An Affair of Honor Read Online Free PDF

hair had not fallen victim to the merciless cropping so much in fashion with the younger set, but had been allowed to fall loosely in natural ringlets about her pretty, marble-like shoulders. Her only hair ornament was a bright red ribbon, matching the wide sash that nipped her dress in just under those magnificent breasts. Red gloves, sandals, and reticule completed her outfit. She swung the reticule by its tie-strings as she gazed directly at her grandmother and continued in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.
    “Huntley’s estate marches to the north of Papa’s, and they determined between them to consolidate the two by making this match. So, it is merely a marriage of convenience, you see, and that is why his lordship has graciously agreed that I might cut a dash before settling down as his countess in Kent.”
    “Very gracious, indeed,” commented Lady Agnes weakly.
    But Lady Crossways took her at her word. “You may well say so, Mama, but then Huntley is always considerate.” She smiled condescendingly at the dark gentleman, a gesture that caused Nell’s own lips to twitch slightly.
    Clarissa appeared to have changed very little over the years, except for her increasing waistline. But the added pounds seemed to have kept the lines of age at bay, for her rosy complexion, despite her thirty-five years, was as flawlessly smooth as ever. The present penchant for narrow, Grecian gowns did little to enhance her figure; however, she used her elegant India shawl to advantage, its deep folds and drapes doing a good deal to conceal the faults of her figure. Her light blue, dark-rimmed eyes were as lovely as ever, and no one could deny that the artless tumble of red-gold curls à la Titus was anything but vastly becoming to her.
    Nell realized Huntley was watching her and felt sudden warmth invading her cheeks, but if he meant to speak to her, he had no chance, for her brother chose that auspicious moment to make his entrance, followed shortly thereafter by the arrival of Sir Henry Sinclair, who had been invited to dine. The latter gentleman’s appearance on the scene, though he claimed to have arrived before his appointed hour, reminded Lady Crossways that she and her daughter required some time to freshen up before dinner. Crossways and Huntley likewise begged their hostess’s indulgence and retired with Kit to change for the meal. Nell took her sister and niece upstairs, thus leaving Lady Agnes to entertain Sir Henry as best she might.
    “Still just as fusty as ever,” stated Clarissa once they had entered the pretty yellow bedchamber allotted to Rory.
    “Do you mean Sir Henry?”
    “Of course. Who else? ’Pon rep, Nell, I am astonished the old gentleman don’t still powder his hair. He wears it long enough.” She patted her own stylish curls with an air of self-satisfaction.
    “He has been very kind to us,” Nell said evenly. There were two other women, unknown to her and clearly of the serving class, already in the room, and she did not wish to continue such a conversation in their presence. “I do not mean to change my gown, Clarissa, but I’m certain my hair needs attention, and my woman will be waiting. So if there is nothing further you require …”
    “Run along, my dear. Alice and Sadie will see to our wants, I assure you. But first let me say how pleased I am that you have agreed to show Rory just how to go on. The pretty puss has been cast into transports these weeks and more at the very thought of seeing Brighton under her favorite aunt’s guidance.”
    Nell gave a wry smile. “Since I am her only aunt …”
    The Lady Aurora chuckled appreciatively. “Aunt Nell, I think we shall deal together famously,” she said, stepping forward with both slim hands extended. Nell found her own clasped warmly within them. “I was so afraid you’d be an antidote, but I can see at once that you are nothing of the sort.”
    “Th-thank you.” The words rode on a gurgle of laughter. “I think that must be a