Page 77 of The Redemption of the Shrew

“Then what is it?” He loosened his hold and eyed her. “You’ve had enough of being in service, have you? Understood. If you can’t stomach it anymore, you needn’t. Maybe we can use the money to set you up as a dressmaker. Or a milliner.”

She huffed, and he chuckled. “Doesn’t sound so appealing, does it? You like your work—and your mistress.”

“Yes, she’s very dear to me, but it’s not usual for a lady’s maid to be a married woman. She might not agree to it, and what about when we have children? I shan’t be able to care for them and for Miss Glow.”

“Not much different from running an inn when you’ve got little ones always at your feet. You and Miss Glow will work it out between you.”

How strange—he was giving her the sort of practical advice she commonly gave to Miss Glow. She enjoyed being on the receiving end for a change, rather than having to scold herself into good sense.

Now if only they could get the Book of Hours back, and Gloriana and Philippe safely married—all would be well.

~ ~ ~

Gloriana left the Wellforth party early, having danced a scandalous three times with Lord Hythwick and endured a gauntlet of stares and whispers every time she crossed the room. Alice Stowe complimented her on her courage whilst berating her for her folly. If the gossip hadn’t convinced everyone that she would soon be Hythwick’s mistress, his proprietary air had done so. She scolded him coyly, put him playfully at a distance, and prayed for the evening to end.

Meanwhile, Marianne and Freddy planned and plotted by way of their go-between. At midnight, judging that by now Philippe and the others must have finished their meeting, she signaled to Mr. Bridge to send for her carriage.

He rode home with her, which, if anyone saw him enter the carriage, would give rise to even more speculation. It was extremely noble of him to ignore the gossips. There was no better or more reliable escort in the world, and for the thousandth time, she wished she could have fallen in love with him.

“Freddy intends to speak to Philippe de Bellechasse tomorrow,” he told her, “and they will elope as soon as arrangements can be made.”

She thanked him profusely. He deposited her on her doorstep, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to assist in a runaway marriage, and recommended that she leave town for an extended period to let the scandal blow over. “Safer that way, my dear Miss Warren. You are a rational woman with a great deal of commonsense. Make use of it.”

Which was probably why she valued him only as a friend. She was far too wrought up to care about safety or commonsense. Philippe might rant at her about it, but he would also understand.

Gregory opened the door for her, and Mr. Bridge bowed over her hand and left. She found Elspeth waiting in her bedchamber, full of plans. She chattered while undressing her mistress, relaying all that had gone on at the Spotted Dragon. “It’s not a nice place, miss. I swear, half the men there were lawbreakers of one sort or another, and the women weren’t the respectable sort either. I was shocked to think that you’d gone there.”

Gloriana took off her emerald bracelet and earbobs. “They’re just people, after all is said and done.”

“As for that Cartway person, he’s a professional burglar! I couldn’t believe my ears—bold as brass, he was, planning and jesting with Monsooer de Bellechasse as if they were equals!”

“Because Philippe considers them such,” Gloriana said. “I thought you believed in equality.”

“I do, miss, but there’s equality and then there’s respect, and he showed none at all. And he was speaking in cant, which at times I scarcely understood. Well, really!” She paused for breath. “But it was ever so nice walking home with Mr. Turner. He likes your Philippe. He says he’s a fine gentleman and would do credit to a good valet.”

“Yes, he’s very handsome and well-proportioned,” Gloriana said dully.

Elspeth brushed Gloriana’s hair with long, vigorous strokes. “How was your ball, Miss Glow? You seem tired tonight.”

“It was dreadful. I flirted with Lord Hythwick and danced with him a scandalous three times.”

“I don’t like the thought of you anywhere near that dreadful man.”

“I don’t know how I would have managed if Mr. Bridge hadn’t rescued me from time to time, pretending to be Hythwick’s rival for my affections. As if there is any comparison between them! And as for the gossips . . .” She shuddered. “I know I was asking for it, but it’s frightfully uncomfortable being whispered about all the same.”

“I daresay it is, miss.” She set down the brush and braided Gloriana’s hair. “Off to bed with you now. A good sleep is what you need. In a day or two, it will all be over with.”

“And your Mr. Turner will have his reward,” Gloriana said.

“Yes, miss, and most grateful he’ll be.”

“And you’ll start planning your life together.”

“Yes, miss.” Their eyes met in the mirror, and Elspeth looked as if she had something to say, but she dropped her gaze and moved away to turn down the bed.

“Don’t bother with a warming-pan,” Gloriana said. Suddenly lonely, she dismissed the maid and put herself to bed.

~ ~ ~