BooksBarbecue
Back The Marriage List
Chapters (45)
  1. FIRST WALTZ
  2. Also by
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright Page
  5. Dedication
  6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  7. CHAPTER ONE
  8. CHAPTER TWO
  9. CHAPTER THREE
  10. CHAPTER FOUR
  11. CHAPTER FIVE
  12. CHAPTER SIX
  13. CHAPTER SEVEN
  14. CHAPTER EIGHT
  15. CHAPTER NINE
  16. CHAPTER TEN
  17. CHAPTER ELEVEN
  18. CHAPTER TWELVE
  19. CHAPTER THIRTEEN
  20. CHAPTER FOURTEEN
  21. CHAPTER FIFTEEN
  22. CHAPTER SIXTEEN
  23. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
  24. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
  25. CHAPTER NINETEEN
  26. CHAPTER TWENTY
  27. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
  28. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
  29. CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
  30. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
  31. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
  32. CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
  33. CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
  34. CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
  35. CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
  36. CHAPTER THIRTY
  37. CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
  38. CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
  39. CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
  40. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
  41. CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
  42. CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
  43. CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
  44. EPILOGUE
  45. AUTHOR’S NOTES

John gave up. This situation was obviously out of his control. He should have known his staff would be thrilled to meet her. The only thing he could do now was go along with whatever had been arranged. So much for introducing her to his bedchamber.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Montagu House had been built on a double lot, meaning it must have been one of the earlier residences in Mayfair. Unlike Worthington House, which had a walk, albeit a very short one, from the pavement to the door, Montagu House’s front door was just up two steps from the pavement. That was something Eleanor would have to become used to. Nevertheless, there was enough room for two tall, narrow planters on either side of the door. She took out her pocketbook and pencil and started making notes. As she followed Rennie up the stairs, she agreed with John. The house was much too dark. Even the hall, which boasted a fan window over the door and had yellow-colored marble, was made dimmer by the wallpaper. By the time they reached the servants’ quarters, she had a good idea what must be done to make the house more comfortable. But first, she must contact the architect and decorationist Grace had hired. Or perhaps she should consult with John about everything first.

They had entered the nursery area. He was right. The whole house was like a dungeon.

John stroked her back, and small fires licked her skin. “What do you think?”

That her knees were going to turn to jelly if he continued. “You were correct. The colors are much too dark and drab.”

The next level held the bedrooms, and although they were all a good size, the furniture and hangings made them appear smaller. The housekeeper opened the door to a chamber with a lovely cherry bed, but the dark red hangings distracted from it. Doors leading to what must be a dressing room and parlor and access to the master’s chamber were on either side of the room.

“This is the mistress’s apartment, my lady,” Rennie said.

A maid came running in. “Mrs. Rennie, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Sally broke a vase . . .” The maid must have just noticed Eleanor and John. She quickly bobbed a curtsey before turning back to the housekeeper. “Please come.”

Rennie glanced at Eleanor. “Will you excuse me, my lady?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” The housekeeper followed the maid out of the room.

John took Eleanor’s hand. “I’ll show you the rest of these apartments.”

They looked into the parlor and dressing room. “My mother vacated these rooms after my father died.” She could understand that. It was what widows did. They crossed the bedroom, and he opened the door. The arrangement was identical to the other rooms. Facing her, he took Eleanor into his arms. “Where do you plan to begin?”