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For a flash of a second, Exerilla’s heart broke for Mary. She could almost read the woman’s mind. She felt what Mary felt in that moment. Her husband was an oaf, but her son was no better.
“Mother, I was trying to have a private conversation with Exerilla, because I discovered that she is carrying on with Lord MacTorry!” he said with a flushed face and some indignation.
“How dare you!” Exerilla said with some authority. “You barge into my bedchamber where you accost me with your unwanted attentions, and then chase me down to the kitchen so that I had to hide in the pantry! You call that having a private conversation?”
“I…I…you ran, you…I…do you deny that you and his lordship were speaking intimately yesterday afternoon, after you had been up at the Towers unescorted?”
“I don’t have to confirm or deny anything that has to do with my business.” Exerilla snapped at him.
“Tart!” he accused flushed now to the roots of his hair.
“David!” disgusted, his mother rebuked him. “Stop this! I am appalled, and ashamed.” She shook her head. “David, this is shocking. Miss Radley is a guest in our home.” She turned to Exerilla. “I apologize for him.” She turned back to her son. “Please leave me with Miss Radley and I want you gone before breakfast. You have your own lodgings and I see no reason why you should not spend your nights there. Good-bye David!”
He bowed himself out silently with his face drawn in fury, but he said nothing more as he left them. Mary put a comforting arm around Exerilla as she led her back up the stairs and asked, “I am so thoroughly ashamed. Did he hurt you, Exerilla?”
“Not really. I am wily.”
Mary patted X’s hand and said, “How can I make an excuse for him? I simply cannot.”
“No need.”
“I am his mother and although I know he has failings, I never thought he could behave…oh my faith! I am at a loss for words, my dear.” She shook her head. “You are a guest in our home and under our protection.”
“Don’t blame yourself. I think he is behaving out of jealousy. Sometimes the green eyed monster can make us do things we ordinarily wouldn’t do.”
“You are most generous to say so, but you and I know the truth. I suppose, I have always known the truth. I am only glad that I was unable to sleep and came down to have a glass of milk.”
“I am well able to take care of myself, Mary,” Exerilla sighed. “I imagine, he is used to getting his own way and reacts badly when he doesn’t.”
“Yes, but this was inexcusable.”
“Do not tax yourself, Mary.”
“This business about his lordship? I would like you to consider the fact that although handsome and charming, Lord MacTorry could break your innocent heart. Such roguishly handsome men often do and then go merrily off.”
Exerilla sighed. “Hmm, I suppose you are right, but he is ever so much fun. As I said, I am ful
ly capable of taking care of myself. I am from the colonies after all, where we are not quite as polite and mannerly as the British.” She laughed and gave the older woman a hug.
Mary patted her and offered, “I will speak to his father about his. That should serve to put on the restraints.”
“His father?” X almost snorted. She closed her eyes as she controlled herself.
“He is far more likely to adhere to his father’s will and his father would never condone such conduct.”
Exerilla was surprised by this, but kept quiet.
Mary and X arrived at Exerilla’s room where they bid one another good night.
This time however, X was not leaving it up to a locked door to keep David out. She slid the dresser in front of the door as well.
Oddly enough though, she thought she would never sleep after this incident. She put her head on the pillow and fell into a deep sound sleep.
* * *
Late morning, brought Jerry Swit’s steps on a narrow sandy path that traced the white chalky cliffs of Dover. As he walked he tugged gently on his horse who wanted to stop and graze along the trail.
His companion was quiet and finally he frowned and exclaimed, “Damnation to hell! I’ve done what you asked from start to finish! I didn’t muck up! I tell you, it wasn’t me!”
