Page 89 of Storm of Bells
‘Sahiba?’
He extended his hand, and I was so focused onstaring at the palatial manor that I forgot every single feministinstinct I’d ever had and took it, allowing him to help me out ofthe coach. At least I wasn’t the only one. Behind me, Flora, Ella,Eve and even Patsy were being led down the coach steps, awe-struckexpressions on their faces. Even Uncle Bufford’s beard twitched ina slightly impressed manner when he stepped out into the open. Icouldn’t blame him. The massive manor house was four stories tall,its façade decorated with statues painted in gold and silver. Tall,elegant windows allowed a glimpse into rooms so opulent they mighthave belonged in the Palace of Versailles, if Louis XIV had beentwice as rich as the poor bugger actually was.
But the surprises of the day weren’t yetover. Oh no.
From behind the house suddenly came a fast,rhythmic thudding noise followed by panting and…
Heck! Was that abark?
My question was answered a moment later whentwo ginormous dogs rushed around the corner. Long and sleek withsteel-grey coats, they looked just about as deadly as a pair offreshly sharpened swords. Growling and panting, they rushed towardsour little group. I took a step back and raised my parasol.
‘Err…nice doggies. Good doggies.’
They didn’t stop or even slow down. Hungerflickered in their eyes as they rushed towards us.
‘Barb! Wire! Heel!’
The two monstrous beasts stopped as ifsomeone had frozen them in place. And, really, that was what hadhappened. Mr Rikkard Ambrose’s command chilled the courtyard likean arctic breeze. A moment later, they turned their heads in hisdirection and dashed forward again, only to come to an abrupt haltat Mr Ambrose’s feet. Reaching out with one leisurely hand toscratch them behind the ears, Mr Ambrose regarded the canines withsomething dangerously close to affection. ‘Adequate boy.’
From behind Mr Ambrose came a noise. Itsounded like a desperate attempt not to choke on a giggle.Half-turning Mr Ambrose cocked his head.
‘Did you say something, Adaira?’
‘N-no, nothing! Absolutely nothing. Please,do continue.’
When he turned back, Mr Ambrose’s eyes foundmine and held them. I felt surges of warmth, then cold shivers,then warmth again, flood through my body. A ridiculous grin spreadover my face.
We had arrived. We had arrived at my futurehome, and…this wasn’t going to be a nightmare. Somehow,miraculously, it had turned into a beautiful dream.Hehadturned it into a dream.
Rushing forward, I flung my arms around MrAmbrose’s neck. ‘Oh! You…you…!’
From behind me came a growl, and a set ofstrong jaws fastened on my dress, tugging, clearly indicating thatif I wanted dog treats, I had better get in line. I didn’t care.Laughing out loud, I kissed him.
‘Miss Linton! You forget yourself.’
‘Yes I do! But only because all my braincells are needed for this!’ Standing up on my tiptoes, I pressedanother kiss on his cheek. Half turning, I gestured at the palatialmanor, at the beautiful grounds, at…everything. ‘This is wonderful!Did you do all this just for me?’
Cupping my cheek in one hand he gazed down atme with dark eyes deep enough to drown in. ‘What do you think?’
Hugging him tight, I smiled into his chestand spoke the one sentence I had never thought to utter in relationto Rikkard Ambrose. ‘You’re a wonderfully generous man.’
‘Affirmative. Now will you please let go ofme?’
‘Definitely!’ Jumping back with a wide grinon my face, I whirled towards the house. ‘I have to explore thisplace!’
‘No, Miss Linton, wait! You can’t yet—’
But I wasn’t listening. I was already rushingtowards the entrance, eyes wide with wonder. Next to the butler Icame to a screeching halt.
‘Excuse me…I just have to checksomething.’
And I gently poked him in the side. Yay!Solid! No ectoplasm whatsoever!
‘Err…Miss?’ The venerable old gentlemanlifted an eyebrow. ‘Can I help you?’
‘You already have.’ Grinning from ear to ear,I turned fully towards him. ‘Tell me, what is your name, oh mostwonderful employee to ever walk this earth?’
‘Err…Benson, Miss.’
