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"I was about to bring those to your attention,not at all annoyed "The ocean is visible for most of the drive to the Challon estate Those aluhter than brass They’ll allow you to see clearly at a distance of four ht observe sea birds, or even a shoal of porpoises"
Eagerly Pandora lifted the binoculars to her eyes Looking at naturewith the aid of technological gadgetry
"They can be adjusted with the turning mechanism in the center," Mr Cuthbert advised with a sht you would enjoy them"
The lenses were briefly filled with the pink blur of his face before Pandora lowered the binoculars hastily "He put these here for er had left, Pandora frowned and handed the binoculars to Cassandra "Why did Lord St Vincent assume I would want these? Does he think I need to be distracted by a of spools?"
"It was esture," Cassandra said mildly
The old Pandora would have loved to use the binoculars during the ride to the house The new dignified, respectable, proper Pandora, however, would entertain herself with her own thoughts Ladylike thoughts
What did ladies think about? Things like starting charities and visiting the tenants, and blance to people What was blance, anyway? It had no flavor or color At best it was only unassertive pudding Would it still be blanc on it? Berries or leone off course, Pandora steered them back to the conversation with Cassandra
"The point is," she told her sister with great dignity, "I have no need of toys to keep h the open ith the binoculars "I can see a butterfly across the road," she er"
Pandora sat up instantly "Let , Cassandra adroitly kept the binoculars out of her grasp "I thought you didn’t want them"
"I do now Give thely, Cassandra refused to return the binoculars for at least five minutes, until Pandora threatened to auction her to pirates
By the tiun the long, gentle ascent up the hill Sheboat sailing around the headlands, and a hare disappearing beneath a juniper bush Occasionally a cool breeze froing athered and trickled beneath her corset, while the light wool of her traveling dress chafed her prickling skin Bored and hot, she finally put the binoculars back into the leather case
"It’s like su sleeves "By the time we arrive, I’ll be as red as a boiled hauidebook as a fan
"We’re al William’s hot, sleepy form on her shoulder "As soon as we reach the hter dresses"
She regarded Pandora ar to have a lovely ti just before I left for the Chaworth ball"
"Did I?" Kathleen s every now and then" After a pause, she added gently, "I know you’d rather be safe and snug at horeed to co uncoht woolen traveling dress, which was sticking to her skin "People like me should avoid new experiences," she said "It never turns out well"
"Don’t say that," Cassandra protested
Devon spoke then, his voice gentle "Everyone has faults, Pandora Don’t be hard on yourself You and Cassandra began at a disadvantage after having been raised in seclusion for so long But you’re both learning fast" He smiled down at Kathleen as he added, "As I can personally attest,process"
As the carriage proceeded past the ate, the estate mansion came into view Contrary to Pandora’s expectations, it wasn’t at all cold and i residence of two stories, inhabiting its surroundings with comfortable ease Its classic lines were softened by an abundance of glossy green ivy that mantled the cream stucco façade, and arbors of pink roses that arched cheerfully over the courtyard entrance Two extended wings curved around the front gardens, as if the house had decided to fill its ar forest rested beneath a blanket of sunlight
Pandora’s interest was caught by the sight of achild sat on his shoulders, while an older, red-haired boy kept pace at his side A tenant far with his two sons It was odd that he would stride across the front lawn in such a bold manner
He wore only trousers, a thin shirt, and an open vest, with no hat or necktie anywhere in sight He walked with the loose-jointed grace of soreat deal of time outdoors It was obvious that he was extraordinarily fit, the sihtly over the lean, powerful lines of his body And he carried the child on his shoulders as if he weighed nothing