Free Fran Baker by Miss Roseand the Rakehell

with haughty disdain at the worn drapes, the shiny thin chair coverings, and even at her own olive merino gown which was at least four years out of fashion. An embarrassed warmth crept up her neck. The thought of Stratford’s arrogant appraisal of her home, and the low opinion she was certain he would hold upon seeing the mended linen and threadbare carpets, sent the heated flush up over her cheeks. It was the only sign, as their guests arrived, that Miss Rose Lawrence was not her usual calm self.
    Years of being the mainstay of the Lawrence family, however, had given her considerable control over her emotions and it was with the semblance, at least, of composure that Rose stood to meet Viscount Stratford. She met his scrutiny squarely and did not reveal any of the inner turmoil that overcame her when she saw him again mentally dismiss her as he had done years before.
    His eyes passed over her swiftly as Helen continued making introductions very prettily in her low musical voice. Elizabeth’s maid had dressed her dark curls in a fashionable topknot which was left unadorned. Martha had then suggested that Miss Helen wear a simple cream gown of twilled cambric with azure ribbons circling its high waist. She wisely left all else to her charge’s own natural good looks. The viscount had much admired the results, setting both Mrs. Lawrences firm in the belief that his lordship was contracting a love match.
    Helen drew Stratford’s attention to the final member of her family present, her brother Esmond. His every objection—and these had been numerous—having been overridden by the females of his family, Esmond was indeed there to meet his future brother-in-law. He noted the set of the viscount’s superfine blue jacket upon his broad shoulders, the mirrored gleam of his tasseled Hessians, the intricate knot of his jauntily tied cravat and dismissed him instantly as one of the sporting set. Esmond sat down wearily, prepared to be bored out of his mind.
    His feelings were echoed precisely by Stratford, who notwithstanding, proceeded to charm the majority of the family with his easy good manners. Griffen was most favorably impressed and began to believe Nell had been, as usual, right to set his lordship’s reputation down to vile tale-bearers who jealously embellished his every youthful peccadillo. He was equally pleased with Mr. Baldwin and was gratified to see Rose speaking quietly with the gentleman, though it was a pity she had worn her cap today.
    The elder Mrs. Lawrence, having drawn on every reserve of her spare strength, sat in the center of the room, much like a queen holding her court, and it was she who dominated the conversation.
    “My dear Lord Stratford, I am sure I need not tell you how pleased and honored we are by your visit to our little home,” she said regally as soon as he was seated. “Though, of course, this is not the manner in which the Lawrences have always lived. No, indeed. I quite remember the gay times we had in London when Mr. Lawrence and I were first married. General Sir Ewan Lawrence is my brother-in-law, you know, but poor George! You know how it is with  younger sons.”
    “I am pleased to be here, ma’am,” Stratford said when she paused to take a breath.
    “My dear late husband always used to say, before he met with his fatal accident, that his luck would come about, and I feel quite certain that were Mr. Lawrence here today, he would be telling us that it had, at last!” Susanna rattled on brightly. “But I always knew something wonderful would come about with our little Helen. She is the dearest child, so sweet, so good-natured. She’ll make you a lovely viscountess, mark my words.”
    “Indeed, ma’am, I shall mark them immediately,” the viscount murmured rather dryly.
    “Please, Mama,” Helen interjected softly, a delightful rose caressing her cheeks.
    “It is only the simple truth, love! You are all that this lordship could wish for in a wife.”
    “Mother,” said