The Virtuous Ward (Sweet Deception Regency #5) Read Online Free Page A

Muffin inhaled and sneezed so heartily that the movement propelled the dog upright, where he sat, eyes wide open and black nose aquiver. When Amity giggled at the dog's expression, he looked so offended that she burst into a loud whoop of laughter. Thus Amity and Muffin arrived at Edgeworth.
    When the liveried footman pulled down the stairs and opened the door, he was confronted by the laughing countenance of a redheaded girl and a low growl from her companion. He backed away, bowing as he said, "Welcome to Edgeworth, Miss Fraser."
    From a safe distance, the footman surveyed the young lady. Told to expect Lord Kampford's ward, he had been picturing a small child not this young woman. There was still a hint of youthful awkwardness in her movements, but like a young colt, thoroughbred lines were apparent. Her body was tall and slight but rounded to a nicety; her hands and feet were small and elegant. She wore a carriage dress and matching cape in a muted blue color that was well made and sensible rather than the height of fashion.
    The young footman extended his hand but the young lady bounded out of the coach without assistance. Her freckled face was still flushed with laughter and her white teeth flashed in an open smile that quite won the heart of the boy.
    "Thank you for the greeting. I'm so glad to be here at last," Amity said, her voice still bubbling with amusement. Then with a swirl of cape she turned back to the coach to fetch her friend. "Out, Muffin."
    The dog remained upright on the seat, looking in no hurry to leave the comfortable confines of the carriage for unknown, and possibly unwelcome, surroundings.
    "Come on, you great looby," Amity hissed, glancing in embarrassment at the footman. In explanation, she said, "Muffin is rather shy, uh... ."
    "Peter, Miss," the boy answered bobbing his head in greeting. "It takes some that way. Would you like me to fetch him?"
    Since Muffin had begun to growl again, there was a slight hesitancy in the footman's voice. Catching his less than eager offe Amity said, "Thank you, Peter, but he's more used to me."
    Amity scrambled up the stairs and grasped a handful of fur at Muffin's neck. With her hip she shoved the dog off the seat and half-dragged, half-carried the reluctant visitor to the carriage sweep. Peter shifted nervously but, pluck to the bone, he extended his open palm for the inspection of the huge dog. Muffin sniffed once then extended his tongue and licked the footman's hand.
    "Muffin approves, Peter. And he's very particular about his friends." Amity smiled at the relieved look on the footman's face but in an instant it had changed to red-faced embarrassment. Turning, she was unabashed to discover the dog had given in to an urgent call of nature. Lowering her voice she said to the footman, " Muffin usually behaves with more discretion, although I suspect my guardian will not be best pleased to have the wheels of his carriage abused in such a fashion."
    Peter smothered a laugh, amazed at the matter-of-fact way the young lady spoke of the subject. There seemed to be nothing hoity-toity about his lordship's ward and he resolved to help her when he could.
    Amity called to the dog and then her eyes shifted to the imposing facade of the great house and she shivered, intimidated by the grandeur of the estate. In a tentative voice she said, "Well, I suppose I better go in."
    Reminded of his duties Peter stiffened to attention, extending his hand in the direction of the opened double doors. Under his breath, he blurted, "Cartwright will have my head, miss, for keeping you jawing on the very steps."
    "I suppose that's the very starchy butler I see waiting inside," Amity whispered.
    "Aye, Miss Fraser. Him and the housekeeper, Mrs. Trilby, will be greeting you, proper-like."
    "Sounds awful," Amity moaned, earning a wink of encouragement from the boy before he turned back to the coach and the other footmen who were struggling to remove her trunks from the boot.
    Shifting her