Snowbound With the Notorious Rake Read Online Free PDF Page B

as they say.’
    They were in one of the outhouses, surrounded by feathers.
    ‘I only hope these birds were not the best layers,’ he muttered. ‘Mrs Brendon will have something to say when she returns.’
    ‘But, my dear sir, we must have something to eat today.’
    He cast a fulminating glance in her direction.
    ‘My requirements were quite minimal. A slice of ham, a bottle of wine…’
    ‘But it is so cold I am sure your housekeeper will be pleased to know you are going to eat a proper meal,’ replied Rose, trying not to smile. ‘I have almost finished plucking my bird, Sir Lawrence. You do not seem to be making much progress with yours. But I acquit you, since you were the one who had to despatch the poor things.’ She looked up and laughed. ‘Fie, Sir Lawrence! I do believe that, at this moment, you wish it had been my neck that you had wrung!’
    His mouth curled in a reluctant grin.
    ‘I admit I was sorely tempted, ma’am, when you told me what you wanted me to do.’
    ‘But you will enjoy your meal, sir, I promise you.’ She put aside her own bird and reached for his. ‘Let me finish that for you, Sir Lawrence.’
    He looked at her, his brows raised.
    ‘Why do I have this suspicion that you will find me something equally onerous to do now?’
    ‘No, no, not at all.’ She laughed at him. ‘I only want you to go and make sure the fires are banked up! Evans has fetched in more peat, but you might wish to refill the wood basket.’ She added, in the way of a treat, ‘When you have done that and I have prepared these birds for the spit, perhaps we should step out and see for ourselves just how bad the roads are.’
     
    The blizzards of the previous evening and the overnight snow had given way to a gloriously clear blue sky.The glistening white world shone just outside the door. Rose was dazzled by its brightness. She longed to go out and explore it, but she had spent years teaching her pupils that leisure time was much more enjoyable when it was earned, so she carried the two hens to the kitchen and set everything in readiness for dinner before she allowed herself even to think about going out of doors.
     
    When she ran upstairs to collect her cloak she stopped for a moment to gaze out of the window. The world was transformed by a blanket of white. She thought of her family back at Mersecombe. They would have realised how impossible it was for her to get home. She hoped they would not be too anxious; little Sam would not worry at all, he would be much too excited by the first real snow of the winter, but Mama—she knew Rose had Evans with her and would surely believe her daughter was sensible enough to take shelter. Rose gave a little laugh. Sensible! If her mother could see her now she would think her anything but sensible, stranded in a large old house with a man whose licentious reputation was known countrywide! But, in truth, what else could she do? The sensible thing had been to remain at Knightscote and it was eminently sensible to make sure they had a good meal. Humour bubbled in her throat again. Perhaps she could have fainted off, or had hysterics when she realised just who her companion was, but Rose could not see that such behaviour would have benefited her at all. No, she would just have to make the most of it. Her family would be at church now, soshe uttered up a little prayer for them as she picked up her cloak and set off to join Sir Lawrence downstairs.
    The sun was high over head as they left the house.
    ‘I am surprised you are willing to quit your new do main,’ remarked Sir Lawrence as they set out across the courtyard.
    ‘It is not my domain,’ she told him. ‘Evans is only too happy to sit in the kitchen, smoking his pipe and keeping the fire in. My presence is not required.’
    They left the grounds by a little wicket gate that led directly to the lane. Rose walked behind Sir Lawrence, placing her boots in his footsteps, but still it was necessary to hold her cloak and