A Scandalous Secret by Beth Andrews

Author:Beth Andrews [Andrews, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2004-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

‘Miss Trottson,’ Elizabeth said, ‘this is a pleasant surprise.’

The old woman came right up to her and treated her to an eagle-eyed stare. ‘No doubt it’s a surprise, Countess,’ she said. ‘Whether it’s so pleasant... well, we’ll see.’

Elizabeth did not know how to respond to this, so she simply ignored it, saying, ‘However did you find me, ma’am?’

‘That bacon-faced butler told me where you were.’ She chuckled. ‘Wanted to follow me out here, too, but I set him straight on that head.’

In spite of herself, Elizabeth could not refrain from smiling. She could just picture the stiff-necked Frakes being given a set-down by Miss Trottson. She really was an original.

‘I am sorry,’ she said now, ‘that my sister is not here to receive you. She has gone over to visit Squire Thornwood.’

‘She has, has she? No doubt she’ll meet my nephew there.’

‘Is Mr Markham also visiting the squire?’

Miss Trottson snorted indelicately. ‘Yes, young jackass that he is. And I’m glad that your sister’s out and the children ain’t around. It’s you I came to see.’

‘Indeed.’ Elizabeth stiffened instinctively.

If the older woman noticed the brusque tone of the response, she made no sign. ‘I hear,’ she said, ‘that you had quite a time at the squire’s house last week.’

This amazing non sequitur almost overset Elizabeth. ‘You came to discuss the squire’s party?’ she asked.

‘I’d say there was quite a lot for everybody to talk about. I ain’t at all surprised that you didn’t call on us with your sister after that.’

‘I had the headache yesterday,’ Elizabeth answered carefully. ‘But I do not see what that can have to do with the party at Rosedale.’

‘Don’t be a goose,’ the old lady chided. ‘Dominick told me all about the game you played, and that silly verse of his. He ought to be ashamed of himself - and so I told him.’

‘Dominick - Mr Markham - should be ashamed?’ Elizabeth was more confused than ever. What was the old woman driving at?

‘I’m glad you put him in his place, too.’ Miss Trottson bobbed her head sharply. ‘Served with his own sauce, by God!’

Since it was obviously no use to dissemble with this woman, Elizabeth said directly, ‘I think, ma’am, that you are well aware of my previous - acquaintance - with your nephew.’

‘I am,’ the other replied, even more bluntly. ‘But I ain’t concerned with the past now. It’s the present that’s got me in such a pother.’

They had turned towards the house and were walking side by side along the stone path that led up to an ivy-framed entrance.

‘I do not know what Mr Markham’s intentions might be,’ Elizabeth began.

‘If you know what’s going on in that head of his, you’re more clever than me. But I suppose you’ve not heard the latest news?’

Elizabeth frowned. ‘I’m afraid I am quite in the dark.’

‘Well, that’s really what I came to see you about,’ Miss Trottson said, coming at last to her point. ‘What do you think that foolish boy has done now? He’s got himself engaged to that bird-witted Gwendolyn Thornwood!’

Elizabeth stood stock still.

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