Cecilia's Claim Read Online Free

accommodation
of his workers. A few urchins waved as they drove past.
    Between the houses, glimpses of the river showed, and every so
often a small boat could be seen tied up and bobbing on the gentle current. The
sun broke through the clouds and sent a shaft of brilliance into the water, and
it sparkled. Cecy smiled. She had no illusions; it would not always be thus.
However for now, it seemed the village was welcoming them.
    The corner of the lane leading to the house was, according to
Randall, somewhat tight. It was , Cecilia accorded, a
truth. Only due to the skill of the coachman did they turn in a smooth
progression that drew admiration from her.
    Finally they pulled up outside a snug house, which she
acknowledged, was perfect for Randall. Cecilia wandered through the rooms as
Randall gave instructions to the coachman regarding stables and their
accommodation. The public rooms were spacious, and she saw to her delight very
elegantly furnished, and a small room overlooking the river would be perfect as
a study for Randall. She herself would take the even smaller room attached to
the second bedchamber as her own private domain. Although there were only three
bedchambers overall, plus two attic rooms for whomsoever needed them, there was
more than enough space for the two of them not to be on top of each other.
Along one side there was a long low building running from the riverside track
toward the village green, in essence an annex, perfect for the housekeeper Mrs.
Batting and her husband, their general factotum, plus Cecy's maid and Randall's
valet. A tidy but tiny garden behind the house, with currant bushes and an
apple tree delighted her. Then to her joy another garden across the rutted
lane, which abutted onto the riverbank, and where a plethora of autumn flowers cascaded
over an old stone wall. Cecilia decided she could be happy here.
    If only…. She sighed. If only was not to be allowed in her vocabulary. She
would put her past behind her and she would be happy.
    Fighting talk, she decided as Randall sat opposite her at the
dinner table later that evening.
    "We will need to find a larger house at some point," he
remarked as he toyed with his wine glass. He might work for customs and excise,
but Randall was no fool. Wine, tax paid of course, was always welcome in his home.
"We will surely soon annoy each other here." He smirked. "Well
one can but hope some activities we are able to indulge in could annoy the other. Envy perchance?"
      "Oh Randall, this is
my fault." Cecy was dismayed. "I'll go back to London, or even better
to the Manor Grandmamma left to me. We don't need to let Peregrine know. I
cannot be allowed to crowd you. Why should you suffer for my folly?"
      "Don't worry, you
won't be. Allowed to live alone or crowd me." He elaborated. "As for anything else? Firstly do you really think he
who knows everything wouldn't discover your whereabouts? I swear the man has
eyes everywhere. Then both our lives would be more than uncomfortable. Our dear
brother can become mighty intractable, especially if his ideas are thwarted. As for anything else? I do not foresee my drought ending
anytime soon; more is the pity. Ah well, such is life. I will also be away part
of the time and have no time for dalliance. This job holds great
responsibility. No doubt we will muddle along fine m'dear. Just lie low until
Peregrine gets this latest bee out of his breeches, and then take up your life
again as you so desire. Before I forget, here is a roll of readies." He
passed a roll of notes to her. Cecy put it in her reticule, there was no point
in protesting, and she may well need cash. As Peregrine managed her fortune
until she was either wed or thirty years of age, Randall and she had long since
come to an agreement. He bankrolled her, and she kept a tally of how much she
would need to pay him back when she had access to money. The pin money
Peregrine accorded her was negligible. Why their Papa felt the need to ask
Perry to