“We do, sir. The previous residents left us well provisioned, and we have a small account funded from the estate income. Although I will mention that this year the monies have dwindled, since the farms barely made enough to survive.”
“That makes sense,” nodded Perry. “It’s been hard everywhere. I’m impressed, Edward. Thank you for your precise explanation.”
“If you’d care to step into the Rose Room, sir, madam. There is a fire lit, and you might want to begin your tour of the house there.” He gestured across the spacious hall to a door where the welcome flicker of firelight beckoned.
“It seems quite clean,” observed Grace, noting the lack of dust.
“Our maids try and keep this floor as clean as possible. I will confess that the rooms not used are not cleaned as frequently, but it’s a lot of work for two girls if there is nobody using them.”
“I can well understand,” she answered.
“You have stables, Edward?” Perry tossed the question out as he crossed the parquet flooring.
“Yes sir, we do.”
“I’d be pleased if they could shelter the carriage and horses while we’re here.” They entered the Rose Room to hear the rattle of the ice against the windowpanes. “This is not good weather to be standing around outside. And I’m sure our lads would appreciate a warm place to sit for a while.”
“Yes, sir. I will see that it’s done. Please ring if you need me at all. That will reach someone below stairs who will summon me.” He gestured to the bell pull, bowed and left them in front of the fire.
“He is very efficient, isn’t he?” Grace held out her hands to the blaze, welcoming the warmth.
“Indeed,” answered Perry. “He’d make an excellent butler.”
“Which would save you the trouble of hiring one should you decide to purchase,” she grinned at him.
He grinned back. “Of course.”
Refusing to linger on the charm of his smile, Grace turned her attention to the room. “This is quite delightful,” she said, turning around and surveying the space. “It shows signs of wear, but nothing out of the ordinary, I’d say. A new carpet, draperies and perhaps re-upholstering the furniture and you’d have an ideal parlour. Especially for days like this.”
She crossed the threadbare rug and stood at the window, staring out at the bleak prospect. The ground was disappearing, but not beneath a covering of snow. The ice storm was beginning to coat everything it touched with a colourless glaze that reflected the grey clouds above.
A slight sound and she knew Perry stood behind her. His warmth touched the bare skin of her neck beneath her hair, and she repressed a tiny unexpected shiver of awareness.
“Beautiful in its own way, isn’t it?” He leaned close and put his hand on her shoulder.
“I expect the view is excellent during the summer months,” she replied noncommittally.
“I like the unique. The unusual. An ice storm is not something we see too often. It fascinates me.”
His warmth surrounded her and she had a very difficult time preventing herself from leaning back into it. “Does it?” Even to herself, her voice sounded…different, husky, perhaps even sensual.
“Yes, it does. As I said, I’m intrigued by fascinating things.” He paused. “Which doubtless explains my attraction to you, Grace.”
Oh dear Lord.
