AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Meaning?”
“Some might even consider him handsome with his chiseled jaw, sharp features, and broad shoulders.”
“But you don’t?”
Madalene gave her lady’s maid an exasperated look. “I’m afraid I don’t find men who insult me to be overly attractive.”
“Fair enough,” Teresa replied. “Will Mrs. Foster be accompanying you to visit Lady Jane this afternoon?”
“No, Mrs. Foster will be visiting with some of her own friends.”
“Do you think that is wise?”
Madalene lifted her brow. “Lady Jane lives two blocks over,” she explained. “I have no doubt that I can arrive at Hawthorne House unscathed.”
“If you say so,” Teresa said with a smile. “I can’t help but think that trouble often has a way of finding you.”
“I can assure you that it is through no fault of my own.”
“Of course not, Miss.” Teresa took a step back. “Are you pleased with your hair?”
Madalene turned to admire her hair in the mirror. It was piled high on top of her head and small ringlets framed her face. “It is lovely,” she acknowledged. “You truly outdid yourself.”
“Thank you,” Teresa responded. “Would you care to dress now?”
“I would.” Her lady’s maid walked over to the bed and picked up a white gown with a lovely pink sash. “I thought you might like to wear this gown to visit Lady Jane.”
“What a fine choice,” Madalene agreed as she walked closer to the bed.
A short time later, she exited her bedchamber and headed towards the entry hall. She had just stepped down onto the last step when Mrs. Foster swiftly crossed the tile.
“I just wanted to confirm that you don’t need me to accompany you to visit Lady Jane,” Mrs. Foster said, her breathing labored from her quick pace.
“That won’t be necessary,” Madalene assured her as she walked over to a table and picked up her white gloves. “Go enjoy some tea with your friends.”
Mrs. Foster smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I do worry about you.”
“There is no reason to worry about me. The coach will drop me off in front of Hawthorne House and will wait to deliver me back home.”
“Don’t forget to keep your distance from Lord Oliver,” Mrs. Foster warned. “You wouldn’t want to become associated with that man. He has the most horrid reputation as a gambler and rakehell.”
“Which I believe is grossly exaggerated amongst the ton.”
“Why is that, my dear?”
“Because the few times I have associated with Lord Oliver, he was extremely polite and courteous to me.”
Mrs. Foster huffed. “Do not be fooled by the affectations of men.”
“What a terrible thing to say.”
“It is the truth, and as your companion, it is my duty to keep you protected from those types of men.”
Madalene offered her a reassuring smile. “I will be fine,” she said. “No harm will come to me at Hawthorne House, I am sure of it.”
Graham stepped into the entry hall. “Your coach is waiting out front, Miss,” he announced, opening the door.
Madalene turned to Mrs. Foster. “Please do not fret about me.”
