Page 21 of Mistress of Misfortune

Offering an abbreviated version of Meredith’s rig accident, and describing the storm’s violence, Lucetta assured the couple that there had been no choice for them but to impose on Alistair Thorne’s hospitality. At this point Lady Starling sat up, her expression newly aghast, while her husband muttered under his breath and Lavinia covered her mouth with trembling fingers. Only Percival seemed relieved to hear that Meredith had been provided with care and shelter by their new neighbor.

“Be assured, my lady, that Colonel Thorne acted the perfect gentleman while we stayed at the hall,” Lucetta said at last. “I also remained at Meredith’s side the entire time.”

“You spent the night in that wretched place,” Lavinia whispered, her tone strangled. “Surely the two of you have been cursed.”

Percival patted her shoulder. “Never fear, Mama. The colonel cannot marry them both. That would be against the law.”

Lucetta wondered if while shining his medals the lieutenant had inhaled too many vapors from the polish.

“I should never let my child near that wicked man,” his mother mumbled.

“Do you think to blame me for this, Sister?” Lady Starling demanded. “I have told my daughter time and again to stay away from that dreadful place. All the talk of it and that curse is most unseemly. Thorne is nothing to us.”

Meredith’s shoulders slumped. “Mama, the colonel was very kind to me. I would call him our friend.”

“Would you now?” Her mother’s contempt faded as she glanced at her husband, and something wordless passed between them. She then smiled at her daughter. “That is good of you, my dear. We must show the appropriate gratitude toward Thorne. Perhaps that will demonstrate to the village how to behave in a civilized manner.”

“I daresay it shall do much to dispel these ridiculous rumors,” Lord Starling said, nodding.

Lucetta felt confused by the abrupt approval. After the uproar she had felt certain the Starlings would not want Meredith to go near Dredthorne again. She had been trying to think of how to broach the subject to assure their consent to their scheme, or was she more concerned with escaping her own unhappy situation at the parsonage?

She thought of the signs of neglect she had seen outside the manor, and then realized what was happening. The Starlings knew Thorne had inherited a sizable fortune. They had a daughter they could not endower whom he had rescued. Advantageous marriages had been arranged on far less obligations. Doubtless they now saw him as an answer to their prayers.

In any case, it seemed the right moment for Lucetta to mention their plan, as long as she presented it in an acceptable manner.

“Since Meredith and I share a love of books, Lady Starling, I thought she might help me with cataloging one of Colonel Thorne’s libraries,” Lucetta said. “If you can spare her, may I call for her tomorrow morning? I will do all the driving.”

“Yes, of course. When you see him again, do give the colonel our deepest thanks for helping our girl in her distress.” Meredith’s mother made a weak gesture. “All of you, please go now. I must rest now that she is home.”

Percival and his mother walked out with Lucetta, and he handed her up into the carriage before sketching another elegant bow. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Branwen.”

“Good afternoon, Lieutenant. Mrs. Starling.” She watched him escort his mother to an older rig a short distance away. Their horse appeared to be more suited to plowing than driving, and started off at a crawling pace. It seemed none of the family had deep pockets.

Meredith told the driver to wait before she leaned in to say, “You saved me, Cousin.”

Lucetta could see the happiness gleaming in her eyes, and felt mollified to know she had been responsible. “Be ready to leave at eleven, my dear.”