page16 (1/2)

All the hackles Greville had thought worn off by his sojourn at sea arose anew as he watched this sprig of nobility greet Miss Neville Though he felt sympathy for Miss Holton’s addendum of an introduction,how Lord Trowbridge, while bowing and ed to sneak a quick, full-body inspection of Amanda Neville

The swift appreciation registering in his eyes told Greville he found Miss Neville a sweetmeat he’d like to devour on the spot

Greville struggled to rein in an unexpectedly fierce ery at Trowbridge? Noin thathe looked at her like that hi so

That didn’t ate the fact that he er that said Trowbridge, as an earl’s son, thought he had an inherent right to her admiration in return

In the o London shortly for her come-out, are you not, ma’am?’

‘I am indeed, Mr Williams How kind of you to remember’

‘How could I forget, when your leaving will deprive the county of its greatest beauty?’ he replied with ponderous gallantry ‘And one of our ic death of her mother last summer, Miss Neville has taken over as chatelaine of her father’s house and angel of mercy for the tenants Ask Father Bricknell at the church or any farmer in the parish, they’ll tell you no one in need fails to receive Miss Neville’s gracious attentions’

‘You are too generous, Mr Willia, which only enhanced her loveliness—unfortunately, Greville thought, his fingers curling into fists as he resisted the urge to plant a facer in the e’s handsome aristocratic nose

‘Ashton’s loss will be London’s gain, then,’ Trowbridge said ‘What a char addition to society you will be, Miss Neville’

‘Will you be in town for the Season, Lord Trowbridge?’ she asked

‘I’h assisting enerally keeps me so occupied that I don’t take part in e that’

While Miss Neville blushed anew at his implication, Mr Williams said, ‘Indeed, Miss Neville is quite interested in politics Reads all the London papers and always asks for a report of what’s going on when I return froe’s father hasoften consulted by the Prince and Prime Minister You will certainly wish to make the acquaintance of all his family while you are in town’

The shy s his jaw ‘I’ve read much in the journals of Lord Ravensfell, particularly in his capacity as advisor to Lord Wellington and Lord Castlereagh at the Congress of Vienna,’ she said ‘I should be honoured to meet your family, my lord’

Trowbridge bowed again ‘I shall tell Maet to town Will Lord Bronning be taking a house there?’

‘No, Papa dislikes the city Besides which, having always so that requires his supervision, he hates being long fro with Lady Parnell in Upper Brook Street’

‘Excellent!’ Trowbridge said ‘Lady Parnell is one of Mama’s dearest friends We will certainly ain sooner than that’ He gave her a significant look, to which Mr Williams added a wink

To Greville’s disgruntlement, she replied with the expected invitation ‘If time allows, you must dine at Ashton before you leave Devon Papa would be delighted to e He also has investht about the process As for you, Mr Williams, we’ve not had the pleasure of an extended visit with you and Mrs Willia’

Lord Trowbridge smiled, like a sleek, satisfied cat that has just polished off the mouse population of the barn ‘I should like that very much’

‘Mrs Williahbour said ‘A bit of ood after the sadness of last summer, eh?’

She nodded ‘I’ll send a note to the Grange’

‘We shall all look forward to it,’ Lord Trowbridge said

‘Haven’t we kept the horses standing long enough?’ Miss Holton inserted, her tone acerbic ‘Theychilled’

Greville sympathised with her annoyance Out or not, it couldn’t be very appealing to a girl to be totally ignored while men made much of her beautiful cousin