Read Online The Heart's Companion by Holly Newman - Free Book Online Page B

eyes, as if he suddenly remembered something and was turning that memory over in his mind, examining it. It was an expression that made Lady Elsbeth uneasy.
    "I have discovered in my travels that people have layers upon layers of meaning behind their actions," he said as languidly as one would speak of the weather. "What at first may be taken for good or bad, upon reflection reveals hidden, almost forgotten reactions to circumstances in one’s past. The trick is to discover these repeat habits and sever the ties so that they may cease binding one in knots."
    He looked down at Lady Elsbeth, a slight smile playing upon his lips. "I find myself wondering from what experience you speak. Just as I find myself wondering what experience has driven your niece to her Ice Witch persona. Intriguing questions, don’t you think?"
    Lady Elsbeth’s step faltered, but she responded readily to the gentle pressure he exerted to continue. She looked up at him uncertainly. She prayed he did not know any of her history, but feared he did, for she remembered he’d been sent down from Oxford and was on the town the year she had her disastrous season. And he was just the sort to have been in John’s train, she thought bitterly. She felt a soupcon of relief that there was no discernible knowledge of her past in his expression. It was not something she wished anyone to remember. She silently congratulated herself on deftly staying out of John’s orbit all these years so that memories could not be stirred to bubble to the top of society’s scandal broth pot.
    "La! I take back what I said. You must be bored to be considering that which would not plague an ant." She laughed slightly and smiled her understanding spinster smile, though her heart hammered loudly in her chest.
    He did not react as most did. "My interest does not lie with the insect world, Lady Elsbeth, but rather with people," he returned deftly, and smiled so charmingly Elsbeth was left in doubt as to the precise meaning of his words. "But tell me," he continued crisply, his bored air falling easily away, "how came Miss Grantley to her current state of disarray?"
    Relieved to have the conversation turned from herself. Lady Elsbeth launched into a detailed recital of the events of the afternoon. The earl nodded thoughtfully and patted her hand where it rested on his arm.
    "I’ll take care of Culpepper," he promised as they crossed the threshold and her hand fell away from his arm. He strode over to Bertram’s side and placed a hand on the lad’s shoulder. "Culpepper," he said loudly, "let’s allow the ladies to retire to the parlor while we gentlemen adjourn to the library to discuss this matter. A discussion of any pugilistic match is not for a lady’s delicate sensitivities."
    "My lord, you overstep yourself!" protested Jane, whirling around to face him. Her white, pinched face was beginning to show delicate signs of bruising.
    "Now see here, Royce!" argued Mr. Culpepper, his lower lip thrust out as he pried his wife’s fingers from his arm.
    The earl went cold. "We will discuss this matter in the library in a gentlemanly fashion. If, afterwards, you still feel the necessity of addressing Miss Grantley or Lady Elsbeth, you are free to do so. But I am not in the habit of discussing affairs of honor before women."
    "Affairs of honor!" Jane shrieked.
    The earl ignored her. "Bertram, lead the way. Ladies, if you will excuse, us, we will join you later. Miss Grantley I would see to those scrapes and bruises immediately." He turned to follow Bertram to the end of the hall and the door leading to the library. Mr. Culpepper and Henry followed silently behind. At the doorway Royce stopped and requested a hovering Jeremy to fetch a bottle of port and glasses to the library.
    Jane stared open-mouthed after him. Rage flared her eyes and cold fire lit their emerald depths. Lady Elsbeth hurried to fill the silent void left by the men’s departure.
    "Yes, Jane, why don’t you go on upstairs