Lord Barry's Dream House Read Online Free PDF Page B

and he waited for her to deny this incredible assertion.
    “I firmly believe the design that Joseph Bramah developed is the best at present. My father experimented and felt he had improved slightly upon the original design, and that change was included with our order. But yes, the plumbing pipes have been installed, and we merely await the fixtures. Once the painting is finished and perhaps some decoration added, they will be set in place. It is so disagreeable to seek a privy in the midst of a rainstorm or in the cold of winter. I felt certain that you would wish a modern convenience for your home.” Since he had said he wished comfort, that was what she intended to give him.
    “But they are not on the plans,” he countered. “Someone ought to have consulted with me.”
    Of course he was right, she admitted to herself. “Time constraints,” she replied, taking refuge in the distance that had made correspondence a long, time-consuming matter. She took a militant stance knowing that this was the first of many obstacles she had to face. If she failed at this one, she might as well hand over the reins of the building to Sir Phineas and watch the place become a Gothic pile.
    Lord Barry blinked, taking a step back, no doubt because of her aggressive attack. Juliana congratulated herself on her approach. If she might win this particular battle, the remainder should follow.
    “And drainage?” he queried in a faintly ominous tone.
    “They drain to a point some distance from the house. It is a better system than prevails at Osterly House, where, as you must know, Lady Jersey wishes the finest of things installed.” Juliana clasped her hands behind her, hoping he would not notice how nervous she was. This was not a time for vapors or weakness of any kind. It was difficult enough to discuss a subject like water-closets with a strange man without going into the matter of proper drainage—a matter that a young lady usually knew nothing about.
    Steps were heard on the portico, and moments later Sir Phineas entered the vast hall, a smirk on his lean, hawkish face. He doffed his hat to Lord Barry, revealing that fringe of gray below his balding pate.
    Juliana performed the introductions with grace, her anger at the nasty Sir Phineas for daring to show his face in this house causing her to forget her nervousness.
    “Well, my lord, is it not as I told you? This chit of a girl has the nerve to assume the direction of the beautiful home being built for you, when you thought you had the services of a capable architect—Lord Hamilton. Surely you will wish to make some changes.” He bestowed a smug look at Juliana, and she longed to kick him in the shins, or perhaps nudge him off a ledge. She knew he was responsible for her problems, yet she could not prove a thing against the man.
    Edmund glanced at Lady Juliana and noted the tightening of her lips, her determined stance. It seemed clear to him that she had not the least liking for this intruder. And what did this old neighbor stand to gain by his action? This aspect intrigued Edmund not a little.
    “And what would they be, Sir Phineas?” Edmund inquired in a dangerously quiet voice that echoed through the room.
    Above them the plasterers were silent, pausing in their work. The carpenters had moved to a distant part of the building, and not a hammer could be heard. Edmund, Henry Scott, George Teynham, and Lady Juliana all stared at the newcomer until he shifted uneasily and gave a false-sounding laugh.
    “Why, find yourself a truly capable architect to oversee the remainder of the work, of course—one who will add some life to the building, give you the very latest in style and design,” Sir Phineas said persuasively. “I believe that I am capable of giving you a first-rate home.”
    “I have promised Lady Juliana that I will give her some time before I reach any decision regarding the future of the house. I have not yet inspected the building from top to bottom. Once that is