Page 36 of Lady, Behave
“A charming couple,” said the curate John Fellowes as he stepped near.
Addy bristled. She’d been aware the man was among those on Cass’s carefully chosen guest list. When she asked why he was to attend, Cass had told her his father and mother were influential in society. One had to invite him to remain in the Earl of Davenport’s good graces.
“They are indeed,” she said and sought an opening among the other guests’ conversations so that she could escape.
He caught the chill of her words, wincing. “I was pleased to be invited here today.”
To that, she merely stared into his watery blue eyes.
“I gather you had nothing to do with that, Miss Adelaide.”
She caught the worried frown of Cass from across the room. “You owe the invitation to my cousin, Lady Downs. And if you will excuse me, sir, I must welcome—”
He blocked her path. “Welcome me, Miss Adelaide.”
She turned a critical eye on him.
He grabbed her hand. “I wish to apologize.”
She tugged her fingers from his angry hold. “Good of you. Now if—”
“Please don’t leave me. I regret my outburst of the other day.”
“As you should, sir.”
“I merely wished to save you from yourself.”
She scoffed. “Sir, save yourself first.”
“I—I don’t understand.”
“Repent of your pride to think you can direct me to follow your orders.”
He pulled his little chin back into his neck. “I do not know what you mean.”
“Exactly.” She sighed. “Perspective on one’s own behavior is vital to a well-lived life.”
His eyes turned sharp and narrow. “You correct me?”
“You need it,” she said with a certain measure of glee and left him where he stood.
Chapter Ten
Missing Imogen wasa bigger hurdle than Addy expected. The three Barry girls, once known in Waterford and Dublin as a trio of scamps who raced through town on spirited horses or danced long into the night at any ball, had taken Brighton by storm. Imogen, in a few days, had met her earl and married him. Leaving Addy and Laurel to conquer the other gentlemen who came to Brighton to see and be seen and court.
The parties they attended that Saturday and Sunday were filled with those who wished to learn more about the newlyweds or Addy and Laurel’s own intentions with any gentlemen with whom they danced or talked. Looking for the current gossip, many like Lady Forbish asked leading questions about Imogen’s feelings for the earl, her new husband.
“Love him, does she?” the woman asked Addy that Sunday evening at a ball given by a baron of some renown and wealth.
“Yes, of course, she does, my lady.”What gall to ask such a thing.
“He did the right thing to save her.”
To which Addy did not bat an eyelash.
“But of course, the man is the picture of health. Much like his friend, the Marquess of Heath.”
Was the woman fishing for intimate knowledge of Addy’s regard for Gyles?
