Page 91 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Grumps scrutinized my face, remaining silent as I organized my thoughts. Screaming ‘bitch, I’ll lay you out’ would be frowned upon. Portia and William might have me escorted out for creating a scene. Plus she looked as if death was breathing down her shoulders.

Puffing out my chest proudly, I channelled Matt’s arrogance, his frigid superiority that always rubbed me the wrong way. “Let me assure you, Lady Eastmund, I am as black as God intended me to be and myfeaturesthat you’re referring to are quite common amongst my people,” An image of me putting one hand on my chest with the other held high flashed before my eyes.Stay on point,DuMont!“Yes, we have varying shades of skin tone and features, but that doesn’t make us any less black. Were you expecting me to sport tribal wear with my boobs out?” I was building steam now, ready to put this woman in her place, when she inclined her head at Grumps with a puckering of her lips. Was that a smile?

“You were right, William. She is quite a Terrier.”

The hell? I was a dog now? My mouth opened, oh, I was going to say something bad.

“You’ve handled yourself magnificently, dear,” she said with that small pucker of lips. “One should always remain calm when dealing with unpleasantness.” What? Calm? Did she not see the fire in my eyes? I was ready to get dirty. Verbally speaking, of course. “I was most surprised when William told me of young Matthew’s marriage.” she chuckled. “Most surprised indeed. We all thought he would remain a bachelor forever. You must come for tea at my home,” Lady Viola looked at Grumps again. “William, you’ll see to it, yes? I want to know this woman who has captured your grandson. Oh, that reminds me, I have someone in mind for Adam. She’s delightful and quite suitable. He’s been allowed too much leeway for far too long.”

Grumps made a sound of agreement.

Dismissed. I had been dismissed by Lady Viola. Natty’s cheeks were flushed and she was practically quivering with the urge to say something. My ire hadn’t yet dissipated. What just happened? These people were going to drive me insane. I was always on guard for any racial jabs; always meticulously assessing each comment, each look,for traces of hidden bigotry. Damn it. I missed the days when those things were firmly at the back of my mind. Bloody swirling. I was going to write a book! Warn people somehow.

“Run along now.” Grumps patted Natty’s arm and arched his eyebrows at me. I glared at him as Natty grabbed me and started tugging me away. Crazy ass geriatrics. And I needed to warn Adam. It seemed his single days were numbered.

“Don’t sulk, Madi.” Natty advised soothingly. “Lady Vi is-”

“A crazy ass.” I supplied through clenched teeth. “What was that about?”

“She’s eccentric, Madi, and she doesn’t care about offending people. In fact, I don’t think she sees it as such. Haven’t you noticed how they all say what they want without regards for others?”

“You do know an eccentric is just a crazy person who has shitloads of money.” I clarified. “If you act a fool and you’re poor, you’re crazy; got money and all of a sudden you’re eccentric. Crazy ass woman.”

Natty giggled, then spotted her twin and almost tore my arm off the way she hustled me forward. “Yes, well, Nikki is going to die when she finds out.” her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Rumours have it she murdered her first husband and the second died of causes unknown. I wish I could join you for tea. I bet it would be a riot. Oh, I should warn Uncle Adam he’s about to be placed on the cattle market.”

I stored away the titbit about the black widow Lady Viola and grinned at Natty. How sweet. She had her uncle’s back. My pocket buzzed but before I could get to my cell, we were next to Nikki and I was subjected to a whirlwind of drama about school, parents, boys, money and did I mention boys? When there was a lull in the conversation, I took the chance to get my cell.

-Married? Ah, my wee lass! When?

I chuckled under my breath. Dougie McGregor. The emoji at the end of his text was a shocked face with four X’s.

-Yes. Married. It’s the end result of an engagement and twomonths ago. I put a smiley face and two X’s.

-Where are ye? Can we meet?His response was fast.

-Claridges’s. Anniversary party for the in-laws and where have you been if you’re onlyfinding out I’m hitched now? It was in the gossip papers and the internet.

-Seychelles. Left mid-Jan when the snow came. I cannae believe this. Married! Can we meet?

-Lunch?

-Tomorrow?He added another two X’s.

I chewed my lower lip. If Matt went into work I could meet up with Dougie, but if he didn’t…

-Next week?Then a strange feeling of guilt assailed me, so I quickly added:

I’m sure Matt and I can arrange something.

God! Was that stupid? We were friends, nothing more. What if he thought I had become one of these women who lost their identity the moment they said ‘I do’.

“Who are you texting, Madi?” Natty, nosy Natty, leaned over my shoulder.

“Nonya.” I replied.

“Pardon?” both girls spoke together, voices pitched as one.

“None ya business.” I said and elbowed her away. “Go socialize with people. Go on.”

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