A Rival Heir by Laura Matthews

Author:Laura Matthews [Matthews, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2002-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Nell's hand had unconsciously tightened on Sir Hugh's arm. Color rose to her cheeks and she was unable to meet his eyes. In one skillful movement he turned her so they were facing in a different direction, away from the two ladies and their distressing revelations. He said nothing but with narrowed eyes studied the crowd before them.

Eventually his face relaxed into a smile and he said, "Let me introduce you to Mrs. Billings. She's Holmsly's sister, and therefore Emily's sister-in-law. No two women could be more different, but they are the best of friends."

With that he moved them carefully through the throng until they reached a diminutive red-headed woman who greeted Nell's escort with affection.

"Sir Hugh! It is almost as rare to find you here as it would be your sister," she teased.

"We Nowlins don't do well at sitting still for so long," he admitted. "Mrs. Billings, I don't believe you've met Miss Armstrong. She's my godmother's niece. They've come to Bath for a few weeks so that Miss Longstreet may take the waters."

“How delightful! Emily has mentioned you," Mrs. Billings said, with a warm smile. "Are you enjoying the concert, Miss Armstrong?"

"Very much. Everything about it seems wonderful. But Sir Hugh tells me that the concertgoers will find fault with it, so no doubt I am hopelessly provincial."

"Or our concertgoers are hopelessly jaded," suggested Mrs. Billings. Her brow creased slightly. "Or perhaps it is that we have come to expect such a high level of performance that anything less than perfection is something to be noted. In either case, Miss Armstrong, I trust such comments, should you chance to hear them, will not detract from your enjoyment."

Nell's enjoyment had been dampened by her chance overhearing of something else entirely, but she declared stoutly that they would not. To change the direction of this conversation, she asked, "Perhaps you could direct me to where in town I might find the music for that third piece, Mrs. Billings."

Though Nell had looked forward to speaking alone with Sir Hugh during the intermission, she found herself clinging to Mrs. Billings so that she would not have to either pretend she had not heard those two dreadful women, or discuss the meaning of their comments with the baronet.

The comments had shaken her, and she did not want to let on that she had been discomposed. Aunt Longstreet had frequently put her to the blush, heaven knew. But there was something quite different about tonight's revelation.

It was with relief that Nell seated herself for the second half of the concert. She was unable to pay full attention to the music, as distracting thoughts wandered through her mind. Foremost among these was the understanding that Sir Hugh might not have been the best person to confide in about her worries.

Rosemarie was drowsy but awake on the carriage drive back to Queen Square, so there was no chance for any private discourse. In the entry hall that irascible woman commented, “All that screeching has given me the headache.

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