Free Lavender Lies (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

Lavender knew it would not be wise to go to a party where she would be seen by so many people. Besides, it would not be fun to go to a party where she would have to deliberately appear drab.
    Her aunt sighed. "I might have guessed you would not want to go. Was there no letter from your brother?"
    "No, not today."
    Amelia waved her niece away. "Leave me then. I just want to be alone for a while."
    "I will return later, Aunt Amelia. If there is anything you wish, you have only to ring the hand bell and 1 will hear you." Amelia again took up her mending, ignoring Lavender, who moved out the door, closing it softly behind her.
    Thunder shook the foundation of the house, while lightning streaked across the sky. A heavy rain pelted the roof as Lavender descended the stairs. She walked across the hall, realizing she would get soaked when she went to the kitchen at the back of the house. Hearing the loud rapping on the front door, she placed the tray on the hall table and hurried to answer it. How could she have forgotten that Julian West was arriving this afternoon? She patted her hair into place and opened the door, managing to look startled to see the man standing there. She had to pretend not to know who he was.
    Julian stared at the plain young woman who stood in the doorway. "It took you long enough to answer my knock, ma'am. Do you expect me to stand out here all day in the rain?" His voice sounded irritated, and Lavender knew she must play the part of a shy little bird, when inside anger burned at this man's highhanded manner.
    "I do not know you, sir. Did you want something?" Her eyes wavered and she dipped into a curtsy, hoping he would see nothing in her that would remind him of the slender youth he had encountered earlier in the afternoon.
    Rain ran off the side of his hat and trickled down his shoulder. He was not in the best of moods and was not accustomed to seeing to his own comfort—others had always done that for him. "Were you not expecting me, ma'am?"
    "I do not know. Would you be so kind as to introduce yourself, then I might know if you are expected."
    With a growl of impatience, Julian pushed the door wider and stepped inside. He paid little heed to the woman as he removed his wet hat and slapped it against his thigh. "I am Julian West. You must have received my letter."
    She pretended to be startled. "Oh, yes, Mr. West. I am so sorry. Please forgive me, but you see, since you did not introduce yourself, how could I know who you are?"
    Julian stared at the young woman trying to see if she was indeed sorry, or if she were mocking him, as her tone of voice indicated. No, she was a shy creature who probably jumped at shadows. Her hair was parted in the middle and pulled back in a tight little bun. Her eyes appeared dull behind the eyeglasses she wore. "Am I to assume that I am speaking to the mistress of the house, Miss Amelia Daymond?"
    "No. Unfortunately she is too ill to receive you at this time. If you will allow it, I will show you to your rooms and see that you are made comfortable."
    "I trust Miss Daymond suffers from nothing serious." The words sounded more mechanical than concerned.
    "No, she will be up in a few days."
    "Since you are obviously in charge, will you see that a bath is prepared? I will take dinner in my room, since I have correspondence to attend to." He was thoughtful for a moment. "I would like pheasant and fruit if available. I have my own stock of wine and brandy, which will be delivered later."
    Lavender's eyes flashed like fire. She had to war within herself to beat down her rebellious streak. There was something about this man that put her on the defensive. How arrogant he was. Did he think he could come into this house and demand to be treated like an honored guest? Did he think she was his servant, whose only duty was to do his bidding? She drew in her breath, knowing it was essential that she appear meek and submissive.
    "I will see that Jackson prepares the bath for you, and I