Free A Scandalous Publication by Sandra Heath Page B

and was shown through to the sunny garden, where she found not only Charlotte and Mrs. Wyndham seated on the white-painted, wrought-iron furniture beneath the cherry tree, but also her father, who was paying yet another of his lengthy visits.
    While they were talking and sipping their tea, a carriage drew up at the front of the house. It was a post chaise, dusty from the long journey from Falmouth in Cornwall, and as the postboy dismounted and began to unload the many trunks, a young gentleman alighted, pausing for a moment to glance up at the house. He was elegantly attired in a pale-green coat and white trousers, and there was a handsome gold pin in his voluminous neckcloth. His hair was the same dark red as Charlotte’s, and his eyes the same gray, and at just twenty-nine Richard Pagett could have been taken for her brother, not her uncle. He had a very agreeable face, with laugh lines at the side of his mouth and eyes, and there was something about him that made others always feel at ease in his company. As he looked up at the little house, remembering the grandeur and style of Kimber Park, he decided that he would attend to the matter of more suitable residences as quickly as possible.
    When he knocked at the door, Mrs. White came immediately, her face lighting up with a smile. “Mr. Pagett?”
    He was a little taken aback. “Yes, but how —”
    “How do I know you, sir? Oh, I’d know you anywhere, you’re so very like Miss Charlotte. Please come in, and I’ll take you through to the garden.”
    He stepped inside and followed her. “Don’t announce me, Mrs .—?”
    “Mrs. White, sir, I’m the cook and housekeeper.”
    “I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. White. I’d like to sunrise them, so please don’t let them know I’ve arrived.” His voice bore traces of an acquired American accent, and it was very pleasant, soft and unhurried.
    “Oh, of course, sir, if that is what you wish. If you just go through that door there, you’ll see them in the garden.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Would you like some refreshment, sir?”
    “That would be most agreeable.”
    The cook beamed and hurried away, determined to give such a winning gentleman the very finest repast she could muster.
    Richard pushed open the door and looked down the garden at the little group beneath the cherry tree. They were completely unaware of his presence, so he could observe them at leisure. His sister, Sophia, did not seem to have changed a great deal, except perhaps that she was more plump. It suited her, he thought, for she now had that round rosiness that can be so very becoming. He surveyed Charlotte next. Ah, Charlotte, as pretty as a picture still, and with that splendid smile he remembered so well. How rueful she had always been that her mouth was too wide; she had never seemed to realize that it gave her a smile so glorious that she could seem the most beautiful of creatures. Had she been less independent, less determined to indulge in her virtual worship of the printed word, she would undoubtedly have long since have made an excellent match, but it was her misfortune that her would-be suitors had been a timid bunch, too lily-livered to dare take on a wife who might have the temerity to think for herself and speak her mind.
    He glanced at the admiral, wondering who he was. A military gentleman, that much was for sure, for he had the bearing that spoke of either the army or the navy. Whoever he was, Sophia was most certainly well disposed toward him, for she positively dimpled at every word he uttered.
    At last his glance rested on Sylvia, lingering appreciatively on the dainty figure in its peach lawn dress. How beautiful she was, with her pale, flawless complexion and delicate profile, and how lustrous her dark hair was in the afternoon sunlight. His gaze was so intense that at last she sensed it, looking around directly at him, her face framed by the mock-Tudor ruff adorning the neckline of her dress.
    Charlotte saw her glance and