Fenella J. Miller Read Online Free

waiting, her face creased with anxiety. ‘Miss Sarah ran through a moment ago, Miss Fox, calling out that young Mr Fox had returned I hope it’s not bad news.’
    ‘My brother has certainly returned, Mrs Green, but whether it’s with bad news I have no idea. I can assure you that if there is anything that affects this household you shall be the first to know.’
    Eliza glanced sideways into the servants’ hall where she was relieved to see Jane was not among the girls sitting round the table. Two chambermaids, her mother’s French maid, Marie Baptiste, and her grandmother’s maid, Betty were there, all watching through the half-glazed wall to see what was happening.
    ‘Mrs Green, could you send the girls to clear the dining room? I’m afraid we didn’t eat the desserts. However, I’m sure they can be served again tomorrow. ‘
    Leaving the housekeeper to return to the small group of women around the table and bring them up to date with what news there was, Eliza continued her journey to the back door. It had been left open, allowing a chill wind to whistle along the corridor. She shivered and drew her cashmere wrap closer around her shoulders. Sarah had gone out in sandals and without a wrap of any sort. The flimsy muslin gown she was wearing would be no protection against the cold April evening.
    She was debating whether to gather up her skirt and attempt to cross the cobbles when she heard Edmund’s voice, and that off Fred Smith their coachman. Excellent! There was no need for her to venture outside. She waited anxiously in the minimum shelter of the overhanging porch-way wondering why her brother had arrived so precipitously.      
    Eliza watched the archway leading to the stables and was soon rewarded by the sight of her brother hurrying towards the house. His caped riding coat was draped around his sister’s shoulders and he had his arm about her waist ready to lift her over puddles when necessary. She was staring at his mud streaked face, searching for a sign, when he raised his eyes. Her heart sunk at the look of desperation she saw there.
           Eliza knew without him saying any more what he had come to tell them. She had warned him time and time again to stay out of the gambling hells; that being a man about town did not mean he had to join in all the debauchery and gaming that took place. She knew her words of advice had fallen on deaf ears and like so many before him he had believed in his skill, and thought that nothing bad could happen to someone whose heart was pure and motives were good.
           ‘Welcome, Edmund.’ She raised her hand, warning him not to speak just then. ‘Your news can wait. I believe that I have guessed why you’re here; there is no need for anyone else to know at this point.’
           He understood the reference to his sister. ‘Denver is following behind with my trappings, but I’m famished, I haven’t eaten since I don’t know when. Have you finished dinner?’
    Eliza, in spite of her fears, smiled. ‘Yes, I’m afraid you’re too late. However, I’m certain Mrs Turner will find you something substantial. There was plenty left.’
    She spoke to Jane, who was hovering behind. ‘Jane, go in and ask Cook to send up a tray immediately’
    ‘Liza, Edmund’s coat is lovely and warm and he lifted me over the muck so I haven’t spoilt my dress hardly at all.’
    ‘Good girl. Now, run along upstairs with Jane, and tell Grandmamma and Mama that Edmund is going to change his clothes and eat before he joins them in the drawing-room. Can you remember all that?’
    Sarah smiled happily. ‘I can do that. I can remember everything and tell Mama about Edmund.’
           She watched her sister skip back along the corridor and, as always seeing a beautiful young woman behaving like a child sent shivers of apprehension through her. Her sister was so vulnerable; she wished she had been born plain, and then a lack of intelligence would not have