Page 118 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

He had no interest in developing a relationship with any of the ladies that the gentlemen were still discussing as they tramped through Lord Northwood’s gardens to the house.

He had no interest in ladies, full stop.

He’d come here free and single. And he’d leave that way, too.

CHAPTER3

“Grandmama,I wish you’d told me about the arrival of – er – Angela. I was woefully unprepared for another guest.”

Holly held her cup to her mouth whilst she whispered fiercely to her grandmother.

The ladies had returned from an enjoyable sojourn in the village and were now partaking of afternoon tea before retiring to rest then ready themselves for dinner.

Angela hadn’t joined them in the village.

After making hasty preparations to have the yellow bedroom prepared for the lady, Holly had sent a servant to invite her on their trip. And Angela had sent back her apologies, saying she’d had a long journey.

But from where? It was still a mystery.

Lady Northwood turned a frown on her granddaughter.

“Who, dear?” she asked.

“Angela,” Holly repeated. “Um – Lady Angela, perhaps. I think – maybe.”

In truth, Holly had no idea if the woman was titled or not. Though she carried herself with a certain regal air.

Now, her grandmother was looking at her as though she’d sprouted another head, though Holly couldn’t altogether blame her. It was more than a little odd not to know the name of one’s guest.

But surely, Grandmama knew the lady.

“Your friend Angela arrived early this morning while you were abed. I greeted her and found her a room, of course. But it was a surprise. You never mentioned another guest.

“My dear, I have no idea about whom you’re speaking. I haven’t invited anyone else. And I certainly don’t know any Lady Angela.”

Holly gaped at her grandmother.

“But – but –“

She had no idea what to say, or what on earth was going on.

“My dear.” Lady Northwood grasped Holly’s hand, jerking her teacup alarmingly. “Do we have a fraudster in our midst?”

Holly thought about the bizarre old lady. She was blunt. Straight-talking but enigmatic, too.

She thought of the outmoded dress, the wiry white curls, the startling green eyes.

Though a bit of a curiosity, Lady Angela had a trustworthiness about her. Even whilst she’d confounded Holly, she’d also given off a calm, kindly aura.

In truth, though they’d spoken for but twenty minutes, Holly was inclined to trust the lady implicitly.

“No, I don’t think so, Grandmama. At least, I do not think she means to do anyone any harm.”

“But what should we do?” Lady Northwood asked.

“I’m not sure,” Holly responded truthfully. “Perhaps when we speak to her at dinner, her intentions will become clearer.”

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