CHAPTER SIXLucilla had always thought that Wellsprings Place, where she had grown up, was the loveliest country house she had ever seen.
But, as she walked gingerly up the curved drive to the Marquis of Castlebury’s home, her breath making a little cloud in the cold air, she thought there was something about Appleton Hall that was especially beautiful.
Was it the soft colour of the honey-coloured stone? Or the graceful proportions of the tall windows? Or just the atmosphere of welcome that seemed to emanate from the elegant porch and the wide front door?
Lucilla pushed her cold hands deep into the pockets of her pink coat and stood still for a moment, looking up at the old house and trying to make up her mind just exactly why she found it so appealing.
Then she heard a shrill yapping a
