Page 43 of The Redemption of the Shrew

Gloriana turned to her with a rueful smile. “Thinking of Mr. Barnham?”

Unshed tears shone in the girl’s eyes. “I’m doing my best to forget him, but it’s so hard,” she said softly.

“I know,” Gloriana sighed. “Believe me, I know.”

Marianne’s eyes widened. “You are in love with someone too?” she whispered.

Maybe, but she shouldn’t be. “It was long ago.”

Marianne looked as if she wished to ask more, but Philippe detached himself from Sabrina Worth and came over. He took the empty place on the opposite side of Lady Marianne. “Do forgive me for interrupting. I need a few minutes’ respite with the only two ladies in the room who do not seek me for immoral purposes.”

Marianne giggled. “You are safe with us, sir. Isn’t that so, Gloriana?”

“Definitely.” Did she sound as annoyed as she felt? Marianne gave no sign, and Philippe could go to the devil for all she cared. But she would draw attention if she jumped up and stalked off, so she did her best to participate in the conversation, which was mostly Philippe exercising his charm on Marianne. When Alice invited her to make a fourth for whist, she seized the opportunity and left them to themselves.

When she next looked their way, they were deep in conversation, heads together, talking softly. A wave of envy rolled over her.

She dropped her eyes to her cards and didn’t look their way again.

~ ~ ~

Philippe watched Gloriana glide gracefully toward the card room, but returned his attention quickly to Hythwick’s sister. Their tête-a-tête might be interrupted at any moment by another of the women who plagued him constantly.

“Miss Warren is such a pleasant lady,” Lady Marianne said. “I am glad she decided to be my friend.”

He hadn’t intended to discuss Gloriana, but . . . “Is your friendship of a recent nature?”

“Yes, we were merely acquaintances in the past, but she came to call a few days ago. It was so kind of her to do so, despite my horrid brother deciding not to marry her. I was sad that she was not to become my sister, but she agreed that we can be friends instead.”

Merde. Interfering, foolhardy woman! Her intention was obvious—and terrifying.

Marianne pouted. “My brother will probably say I must not befriend her because her family is too scandalous.”

I surely hope so. That would make it impossible for her to search Hythwick’s house, but she would certainly come up with another lunatic plan. Philippe set this concern aside. He would deal with Gloriana later, if necessary. For now, he had his own ends to pursue.

“I have something of a confidential nature to say to you, Lady Marianne,” he said.

She opened her big blue eyes at him, and her voice faltered. “I—I beg your pardon?” She was sweet and well-intentioned, completely unlike her brother. Freddy Barnham was a lucky man.

“Please do not react in any way that may draw attention,” Philippe murmured. “I come as an envoy from Mr. Barnham.”

Her eyes opened even wider. “From Freddy?” she whispered, joy illuminating her pretty face.

He nodded. “He and I have concocted a plan in the hope of changing your brother’s mind, but it will require your cooperation.”

“Anything,” she breathed. “What must I do?”

He told her, and she agreed, as he’d known she would. He left her smiling to herself—which was perfect, as no one but he knew the true reason for her contentment.

Arabella Stansom pounced on him, simpering, with a question about French art. Sabrina Worth watched with a sultry smirk. Gloriana never once looked his way.

~ ~ ~

Gloriana did her best to avoid Philippe. She managed to spend two days at the school the following week without once encountering him. She called on Lady Marianne, who seemed to have recovered her spirits.

“Each day becomes easier,” she confided. “Perhaps I only thought I was in love with Freddy.”

Gloriana wished she could fall out of love so easily.