Page 70 of Oddity of the Ton
Then Lady Marlow stuck her head inside the carriage.
“Eleanor, we’re here.” She lowered her voice to an almost indiscernible whisper. “There’s nothing to fear, dearest.”
Marlow glanced toward Monty and gave an apologetic smile. Monty frowned at his friend, then strode toward the carriage.
“Miss Howard?”
A shape moved inside the carriage, then her face appeared in the doorway—pale skinned, the expression in her eyes reminiscent of a deer caught in a trap.
“I…” she began, then hesitated.
Monty offered his hand, but she merely stared at it. Then he caught sight of her maid climbing down from the back of the carriage.
Of course! What had the maid said the last time Miss Howard seemed unwell—that she became overwhelmed when a lot was happening around her?
He glanced over his shoulder at the front façade of Rosecombe Hall. He’d known the building all his life, but this time, he viewed it through her eyes. Instead of his home, he saw an imposing structure three stories high, fashioned from cold gray stone, the central part topped with a dome, with two sections stretching either side, dotted with row upon row of windows, like multiple eyes looking outward. At the foot of the building, a row of servants in neat uniforms, their eyes on her—and at the end, a black-clad, dour-faced man whose spindly legs and imposing demeanor had the air of a predatory insect.
Devil’s coach horse beetle—that was what Monty had called Jenkins as a boy. Harmless enough—benevolent, even—but he delivered a sharp bite when provoked. Metaphorically, of course—but Monty had felt the sting of the old man’s tongue when he was caught stealing claret from the cellar. Jenkins was kind enough—but he was a stickler for tradition and decorum, and he didn’t suffer fools gladly.
What would he make of Miss Howard and her eccentricities?
Monty turned back to her. “I’m so glad you’ve come,” he said. “I hope you didn’t find the journey too overwhelming—and I apologize if you did.”
She stared at him, and his heart gave a little jolt at her clear emerald gaze.
“Apologize?”
“For insisting you travel all the way out here and be subjected to all this.” He gestured toward the building. “But have no fear—it’s less imposing inside, and you’re free to come and go as you please. You must treat it as your own home.”
She shook her head. “Oh, no—I couldn’t possibly…”
“But it will beyourhome very soon, will it not, Miss Howard?” Marlow said. “I’m sure you’ll take no time at all finding your way around. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be wondering why you were so—”
He broke off as Lady Marlow gave him a sharp nudge, but it didn’t take a great intellect to work out how he was going to finish.
…sofrightened.
Monty helped her out of the carriage, then hooked her arm through his. His heart soared as she leaned against him.
“There!” he said softly. “Did I not promise to take care of you—Eleanor?”
She gave a shy smile at his use of her name, and he caught a faint blush on her cheeks.
Monty nodded toward the row of servants. “Ready to face the troops?”
She let out a giggle, and he steered her toward the row of men and women, who—given that news traveled faster below stairs than above—were doubtless eager to see the woman who was to become their new mistress.
Or the woman theybelievedwould be their new mistress.
Each servant bowed and curtseyed as Monty passed them, until they reached the butler.
“This is Jenkins,” Monty said. “He runs a tight battalion,” he couldn’t help adding.
Miss Howard giggled again, and extended her hand toward the butler. Then she withdrew and colored.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Jenkins,” she said. “I meant no offense.”
“None taken, Miss Howard. And it’s just Jenkins.”
