Read Online Suzanne Robinson by Just Before Midnight - Free Book Online

you.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “True, Lance,” said the countess. “When she was here she asked all sorts of questions. The poor girl has no idea how to behave properly on a call. It just isn’t done to ask so many personal questions about an acquaintance, especially a gentleman.”
    Cheyne raised his brows. “Do you mean she fails to confine her conversation to the fascinating topics of weather, balls, and sport? What did she want to know?”
    “Oh, why you’ve dropped your family name on your cards, what you are like, why you behave like an arrogant—what was the word she used?—ah, yes, skunk,” Lance grinned.
    “I hope you took the opportunity to enlighten her as to my fine qualities.”
    Rose Marie laughed. “He did. Lance said you were a gentleman of infinite wit.”
    “And intelligence,” said Lance.
    “To which the lady replied that she doubted poor Lance’s veracity. She said that in her experience you behaved like a—how did she put it?—a no-account, stinking rotten dog.”
    Hands clasped behind his back, Cheyne rocked back and forth on his heels. “Miss Bright should learn to keep her uncivil thoughts to herself.”
    “But Cheyne, dear, she was most specific in her account of your rudenss to her at the unveiling of your mother’s portrait.”
    “That was a mistake. And anyway, did she also tell you about that so-called little incident with the motorcar? She almost ran over me and my horse with her infernal machine, and then she played a damned trick on me!”
    They were staring at him, eyes wide.
    “I say, old boy. Do you know you’re almost shouting?”
    Cheyne looked away from them. “I beg your pardon.” He cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should his throat. “Perhaps I should take my leave.” He bowed to the countess. “With your permission, I’ll call when I’m better able to contribute to the delightful conversation that’s always to be had in your company, dear Lady Ixworth.”
    Fuming, Cheyne left the house and jumped into his barouche. On the drive home he lectured himself. There was no reason for the annoying Miss Bright to dominate his emotions and make him lose his temper. He’d gained valuable information about Archie Preston and would have gotten more, no doubt, had he not made an ass of himself.
    He had several more calls to make on his collection of gossipy acquaintances. His vulnerability to Miss Bright’s insulting remarks must vanish. No brazen colonial was going to impair his ability to deal with a dangerous criminal.
    But what was the remedy for Miss Bright? Cheyne’s disgruntled mood lightened. Of course. Once he’d gotten back at her, the insulting remarks would cease. After Lady Lutterworth’s ball tomorrow night, Miss Matilda Bright would be in no position to poke fun at anyone.

  5
 
    Mattie limped down one side of the double staircase at Lutterworth House to the tune of a waltz. Her last partner had stepped on her toes so many times that she feared her feet would swell and become too large for her slippers. She had excused herself and sat out two dances. Mama would be wondering where she was.
    The next dance was taken by yet another titled young man, one of several new to her who had sought an introduction tonight and begged the honor of a dance. Mama was so pleased she nearly vibrated with glee, for each came from a family of ancient lineage and no financial embarrassment that would force him to seek an upstart American heiress as a bride. So far Mattie’s suitors had been driven by inspirations other than her charm.
    Holding on to the mahogany, Mattie stoppedhalfway down the stairs to admire the gilt bronze balustrade embellished with Grecian foliage. The two wings of the Carrara marble staircase met on a landing and continued down to another floor. Beyond the landing Mattie saw the foot-stomper headed her way.
    “Land sakes,” she muttered and skittered down to the lower floor, ducking into a white marble hall that had been the