Free Amy Lake by The Marquess Takes a Fall Page B

rest!”
    Dee had taken Ampthill’s arm and was trying to steer him outside. The baronet was protesting, and Mrs. Groundsell, thinking better of her complaint in his lordship’s presence, was offering him tea and another biscuit.
    Only Lord Ashdown said nothing. In fact, as Fiona chanced a look, he appeared stunned.
    This flustered her. He must think that we are entirely without manners, she thought. I suppose they do not have such scenes in London. If only Sir Irwin would just leave. But—what about the letter? Fiona was hesitant to throw the man out without first discovering what he knew.
    Suddenly the kitchen door opened with a bang, nearly knocking into Dr. Fischer. A woman stood at the threshold. She was tall and dark-haired and . . . a lady , thought Fiona. Somehow there was no doubt, even without consideration of her attire, which was a riding outfit of the first stare.
    Fiona had never seen the woman before in her life.
    “So,” said the lady, “Where is he?”
    She was looking around the kitchen, clearly unimpressed with what she saw. Her eyes flitted past his lordship in the Bath chair and then, with a frown, returned.
    “My gods, Colin. What have you done to yourself?”
    Fiona could not understand the woman’s tone. She seemed more annoyed than anything else.
    And his lordship appeared—chagrined.
    “Who is this person?” said Sir Irwin.
    This was the outside of enough, decided Fiona. There were now five other adults in her kitchen, two of whom—Sir Irwin and Agnes Groundsell—she longed to see the back of, and one whom she had never met. She was about to raise her voice when the baronet again demanded to be informed of the newcomer’s identity, as if ’twas any of his business.
    “Enough,” said Colin, in a tone that stopped all conversation.
    Everyone turned to look at him. The lady tapped her toe impatiently on the kitchen floor, as if to say—well, get on with it, then.
    “Mrs. Marwick, my deepest apologies for this further intrusion on your life.”
    The woman raised her eyebrows. Fiona thought she saw a slight, ironic smile.
    “This is my sister, Lady Edwina Ashdown.”
    Agnes Groundsell stared open-mouthed, Mrs. Marwick curtseyed, and the men bowed. The lady inclined her head in acknowledgement, very slightly. But for a few moments there was silence, as no-one seemed to have any idea how else to respond.
    His lordship’s sister, in Barley Mow? Lord Ashdown had written his man of affairs weeks ago, so why had she only decided now to visit?
    “You must do something immediately about that waistcoat,” said Lady Edwina, addressing herself to the baronet. “Burning the thing would not be too extreme. And now,” she added, “perhaps someone will explain to me how the Marquess of Carinbrooke happens to be here, confined to a Bath chair, when he is supposed to be in Newcastle, at Elswick Manor, and meeting his fiancée.”
     

Chapter 14: Lord Ashdown’s Fiancée
     
    Gods.
    Colin’s eyes went to Mrs. Marwick’s face, where he saw no emotion, not even bewilderment. Maddie, however, was not as composed.
    “Marquess?” she said, in evident outrage. “Who’s a marquess?”
    “Ah,” said Lady Edwina. “I see. That gentleman—” She pointed to Lord Ashdown. “—is the Marquess of Carinbrooke. A fact which he has evidently neglected to mention.”
    “You mean Colin ? Colin doesn’t have a fiancée!”
    His sister’s eyes narrowed.
    “Madelaine,” said the girl’s mother, quietly. “Come with me.”
    “But—”
    “Now. We have chickens to feed.”
    ’Twas not the usual time for this activity, but Maddy looked at her mother’s face, and went.
      * * * *
    Sir Irwin had turned pale at the word ‘marquess’ and was finally convinced that he should leave, thank the gods. Edwina accompanied Hobbs to the stables, to give what would no doubt be detailed instructions about the care of Artemis, her mare. For the moment Lord Ashdown was alone with Dr. Fischer.
    “Fiancée?”