to be his mistress.”

Giles blinked in surprise. “Good Lord. What would you know of such things, Lady Adalyn?”

She sighed. “The men in my life thus far have not been as circumspect as they might have been.”

“Your late husband?”

“And an uncle as well. Discussions were held within my hearing. I learned…things.”

Giles frowned. “A shame. A sin, actually. To sully one so young with matters best kept private…there is little excuse for that.”

“Be that as it may, I am relatively sure it does not apply to Miss Judith.”

He nodded. “Yes, I agree.”

Jeremy walked out to join them. “You were splendid, Lady Adalyn.”

His smile warmed her. “Thank you Jeremy. Knowing you were there helped me over any potential difficulties. I was surprised when he mentioned knowing Wilkerson.” She wrinkled her nose. “And not impressed that he had done so.”

“You responded with cool perfection, my Lady,” grinned Jeremy. “Even if you wanted to stick a hat pin into his overt and overblown self-importance.”

She met his amused smile with one of her own. “You know me rather well, don’t you? Was I that obvious?”

“Not at all. But he was.”

Giles chuckled. “Yes. He is one of those men who is convinced of his own superiority.” His smile faded. “Which is why, when you dine with him on Friday, you will be very careful, Lady Adalyn.”

“Of course,” she began, a little puzzled.

“He wants Wolfbridge,” continued Giles. “I believe his obsession began when a rumour made the rounds over a decade ago.” He sighed. “’Twas said that before estates had names, the land comprising both Fivetrees and Wolfbridge belonged to one lucky baron. When and why it was split, nobody seems to know. But when Sir Amery heard that, the visits started.”

Adalyn shook her head. “That sounds as if it was during the time of King John. I recall reading about the business with the Barons, and the Magna Carta. It’s astounding to realise that some of our greatest homes were built so many centuries ago.”

“Be that as it may, and perhaps it was one big estate once upon a time, but it’s been Wolfbridge and Fivetrees for more years than anyone alive can recall. Make no mistake about it. Charm, affectations and everything else aside, Fairhurst has one goal in mind. Owning this estate. He’s been unable to do anything about it for the last two years, since there was nobody able to command its disposition. Now you’re here.”

“I will never ever countenance parting with Wolfbridge, Giles. I may not have been here very long, but already it is lodged in my heart.” She placed a hand over her bosom in emphasis.

“I am very glad to hear it,” smiled Giles. “I warn you simply because Sir Amery Fairhurst is a man who will use any and all devices to obtain what he wants.”

“Then I must make sure to use any and all devices to prevent him from doing so.” She smiled back