Amanda Scott - [Dangerous 04] by Dangerous Lady

accommodate ten horses,” Mrs. Linford said. “However, it is not convenient to show you over the whole place today. I am sure you must understand. Perhaps if you give us notice of your next visit, we can arrange for our housekeeper to set aside time for a proper tour.”
    “Yes, of course,” Letty said.
    An awkward pause followed before Raventhorpe said gently, “I have other engagements this morning, Aunts. I know that Mama wants to enjoy a good long visit with you, however, so perhaps you will let me show Lady Letitia the other reception rooms on my way out, if she does not object.”
    “That would be kind of you, sir.”
    “Indeed, it would be just the thing, Justin,” Miss Abigail said. “You can tell her all about Mr. Robert Adam and how he came to design this house. I am sure you know as much as we do about that, and far more than Mrs. Hopworthy does.”
    “I will attempt to tell her whatever she desires to know,” Raventhorpe said. “If you are ready to depart, Lady Letitia …”
    “But she’s not had any refreshment yet,” Miss Abigail protested.
    “I really should go, ma’am,” Letty said with a smile.
    As she got to her feet, Lady Sellafield said, “Do not forget that we are to dine at Devon-Poole House this evening, Justin, my dear. Susan and Lady Devon-Poole will be disappointed if you forget.”
    “I won’t forget, ma’am. I shall be home in good time.”
    “Excellent, because your father very likely will forget, and Ned is not to be depended upon either, I’m afraid.”
    “I’ll engage to bring them up to scratch,” he said. “Shall we go, my lady?”
    With Jenifry following silently in their wake, Letty allowed him to guide her into the dining room. When he began to tell her about the architect, Robert Adam, however, she cut in, saying, “I know about the Adams, sir, the father and his equally talented sons. I know also that Robert Adam designed this house. Indeed, I’m told it’s one of the three finest examples of his work in London.” After a pause, she added, “I have met Miss Devon-Poole. Is it a particular object with you to please her?”
    “It is not my intention to disappoint her. I intend to make her my wife.”
    She had hoped to disconcert him with the impertinent question, but to her astonishment, his casual reply brought a surge of dismay that seemed to tie her tongue in knots. Choosing her next words with more care, she said, “I had not heard of your engagement.”
    “There isn’t one, so there is no reason that you should have heard.”
    “Does the lady know of your intent?”
    He grimaced. “She does not, and I’ll thank you not to tell her.”
    “Oh, Letitia dear,” Miss Abigail said from the doorway, “don’t forget to bring Jeremiah when next you come, and do come soon. Do say you will.”
    “Yes, ma’am, I will. I am to ride with Her Majesty at the riding school near the palace tomorrow, and I may have to attend church services with her on Sunday. Perhaps I can manage to come to you Sunday afternoon or on Monday, if one of those days will suit you and your Mrs. Hopworthy.”
    “Oh, there can be no objection to either one! I’ll tell Miranda.”
    “If you will accept my counsel,” Raventhorpe said when Miss Abigail had taken herself off again, “you will not—”
    “Raventhorpe, do stop offering me advice. It does nothing more than make me want to run counter to it. What a fine library this is, to be sure.”
    “You, my girl, had better be careful at the riding school,” he said grimly. “You are quite clearly ripe for a fall.”
    “I am sure you will look out for me,” she said with a sigh.
    “I won’t be there,” he retorted. “I leave for Newmarket tomorrow. If my horses run well, I expect to stay there through Wednesday.”
    Hiding her disappointment, and wondering if Miss Susan Devon-Poole also meant to attend the Newmarket races, Letty turned the subject by asking about the contents of the library. Nonetheless, the