Drusilla's Downfall by Emily Hendrickson

Author:Emily Hendrickson [Hendrickson, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Publisher: Regency Reads
Published: 2003-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The following morning Drusilla ran lightly down to the breakfast room, intent upon eating her meal before the others came to intrude. Save for the soft voices and footsteps of cautious servants, the house was quiet.

The room was empty; however, the sideboard was laden with an abundance of breads and meats, cheese and jams. Drusilla filled her plate, then began contemplating what she ought to say to Lady Swithin to persuade her to let Belinda attend the perfectly respectable party at the Court. The matter of Lydia Percy was a simple one. If Lady Swithin agreed, Mrs. Percy was certain to follow her lead. At least, that is what Mrs. Simpson indicated.

“You are up and about early.” Gregory Vane paused at the doorway before entering, as though unsure of a welcome.

“Come in, do. I am about finished, so will leave you to eat in peace. Priddy will fetch you an egg if you wish.” Dru half rose from her chair only to be waved back.

“I beg you, keep me company for a time—unless you have something pressing that must be done?” He walked to the sideboard to help himself to bread and meat. He sat opposite Dru. She had decided he was a pleasant gentleman. She thought he was an unlikely companion for Harry Metcalf. That gentleman struck her as a typical London beau.

“I have a task to perform for Lady Brentford this morning that must not be delayed,” Dru explained. “However, I can spare a few minutes.” She glanced at the timepiece she wore pinned to her dress, wondering how early she dare appear at the Swithin front door.

“The weather looks to hold for the day at any rate. I gather all the men are going shooting?” He carved up his gammon with a deft hand while glancing up at her.

“So I understand.” She knew Cook would welcome any and all birds taken this day. With so many in residence, extra fowls were gladly received.

“And you will entertain Lady Felicia?” He paused in his consumption of bread to stare at Dru, looked amused.

“I doubt it. Even if she is a guest, I have obligations to fulfill.” Dru could not imagine what it would be like to be required to dance attendance on the conceited Lady Felicia. “I doubt if Lady Felicia would welcome my company—a mere companion.”

“I would hazard those are welcome obligations on your part.” His blue eyes had an amused light in them, and she smiled in return.

“I am not displeased to perform my tasks, sir. No matter what our station in life, we all have certain obligations. It is our attitude that makes the difference, I should think.” Mary told her that Mr. Vane’s valet had said that the gentleman was heir to a viscount and well liked in London.

She glanced at her timepiece again and rose from her chair. She could hear footsteps in the hall directly outside the breakfast room. She wanted to be gone before anyone else entered the room or tried to engage her in conversation.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.