She stood, staring like a country yokel at her surroundings, at the immense marble hall, at the collection of priceless curios and the grand, sweeping staircase. And this was just the entrance hall. She was an Earl’s daughter herself, for goodness’ sake. She’d grown up on a large estate with a big, rambling, ancient house. She’d danced at balls, drank tea, listened to music and dreadful poetry at some of the most prominent houses in Town, but never had she witnessed such an ostentatious—but somehow also flawless—display of wealth. A stiffly reserved butler handed them off to an only-slightly-less-rigid footman, who escorted them to a drawing room where they could await the Countess’s pleasure. Dorrie entered first. She came to a dead halt just a step into the room. Portia crowded in behind her, and was forced to go around to make room for Mateo. She followed Dorrie’s gaze around the opulent room and her mouth dropped open. ‘It’s as if we’re inside a pastry,’ marvelled Dorrie.
What do You think about Tall, Dark And Disreputable?
