Page 65

“I’d like that.” He nodded toward a closed door. “I’ll just wait in the library.” He turned away with the ease of someone comfortable with his surroundings.
“Come along, then, Miss Andrews.” Honora led the way along a column of wide stairs that led to the second floor. The wood of the balustrade was polished to a high sheen. Overhead the crystal chandeliers, filled with hundreds of candles, rivaled the glitter of a sky filled with stars. To Felicity, who had lived her entire life amid the simple pleasures of a Boston flat, this was luxury beyond belief.
“Your home is lovely, Honora.”
“Thank you. Though I must confess I much prefer life in London to this dreary little countryside. But I fear it will be a long time before I see London again.”
“Lord Falcon told me about William’s accident.”
“Ian has prepared me for the fact that he will never leave his bed.”
Felicity stopped in midstride. “I don’t know how you can bear it.”
The young woman shrugged, then continued walking. “William has been an adventurer since his youth. Like all the Falcons, I’m afraid. You heard about his older brother, Chandler?”
Felicity nodded.
“Broke the old man’s heart. And now William. Ian says it will be too much for Lord Falcon’s delicate health.”
Felicity rounded a corner and followed her hostess through wide double doors into a beautifully appointed sitting room. A cozy fire burned on the hearth, filling the suite with heat and light. A sofa and a pair of claret-colored chairs were positioned to take advantage of the warmth. The floors were covered with exotic rugs in lush jewel tones. On a sideboard a silver tray held an assortment of crystal decanters and goblets.
In the adjoining room was a huge bed hung with fine linen. Two chattering maids were unpacking Felicity’s trunks, hanging her gowns in a lovely carved armoire. The minute she and Honora entered, the conversation ceased. The servants finished their work efficiently, then bowed their way out of the room.
Felicity wondered if either of them had been responsible for the earlier chaos. But then, she reminded herself, it could have been anyone at Falcon’s Lair.
When they were alone, Honora walked to the sideboard and watched as Felicity made a slow turn around each room. “Wine or ale?” she asked.
“Whatever you’re having.” Felicity was astonished by such luxury. She couldn’t resist touching a hand to the bed. Soft. The mattress was as soft as down, and the bed linens were as fine as silk, all delicately embroidered with Lord Falcon’s crest. It was everywhere—on the heavy damask quilt, the draperies, even on the crossed swords that hung over the mantel, like the ones over his bed.
Honora handed her a goblet of clear, pale wine. “This will revive you.”
“Thank you.” Felicity followed the young woman across the room and took a seat in front of the fire. “I’m already feeling better. After the confinement of the ship and then the long coach ride, it felt good to walk in a bracing wind.” She took a sip of wine and felt the warmth radiate through her veins.
“I prefer a carriage. I find our English winters and brief springs tedious.” Honora sipped her wine, watching her guest carefully. “Especially here on the moors. Thankfully these seasons don’t last long. Perhaps by summer I’ll be back in London.” She seemed to mentally shake herself. “Are you satisfied with your accommodations?”
“Satisfied?” Felicity gave a little laugh. “Oh, Honora, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
There was a tap on the door, and Bean stepped timidly into the room. “Mrs. Atherton says there’s a light meal ready.”
“Thank you, Bean. Come along,” said Honora, setting her goblet aside. “We’ll join Dr. St. John in the library.”
She led the way down the stairs and into a room that smelled of leather and woodsmoke. One wall was dominated by a massive stone fireplace. Close by was a table covered with crisp linens and set with an assortment of fine china and silver.
Felicity gazed in awe at the floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books. Ian St. John hastily returned a book he’d been perusing and hurried to join the two ladies.
“I’ve never seen so many books in one place in my life,” Felicity said with a sigh of disbelief. “How my father would have loved this.”
“A man of letters?” The doctor held a chair for Honora, then Felicity, before taking his own place.
“Yes. He was a physician who lectured at Harvard.”
“A physician?” Ian’s head came up sharply.
“His field was exotic medicines.” She glanced toward the doorway, missing the look that passed between the doctor and Honora. “Will Lord Falcon be joining us?”
“I thought you knew. The old man never leaves his bed.”
“But he told me he’d be joining me tonight for dinner in the dining room.”