Page 34 of Lady, Behave
“Potions. No. I make herbal remedies that help those who suffer—”
“You must stop.”
“I must?” She was astonished at his effrontery to suggest such a thing.
“For your immortal soul. You must not engage in devil’s work.”
“But it isn’t that at all.”
“You try to cure people of maladies?”
“I do.”
“A trained chemist is the man to do such a thing.”
“That’s not necessarily true.” According to Drusinda, chemists erred. Mister Algood was trained but didn’t know everything. “Women are capable, too.”
“No, no. Never.” He snatched her hand and held her in such a grip that she flinched but could not move. “You must repent the error of your ways. All of them. So many, too.”
“What?”
“I understand you kiss men. Many men.” He sought her answer, but alarm rang in her head that he wanted to chastise her for it.
“Well, I—”
“This is unacceptable.”
As are you, sir.
“You must cease and desist.”
“I have not kissed—”
“Repent!” He lifted a forefinger to the heavens. “Repent the error of your ways!”
“I do try—”
“Your two sisters need strong men to temper their Irish shenanigans.”
She yanked her hand from his. “I beg your pardon, sir.”
“No wonder a creature like that Wye has no compunctions about attacking your sister.”
“Excuse me, sir.” She snatched up her skirts, her cheeks burning and her heart pulsing with indignation. “I must see to our other guests.”
“I wish to help you.” He snatched at her hand. “I can save you. Marry me, and you shall have redemption.”
Over my dead body.
“I can help you achieve the purity of soul you need to reach the pearly gates.”
She glared at him.What an arrogant ass.
“And some people thinkIam self-indulgent!” She fumed as she marched away.
She headed straight for the retiring room to collect her ravaged mind, one conclusion firmly fixed there. She would rather live in the woods like a hermit than marry a man of the cloth. Indeed, if he tried to save her from her ‘shenanigans,’ she’d happily bury Fellowes in his allotment.
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