The Mistress of Black Grove Manor Read Online Free PDF Page A

Imogen and escorted her to the dining room.
    This was her first experience eating in the formal dining room. Up until now she had been having dinner in the library with Jonathon, and if he was away, she took her dinner in her bedroom. The room was grand, with walls painted a deep, luxurious red juxtaposed against the dark wood wainscoting. Gold moldings matched many of the gilded frames on the portraiture. Hung from the vaulted ceiling, a magnificent glass chandelier with three tiers of sparkling icicle drops. The dinner table was covered by a fine linen cloth and a table service which consisted of various sizes of plates, glasses and silverware.
    Imogen was feeling overwhelmed by the pomp and circumstance and terrified she would choose the wrong utensil when dinner was served. Jonathon sensed her trepidation, “There’s nothing to worry about, it’s just a dinner.” He picked up his napkin and demonstrated how to fold it and place it one’s lap. “Step one accomplished.” She followed suit, as did Charles.
    Godfrey entered with the soup service, as he set down Imogen’s bowl he slyly pointed to the appropriate spoon. She smiled in return, ‘perhaps I was wrong, and we will be friends’ she mused. Much to her fancy he performed this kindness with each course, he presented to her. The dinner was exceptionally long and without much conversation save from general pleasantries. Jonathon was seated at the head of the table and her at the foot with Charles on the side in closer proximity to Jonathon. Even if they had wanted to have a discussion, it seemed an impossibility due to the sheer size of the table.
    All three exited to the study, a more intimate room conducive to conversation. As Charles poured himself a glass of port, he expounded on his meeting with Imogen apologizing again for his brash behavior. Imogen could feel herself soften, he was Jonathon’s nephew and a guest, it would best if they could manage to get on.
    Jonathon motioned to Charles as he poured himself a drink, “Charlie, tell her why I’ve asked you to visit.”
    “Of course,” he turned to Imogen, “I’ve been asked to…” he paused framing his answer in the best way he could, “to help get you ready.”
    “Get ready? What do you mean?”
    “Well, he actually asked my sister Lorelei, but she’s still in the Americas and won’t be returning for a month so I volunteered.”
    “Volunteered for what? I’m not understanding…”
    “The London season will be starting soon; you have a lot to do before you’re ready to come out.”
    “Come out? Jonathon, what is he talking about?”
    Jonathon crossed the room and took Imogen’s hand leading her to sit by the fireplace. The mystery of the issue was becoming too much to bear.
    “Can you please just explain what’s going on?”
    “You’re a young woman with a title and inheritance, you must be introduced to the right people, the right families. You’re not a grocery clerk from Mrs. Wharton’s anymore Imogen. We had hired a tutor but received word they would be unable to make the trip; family problems I believe. Then I received a letter from Charlie, he was coming for a short stay, and I suddenly realized, we could kill two birds with one stone.”
    “Surely Charles must have a reason for coming and I don’t think it involves my education.”
    Charles got himself a drink and motioned to Imogen, “She’s right. I did have a reason.” He turned to look at her, “I came to escape London.”
    Jonathon chimed in, “You mean escape Miss. Townshend.”
    This revelation sparked her interest, “Miss Townshend?”
    “Miss Townshend,” Charlie began, “is a very lovely girl who has decided to marry me. However, I do not share her sentiments. I thought a visit to Black Grove was needed. It had been months since my last stay.”
    Jonathon broke in, “Charlie knows better than most the London season and who’s who so I thought we could help each other.”
    “I see,” Imogen rose