Lady Alice's Dilemma (Regency Belles and Beaux Book 1) by McGrath Michele

Author:McGrath, Michele [McGrath, Michele]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Riverscourt Publishing
Published: 2015-08-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Alice was still reacting to the shock of events and she was glad to escape to her own room where she struggled to become calmer. She had almost succeeded when Kitty scratched at the door.

“Can I come in?”

Alice nodded reluctantly and stuffed her handkerchief out of sight.

“What was happening in the salon? Mama has red eyes while Edward looks as if he would like to murder someone. I asked Reynolds, but he only said that a gentleman called and there was some sort of quarrel. You were with Mama and Edward after he left, so you must know something about it. Do tell.”

Realising that there would be no easy way to fob off Kitty and she would be unwise to even try, Alice decided to give her the basic facts.

“The man’s name is Staunton. Four years ago he quarrelled with my brother Philip. Philip went away afterwards. We have not heard from him since. Staunton came here to ask Aunt Maitland where he was. He was extremely rude to her when she said that she did not know. So Edward ordered him to leave the house. That is all that happened.”

Kitty screwed up her face. “I remember hearing something about it when I was in the schoolroom. Mama never told me what really went on. Why should Staunton be looking for Philip after all this time?”

“That is the question we are all asking. Perhaps something has occurred which has sent him searching for him again.”

“Perhaps it has. Shall I ask Reynolds? I’m a favourite of his and he tells me most things. The servants always know all the gossip. They will certainly have their tongues wagging about today’s events.”

“See what you can find out. I miss Philip dreadfully. He’s the nearest of my brothers and sisters to me in age and we grew up together until he went to school. We were friends more than siblings are apt to be.”

“Well, I’ll ask then.”

As Kitty stood up to leave, an idea crossed Alice’s mind. “Would Reynolds be able to find out where this Mr. Staunton is staying in London?”

“Probably, but why do you want to know that particularly?”

“So that we can avoid the area. Philip looks like me. We both favour Mama rather than Papa. I don’t want Staunton to recognise me as his sister and make any more trouble.”

“No indeed. I believe the raised voices made Reynolds wonder if a mill was about to take place in the saloon. The silly chunk called for the footmen to help him in case he needed to intervene. Robert said that they almost had to throw this man, Staunton, out of the house. I’ll ask Reynolds to find out all he can.”

There was no more time for personal considerations. The moment had come for Alice to dress for the family’s formal dinner and ball. Lady Mary, Kitty and Alice had expanded much thought and discussion about their appearances for the occasion. Lady Kirkmore had agreed that Lady Mary would oversee her daughter’s outfit because she was more aware of the latest fashions.

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