AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Delia forced a smile onto her face. “Just a little tired, Sister. That is all.” She hesitated. “I think I will have an early night.”
Ambrose shot her a dark look. “But I was going to ask you to play a game of chess with me,” he said, not smiling. “A way to while away the evening? A chance to gain the upper hand for you?”
Delia’s heart started thumping hard. He was not acting like himself at all. It was almost as if his regard for her had changed to dislike in an instant. Her eyes stung with tears. It wasn’t fair that he was treating her like this just because she had kept her integrity and refused to be his mistress. It was the only reason she could think as to why he had changed towards her so abruptly.
Anger was starting to swirl in her stomach. He had no right to be so contemptuous towards her. No right at all.
“I am afraid not, Mr Hartfield,” she said, raising her chin, staring him straight in the eye. “Not this evening. Perhaps Mr Hawkins might play a game with you.”
“Are you afraid?” he said, his eyes shooting off sparks. “Do you think I will thrash you?”
Delia laughed as the anger started to grow. “Afraid? I think not. We both know who the better player is.”
There was a sudden tense silence at the table. Everyone was looking at them in astonishment, clearly sensing the palpable friction between them.
“Then prove that you are,” he challenged. “Or you can run away to your room. It is your choice.”
Delia glared at him. “I am notrunning awayto my room.” She struggled to suppress her anger, but it was growing, uncoiling like a venomous snake inside her. “Very well then. I will play you. Prepare to be beaten to the ground, Mr Hartfield.”
He nodded curtly. He didn’t look happy that she had capitulated.
“Excellent,” he said, standing up. “I will get the game and set it up at another table for us.”
He walked off. There was silence at the table for a minute.
“Someone is in a bad mood,” remarked Mr Giles, nodding towards Ambrose. “I wonder what has gotten his hose in a knot?”
“It is likely the boredom,” said Miss Tilney, sighing heavily. “It is hard being stuck in this inn with little amusement. It can make people cantankerous.”
Everyone nodded. All except Sister Mary Majella, who gazed at Delia with a pensive expression upon her face. When Delia got up to go to the table where Ambrose awaited her, the nun rose too, drawing her aside.
“Are you quite certain you want to do this, my child?” whispered the nun, a furrow in her brow. “I think you are playing with fire, spending any time with him.” She drew a deep breath. “He is angry with you. Have you refused him, and he didn’t take it well?”
Delia nodded. “He asked if I would consent to be his mistress in Bradford,” she whispered, her heart thumping hard. “I refused. But he was gracious about it at the time. I do not understand why he is so angry with me now.”
Sister Mary Majella sighed. “Affairs of the heart and flesh are complicated, my dear. The feelings aroused are very strong and not easily relinquished.” She paused. “And unfortunately, strong desire can turn to hate very quickly—or to something which looks very much like hate. I have seen it often.”
“Hate?” Delia’s heart felt sore. “How can hehateme for keeping my integrity?”
“I am sure he doesn’t,” whispered the nun, sighing again. “It is just easier for him to be angry now. Anger is a weapon against his hurt at your rejection. Hate is easier to bear than love or what passes as love. I would be very careful. I truly think you should tell him that you are retiring.”
Delia hesitated. Sister Mary Majella was probably right. She should walk up to Ambrose and tell him that she had changed her mind. He couldn’t force her to play a game of chess with him, could he?
She glanced over at him. He had already set up the board and was waiting for her to join him. He stared at her, his dark eyes challenging. He didn’t smile.
Delia exhaled slowly. She had never been able to refuse a challenge. And she could fight fire with fire. How dare he treat her in such a contemptuous manner?
Shewasgoing to beat him to the ground.
“I promise I will be careful,” she said, turning back to the nun. “You do not need to worry about me, Sister. Really.”
The nun sighed, rolling her eyes heavenwards. “As you wish, my child. It is your life and your choice, after all.” A grin split across her face as she leaned closer to Delia. “Just make sure that you show him who is the best player. Give it your best shot, colleen.”
Delia gave a bark of laughter. “Oh, do not worry, Sister. I certainly will.”
She took a deep breath, slowly walking to the table. She didn’t look at Ambrose as she sat down across from him. Then she slowly raised her eyes, staring at him.
“You may have the first move, Mr Hartfield,” she said, raising her chin.
