[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
gossip over tepid cups of tea, but she did look forward
to seeing Grandmama. She felt very much in need of
the old lady s astringent company, and, besides, she
could not possibly sit around chewing her nails for
another interminable day.
Thus, fortified by an almost painfully smart
ensemble of twilled Italian silk, trimmed with three
tiers of rouleaux around the hem, she bundled herself
into the Bridge town carriage for the short journey to
Grosvenor Square. She had just alighted before
Grandmama s house when she was hailed by a
melodious masculine voice.
Cosmo! she said in surprise, turning to greet the
slender figure that hurried toward her.
Yes, it is I. No, you need not turn away, he
continued with great dignity as Amanda pulled her
hand away from his. I shall not importune you.
Indeed his full lips turned up in a smile of smug
satisfaction you must allow me to inform you that
there will soon be an interesting announcement made
concerning myself and a certain Miss Hester
Olddlesham.
Ah. Amanda grinned. Another heiress, Cosmo?
192
Mr. Satterleigh flushed, but said nothing.
And one with a less perspicacious father than
mine, I take it. Never mind, she added as her
erstwhile swain opened his mouth indignantly. You
have my heartiest congratulations and best wishes for
your future prosperity. Now, if you ll excuse me ...
She smiled and continued on her way toward the
dowager s house. Once inside, she discovered to her
surprise that, besides Cousin Emily Wexford, Lianne
was among those present. Amanda had not seen the
young countess since the house party at Ashindon,
and she was additionally surprised at the
cat-in-the-cream-pot expression that spread over her
lovely face as she greeted Amanda.
An unpleasant twinge made itself felt in Amanda s
interior. Lianne could look this pleased for only one
reason. No wonder Ash had not put in an appearance
at the Bridge home. He had been visiting his love!
Of course, she thought bitterly. To whom else would
Ash turn in his hour of need or of bliss whichever
the case might be?
Well, come in and sit, gel, barked Grandmama
from her chair. And I hope to God you have
something else to talk of besides Wellington. I m
heartily sick of the man s name already, and I know it
will be a great deal worse in the days to come.
Amanda pinned a smile to her face. But he is a
hero, Grandmama.
Yes, echoed Lianne. He has vanquished the
Corsican Monster!
Well, let s hope they keep a better watch on him
than they did last time, said the dowager with a
grunt. She turned to Amanda.
How do the wedding preparations progress? I spoke
to Serena the other day and it seems your father s
plans grow more grandiose every day. I expect to hear
that by now he has decided you must be married in
Westminster Abbey.
No, replied Amanda calmly. St. George s will do
for Papa. She seemed unable to keep the rigidity from
her voice as she continued. It is natural that he would
wish for everything to be perfect for his only daughter.
Only daughter, indeed, snapped the old lady. If
this isn t all to the glory of the one and only Jeremiah
Bridge, I ll eat my best bonnet. The man has the ego
the size of one of those balloon things people are riding
193
around in these days.
Amanda stiffened. Grandmama, I am sorry that you
and Papa have not hit it off very well, but I will not sit
here and listen to you insult him.
Emily gasped and Lianne tittered nervously, but the
dowager remained unfazed.
No need to take a pet, gel. I m only speaking the
truth, after all. But now that I think of it, she added
as Amanda opened her mouth, he ain t such a
maw-worm as I first saw him,
With that, Amanda supposed she would have to be
satisfied.
The conversation turned once more to the subject of
Waterloo and the magnificent victory won by
Wellington and his allies.
Of course, remarked Amanda, the casualties were
catastrophic at least, so I ve heard. The lists will be
posted soon, I suppose.
Oh, yes, said Emily, dabbing at her eyes. I
understand the Bellinghams have a son in Belgium,
and Mrs. Gellis s husband, too. You remember him,
Lianne. They had only been married a few months
when he went off.
Lianne nodded sadly. It always infuriates me when
men talk of the glory of battle, when it is the women
who must stay home and suffer when their men are
taken from them.
Amanda nodded silently, startled at this rare
expression of depth from the young countess.
As to that began the dowager, but she was
interrupted as a tall figure strode into the room.
Ash! Amanda nearly dropped her teacup into her
lap, and as she stared at him her heart sank. He stood
in the doorway, stiff and unsmiling, and in his hand
he carried a small parcel. His eyes glittered darkly in
the pallor of his face. He did not, in short, look like a
man who has just realized a marked improvement in
his financial situation. After a mechanical greeting to
the other ladies present, his gaze swung to Amanda.
Ah, Miss Bridge. His voice was flat and
unemotional. I have been searching for you. When I
went to your home, I was told that you had come here.
I wonder if I might have a moment of your time. To
the dowager, he said, Is there a place where Miss
Bridge and I might be private for a few moments?
Good God, boy, what are you about? The old lady
194
bristled. This is most irregular, and I will not She
stopped abruptly, eyeing her grandson intently. You
may go into the Blue Saloon.
Dazedly, Amanda followed Ash. He said nothing as
they left the room, progressing down the corridor until
he turned into another chamber nearby. Ash strode
through the door and placed the parcel on a table.
Ash, for heaven s sake, what is going on?
He turned to her and gestured toward the parcel.
This is for you, Miss Bridge.
Ash, I don t understand
Just open it please. In the chilled metal of his
tone, Amanda caught an undercurrent of barely
leashed tension, and without saying more, she picked
up the package and tore off the wrappings with
trembling fingers. Her jaw dropped as she realized
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]