Page 54 of The Redemption of the Shrew

“True, but one cannot help having a certain pride in one’s master or mistress—or feel a degree of shame.”

Gloriana reddened, and rightly so. “Truly?”

“Yes, truly,” Elspeth said.

“I’m sorry,” Gloriana said in a small voice. “I never dreamed my behavior would make you feel ashamed.”

“One becomes accustomed over the years, Miss Glow.”

Gloriana cringed as if she wanted to sink into the ground, so Elspeth relented. “Perhaps it’s just as well, for Lord Hythwick’s foul deed gave Mr. Turner the perfect opportunity to distance himself from me, if he regretted giving me reason to suppose he had intentions.”

“Maybe, but what if he’s just a reserved sort of man? What if he’s still mortified? I’d hate to think I ruined your life as well as mine.”

“Now, now, miss, don’t take on. You’re a far better mistress than most, and besides, inconsiderate behavior is expected of the Quality.”

Gloriana gave her a look but didn’t swerve from her goal. “Think of this as an opportunity, Elspeth. You want to find out how he feels about you, and my request is the excuse you need. You don’t have to let him know how you feel—or at least, not at first.”

Elspeth blew out a breath. Gloriana, drat her, was absolutely right.

“Find a way to drop your handkerchief, or your reticule, or a glove where he has no choice but to pick it up for you.”

“And if some other man picks it up? Then what?”

“Hmm . . . Very well, trip and fall right next to him, so that he must catch you. Better yet, pretend to come over faint, and clutch his arm for support.”

Elspeth couldn’t help but snicker. “I could do that.” She paused. “But I’m not saying I shall.”

Incorrigibly, Gloriana sailed on. “Ask him to escort you home, and then explain everything to him. He may even feel that helping me is a way to redeem himself in your eyes.”

“I’ll . . . do what I can, Miss Glow,” Elspeth said.

“Excellent! Thank you!” She put her arms around Elspeth and hugged her hard. “You are my dearest, dearest friend.”

Elspeth patted her on the back. This talk of friendship always made her a little uneasy, for much as she loved Gloriana, the difference in their stations would never completely go away.

She pulled herself together and said crisply, “Thanking me is all very well, but I cannot promise that Mr. Turner will agree to your plan.”

“If he loves you, he will.”

That sounded like something Elspeth would say to Gloriana—and probably had said more than once. It was time for Elspeth to follow her own advice.

~ ~ ~

The following morning, Philippe slept late and woke dreaming of Gloriana’s rich, joyful laughter. It was that laughter which had drawn him to her the first time—on a street in York, where she’d come with her aunt for a couple of days’ shopping. She had been so lively and pretty, too! He was not without friends in the city, and he’d found a way to beg an introduction.

What a mistake.

She didn’t laugh much now, or at least not in his hearing, and dreaming of it had more the air of a nightmare. He groaned and rolled out of bed. Damn, she was even invading his dreams. He’d fallen asleep in a good mood, having made some progress in his plan of revenge.

He washed and dressed in shirt and breeches, and made his way downstairs to find something to eat.

“Oh, there you are,” Sophie said, tying on her bonnet. “I was about to leave for the school.” She motioned to the table by the door. “Gloriana stopped by earlier, and she gave me that letter for you.”

Philippe eyed his sister. “I told her not to contact me.”

“I know, chéri, but you cannot seriously expect her to obey you.”

“I suppose not, but I can certainly ignore her letter.” He headed toward the kitchen.