Angels at War by Freda Lightfoot

Author:Freda Lightfoot
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780749010690
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Published: 2011-01-20T22:00:00+00:00

Imelda Grayson glared at her son across the breakfast table. ‘Is it serious then, this fancy you have for that Bohemian girl?’

Matthew stifled a sigh. ‘She isn’t Bohemian.’

‘You know perfectly well what I mean. Free-thinking, a libertarian, and a suffragette judging from her praise of that Pankhurst woman. A gel with absolutely no morals. I saw you with her, by the way, in the steam yacht. Kissing!’

Matthew calmly buttered his toast, took a bite before he answered. ‘Were you in need of a cup of tea following your walk, Mother? You should have tapped on the door, I would gladly have poured one for you.’

‘Don’t be facetious. Well, are you?’

‘Am I what? Ah, serious, was that the word you used? As you know, dearest Mama, I’m not known for being a particularly serious person. Perhaps I take after my father in that respect.’

‘Do not speak of that man in my presence. Like him, you are an arrogant fool who ignores all good advice by insisting on going your own way in life. And look at the mess you have got yourself into. Going into trade quite runs against all common sense and decency. I trust you don’t intend making yet another foolish mistake.’

Matthew poured himself a fresh cup of coffee while he thought about this for a moment. ‘And what mistake would that be, exactly?’

The maid appeared at the breakfast room door, possibly about to ask if more tea or coffee was needed. Her mistress forestalled the question. ‘When I want you, girl, I’ll ring for you. Get out!’ As the maid fled, Imelda Grayson barked at her son, ‘Well? Answer my question. Are you or are you not considering installing that gel as mistress of this beautiful house?’

‘She has declined the dubious honour of being my mistress, I’m sorry to say. Not quite without morals then, eh?’

‘You surely aren’t intending to marry the chit?’

‘I haven’t quite decided yet, though I doubt she’d have me. She’s rather taken against marriage for some reason. Why do you ask, Mother? Is it imperative that I choose a wife quickly for some reason?’ Matthew quipped.

‘Is she right for you? That is the question you should be asking yourself. And why is the little trollop taking such an interest in you?’

‘You don’t think she’s bowled over by my charm and good looks then?’ Matthew joked, reaching for a second slice of toast.

Imelda plonked the marmalade jar down in front of him with a sharp click. ‘That madam clearly has her eye on the main chance, and has decided you are a much better catch. That is what motivates the little hussy. Money.’

‘I think you’re being a little hard on her. Livia is a very determined young woman, full of good ideas. She is a woman of principle, most affectionate towards her sisters, and caring of the staff. And she has worked as hard as anyone to get Angel’s Department Store back into the black.’

‘Exactly, and it would be so much easier to marry money,

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