Her gaze slanted to Lucas. Once she would also have said that she wanted to be single and unencumbered by a husband. She was beginning to rethink that.

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

The weather had been dry for several days, so they made good time. It was late afternoon when Lucas said, “The next turn will take us into Camden Keep.”

Kendra had been drowsing, but the announcement brought her fully awake. “Do your aunt and uncle know that you’re coming? And that you’re bringing a guest?”

“I sent a note to let them know,” he assured her.

She wondered if he’d explained that his guest was the notorious Lady Denshire. He was sanguine about their reactions to her, but men were often somewhat dense about such matters. Of course, this was Lucas, who noticed more than most men.

As they turned through an open gate, she gazed out at the well-tended fields and the masses of daffodils. “Spring is such a beautiful time to be in the country. This estate is well kept and lovely.”

“When Uncle William retired from India, he decided to dedicate himself to becoming a proper gentleman farmer, and anything he does, he does well.”

The road turned into a curving drive in front of a sprawling house that was a patchwork quilt of styles from different eras. Delighted, Kendra said, “I recognize bits from four or five different centuries. How much am I missing?”

He laughed. “I think there are another couple of centuries lurking in back. The oldest section is that fortified tower on the left side. That’s the original keep. More bits were added on as needed, and no one felt the need to be consistent. It’s a comfortable family house, not a showplace.”

No wonder she liked it. She found families more interesting than showplaces. As the coach rumbled to a stop, she smoothed her hair and tucked a stray lock out of sight in an attempt to look as respectable as possible.

Lucas stepped from the coach and offered her a hand. “It will be all right, Kendra. Really.”

“I hope so.” Her smile was wry. “If not, I can find out what it’s like to sleep in the stables with the Magdalene.”

“I’m tempted to do that myself for old times’ sake,” he said with apparent seriousness.

He tucked her hand around his elbow and they ascended the steps. By the time they reached the top, the door was opened by a butler who was very properly dressed, other than the fact he was wearing a turban. He must be from India.

The butler bowed. “Welcome, Lord Foxton and Miss Douglas.”

Obviously notice of their arrival had preceded them. By the time the butler had taken their cloaks and hats, a silver-haired couple appeared in the entry hall.

“Lucas!” The petite, elegant woman hugged him. “It’s been too long!”