She had left him for another. Or had she?
“My name is Miss Higglesworth. I am here early, to take up the position of governess to your daughter.” She sank into an elegant curtsy.
“Are you indeed. Well, I can’t say I’m not pleased to see you. The ball is only four weeks away.”
The annual Stonleigh ball was held every year at Skelton Manor. Joseph and his family always attended.
“If you will excuse me, I shall make my way—”
“Is this your dog?”
Milly stopped at Wimplestow’s words.
“Yes, she has been with me since a pup, and I am very fond of her.”
Joseph raised a brow at Milly’s distorted version of the truth, but she did not meet his eye.
“Well, as you can see, we like animals, so I see no problem with the little animal staying, if she can hold her own among ours.” Lord Wimplestow laughed after he had spoken, as if his words were a wonderful jest. “We shall eat now, and then I will show you the horse, Ellsworth. You too, Miss Higglesworth.”
“I have—” Joseph said.
“Oh, but—” Milly said
“I won’t take no for an answer. You’ll both be our guests!” Wimplestow bellowed. “Perfect time for you to meet the family, Miss Higglesworth. We do not stand on ceremony here.”
Resigned, Joseph wrapped his fingers around Milly’s arm. “Come along, Miss Higglesworth, I shall escort you.”
The baron had disappeared inside the house, leaving Milly and Joseph to follow.
“I cannot sit down with the family!” Milly stated, horrified. “It would be improper to do so.”
“And yet you will, as the master of the household has stated he wishes it.”
She tried to shake his hand free, but Joseph held on.
“Oh dear, I do believe someone has let the cows out.”
“Highly unlikely, and don’t say I didn’t try and warn you.” Joseph took her elbow and led her to the steps. “The Wimplestow family is unusual,” he added.
“Good Lord, is that a piglet?”
“Two of them, I think.” Joseph could see two heads wallowing in a puddle of mud. “Come along.” He moved her forward when she stopped. “Watch where you walk, one never knows what is underfoot.”
“The noise... ah, it is quite something, Lord Ellsworth.”
What it was, was a cacophony of animal sounds all blending to create bedlam on the eardrums.
“I tried to warn you,” he said again.
Milly’s eyes were shooting everywhere, and the arm beneath his fingers had gone rigid.
“It’s... ah, charming,” she managed.
“No it’s not.”
Joseph didn’t think himself a snob. Yes, he was an earl, and yes he lived a pampered lifestyle, but that wasn’t to say he didn’t walk his land, spend time with his horses, and visit his stock. He’d waded into rivers to rescue animals and unblock waterways when no one else was there, but he could say with a certainty that the Wimplestow clan could turn his stomach with very little effort on their part. They were loud, boisterous, and appeared for the most to be mannerless.
“My lord, what an honor to see you here at Wimplestow House.”
