Autumn's Wild Heart (Seasons #4) - Laura Landon Page 0,15

be struck. On one wall were several cue cabinets with a variety of sizes and lengths of sticks from which to choose. There were also several round tables scattered throughout the room with four to six chairs surrounding each one. The wall beyond them was lined with several targets, no doubt for darts.

This house was, in every way, more grand than the home in which she’d been raised. And more masculine. She would tread very carefully into the realm of suggesting change.

“This brings us to the informal dining room. His lordship eats breakfast here with any guests he might be entertaining.”

The room had felt immediately cozy, and Nella thought this was no doubt where she and her husband would take their meals as they had done this morning.

Mrs. Pendleton led her from the small dining room by a back exit. An enclosed hallway led them to the opposite wing. The east wing.

The first room at the very end of the hallway was the formal dining room—vastly larger and much more elaborate.

From the dining room they stepped into the library. It took up nearly a third of the hall with a library running the full length of one side and both ends, and a gallery on the other long wall. It was high-ceilinged and rich with carved woods. A truly magnificent room.

There were atlases and maps and law books, and books of historical battles, and poems. It seemed there wasn’t any topic left unrepresented.

Nella walked the perimeter of the room and ran her fingers along the spines of the books. The room was cleverly lit, and the clusters of chairs and tables and sofas and settees scattered around the room were logically arranged. There were enough small tables on which to set books and tea cups and trays. Nothing seemed amiss.

“It’s a beautiful library,” she whispered in appreciation.

“Yes, my lady. His lordship spends a great deal of time here.”

“I can see why,” Nella answered.

From there, Mrs. Pendleton showed her the adjoining Orchid Room and the Music Room. The Orchid Room was done in lilacs and greens and lavenders, giving it a warm, homey look. The music room was done in lavish shades of burgundy, creams and golds. And, in the corner of the room sat an ancient clavichord posed next to a beautifully ornate piano.

“And finally, I’ll show you his lordship’s study,” Mrs. Pendleton said, breaking Nella’s concentration. “This is where you will most generally find his lordship when he’s working on estate matters.”

Nella peeked into the room and stared at the large desk that occupied most of the room’s windowed end. She could imagine James working in here.

“Would you like a cup of tea, my lady,” Mrs. Pendleton asked as she led Nella back into the hallway. “I can have a cup of chamomile brought into the Rose Room.”

“Yes, I should like tea, Mrs. Pendleton. But would you please bring it to the library? I’d like to search for a book.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“And would you relay a message to the staff that I am extremely impressed by the care you and they have given to Colworth Abbey?”

A broad smile crossed Mrs. Pendleton’s face. “Thank you, my lady. I will tell the staff. They will be most pleased that you noticed.”

Nella watched Mrs. Pendleton leave as she slipped back into the library, then walked around the room in search of a book or two to read. After a pleasant hour, she wandered to the music room, knowing without thinking that this might very well become her favorite room of her new home.

She sat on the piano bench and pressed down on a key. The touch was perfect. The tone was beautiful. She placed her fingers on the keys and began to play.

~■~

James walked through the front door after having met with his steward and paused. Unexpected strains of music drifted into the grand hall. He walked toward his study but didn’t go into the room. Instead, he walked on to the next room. The Music Room. A room he seldom entered.

There had never been much use going in there. Music had never been a talent he possessed in any great measure. He only knew enough to recognize raw talent when he heard it. And he was hearing it now.

As he listened, the music grew louder, soaring and dipping, drawing him closer.

He opened the door ever so quietly and stepped into the room. Not wishing to disturb his wife, he simply crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the