Lord of the Abbey Read Online Free PDF Page A

he was a pleasantly handsome man.
     
    “Sir John, nice to see you again. I believe you met my friend, Amesbury when we last spoke.”
     
    “Indeed, how are you, Sir John? So happy you accepted our invitation this evening.” Lyon nodded.
     
    Sir John stepped forward to greet Amesbury.
     
    The sandy-haired man then quickly turned to regard the ladies. “Lyon Ravenscroft, Earl of Amesbury.” Lyon grew tired of waiting for an introduction to the ladies and bowing grandly, introduced himself to Lady Sperring and Rowena. His sparkling blue eyes rested approvingly on the Angel.
     
    “Lady Sperring, and Lady Rowena,” Harry began apologetically, “My friend, here, seems to have lost his patience as well as his manners.”
     
    Lyon laughed. “Were Glaston not such a close friend he might admit I haven’t any patience, and at times tis’ true even less manners. I will confess this sin, for it is of little consequence, soon we shall all be fine friends and much in each other’s company, what you being Harry’s close neighbors. Abbey Grange is to be the primary residence of Lord Glaston, in case you had not heard. I make it a habit to visit Harry often. So, we shall be seeing each other much in future. It is a pleasure to meet each of you, ladies.”
     
    “Lady Rowena,” Harry spoke before Lyon claimed her hand to bow over, or worse, “I am very anxious to hear your findings on the history of this Abbey. I have been fascinated by the history of this place since I was a boy. In all truth, my love for these very grounds spurred my decision to make Abbey Grange my primary residence. The main family seat has traditionally been in Devon, but I could not imagine myself living anywhere but here. I planned to return to Somersetshire much sooner, yet the affairs of my father’s estate kept me in London longer than anticipated.”
     
    “Of course, my Lord. Our deepest condolences upon the death of your father,” Aunt Frances offered. “We are, however, delighted to find you will be residing at Abbey Grange most of the time.”
     
    “Thank you Lady Sperring. Please, everyone, be seated.” He motioned to the spacious and ample seating area. He waited for the guests to seat themselves then took the empty chair next to Lady Rowena’s before Lyon reached it. “So, Lady Rowena, Amesbury and I are in suspense. Please, as dinner shall be served shortly, let us wait until then to hear the information you have regarding the treasures of the Abbey. So you are not interrupted.”
     
    She nodded. It seemed this might go very well indeed. She feared letting her hopes rise, but a small amount of giddiness crept in, regardless. And nervousness. Rowena sensed Lord Glaston and Lord Amesbury were genuinely interested in her work. She smiled hopefully. “Certainly. I, in turn, am anxious to reveal my findings to you both, my Lords.”
     
    “Ah,” Harry held up a finger, “Let us dispense with formalities, Lady Rowena. As Amesbury said, we shall all be friends and much in each other’s company now that I have returned. And apparently we may soon be working together to find lost and hidden treasures. Call me Glaston, or even Harry, if you like.”
     
    “ As you like, sir.” Rowena felt awkward calling him by his given name. Or merely his familiar title. Sir had to suffice for now. But he specifically said working together. A splendid sign.
     
    “Likewise for me,” Lyon began with his easy, rakish smile then added with a grimace, “just don’t call me Harry.”
     
    They laughed.
     
    “ Call me Lyon, ladies. I’m at your service.” The Earl of Amesbury bowed deeply. He seemed to possess a penchant for the dramatic. And seemed to always wear a wide, charming smile.
     
    “ My mother and sister, Caroline, shall arrive possibly next month, Lady Sperring, but certainly by the end of June after they quit Town to spend the summer here at the Grange. They shall be happy to see you and the rest of your party, I think.” Harry