Lord of the Abbey Read Online Free PDF

endeavored to take control of the conversation, for it appeared Lyon was intent on charming the ladies. The Angel in particular.
     
    “ How is your dear mother, Harry? And your brother and sisters?” Frances, Lady Sperring, well acquainted with Harry’s family, began her inquiries as to the Bellingham family’s well-being.
     
    The new Earl of Glaston politely responded and answered all of Frances’ questions.
     
    Rowena rose. Drawn to the glorious view of the abbey grounds, she moved to the window. The ruins were so close to the house, they almost felt a part of the Grange. The stone sentinels jutted dark and black against the misty gray palette of dusk. The scene seemed ethereal, more like a painting than real. She half expected to see translucent ghosts gliding about or a ring of dancing fairies emerge in the midst of the ruins.
     
    “ I see you admire the scenery, Lady Rowena.” Harry left Frances and Sir John talking to Lyon so he might join the distracted Angel.
     
    She realized she must appear quite rude leaving their conversation. “I do, sir. How fortunate you are to have such a stunning view.” Her nerves overtook her. “I apologize for leaving the conversation, sir. I fear my manners were forgotten entirely. I confess this view has bewitched me.”
     
    “ No apologies necessary, Lady Rowena. I, myself, am still drawn to this view. Especially at dawn and dusk. It seems so otherworldly.” The Angel seemed nervous. He wished to give her ease. “I heard from Sir John that at Stonedown Manor, you and your aunt enjoy a similar view of Tor Hill. Also an impressive view.”
     
    “ Indeed, sir, I will agree with you. The Tor is magnificent, and the views from our drawing room and library are splendid as well. But the Grange is so close to the abbey ruins, your view here is quite breathtaking.”
     
    “ It is, indeed,” Harry said, but was not looking at the ruins. He looked upon the Angel.
     
    Tonight’s meeting with the son was proving very different than that with the former Earl of Glaston. She liked Harry Bellingham, and also his friend Lyon Ravenscroft. Both were affable and possessed easy, friendly manners.
     
    The new Earl of Glaston was tall like his father, with the same dark hair, but the resemblance ended there. She did not remember the former Earl being nearly as handsome as his son. The father, so sullen and cross, was a total contradiction to his kind and congenial son. Harry’s face was very handsome. His strong facial features were a myriad of angles and planes, softened by his endearing, boyish grin. Rowena found him quite pleasing to look at. His brown eyes, fringed with dark lashes, entranced her. His lips were full. She must have found them particularly interesting, for she realized her gaze lingered there when he spoke.
     
    “ I have long wished that there was a view of the Henge from any of the main rooms at my home in Wiltshire, yet I confess there is not. But one can see it from the second floor when in the west wing,” Lyon described as he rose from his chair to join the pair, letting Harry know he kept an eye on him and Lady Rowena.
     
    Rowena pondered his comment for a moment. “Henge, oh, Stonehenge? If you can see Stonehenge from your second floor, then you must reside quite close, sir.”
     
    “ Just down the lane. I’m the closest human living near present day Stonehenge. Seems we all have something in common. We all live near, or like Glaston here, in the midst of ancient history.”
     
    “ Dinner is served, my Lord,” Woollard appeared at the door.
     
    “ Let us continue our discussion while we dine,” Harry announced and offered his arm, “Lady Rowena.” He felt the daggers Lyon shot him in his back as he led the Angel to sup at his table. Harry grinned. He had no intention of sharing the Angel with Lyon. None.
     
    Instead of taking their port separate from the ladies, the gentlemen joined Rowena and her Aunt Frances back in the drawing room after