Free The Vampire’s Mail Order Bride by Kristen Painter Page A

seconds, he said nothing. “Yes. Like that.”
    She smiled, somehow holding on to her calm exterior, even though she kind of wanted to jump him. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll let you know how things go when I get back.”
    “I’ll be waiting. In fact, why don’t we go into town for dinner tonight?” Hugh stood and shot Stanhill a look. “Then we can give Stanhill the night off.”
    Stanhill said nothing.
    She nodded. “Sure, that would be nice.”
    “I’ll make the arrangements. I’m sure I can find a spot you’ll like.” Hugh picked up his coffee, gave her a look that finished melting her insides, and left.
    Stanhill drove her to Lady Ellingham’s estate. She did a quick Google search on Annabelle, but came up empty. Which sucked but also meant Delaney could say whatever she wanted. Sort of. She put her phone away and watched the scenery.
    A house loomed ahead. “Is that the estate?”
    “Yes,” Stanhill answered.
    The house made Hugh’s place look like a travel trailer. A really nice travel trailer, but still. Her estate sat across from the winery and looked down over the rolling vineyards. More acreage sprawled out around the property, making it both grand and secluded.
    She stared out the car window. “This place is gorgeous. Wow, these people have money.” She cringed and looked at Stanhill through the rearview mirror. “Sorry, I really didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
    He laughed and gave her a wink. “Not to worry, love. They do have money. Not like you were telling tales, eh?”
    She sighed. “This is going to be more fancy china and multiple forks, isn’t it?”
    “I’m afraid so.”
    She glanced at him. “Is she going to grill me? Should I expect the Spanish Inquisition?”
    He shrugged. “She hired you. Shouldn’t be too bad.”
    That failed to instill any confidence in Delaney.
    He parked and came around to open her door. When she got out, he handed her a little card. “I’ve written my mobile on there. Call when you’re ready to come home, all right?”
    She nodded. “Thanks.”
    He tipped his head toward the house. “Off you go.”
    With a nervous smile, she headed to the door and knocked. Stanhill went back to the car, but didn’t pull away. A prim woman with kind eyes answered and let her in. “You must be Annabelle.”
    Delaney nodded. “Yes.”
    “I’m Alice Bishop, Elenora’s assistant. She’s in the solarium. I’ll show you in.”
    Delaney followed Alice as Stanhill finally drove away. A broad, winding staircase led off the foyer. The rest of the house was like a European museum, all creamy marble, soaring ceilings and statuary. Their footsteps echoed through the vast space, but the solarium was much cozier. Bright and cheery and filled with plants, except for the back corner, which was shaded by potted palms. Elenora sat at a wrought iron and marble table beneath them.
    She stood as Delaney entered. “Hello, there.”
    “Hello.” Delaney squelched the urge to curtsey. For the grandmother of three adult men, she barely looked a day over sixty-five. She must have had work done. Good work. Not the kind that made a woman look like she had a chip clip holding everything together on the back of her neck. “Thank you for inviting me. Your home is incredible.”
    “Thank you, dear. Please, join me.” Elenora pointed to the chair across from her.
    Delaney took the seat and tried not to fidget, but she felt as out of place as a meatball in a box of truffles. The table was already set with delicate china cups and plates and scroll-handled silverware.
    Alice returned with a tea trolley. An actual tea trolley. She poured tea for both of them, then added creamer, sugar and a three-tiered platter of finger sandwiches and petit fours to the table. There were two sets of silver tongs.
    “Help yourself, dear.” Elenora used her tongs to select a few items and put them on a small plate. “How are things going with Hugh?”
    Right to it then. “Good. I’d say