A Court of Thorns for Lady Ambergrave: A Historical Regency Romance Novel
Page 30
Lucretia’s eyes grew wide. She was to start now? He had hired her? Without returning to Bath?
Sensing her confusion, he looked up once more. “Is there a problem, Miss Nelson? I was under the impression you were in need of immediate employment.”
Lucretia cleared her throat. “Yes, My L… Your Grace, I am. And I am ever so grateful. Thank you so much.”
“Well then. You are to start Henry’s lessons tomorrow morning. You may converse with your aunt, as she is aware of what he has been taught thus far. Once my sister returns, she will want to sit with you and discuss his lessons and so forth, but that will not be for another fortnight at least. Until then, I shall leave my son’s education in your capable hands.”
Mr. Swindon, the butler, had arrived while the Duke had instructed her further and now that he was done, he indicated for her to follow Mr. Swindon.
She swallowed and rose, giving him another curtsy, this time an impeccable one, and followed the butler outside.
Lucretia exhaled when the heavy doors closed behind her
“His Grace only appears intimidating, Miss Nelson. Don’t let him scare you. He’s a kind man at heart.”
Lucretia looked the butler in the eye and was surprised to find that his formerly stern countenance had been replaced with a kind expression and a slight smile. She nodded at the man, grateful for his words. The Duke had indeed intimidated her.
“Tis my first time speaking to someone so high up in the peerage. Thus far, the highest-ranking person I ever met was an Earl. The father of one of my students at Mrs. Doringcourt’s school.”
The butler indicated the direction in which she should walk and gave her another nod.
“I see. I find the nobility, in the end, are a lot like us commoners. They endure their hardships same as us, especially His Grace. Keep in mind, they’re all just human, only with a more comfortable way of life.”
Lucretia frowned. She wondered what hardship the Duke had endured. She had certainly sensed the air of sadness and suffering around him, but she was not certain what caused it. Now that the butler had made this ominous comment, she found herself all the more curious.
Alas, she did not have much time to wonder about the subject, for up ahead she heard a screeching sound followed by the sound of two sets of feet running across the marble floor. The sound echoed and then faded somewhat, somewhere behind them. Lucretia turned but saw nothing.
“Ah, Lord Henry is excited today. I shall warn you, Miss Nelson, our little boy has an abundance of energy, and the nurses have thus far struggled to contain it.”
The footsteps sounded once more behind them as they made their way back toward the main hallway.
“I trust you are of a more robust nature than those that preceded you. At least, Mrs. Harrison appeared to think so.”
“I have had my hands rather full with a classroom of energetic young ladies, Mr. Swindon. I trust I shall be able to handle one young boy.” She smiled at the tall butler who tilted his head back and forth.
“You may find one young boy more work than a classroom full of ladies, Miss Nelson. Particularly this young boy.”
They turned and Lucretia found herself back in the Hall which connected the various wings of the manor and she was once again confronted with the portraits of the strange, golden-haired ladies. She would have to ask Betsy about them, when she got the chance.
“I assure you, Mr. Swindon, nothing vexes me, not when it comes to our little…” she did not get any further because she felt herself pushed forward with some force and lost her footing.
Her arms grasping at nothing as she tumbled forward, she saw the great Hall’s magnificent marble floor coming toward her at great speed and then—suddenly—she found her world going black.
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Also by Emma Linfield
Thank you for reading A Court of Thorns for Lady Ambergrave!
I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, may I ask you to please write a review HERE? It would mean very much to me. Reviews are very important and allow me to keep writing books that you love to read!
Some other stories of mine:
A Fearless Governess for the Forsaken Duke
The Breaking Dawn of a Fallen Duke
A Bottle of Betrayal for the Forgotten Duchess
The Untold Tale of the Winter Duchess
An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl
His Duchess in Disguise
Also, if you liked this book, you can also check out my full Amazon Book Catalogue HERE.
Thank you for allowing me to keep doing what I love!
Emma Linfield
About the Author
Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!