Page 15 of Almost a Countess

Slipping the tip of her knife underthe blob of wax popped the seal from the back, and she unfolded thesingle sheet, written only on two sides. She eagerly took itup.

My dear Dora,

You will find it odd thatI am writing to you from Yorkshire when you must have thought Trisand I were already bound for Italy.

“Violet!” Dora sprang upfrom her chair, all thoughts fled save that of her friend. “She’sin Yorkshire?”

Her dear friend was now married toLord Trevor after Dora had broken off her betrothal to the viscountin January. Dora had rejoiced in her friend’s happiness and hadbeen given to believe the couple was bound for Italy on theirwedding trip. That they were actually close to Dora—Lord Trevor’sestate abutted her father’s property—was a mystery, but one forwhich Dora gave thanks. She’d been lonely here in Yorkshire, nomatter how she’d tried to deny it to herself. With Violet and Trisnot two miles away, life would become bearable again.

She continued reading, delighted tofind Violet urging her to call upon her immediately this morning atYewtree Hall, Tris’s estate, for tea. Dora’s smile grew wider asshe read. She couldn’t wait to inform Violet of all that hadtranspired with her Judith and her subsequent marriage to LordHaxby. Not to mention her own adventures here at Bromley Manor,both when she’d first arrived and now that LordAberfoyle—

Dora gasped and clutched the letter toher chest. Should she tell Violet about Lord Aberfoyle? A riskeither way, to be sure, for what Violet knew, Tris would surelyfind out as well. Although Dora would relish Tris’s opinion on thesituation, she also knew his nature. He’d be incensed that Dora hadspent the night under the same roof as a strange man without asuitable chaperone.

Dora bit her lip and shook her head.She’d have to cross that bridge when she finally set foot on it.Meanwhile, she must check on her houseguest and make sure he wasprovided for while she was away.

Folding the letter, Dora rose and madeher way swiftly to the first floor and her bed chamber. “Larkin, Ineed my riding habit. I am going to Yewtree Hall, and I believe Iwill ride.”

“Your blue one is stillbeing cleaned, miss.” Larkin gave her an accusatory look. “However,it’s my opinion it will never be the same again.”

“Then my brown one willhave to do.” It didn’t become her as well as the blue but nowViolet was here, perhaps they could summon a mantua maker from Yorkor Leeds and have a new one made. If her father would allow her thefunds, that was. She sighed as Larkin stripped the pale gray daygown from her. She’d likely be wearing the brown habit until itfell off her if she had to wait for her father toprovide.

Shortly, her toilette was completeand, taking her courage in hand, she made her way down the oppositecorridor to the viscount’s apartments. She knocked hesitantly onthe door.

A gruff “Come in” was her onlyresponse.

That did not bode well.

Dread making her throat dry, Doraopened the door and automatically turned toward the bed, but it wasempty other than a tray with the dishes piled up. Startled, shescanned the room and discovered Lord Aberfoyle sitting on thewindow ledge that overlooked the rear rose garden, his newly shavedface showing obvious displeasure. Without benefit of his whiskers,the man looked quite a bit younger. And more ominous.

Even more disturbing, he was dressedin some of her brother’s old clothing, which fit him well enough.Simon had been a little larger than the current wearer, but theseclothes would certainly do for the moment. The suit of bluesuperfine was a little old fashioned—she couldn’t remember whenSimon had last been to Bromley—but otherwise suited Lord Aberfoyle.The linen shirt looked crisp, although it had surely been packedaway in the closet. His lordship had tied a suitable if simple knotin his cravat and his ensemble was finished with his own boots, nowpolished to a shine. Larkin had worked wonders with his lordship’ssubstitute clothing.

“Good morning, mylord.”

“Good morning.” He turneda stony face to her, and her stomach flipped back and forth. “I begyer pardon, but I dinna have a chance last night tae inquire if itwas the custom o’ this house tae lock its guests in each night?” Hesmiled, cold and sharp.

Dora wanted to flee theroom.

“I merely wished tae knowat what time I will be confined tonight sae I may decide if I wishtae continue tae avail myself o’ such ‘hospitality’ infuture?”

His eyes glittered, and Dora held herbreath, completely at a loss for words.

Chapter 7

“Cat got yer tongue, MissHarper?”

The acid in Lord Aberfoyle’s tonerubbed Dora the wrong way, causing her guilt to evaporate. She’dbeen within her rights to confine him. It was her house, after all.“Not likely, my lord.” She drew herself up and narrowed her eyes.“I was merely startled to find you wearing my brother’s clothing.Can you tell me where you came by those garments?”

“Yer maid brought them taeme, along with a razor, after breakfast. A kindness I shall no’forget.” He still looked daggers at her. “Nor will I forget theshock o’ finding my chamber door locked this morning.”

“May one inquire where youwere planning to go so early?” Two could play at indignation. “Andin such deshabille?” She looked him up and down. “I assume it wasbefore Larkin brought these clothes.”

“I had planned tae go insearch o’ my clothes.” He nodded toward the door. “I’d no’ seenthem since I came here, and I wished tae be decently dressed when Isaw ye again.”

At that, Dora dropped her gaze. Shecouldn’t fault him for wanting to be properly attired in herpresence. “I beg your pardon, my lord. I didn’t believe you’d beout of bed so soon. Larkin must have taken your clothing to cleanit when she took my riding habit. They will be returned to you assoon as they are ready. In the meantime, you are welcome to availyourself of my brother’s clothing.” She paused and gave a smallsigh. “He has no more use for it.”

“I thank ye for that, MissHarper.” He opened his mouth again, as though he wished to ask aquestion, but in the end closed it instead.

“I also apologize forlocking your door, although I believe you can understand my reasonsfor doing so.” Dora raised her head to look him squarely in theeyes. “I am responsible for all those in my household, andtherefore I deemed it safer for all concerned to have you confinedwhile you were sleeping.” She shrugged. He could take her apologyor not. “I decided to err on the side of caution. I hope you cansee the sense of that.”