Page 72 of Rescued from Betrayal
She shook her head. The others had scattered among the shops, so they were almost alone on the main thoroughfare. “Lord Caraway detests Mr. Fairchild almost as much as I do. ”
“It could be a show, something to lead women not to suspect when he hires the man to get rid of those too close to him.”
“And what motive would he have to ruin me? Would it not be easier to simply stop his attentions?”
That did make sense.
“No,” she said, “I think it more likely that Lady Jane would be our culprit. She has made no secret of her pursuit of Lord Caraway and her dislike of me.”
He nodded. “That is who your uncle and the others suspect, but I cannot see her stooping to such levels.”
“You better see it. She can be exceedingly underhanded.”
“Why do you dislike each other so much?”
She appeared perplexed. “Honestly, I am unsure. Our rivalry developed years ago and I have never thought to question it. Perhaps because she is the exact opposite in her coloring, but with the same advantages in face and figure. We have always competed for the central position in all the finest balls and parties.”
“But nothing more? You have not committed any unforgivable offense?”
“Not unless you count treading on her gown during a reel. But that is something that happens to every lady. Nevertheless, I would not be at all surprised to find that she paid Mr. Fairchild to remove me from competing for Lord Caraway’s hand.”
She shivered and he placed a hand on her back to usher her into the next shop. The mercantile smelled of soap and sweets. Near the rear he spied Al and Miss Harris. They were discussing something quite intently and he understood their need for privacy. He did not wish to have his conversation with Meliorto be overheard either. But when she headed straight toward his friend, he had no choice but to follow.
“Then you will travel back to London to find the backbiter who did this?” Javenia said.
“No, Javenia. As I said, I am needed here.” Al’s exasperation was clear.
“I do not need your protection, Algenon.”
“Why can you not call me all Al as the others do?”
“Because Algenon is so enjoyable to say.”
“And because you wish to irritate me.”
“Much like you like to harass me with your overprotective attentions.”
Al took a step back and his face fell.
Javenia placed a hand on his sleeve. “I am sorry, I did not mean it.”
“Yes, you did. Can I help it if I am worried about Lord Penwick being in the neighborhood? He is a rake of the worst sort.”
“But I am not susceptible to him anymore.”
“That does not mean he will not try—” Al noticed their approach and quickly masked his frustration with a ready smile. “Lady Stanford, have you found anything to suit your fancy?”
“No.” Melior’s words were flat. “What did you mean, Miss Harris, when you said Mr. Roberts was going back to Town?”
“I am not going to Town,” he insisted.
“Yes, you are,” Javenia countered.
They glared at one another and Nathaniel grinned. Their relationship had always been thus. It was a comfort to see that some things never changed.
“It would be nice to have your help in London,” Melior said.
Nathaniel whipped his head around to look at her.
