Miss Winbolt and the Fortune Hunter by Sylvia Andrew Page B

visitors to go.
    As he took his leave of her William said, ‘I hope I am to see you too at Charlwood next week, Miss Winbolt. I look forward to hearing what you will recommend.’
    â€˜My brother and sister-in-law are the experts, Sir William. I don’t think I have much to add to what they can tell you,’ said Emily coolly.
    â€˜You underestimate yourself. After our walk thisafternoon—and our most instructive talk—I am sure you will have a great many ideas.’ He held her eyes as he said, ‘I shall see you next week, Miss Winbolt.’
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    At first Emily was annoyed and frustrated at this command of William’s to come with her brother to Charlwood—for it was no less than a command, of that she was sure. She felt she could trust him not to betray her secret, but she had no desire to spend more time with him than she had to. He had seen a part of her nature, a passion, a strength of feeling, which no one else had ever even suspected, herself included, and she resented the hold this gave him over her.
    Nevertheless, as the days went by she found to her surprise that her resentment was fading and she was even beginning to look forward to the visit. Indeed, she was surprised to find that she was happier than she had been for a long time, if only because life had become so much more interesting. After all, Sir William and she could now in fact meet on more or less equal terms. What had she to lose? She had nothing more to conceal, he knew the worst of her. She expected nothing from him except his silence. Though he might tease her, she could now be herself with him in a way that had been impossible before. And, if she was honest, she had to admit he had a quirky sense of humour which, in spite of herself, she found appealing.
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    When the day came even Rosa could not find fault with the way Emily was dressed. She was wearing one of her newest and prettiest dresses of pale apricot muslin, and over it a corded silk spencer in a deeper shade of the same colour. Her kid shoes and gloves, and her bonnet of Leghorn straw, were of the first elegance.Her hair had been released from its severe knot to allow one or two curls to escape. The colour of her dress gave a soft glow to a complexion that was normally rather pale, and excitement gave her face animation. But Rosa would have been less pleased if she had been aware of her sister-in-law’s motive for taking such pains with her appearance. She was not out to attract, but to impress. She had so far been at a disadvantage in every one of her encounters with William, but that was now about to change. She aimed to look every inch what she was—an elegant, well-born lady of some wealth, who could keep any man, including Sir William Ashenden, firmly in his place. It was purely coincidental that she was also looking her best.
    The look of surprised admiration in William’s eyes as he greeted them at Charlwood was very gratifying. Emily had half-expected one of his comments and braced herself, but his behaviour could not be faulted. He welcomed her as conventionally as he welcomed Rosa and Philip, and a little to her surprise said nothing to disturb her. Nor did he make any special effort to engage her in private conversation. On the surface at least, the owner of Charlwood was merely receiving three of his nearest neighbours for their first visit.
    They went first to the Dower House, where he introduced them to the couple who lived over the stables there.
    â€˜Mrs Lilley looks after this house for me, and her husband keeps an eye on the rest of the place, including Charlwood. Have you seen anything more of our intruders, Sam?’
    â€˜No, sir, not today I haven’t. I think they must have been frightened off.’
    William turned to his guests. ‘Several intrudershave been seen in and around Charlwood recently. Sam says they must be vagrants—but there’s no sign of any damage, is there, Sam?’
    â€˜None