point Lord Pontley interrupted his reading to mutter, “What a menagerie!” The letter continued:
Your father, however, was much distressed by these rumors. He did not for a moment believe them—I have never seen such a loving couple as your parents, my dear. Perhaps it has something to do with their never coming to London... No matter. What I am trying to say, Miss Forbes, is that an alliance between you and Peter would be most abhorrent to your father, bringing back painful memories, and giving rise to the most vicious gossip here. I could not, of course, in my position, endeavor to allay such rumors. I hope you can understand that. Your devotion to your father is well known, especially since your mother’s death last year, and I felt in explaining all this to you I might prevent you from hurting him deeply. You must do as you wish, of course, but I could not allow you to act without an understanding of the background of the matter. It is a pity that the indiscretion of your elders should cause you heartbreak, dear Miss Forbes, but so it ever has been, I fear. I would be overwhelmingly grateful if you would write to me and apprise me of your sentiments in this instance. Yours, etc.
“If it were not so pathetic,” Pontley commented, “it would be laughable.” He set the letter on the secretaire with a distasteful gesture. “Is Westlake familiar with the contents?”
“Yes, of course. We discussed the matter at the time and agreed to part.”
“You realize that nothing has changed except your father’s death. There would still be gossip if you married him.”
“He does not seem to mind, and I certainly do not. My father can no longer be hurt by such maliciousness, and that was always my only concern.”
“And Westlake has waited all this time for you?”
A shadow passed over Glenna’s face. “No, Lord Pontley, he has not, but on the other hand he has not married and maintains his desire to do so now."
“Admirable, I’m sure, but I hope you will take the time to get to know him again, Miss Forbes. A man changes over six years."
“I intend no precipitate action, my lord, you may be sure,” she replied coolly.
“Do not freeze me now, Miss Forbes. I am gratified by your confidence and wish only for your happiness and comfort. If you will undertake my commission at Manner Hall I will be perfectly satisfied. Please grant me that one indulgence for the sake of my peace of mind.”
Although she hesitated, Glenna was tempted by the offer. It would indeed be difficult for her to remain in Hastings at this time, with all its memories of her father. Her movements would be restricted by her mourning, and she envisioned days passing by purposelessly. The project itself was fascinating to her, and she felt sure that many of her friends would be willing to visit—including Peter. She was not in the habit of accepting such largesse, however, and if she did undertake the supervision of the renovation she intended to do it thoroughly.
“Are there any horses?” she asked suddenly.
Startled, Pontley nodded. “Only a few. Do you ride?”
“Being town-bred does not necessarily preclude such a skill,” she retorted haughtily, but her eyes danced mischievously. “I have never been on an animal more active than a donkey, but I should like to learn.”
“Excellent. I will send word that you are to be expected within the month, but you had best give a few days’ notice yourself.”
“I had not actually accepted yet,” she protested.
“Well, do so and I will allow you to return to your friends. You have kept them waiting far too long already."
“Very well,” she sighed. “Please believe that I am grateful to you, Lord Pontley.”
“There is no need for gratitude. I am satisfied that your father would be pleased. And now, if you will excuse me to your friends, I will be on my way. You have only to write if there is a problem. I. will be at Huntley for a while and will advise you when I depart
Your father, however, was much distressed by these rumors. He did not for a moment believe them—I have never seen such a loving couple as your parents, my dear. Perhaps it has something to do with their never coming to London... No matter. What I am trying to say, Miss Forbes, is that an alliance between you and Peter would be most abhorrent to your father, bringing back painful memories, and giving rise to the most vicious gossip here. I could not, of course, in my position, endeavor to allay such rumors. I hope you can understand that. Your devotion to your father is well known, especially since your mother’s death last year, and I felt in explaining all this to you I might prevent you from hurting him deeply. You must do as you wish, of course, but I could not allow you to act without an understanding of the background of the matter. It is a pity that the indiscretion of your elders should cause you heartbreak, dear Miss Forbes, but so it ever has been, I fear. I would be overwhelmingly grateful if you would write to me and apprise me of your sentiments in this instance. Yours, etc.
“If it were not so pathetic,” Pontley commented, “it would be laughable.” He set the letter on the secretaire with a distasteful gesture. “Is Westlake familiar with the contents?”
“Yes, of course. We discussed the matter at the time and agreed to part.”
“You realize that nothing has changed except your father’s death. There would still be gossip if you married him.”
“He does not seem to mind, and I certainly do not. My father can no longer be hurt by such maliciousness, and that was always my only concern.”
“And Westlake has waited all this time for you?”
A shadow passed over Glenna’s face. “No, Lord Pontley, he has not, but on the other hand he has not married and maintains his desire to do so now."
“Admirable, I’m sure, but I hope you will take the time to get to know him again, Miss Forbes. A man changes over six years."
“I intend no precipitate action, my lord, you may be sure,” she replied coolly.
“Do not freeze me now, Miss Forbes. I am gratified by your confidence and wish only for your happiness and comfort. If you will undertake my commission at Manner Hall I will be perfectly satisfied. Please grant me that one indulgence for the sake of my peace of mind.”
Although she hesitated, Glenna was tempted by the offer. It would indeed be difficult for her to remain in Hastings at this time, with all its memories of her father. Her movements would be restricted by her mourning, and she envisioned days passing by purposelessly. The project itself was fascinating to her, and she felt sure that many of her friends would be willing to visit—including Peter. She was not in the habit of accepting such largesse, however, and if she did undertake the supervision of the renovation she intended to do it thoroughly.
“Are there any horses?” she asked suddenly.
Startled, Pontley nodded. “Only a few. Do you ride?”
“Being town-bred does not necessarily preclude such a skill,” she retorted haughtily, but her eyes danced mischievously. “I have never been on an animal more active than a donkey, but I should like to learn.”
“Excellent. I will send word that you are to be expected within the month, but you had best give a few days’ notice yourself.”
“I had not actually accepted yet,” she protested.
“Well, do so and I will allow you to return to your friends. You have kept them waiting far too long already."
“Very well,” she sighed. “Please believe that I am grateful to you, Lord Pontley.”
“There is no need for gratitude. I am satisfied that your father would be pleased. And now, if you will excuse me to your friends, I will be on my way. You have only to write if there is a problem. I. will be at Huntley for a while and will advise you when I depart
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