Grenville 02 - Lord John's Dilemma by G.G. Vandagriff Page A

like someone’s poor relation. Putting on her matching pelisse, she descended from the third floor down to the entry hall to meet the family.
    Lady Lindsay was fussing about her girls like a hummingbird, tucking a curl here, twitching a flounce there. She did not even look up when Delia entered.
    In the governess’s opinion, the girls’ dresses were far too over-embellished for their slight figures—too many flounces and furbelows.
    Soon they were all ensconced in the family carriage bound for Grenville Manor.
    “I am so excited to see the twins,” said Mariah. “Last time I saw them, they were barely walking.”
    Lady Lindsay tapped Mariah on the knee with her fan. “They may have grown, but not enough to join us for dinner.”
    “Oh, I intend to ask permission to visit the nursery,” said Mariah. “I just want to help tuck them in. All of you will be drinking that ghastly Madeira before dinner. I will not be missed.”
    “I do not drink sherry either,” said Molly. “I shall go with you.”
    “Only if you have permission,” said Lady Lindsay.
    Delia was watching Miss Lindsay look out the carriage window. Beating her closed fan into her palm, the girl appeared completely oblivious to the conversation. Was she nervous? Or was she irritated at Major Lambeth over his neglect the day before?
    Delia was inclined to think it was the latter. Soon she would find out. She admitted to herself that she was very interested to see the interior of the castle, as she had immediately thought Grenville Manor to be when she had first seen it.
    The entry hall proved to be a vast, high-ceilinged room with wooden beams and a polished wooden floor overlaid with jewel-toned Oriental rugs. The walls were hung with ruby silk. They were greeted by a stiff-backed butler and footmen who helped remove the ladies’ pelisses and then led them to a monstrously large drawing room.
    Delia counted six crystal chandeliers before she was greeted by Lady Grenville with a warm smile.
    “Miss Haverley, it is good to see you again. My, what an enchanting gown!” Her honey-colored eyes were warm with welcome.
    Lady Lindsay caught the comment, and flashed a look in her governess’s direction. She opened her mouth as though to say something and immediately snapped it shut. Her eyes sparked fire as she pressed her lips together, her nostrils distended in silent rage. Delia was very glad she had kept her pelisse on until now.
    “Thank you so much for the invitation,” she said. “You have a magnificent home.”
    “Thank you. I admit it is a bit of a challenge to make it seem inviting. It was built during the days when intimidation was the motive behind design. “
    Mariah approached and curtseyed. “Lady Grenville, may I have permission to go to the nursery to say good night to the twins?”
    Delia was not even aware of the answer, as Major Lambeth approached her at that moment. “Good evening, Sprite,” he said in low tones. “That gown was made for a ton party, and you are only masquerading as a governess. You will never be able to convince me otherwise.” Then quite smoothly, he said in normal tones, “I do not believe you have met my sister, Lady Anabella, who has come down from London to stay with us just now. Anabella, this is Miss Haverley, governess to Molly and Mariah.”
    Lady Anabella was a handsome woman with nearly black hair fixed in a modish style and dressed in a comely maroon organdy gown trimmed in black velvet. She acknowledged Delia with a slight bow of the head. “You shall have to give me the name of your modiste, Miss Haverley. That is a most lovely gown.”
    Delia knew another moment of misgivings for the vanity which had dictated her choice of evening wear. She lied, “I have a very talented friend in Kent who amuses herself with fashion design. She does all her own gowns and many of mine.”
    “Clever woman,” the major said with an impish smile. Without another word, he moved off to greet Miss Lindsay. “I am