Page 51 of A Damsel for the Wounded Earl
“Listen here, you little wretch,” Miranda hissed, voice low and smooth, “Arthur and Iwillbe announcing our engagement soon. I shan’t tell you more, because it’s none of your concern, but mark my words, it is going to happen. And I don’t intend to make enemies here, but one day, I will be Lady Lanwood, and when that happens, you had better watch yourself. That is all I’m saying, Felicity Thornhill.”
“Get out of my way,” Felicity gasped, trying to step past again, and Miranda shoved her once more, harder this time, so that Felicity lost her balance and sat down hard in an armchair. If the seat had not been there, she would have tumbled onto the floor. Miranda stepped closer, looming over her, fists clenched at her sides, and for the first time Felicity felt a spasm of fear. The look in Miranda’s eyes was…
Well, it was desperation. Fear, anger, and bitterness, all rolled into one.
“I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
A cool, dry voice from the doorway made them both jump.
Lucy stood there, hands folded before her, face impassive. There was no doubt in Felicity’s mind that she’d seen all if not most of what had happened. Judging by the way Miranda’s colour drained from her face, she thought so too.
“We’re just talking,” Miranda said, recovering herself admirably quickly. Lucy said nothing, only looking steadily at her.
Scrambling to her feet, Felicity hurried over her to friend, clutching at her arm.
“Do excuse us,” Lucy said, her voice cold and steely. Without waiting for a reply, she seized Felicity’s arm and marched them both away down the hallway.
“She pushed me, Lucy,” Felicity murmured, once they were out of earshot.
“I saw. The wretch that she is. Ungrateful, too. I intend to tell Arthur, Felicity, and Beatrice. She won’t stay much longer in this house. We can’t very well turn her out of doors before the summer ball, but that’s only tomorrow. After that, she can go, I promise you that. Miranda Sinclair has officially worn out her welcome.”
Felicity turned and saw Miranda standing in the doorway of the drawing room, silhouetted against the light and her expression unreadable.
The feeling of unease in the pit of her stomach only intensified.
Chapter Twenty
“You’re quiet this morning. Is everything alright?”
Flinching, Lucy glanced up from her letter, which hadn’t progressed beyond the opening sentence. While she was lost in thought, a huge ink droplet had welled up from the nib of her pen, dropping onto the paper below and ruining it. With a sigh, she crumpled the ruined letter and tossed it away, replacing her pen and turning to Beatrice, who was still eyeing her with concern.
Generally speaking, Lucy and Beatrice took an hour or two away from their guests every morning, to write letters, work on various tasks, and manage household matters. Today was a little more hectic than most days, as the summer ball was happening tonight. Lots to do, lots to do.
“I’m fine,” Lucy managed. It was, of course, a lie, but one that seemed to satisfy Beatrice well enough.
In truth, Lucy’s head was spinning. She could think of nothing beyond how Felicity had acted last night, and how aggressive Miranda had become. Surely this couldn’t be allowed. Surely something had to be done.
After the ball,she reminded herself.Arthur and Beatrice have enough to think of besides that.
Setting aside her letters, Lucy got to her feet. “Do excuse me. I’d like to talk to Felicity about something.”
“Of course, of course,” Beatrice said, smiling. “I’m sure you want to make the most of it, before she goes home.”
Lucy paused. “Goes home?”
“Yes, Mrs. Thornhill told me this morning that they intend to leave after the summer ball. I asked if Felicity could stay longer - I know she’s a particular friend of yours – but Mrs. Thornhill said no, I’m afraid. I am sorry.”
Lucy swallowed hard. “I see. Well, thank you for telling me. Do… do excuse me.”
She found Felicity in the library.
“I thought you were forbidden from books,” she remarked, settling beside her on the window seat.
“I was. I am,” Felicity responded, not looking up from the page. “But as I’m sure you’ve heard; we’re going home after the ball. I won’t be allowed to continue my studies once we’re home. So, I might as well enjoy books while I’ll allowed to have them.”
Lucy bit her lip. “Oh, I am sorry. Stay here, Felicity, please. We can take care of you.”
“I can’t stay in the house with an unmarried man, you know that. Besides, I would have no money, no status, no family. They’d cut me off. I can’t do that, Lucy.”
