Page 56 of A Rake's Redemption
Caroline smiled when he finished. “At least she did not speak of leprechauns and pots of gold at the end of rainbows.”
“What are you saying? That Inis did not suffer a head injury when she fell down the stairs?”
“I do not know about that,” Caroline said, “but one of my nannies was Irish. She loved telling stories about the ‘wee people.’ Irish folklore is full of such tales. I would not worry about it.” She looked over as a trio of riders approached the Ladies’ Mile from Grosvenor Gate. “But you might be wishing for a bit of faerie dust right now.”
Alex followed her gaze and groaned. Amelia rode toward them, accompanied by Miranda and Vanessa. There was no way he could avoid meeting them, but he didn’t want to field questions about Inis, especially not in front of Amelia. The less his damn brother found out about Inis before the ball the better. Alex had deliberately chosen the theatre last night because he knew Amelia and George had been invited to Brighton earlier in the week. Obviously, they’d returned earlier than he thought. And from the interested look on Amelia’s face, the other two women had obviously already filled her in on what had transpired last night.
The trio reined in their horses as Caroline and Alex approached.
Miranda cast a slanted look at Caroline and gave Alex a brittle smile. “I am surprised yourguestis not accompanying you this morning.”
Caroline returned the fake smile. “Why should you be surprised? I am sure Vanessa has filled you in that Miss O’Brien is still feeling the after-effects of ague.”
“She looked quite healthy last night,” Miranda answered.
“Looks can be deceiving.” Caroline’s smile looked more genuine. “For example, Lord Ashley and I are good friends, but who knows what someone might interpret seeing us riding together?”
Vanessa frowned. “Have you gotten a…gift?”
Amelia gave her a curious look and then turned her attention to Alex. “From what I have been told, you seemed to have developed a tendency to distribute a rather unusual…gift.”
Alex felt a muscle twitch in his jaw at Amelia’s condescending tone. Not only was she using the haughty voice of a “duchess,” she was also passing judgment on him. Again. Something inside his head snapped.
“Perhaps you would like one, Your Grace?” he asked.
She blinked at him, deep pink flushing her cheeks as Vanessa gasped and Miranda narrowed her eyes. Alex regretted the words as soon as they’d come out, but he couldn’t take them back now. Better to act the rake they all thought he was. He tipped his hat. “Do let me know,” he said and tapped the stallion’s flanks to move past the three.
Caroline followed him, holding her laughter in until they were far enough away not to be heard. “I think you finally accomplished the impossible,” she said. “You have left thetonspeechless.”
Alex glanced over. “What is making you look like the Cheshire cat?”
She didn’t try to hide her grin. “Amelia got exactly what she deserved. I do not think I have ever seen her face turn red before.”
“I should not have said it.”
“Why not? Oh, I know it is considered quite rude, but considering how uppity Amelia always acts, it was refreshing to see her on-the-spot. It is just too bad Jeannette was not along to witness it.”
“Vanessa and Miranda were enough.” Alex grimaced. “I am sure the gossip will be flying.”
“I am sure it already is,” Caroline answered. “Your R Club will be salivating.”
Alex groaned. “I hate that name.”
Caroline grinned again. “You have only yourself to blame for those women all being enamored of you.”
“Can we talk about something else?”
“Certainly. We were discussing Amelia anyway,” Caroline answered. “I want to relive and enjoy the moment that you put her in her place. Finally.Her Gracewas completely flummoxed.”
“Can we drop that subject?”
“You should bask in the glory of what you just did.” Caroline tilted her head and studied Alex. “You know as well as I do—probably better than me—what a snob she can be. And how self serving.”
“Hmph,” Alex muttered. “She got what she wanted. A title.”
“You evened the score a little today,” Caroline answered. “I wish I could.”
Alex gave her a sharp look. “George did both of us a favor by marrying Amelia. You are not still pining for him, are you?”
