Lord Atherton's Ward Read Online Free

Lord Atherton's Ward
Book: Lord Atherton's Ward Read Online Free
Author: Fenella Miller
Tags: Regency Romance Novella
Pages:
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both to ignore his presence and run away laughing at him beggared belief.
    He knew himself to be a formidable man, over the years there had been many an opponent who had lived to regret being on the wrong side of his anger. Yet the older girl, in spite of being well aware of his rage, had been unmoved.
    His lips twitched as he recalled her luminous green eyes, russet curls tumbling around her neck in disarray, and the prettiest pair of ankles he’d seen in a long time. He could feel his anger trickling away, maybe there was an amusing side to the incident if one looked hard enough.
    The door opened and the butler stepped in. ‘Lady Isabelle to see you, my lord.’
    He turned and a tall, statuesque woman with the same green eyes, but grey locks instead of chestnut, studied him and found him wanting. His chest tightened. His anger flooded back, but somehow he found the presence of mind to bow deeply.
    ‘Atherton, this was badly done on your part. Sit down, if you please, we have much to discuss.’ No pleasantries, no greeting, just a wave of an elegant hand towards a chair. He was tempted to snarl a reply and walk out. ‘This is not the time to stand on your high horse, my lord, kindly take a seat and stop glaring at me.’
    He did as he was bid, feeling more like a recalcitrant schoolboy than a respected member of his Majesty’s government and a peer of the realm. He folded his arms, stretched out his legs and stared at the toes of his immaculate boots as if examining them for dirt.
    The silence stretched and after several minutes he raised his head to find the remarkable old lady watching him amusement in her eyes. He felt his cheeks colour, he had behaved appallingly, he was famous for his diplomacy and he had let his equally notorious temper overcome his commonsense.
    ‘Lady Isabelle, I most humbly beg your pardon. I have not lost my temper since I was a young man and there is no excuse for my incivility.’ This time he stood and bowed deeply.
    ‘Apology accepted, young man. Let us forget the incident, we have more pressing matters to discuss. Now, I wish to assure you that my niece did not have my approval for her actions. She has always been headstrong, my brother-in-law was a weak man and allowed her too much rein.’ She chuckled and gestured towards the wall. ‘Would you be so kind as to summon Foster? I think we could both do with a strong cup of coffee to calm our nerves.’
    Perry walked across to tug the strap. What he needed was a very large brandy, but he’d already given a disastrous impression of his capabilities and demanding strong alcohol so early in the day would not improve his image. For some reason he wished to regain the respect of this redoubtable lady.
    The refreshments arrived and she was right, the bitter aromatic taste of the coffee restored his equanimity and he was ready to listen to whatever Lady Isabelle had to tell him.
    ‘Perhaps, my lady, it would be politic for me to explain my position?’ She nodded and so he continued. ‘I cannot understand why Miss Ellison should have taken me in dislike. We have never met, and I cannot imagine she has heard ill of me from any of her acquaintances. I merely requested that she and Miss Jane join my mother and sisters at my estate in Chelmsford.’
    She chuckled. ‘I expect you ordered, rather than requested?’
    ‘What is the difference? I am not one for flowery language, I am the girls’ legal guardian and they are obliged to do as I bid. I will brook no disobedience from any member of my family.’ As soon as he completed the sentence he realised what an ass he sounded. He smiled and finally understood what all the fuss was about.
    ‘Am I to understand that Miss Ellison does not take kindly to the curb? That if I approach her more gently I am more likely to get a favourable response?
    ‘Exactly, my lord. I understand my oldest niece perfectly. I see myself at her age and know just how I would have reacted if some perfect stranger had
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