Read Online Nina Coombs Pykare by A Daring Dilemma - Free Book Online Page B

call today. I did not have a chance to warn him. The duke spirited him away immediately. He will come and Mama will turn him away. And I shall never see his face again!” And she burst into fresh sobs.
    Licia, whose own inclination was to join her sister in wailing, could find no comforting words to utter. She was feeling so desolate herself that it took all her effort to keep a calm expression.
    It was Penelope who administered the comforting words, Penelope who said, “Don’t be such a goose. No matter what your mama wants , Mama will never turn Lockwood away. He is the duchess’s grandson after all. And Mama and the duchess have been bosom bows since childhood.”
    Dezzie wiped at her eyes. “But what about this awful thing we did—dancing three times like that? Do you think the ton will forgive us?”
    “It was not a wise thing to do,” said Penelope, “but I think the wager will carry it off.” She smiled at Licia. “That was a most inventive idea. Cousin.”
    Licia shrugged and pressed a hand to her throbbing temple. “There was so little time. It was all I could think of.”
    “Poor Licia,” said Dezzie, full of concern. “Do you have the headache? Come, lie upon the bed and let me bring you a cold cloth.”
    Though no amount of cold cloths would relieve the ache she felt at the thought of Ravenworth showing attention to another woman, Licia sighed and acquiesced. For once in her life she lay down and let her sister do the ministering.
    Licia lay in the darkened room for about an hour. Then, unable to bear the inactivity and the consequent rioting of her thoughts, she rose, pronounced herself fit again, and went downstairs with the others.
    Once Mama had declared an intention, she fully expected it to be carried out. And since no one bothered to disagree with her over the future she so rosily painted, she prattled on in great glee.
    But when she got to elaborating on the furnishings of the castle Ravenworth was going to purchase for Dezzie, Licia felt the headache returning in full force. She was about to say so when Herberts announced, “The Duke of Ravenworth. Viscount Lockwood.”
    Mama’s expression went from pleasure to displeasure so swiftly, it was almost amusing.
    But Aunt Hortense did not wait for her to speak. “A few moments, Herberts. Then show them in.”
    As Herberts left, she turned to her sister. “Now, Dorothea, if you cannot behave yourself, you may leave the room. Ravenworth is the son of my dearest friend and I will not have him or their relations slighted.”
    Mama looked pouty. But she said, “Very well. If you must put your friends above your relations.”
    “Dorothea!”
    But there was time for no more words. The duke and the viscount entered. Lockwood’s eyes went immediately to Dezzie, and Mama frowned fiercely.
    “Good day, David,” said Penelope. “I see you are looking in good shape this afternoon.”
    Ravenworth nodded. “Of course , Cousin. We have come to see how you ladies are faring.” His eyes met Licia’s and sent her a message of reassurance. But he could not know that the task that faced her now was far more frightening than anything Mama might say to her.
    They made small talk for a few minutes, and then Penelope said, “I believe some fresh air would do us good. Shall we take a turn in the garden?”
    Mama looked about to protest. But it was only a small courtyard garden. And Dezzie and the duke would be out there together, so she remained silent.
    Ravenworth did not speak to Licia till they had reached the little garden. The late April sun was warm on her face, but her heart was cold. For up there in the quiet of her bedchamber she had come to a chilling realization.
    “Well, now,” said Penelope with false cheerfulness, “I shall just take the youngsters over there to admire the daffodils.” And herding them before her, she left Licia to her fate.
    Ravenworth turned to her immediately. “Penelope is acting strangely again. What is