Page 28 of Tall, Dark & Wicked
It was allperfectlypolite. Well-mannered. Petra was certain she’d have no trouble at all finding the library as Brushbriar was bound to be as well-ordered as Simon.
Stop it, Petra.
“Lady Marsh, Lady Petra, may I present my mother, Lady Pendleton, and my sister, Lady Whitfield.”
Again Petra dipped, this time a bit lower, her back ramrod straight, her eyes down. As she straightened, she looked Lady Pendleton in the eye, something Petra wouldn’t have done even a few months ago, but Petra wasn’t feeling demure at the moment. She’d spent enough of her life being intimidated. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Pendleton, Lady Whitfield.”
Mother made a small sound of displeasure at Petra’s show of spirit, but mercifully restrained from offering comment. “Lady Pendleton, I am thrilled to finally make your acquaintance. Brushbriar is stunning. Lady Whitfield, a pleasure to see you again.”
Petra lifted an eyebrow at her mother’s words. She’d no idea Mother was acquainted with the notorious Lady Whitfield.
Lady Pendleton inclined her head, looking down the length of her aristocratic nose. “The pleasure is ours, Lady Marsh. I was distressed to learn of your difficulties. I fear you are not the first guest of ours whose coach was not up to the rigors of the journey. I understand the Earl of Morwick offered his assistance and hospitality.”
A pretty speech, except for the evident distaste at the mention of Morwick.
“Indeed, we were incredibly fortunate to have him come upon us,” Mother stated. “The axle of our coach snapped, and our driver took a wrong turn, sending us much too far out of our way. Had he not come upon us, we may have slept in the road until help came.”
Lady Pendleton’s eyebrows fluttered at Mother’s rather dramatic recitation of their rescue. “And I understand you also experienced a stomach ailment?”
“Lady Cupps-Foster was kind enough to offer us shelter until we were well enough to travel. Lord Morwick made sure to summon a physician and we continued our journey as soon as we were well again.”
“How terribly kind of Lord Morwick. He has our thanks, doesn’t he, Simon?” Tiny teeth shone between her thin lips as she spoke. Her regal head tilted in her son’s direction as she addressed him.
“Terribly kind,” Simon said, ice dripping from his words.
Petra had been mistaken. The animosity between Simon and Morwick seemed more than a case of mere dislike, if Simon’s manner were any indication. She’d never seen such a look of utter contempt on his face before. He made no effort to comment further.
Is that why he hadn’t sent word or visited her at Somerton?
Lady Pendleton reached out to take Mother’s arm. “Why, you have experienced the trials of Job, have you not? You poor thing. I’m sure you are exhausted by your travails.”
Mother’s cheeks pinked. “You’ve no idea, my lady.” She allowed herself to be led into the house by Lady Pendleton.
Lady Pendleton clucked sympathetically. “You’ll never wish to venture so far from London again, I fear.”
“Perish the thought,” Mother replied. “However, I shall not be recommending the Duck & Crow to anyone traveling in this direction. A terrible place, but the it was the only remotely reputable inn on the main road.”
“Ah yes, spoiled stew.” Katherine’s voice was silky. “Lamb, was it?” She waved Petra through the massive oak door. “After you, Lady Petra.”
“Yes,” Petra murmured, assuming Morwick must have said as much in his note to Brushbriar.
Simon fell into step beside Petra as their mothers chattered away. “I’m so relieved you’re feeling better. Imagine, coming all this way only to have spoiled stew. I plan on speaking to the proprietor of the Duck and Crow on your behalf. I’ll see such a thing doesn’t happen again. At the very least he’ll mind his kitchen better.”
“That’s not necessary, my lord,” Petra said, wondering at his willingness to confront the innkeeper on her behalf when his feelings evidently didn’t extend to at least sending her a note while at the home of a man he didn’t care for.
Petra’s eyes widened at the entryway of Brushbriar, somewhat taken aback by the extravagant display. Simon hadn’t struck her in London as a gentleman who flaunted his wealth and influence but looking around, Petra thought perhaps she’d been mistaken about that facet of his personality as well.
The floor beneath her feet was crafted of expensive marble of a type usually reserved for ballrooms, not a foyer. The stairs stretching up to the second floor were wide, curving up to an enormous landing graced with a small table laden with a profusion of colorful blooms. But it was the balustrade Petra could not look away from. The spindles had all been individually carved in an array of leaves and acorns. Blue John decorated the entire balustrade. The mineral took the form of leaves, flowers and clusters of berries. A circular table sat at the base of the stairs holding an immense, intricately sculpted horse made entirely of Blue John. The amount of the mineral needed to create such a thing must have cost a small fortune. If anyone had doubted the immense wealth of Viscount Pendleton, that wealth was showcased for all to see.
What an incredibly vulgar display.
Petra looked at her mother whose eyes had widened at the decoration of the foyer.
“Your rooms are prepared and waiting for you. I know the ride from Somerton wasn’t terribly long, but given all you’ve been through, I thought you may like to refresh yourselves or have a lie down before tea.” Lady Pendleton bestowed her thin-lipped smile on them.
“My servants—” Lady Marsh started, looking upward at the immense staircase.
“I instructed our housekeeper, Mrs. Leonard, to show them to your chambers so they can begin unpacking. Luckily, only a small trunk was packed for your unexpected stay at Somerton, so most of your things have already been aired out and await your pleasure. Your rooms face the moors and I’m sure you’ll find them much more comfortable than those at Somerton.” Lady Pendleton gave a delicate shiver of her boney shoulders. “Renovation is quite costly.”
