AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Did you leave Irene with him?” Her mother’s question followed her father’s, and Elizabeth decided not to answer it for how unnecessary it was. She quickly explained what Brutus had done and told them that she had to go to Guildford Manor to collect him.
“Such horrid manners from Brutus,” her mother cried.
“My dear, I am sure there is a reason Brutus behaved the way he did,” Joseph said then he turned to Elizabeth. “I shall accompany you to retrieve him from Guildford’s house.”
“Take Irene with you,” her mother said, and both Elizabeth and her father turned to her in disbelief.
“There is time for everything, and this certainly is not the time to push Irene toward Guildford,” her father reproved.
“Well, I thought we ought to seize every opportunity to ensure Irene makes a good match this season."
“Please, my dear, not now.” He turned to Elizabeth and held his arm out. “Shall we?”
“Yes, Father,” Elizabeth responded, taking his arm and deciding to ignore the fact that her mother had not put forth this much effort when Elizabeth made her debut.
They met Rhys, and shortly after, they departed for Guildford Manor. Elizabeth was glad her father was there, and she avoided Rhys’ gaze in the carriage.
Hardly any word was exchanged between them until her father drew her into the conversation when he said, “Guildford assessed Edwin Sanders this afternoon.”
“What is your opinion?” she asked Rhys, sitting up. She knew her father supported Sanders and was looking for a wealthy gentleman to do the same.
“He is very determined and skilled,” Rhys answered, smiling.
“Does he have your support?” she asked impatiently. She had seen Sanders fight many times and thought he could rival William the Hammer, but she could not say that in her father’s presence.
“He might. I have yet to consult my advisor on the matter.” The look in Rhys’ eyes told her that he had already made his decision, and she smiled and leaned back in her seat.
“Myers would be impressed,” she said.
“I am not giving a young talent my support because of Myers,” he defended.
The Earl chuckled and said, “I think Myers has other matters to worry about.”
“What matters?” Elizabeth and Rhys asked at the same time.
“There are some young men about town who are determined to unmask him,” her father replied. “Some of them even claim to know who he is.”
Rhys grinned. “I would like to meet these young men.”
“I would not believe them,” Elizabeth said.
Rhys looked at her for a moment. “Why not? Do you know something about Myers’ identity?”
“This is not the first time people are making such claims,” she answered. “I would not waste my time.”
“What if they truly know this time?” This question came from her father.
“Then I feel sorry for Myers.” They arrived as she said that, and their conversation was brought to an end. Elizabeth’s brows rose when they walked into the drawing room and found the Dowager on her knees pleading to Brutus to come out of his hiding place. Rhys cleared his throat, and she quickly rose, donning a proud and regal countenance.
“I brought Lady Elizabeth to convince him to come out,” he announced. Elizabeth put all her weight on her good leg and curtsied, while her father bowed.
The Dowager nodded, her eyes moving coolly over Elizabeth, acknowledging neither the cane supporting her nor her injury. Elizabeth had met her once and had perceived the same coolness from her the first time. Now she could conclude that the Dowager was not fond of her.
“Did my grandson tell you what your dog did to his clothes?”
“Yes, he did, My Lady, and I wish to apologize on Brutus’ behalf,” she answered.
“You should have taught him better manners,” the Dowager said, lowering her slight form into a chair.
