She climbed out as she spoke and, taking the child by the hand, walked up the steps to where she saw an elderly butler standing in the doorway, staring in astonishment at the luggage on the carriage below.
“Is the Earl of Rothwell at home?” Atayla asked.
Even as she asked the question it suddenly struck her how embarrassing it would be if he was away and in his absence the household refused to let them in.
But to her relief the butler replied,
“His Lordship’s in residence, miss, but I don’t think his Lordship’s expecting visitors.”
“No, but it is of great importance that I should see him,” Atayla replied.
“His Lordship’ll see you, miss, only if you’ve an appoint – ”
He could not go on, because Atayla interrupted him to say,
“Will you tell his Lordship that I have brought his daught
