Dangerous Diana (Brambridge Novel 3) by Pearl Darling Page A

would regret the day that he said that.
    “I really must go, Harding. I’ll be interested in seeing what you come up with.”
    So would she—especially when Hades found her gone.
    Melissa had seen where the footmen usually kept the cloaks of guests and the household. It was a small cupboard that fitted into the paneling under the staircase. Tiptoeing from the door of the study to the bottom of the stairs, she held on to the bannister and edged as quietly as possible along the hall carpet to the cupboard. The door to the alcove opened soundlessly. Her cloak lay clean and dry in the space underneath. Darting a hand in, she drew the cloak out and threw it around her neck, clasping it closed.
    The study door began to open. Taking three giant steps, she landed back near the front door as Lord Freddie Lassiter, one of Lord Stanton’s very good friends, left the study.
    Melissa sighed in relief and folded her hands under her cloak. She had met him before, he would be friendly, especially as she and Lord Stanton had parted on good terms. “Lah! Lord Lassiter. One of the men that I wanted to see.”
    Freddie gazed open-mouthed at her. “Miss Sumner! As I live and breathe—” He leaned heavily on his cane and took a tentative step forward. Hurriedly, without giving him time to speak, Melissa spoke again.
    “As you are here, you might as well escort me out. This was just a chance visit and I need to see you more than the earl.”
    “It would be my pleasure. I haven’t seen you for months.” Regaining his composure, Freddie stepped towards the front door. “I will just wait for Carter to open the door.”
    “Oh, no need to do that,” Melissa said urgently. Really, did this man not realize that she was trying to escape?
    A cough at the end of the hall made them both look back. Carter appeared at the foot of the stairs flanked by two of the largest footmen in the household.
    Melissa smiled weakly. “Oh, Carter. Lovely to see you again. Dear Lord Lassiter was just showing me to the door. I’ve decided that I don’t want to visit the earl after all.”
    To Freddie’s obvious astonishment, Carter did not move. The footmen also regarded her watchfully. Their heads swung in unison to look at the study door. Unfortunately Arturo also chose that moment to sit on Melissa’s feet so that she could not turn to see what they were looking at.
    “Arturo!” She shook her legs. “Get off my feet.” She slid a sideways look at Freddie. He regarded her with a narrowed look.
    “Leaving so soon, Miss Sumner?” Hades’ voice smoothly interrupted her altercation with the dog.
    “I yes, er, sometimes some visits can feel like a lifetime, can’t they?”
    One of the footmen sniggered which was sharply cut off after an elbow from Carter.
    “I would be very happy to escort Miss Sumner out of the door as she asked.” Freddie leaned on his cane and raised his eyebrows.
    “Oh, I just bet she did,” Hades muttered audibly.
    “Carter, I would be grateful if you could open the door for me now. I really am late for another appointment.” Freddie took a pocket watch out of his coat and flicked it open.
    Carter still had not moved by the time Freddie had closed and pocketed the time piece again.
    “Well, man?”
    Melissa held her breath. Hades nodded with one movement of his head. With a surprised jerk, Carter motioned the footmen forward to open the doors.
    “I say, Miss Sumner, shall we go?” Freddie held out his free arm to Melissa. However, Arturo still sat firmly on Melissa’s slipper. He howled softly.
    “Arturo!” Hades said sharply. “Biscuit.”
    But even that was not enough to shift the hound immediately. He gazed forlornly into Melissa’s eyes and with a mournful woof stood up and waddled to Hades. Hades picked up the little dog and cradled him in his arms. But Arturo would not look at him, and continued to gaze at Melissa.
    “Yes. Thank you.” Melissa gulped and took Freddie’s arm. “Earl Harding, I will call on