Страница 33 из 76
"I am sorry!" They both cried at the same time, extricating themselves from one another.
"Miss Boothe!" The fellow was tall and a bit stocky, gray-haired with a darker mustache, about her father's age. He now smiled at her. "Have I hurt you?"
They had been briefly introduced the previous evening after supper. A
"You have finished di
"I am afraid so," A
"Miss Boothe." He detained her by his tone of voice. Then he swallowed. He was begi
A
Relief filled her once she was in the large lobby. There the floors were dark oak and strewn with Persian rugs, the walls were paneled and covered with works of art, and three large crystal chandeliers were hanging from the high ceiling. Soft sofas and chairs in brocades and damask with occasional tables made the room very inviting, and it was usually filled with hotel guests, engaged in quiet conversation or sitting alone and reading. Through the tall windows, A
A
"Contessa, I am so sorry that you had to endure such weather today, but please, let me assure you, anything you desire, it shall be yours."
A
"You are too kind to me, darling," the countess purred. The manager bowed over her hand and kissed it before the countess could even remove her gloves.
And then he barked out orders. A
"My dear Contessa, you need not linger in the lobby. I have sent champagne and caviar to your suite, should you wish a bit of refreshment, and of course, we will keep the dining room open for you."
"You are too kind," she cried and, gold skirts swirling about her, she disappeared into one of the lobby elevators, followed by several ladies who were undoubtedly her maids.
A
She looked up at the dial above the elevator. The hotel had eight floors. The big arrow went from one to eight. But of course the countess would have a suite on the top floor.
A
"I believe you have a room for me," a male voice said, the accent perfect, patrician, and British.
A
A
"The name is Wainscot," he said in that unforgettable voice of his.
A
Oh, dear God.
He bent over a register now, signing it. A
He straightened, pushing the register at the clerk, turning slightly, so that A
Those incredible, capable hands.
"Mr. Wainscot." The hotel manager had appeared and was introducing himself and wishing Braxton an enjoyable stay. A
A
Suddenly his shoulders stiffened. A
Braxton turned. He saw her instantly, and their locked.
Chapter Six
He seemed to recognize her instantly. Braxton appeared to be even more severely shocked than she. His blue eyes were wide and his visage was white. A
His mouth opened and closed. As if he wanted to say something, but abruptly changed his mind.
A
"Your keys, Mr. Wainscot. Your rooms are on the third floor. But let me remind you that di
Braxton came to life, smiling and facing the manager. "Thank you, my good man." He handed him a coin. "My valet will need some help with my luggage."
"Certainly." The gent bowed and strode briskly back to his office, around the corner of the front desk.
Which left A
He turned toward her, his regard level and steady, his gaze impossible to read.
A
He moved first-toward her-his strides long and sharp. And he dared to bow. "I do believe we are acquainted, Miss, uh, Miss Boothe, is it not?" His blue eyes held hers.
Acquainted. A