Her Own Rules/Dangerous to Know Read Online Free PDF

braked when the front door flew open and bright light flooded out onto the wide porch.
    A moment later Blanche and Pete O’Brien were at the top of the steps, and as Meredith opened the car door, Pete was already halfway down, exclaiming, “Welcome, Meredith, you’ve certainly made it in good time despite the snow.”
    â€œHello, Pete,” she said as he enveloped her in a hug. She added, as they drew apart, “There’s nobody like Jonas when it comes to driving. He’s the best.”
    â€œThat he is. Hi, Jonas, good to see you,” Pete said, nodding to the driver, smiling at him. “I’ll help you with Mrs. Stratton’s bags.”
    â€œEvening, Mr. O’Brien, but I can manage. There’s nothing much to carry.”
    Meredith left the two men to deal with the bags, and ran up the steps.
    â€œIt’s good to be back here, Blanche!”
    The two women embraced and then Blanche, smiling up at Meredith, led her inside. “And it’s good to have you back, Meredith, if only for one night.”
    â€œI wish I could stay longer, but as I explained on the phone, I’ve got to get back to the city after the meeting at Hilltops tomorrow.”
    Blanche nodded. “I think you’re going to make a deal with the Morrisons. They’re awfully eager to buy an inn, get away from New York, lead a different kind of life.”
    â€œI’m keeping my fingers crossed,” Meredith said, shrugging out of her heavy gray wool cape, throwing it down on a bench.
    â€œI know you’ll like them, they’re a lovely couple, very sincere, straight as a dye, and quite aside from wanting to start a new business, they love this part of Connecticut.”
    â€œAnd why not, it’s God’s own country,” Meredith murmured. She glanced around the entrance hall. “Everything looks wonderful, Blanche, so warm, welcoming.”
    Blanche beamed at her. “Thanks, Meredith, you know I love this old place as much as you do. Anyway, you must be starving. I didn’t think you’d want a full dinner at this late hour, so I made some smoked salmon sandwiches, and there’s fruit and cheese. Oh and I have a hunter’s soup bubbling on the stove.”
    â€œThe soup sounds great. You make the best, and they’re usually a meal in themselves. I’m sure Jonas is hungry after the long drive, so perhaps you’d offer him the soup too, and some sandwiches.”
    â€œI will.”
    Pete came in with Meredith’s overnight bag and briefcase. “Jonas has gone to park the car,” he explained. “I’ll take these upstairs.”
    â€œThanks, Pete,” Meredith said.
    â€œI’ve put you in the toile de Jouy suite,” Blanche told her, “because I know how much you like it. Now, do you want a tray up there? Or shall I bring it to the bar parlor?”
    â€œI’ll have it down here in the parlor, thanks, Blanche,” Meredith said, peering into the room that opened off the inn’s large entrance hall. “I see you have a fire going . . . that’s nice. I think I’ll make myself a drink. Would you like one, Blanche?”
    â€œWhy not. I’ll join you in a vodka and tonic. But first let me go and fix a tray for Jonas, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She hurried off in the direction of the kitchen.
    Meredith went into the bar parlor, glancing around as she strolled over to the huge stone hearth at the far end of the room. The fire burning brightly, the red carpet, the red velvet sofas and tub chairs covered in red and cream linen, gave the parlor a warm, rosy feeling. This was further enhanced by the red brocade curtains at the leaded windows, the polished mahogany paneled walls, and the red shades on the wall sconces. It was a slightly masculine room in feeling and rather English in overtone; there was a mellowness about it that Meredith had always liked.
    The carved mahogany bar