Page 95 of If the Slipper Fits
His warm eyes twinkled at her as if he read her intent. He proffered his arm.
The three proceeded indoors.
Inside the thick walls of the manse, the house was almost chilly, despite the warmth of the day. The combined scents of lemon oil, fresh flowers and long-standing wealth filled the air.
Her momentary bravado vanished. She’d entered into the Claybourne Dynasty lair. Lord only knew what fate would befall her now.
“Kitty will be reading, unless I miss my guess. She’s headed up a ladies’ book club dedicated to the advancement of women’s legal rights, if you can believe that.”
Caden snorted and the brothers exchanged looks of commiseration. “Oh, I can believe it.”
They moved unhurriedly through a winding maze of corridors to a destination seemingly known by both.
Moments later, they entered a small drawing room. One glance told Anna the family used this space for intimate gatherings. Still elegant like the rest of the manse, the chamber had a comfortable, lived-in feel.
A small fire burned in the grate. Green and cream scrolled silk-paper covered the walls where floor to ceiling shelving, filled with objects d’art and books did not. Plush carpets lay over gleaming hardwood floors, and the furnishings—velvet covered wingback chairs and a sturdy looking sofa—nestled around a large walnut table.
A leather-bound tome lay open on a side table, and a discarded throw draped over the arm of the nearest chair, as if someone had recently vacated the seat.
“I see the book, but not my wife. Can’t have gone far.”
Anna skimmed the book’s title. Mary Wollstonecraft’sA Vindication of the Rights of Women.
Zeke approached the east-facing wall, where two exterior doors opened to a cozy terrace. The sun’s glowing rays poured through the open doorway like an offering from heaven. He peered outside.
In an instant, his entire cool countenance metamorphosed to one of utter besottedness. “Kitty, darling.”
Anna heard the woman’s small start of surprise. Second’s later she appeared in the doorway. Gem covered combs held her long, ebony hair back from her face, while allowing the length of it to spill down her back. She was, to Anna’s mind, stunningly beautiful.
She clutched several long stemmed roses which she’d obviously just clipped. She aimed a warm, affectionate smile at Zeke. Then, noting the presence of others, turned and spotted Caden. Her face lit with unabashed delight.
“Caden, when did you arrive? Zeke, did you know? Why-ever did you not inform me? And who is this with you?” All of this came out in an exhilarated rush as she flew across the room toward Caden.
Slowing just enough to set the roses aside, she launched herself at Caden who caught her up in his arms with a hardy chuckle.
“For your information, Caden’s arrival is as much a surprise for me as it is for you.” Zeke came up behind his wife. He rested his hands on her shoulders. “Through some odd miscommunication, he got word the earl had taken ill.”
Lady Thurgood looked nonplussed. “The earl, ill? Nothing could be further from the truth. Wherever did you hear that, Caden?”
Caden arched a brow. “A very good question. Where is the old man now?”
“Resting after our afternoon walk,” she answered.
“Kitty’s a hard task-master. She insists Claybourne get his regular exercise,” Zeke said.
Caden sent her a fond grin.
Anna was beginning to feel like an unwelcome voyeur when the future countess turned her pale green gaze on her. “Now then, who is this you’ve brought home with you?”
Was it Anna’s imagination, or did a strange look pass over the woman’s face before her mouth curved in the placid smile she now wore?
Zeke’s attention shifted to Anna, his expression sober.
“Yes, well,” Caden cleared his throat and moved to stand beside her.
Her palms went sweaty in her kid-skin gloves. She braced herself for his explanation, and their reaction to learning they housed a member of the peerage’s run-away bride.
“Mrs. Jones…”
