AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Manchester’s quiet laughter followed her.
The moment they reentered the salon, she turned her back to the men and bade her sister come close. “You can leave off the act now. It’s no use.”
“Why?” whispered Cat. “What happened back there? I heard him laughing.”
“I cannot explain now, but suffice it to say I’ve been cornered.”
“Cornered?” said her sister with quiet alarm.
Harriett nodded and held a finger to her lips. “All is well. I’ll just have to find a way to be rid of him myself. You cannot help me.”
“Can you do it on your own?”
With a nervous glance at the man who had invaded her work, her home, and her life, she sent a fervent prayer heavenward. “I hope so. For the moment, however, I must bide my time and wait for an opportunity to present itself. Until then I’ve no choice but to play along. Now, let us stop all of this whispering before Papa becomes displeased.”
They talked of the doings of friends and upcoming balls until the menfolk finished their brandy and conversation—which centered on Parliament and Bolingbroke’s attempts to gather support against Walpole. Harriett would have liked to join the discussion, but knew Papa would disapprove.
It was late when Manchester at last rose and made to depart. “Dunhaven, it has been a most pleasurable evening. Your hospitality is unrivaled, and your company and that of your daughters has been a delight.”
Her father’s face lit with joy. “Your Grace is too kind. Please know that my humble home is open to you at any time.”
Manchester bowed before the women. “Lady Catherine, I look forward to seeing you again.” His eyes danced as they met Harriett’s. “And you, my lady—I shall see you on Monday as is customary. We have much to discuss, you and I. The Hospital is undergoing many changes and we must work together to see they are properly executed. Shall we say nine o’ clock?”
“She will be there with all punctuality,” said her father with enthusiasm.
The changes at the Hospital were the last thing on Manchester’s mind. Harriett dipped a curtsy and kept her gaze on the carpet lest her wrath be seen by Papa. “Of course, Your Grace.” She stayed behind, contemplating murder as her father saw their guest out.
“I think Papa likes him,” murmured Cat as the men’s voices faded.
“How unfortunate—for them both,” Harriett grumbled.
“You could play this to your advantage, you know.”
Her sly tone brought Harriett’s head up. “I know what you’re thinking, and it won’t—.”
“Oh, hush and just listen for a moment. Your enemy he may be, but immune to your charms he most certainly is not.” A golden brow arched. “I watched him tonight. He could hardly take his eyes off of you. And don’t you shake your head at me—I know lust when I see it. He desires you. And you, unless I am sorely mistaken...”
Harriett squirmed under her sister’s knowing gaze. It was time to come clean. “I won’t lie to you and say I don’t find him somewhat attractive,” she said after a moment. “But how can I even contemplate such a thing when I dislike him so?” A look of triumph crossed her sister’s face, and she panicked. “No! He is vile, rude, and—and I could never marry such a—”
“Who said anything about marriage?”
That stopped Harriett dead in her tracks. “Catherine Dunhaven! If you think for one instant that I would ever—”
“I would never suggest such a thing,” said her sister, laughing. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t use his want of you to your advantage. Why not play along for a little while? See what comes of it?”
“Because only one thing can come of it—trouble.” Terrified of being overheard, Harriett dropped her voice a bit lower. “If Papa gets it into his head that I should marry him—”
“Oh, I think it’s already gone beyond that, don’t you?”
She was right. Again. “Perhaps. But I know his mind. Manchester will wait until the perfect opportunity arises and then humiliate me.”
“So strike before he does.”
“I can’t take the risk,” said Harriett, thinking of Arabella. “I have to marry this Season, Cat, and I cannot afford to be wasting my time playing games with him. Besides, he has not asked to court me. Papa would have mentioned it if he had.”
“Perhaps not yet, but I can almost guarantee he will in the very near future.”
That settled it. “Then I shall make certain he is not the first to do so,” Harriett told her firmly.
