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An even more dire possibility occurred to her Despite her avowed interest in ‘ on the brink between child and young woman If her adulation should turn in a flirtatious direction, the girl ht throw herself at Anders’s head Possessed of a sizeable dowry herself, Althea would be a plump prize for a man who apparently possessed neither wealth nor property of his own

One further glance at Althea’s expression told A Mr Anders about was dooirl would simply disobey a direct order to refrain fron her so, Althea would likely find a way around it

Desperately A froh she didn’t wish to further offend their guest, she knew it si about the estate with Mr Anders unchaperoned And since her wily cousin was quite capable of fobbing off any room she tried to saddle with the task, the only person likely to successfully prevent that—was herself

Reluctantly she forced the words through stiff lips ‘I believe I’d like to take the air as well May I join you in your walk, Mr Anders?’

Though he entleman, Mr Anders could hardly refuse to accept her coirl sent her a furious look for inserting herself where she was not wanted, Mr Anders replied with the only answer courtesy permitted

‘Of course, Miss Neville If having the escort of one lovely lady is a delight, having tould be doubly so Shall I meet you both at the entry in, say, ten minutes?’

After her polite and Althea’s enthusiastic murmur of assent, the three rose from the table

Aered in the breakfast roo With quarterly supplies to order, the household account books to revieith Mrs Pepys, several ill tenants to visit and half-a-dozen other urgent tasks awaiting, the last thing she needed was to have to play unwilling chaperon to her equally unwilling cousin

A coffee cup into the fireplace,crash

There was no hope for it, though Until she could transfer the responsibility for Althea’s protection to Papa or work out a better way to separate the girl from the object of her fascination, Amanda would have to intervene

The regrettable fact that a little stir of anticipation coursed through her at the idea of spending rier

Chapter Four

Some ten minutes later, Grevillethrough the French doors on to the terrace The pale February sun gave an illusion of warht over the lichen-coated stone ornaments, balustrades, steps and the soft sals Ghostly trees rose out of the ered over the lahile in the distance a dark wood climbed the hazy outlines of a slope

Though the house and grounds had obviously been occupied for centuries, the alterations and additions had been alleries flowing seas

‘The prospect is delightful,’ Greville said ads, the broad sweep of terrace, the lawn ive the impression of timeless serenity’

Miss Neville glanced at him sharply, her cerulean-blue eyes narrowed Apparently deciding he was sincere, for the first ti brightened

‘Thank you, Mr Anders,’ she said softly ‘It was the project of s and construct the terrace and gardens to unite the styles of ant whole’

‘She succeeded brilliantly,’ Greville replied, pleased to see her face brighten further at the compliment

‘I find thethan the new additions,’ Miss Holton broke in ‘Alinal castle, which was built on a bluff overlooking the river Youup to a drive But now you ardens, over there below the end of the terrace These flagstones can be slippery in the da out to hiravate your injury!’

Dutifully offering the girl his arm, Greville suppressed a s him like an invalid But when he turned to share that amusement with Miss Neville, he saw the pleasant expression fade froaze fixed with obvious displeasure on the spot where Miss Holton’s hand rested, Miss Neville fell into step behind them