Read Online A Compromised Lady by Elizabeth Rolls - Free Book Online

myself the pleasure of calling on Almeria very soon. Now, I must not keep you.’ And she gave Thea’s hand another gentle pat as she released it.
    ‘Good day, ma’am,’ said Thea, relaxing slightly as she stepped back from the carriageway.
    The barouche moved on and Thea breathed a sigh of relief, trying to quell the shivering that persisted despite the warmth of the sun and her new pelisse.

    Upon reaching Arnsworth House again, Thea retired to her chamber to remove her gloves, bonnet and pelisse. Several dress boxes were already piled on her bed, having been delivered from the modiste’s in her absence.
    Not bothering to summon a maid, Thea set about unpacking them. These were only a fraction of what she had bought. The rest had required alteration, including the dusky pink evening gown which madame had promised would be delivered that same day, assuring Thea that her minions would not rest until it was done.
    Thea could only gulp at her expenditure. In one afternoon she had spent ten times more than she had in the preceding eight years. And that was just at the modiste. She had—she was forced to admit—enjoyed it, once she had let herself go. Not that she wanted to fling her money about all the time. After this spree there would be no need. But, oh, it was lovely to know that when she dressed tomorrow morning there would be something pretty to put on. That—
    ‘Ah. There you are, Dorothea.’ The door had opened and Lady Arnsworth looked in. ‘Do come down when you are ready. I have asked for tea to be brought to the drawing room.’
    She looked critically at the new dresses on the bed and hanging over the back of the chair. ‘Hmm.
    That will do for a start. Once a few more invitations have arrived, we shall think again. Do be quick, dear.’
    Thea gulped as the door closed behind her godmother. A few more invitations sounded as though some had already arrived.
    She hurried with the dresses. No doubt Lady Arnsworth had further plans to unveil for the Season.
    Balls, routs, dinners, soirées, making calls. All the activities of the social whirl. At least she had a day or two before she must plunge into it. Hardly anyone yet knew that she was in town, which meant she was safe for a couple of nights at least…

    ‘Good God! That’s…it can’t be! Not the Winslow chit!’
    Richard, whatever he’d been saying to Braybrook forgotten, stiffened as he heard the middle-aged matron’s amazed tones ring out in the middle of the Fothergills’ very crowded drawing room that evening. Forcibly he resisted the temptation to turn and stare her down. Whoever she was.
    Instead he looked around for Thea. He found Almeria almost immediately, regal in purple, and…
    The unknown female behind him continued. ‘I had the most interesting letter, my dear! Why, she was barely out when…’ Her voice dropped, and turning his head slightly, Richard could see several be-turbaned matrons, feathers a-quiver, nodding and casting startled looks at Thea as the knowledgeable one disgorged her burden of gossip.
    ‘And you say there was something more to it? Some indiscretion? I understood that story about her grief to be…’ began one. Damn it all! Could a girl not be absent from society for a few years without the tabbies deciding that there must be ‘something more to it’? Were their own hearts so withered that they could not understand grief?
    Another lady leaned forward, murmuring behind her fan. All he heard was, ‘—hurst!’
    ‘No!’ Eyes popping, the first lady cast another, disbelieving look at Thea. ‘How much? And Almeria actually has him staying with her? In the very house?’
    There were times when the mercenary tendencies of society amused Richard. This was not one of them.
    Braybrook caught his eye. ‘People are so predictable, are they not, Ricky? And, no, you cannot tell her off for it. Much less demand satisfaction.’
    Richard had to unclench his jaw before he could respond. And Julian did it for him