Read Online The Curious Rogue by Joan Vincent - Free Book Online Page B

his sister.
    Elizabeth rose, her lip trembling. “I will not have you apologizing for me as if I were some... some spoiled child.”
    “Ahem.” A polite cough turned all three’s attention to the door.
    “These packages just arrived, my lady,” Bently announced and motioned to the footman behind him. “This card was with them.” He held forth a silver tray.
    Lady Madeline picked up the gold-engraved card gingerly, having recognized the parcels as those left behind after the accident. “Take them away,” she commanded and turned her eves to the card. “It is from Comtede Cavilon’s.” She looked to her brother, and then turned it over, dismayed.
    “What does it say?” Sir Henry asked anxiously.
    “I do not know. It is in French. Elizabeth?” She held the card out to her niece.
    Taking it, the young woman forced herself to focus on the writing. “His script is as dainty as his lace,” she noted.
    “But what does it say?” Lady Waddington asked.
    “He says... says he sends his greetings and hopes that we were not... were not unduly ‘settled’ by the accident.” She paused, considering his words. “Oh, don’t you see, Aunt, he is making a joke on me.
    “Nonsense, it is quite good of him to be concerned.”
    “Madeline is correct. You are being far too sensitive, Elizabeth,” Sir Henry said, his relief apparent. “What has happened to your common sense?
    “I shall have to thank the man for trying to assist you. He is an odd sort, but most speak well of him. Good friend of Tretain’s, too. Oh, you recall the Tretains of Southhamptonshire? Home estate is Trees. By the oddest chance I encountered Tretain’s wife today,” Sir Henry continued with the particulars of the meeting.
    His words passed over Elizabeth unheard. You wanted to be distracted, she thought, and you could have come upon no one more different from your rogue than this Comte de Cavilon. Her conscience nudged her guiltily. Mayhaps I was a bit unkind. If ever I do meet him again, I shall be more gracious, Elizabeth mentally promised and turned her attention back to her uncle’s story.

* * *
    “Ah, my dear, you should not be awake at this late hour.” Lord Adrian spoke severely as he entered his wife’s chambers and found her reading in bed. A smile came to the earl’s features as he sat at her side. “But I am glad you are.” He kissed her gently. “How are you feeling?”
    “Quite well. I found the note you sent rather interesting and had to remain awake until you explained it. What did you mean about the peruke powder?” Lady Juliane asked, reaching up to straighten the collar of his dressing gown.
    “That was why I am so late. I took Louis to his rooms. He was quite an awesome sight, completely powdered from peruke to the buckles of his shoes. When his appearance was repaired we went to White’s. The news of the incident had travelled like a fox who hears the hounds draw near. I knew we would never get away, so I sent the note,” Tretain ended, certain the matter was now entirely clear to his wife.
    Lady Juliane smiled. “Once more,” she said, “only this time begin before you come to the hair powder,” she commanded softly.
    “... That young woman has the manners of a harridan,” Lord Adrian ended his second explanation.
    “It sounds to me like she had ample provocation for her behaviour,” his wife defended the unknown young woman. “I cannot imagine Louis acting in such a reprehensible manner.”
    “I did think it strange that he tolerated the incident as he did. You know he can get over-involved with his mannerisms and goad someone who is being too pompous or righteous. Miss Jeffries struck me as neither, but he certainly baited her.”
    “Jeffries? How did you learn her name? It did not sound like proper introductions were made.”
    “They weren’t. I did wonder how Louis knew her name. He even knew she was a niece to the older woman. I am certain Lady Waddington only had time enough to mention her