Larcenous Lady by Joan Smith

Author:Joan Smith [Smith, Joan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1987-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

When Belami came looking for Deirdre later that morning, he was met with two frosty stares. “I’m taking the gondola to Mestre this morning, Deirdre, and thought you might like to come with me. There are horses for hire there. Some exercise would do us both good.”

“I plan to visit Lucy today,” Deirdre replied, without even looking at him. “A walk around Venice will be enough exercise. Will you come with me. Auntie?” she asked.

“No, my dear. Take Haskins. I have promised the conte to read to him today. He likes to keep his English brushed up. Perhaps your contessa will go to Mestre with you,” the duchess suggested to Belami.

Belami heard that “your contessa” and knew why he was being given such a chilly reception. “The contessa is making calls this morning,” he said.

Deirdre stared coolly at him. “I am flattered that you should make me your second choice, Belami, but my plans are made. As the hotel is closer than Mestre, perhaps you would be good enough to allow me first turn at the gondola?”

On this curt speech, she rose and strode from the room. When he heard her coming down the stairs later, he darted to the dock and was there when she arrived.

Deirdre took one look and stopped before she reached the landing. “If you are in that great a hurry to reach Mestre, I shall wait till the boat returns,” she said.

“I want to see Pronto. I’ll go with you, and go on from there,” Belami replied indifferently. “There’s no need for you to come, Haskins.” The servant nodded and left.

“Very well.” Deirdre stepped into the boat and turned her head adamantly away to stare across the water, oblivious to all the charm of ancient domes and sun-dappled water. She didn’t look when she felt Belami sit beside her, but she took the precaution of removing her nearer hand. The gondolier cast off and the boat began plying toward the right bank.

Belami decided to behave as though he had nothing to hide. “I went to Mira last night,” he said. “I spoke to the innkeeper. What Réal told me appears to be true.”

Deirdre continued gazing silently across the water, and he plowed on. “The real reason I’m returning to Mestre is to watch out for Elvira’s return. I don’t have to go. Réal will be there, if there’s anything you’d like to do today.”

“I don’t require your company for anything I wish to do,” Deirdre said, speaking into the wind.

He refused to take offense. “Carlotta said she’d be happy to have the Suttons at her masquerade, if you like.”

“I’ll mention it to them.”

He sat silent a moment, then spoke. “Why are you acting like this?”

“Because I’m a lady,” was her stiff reply. “Ladies don’t make scenes or use foul language. You may count yourself fortunate that I have some self-control.”

“I think your self-control slipped a little last night! You’ve been spying on me again, Deirdre. What did you see?”

“That it should be necessary for you to ask that question gives a good indication of your character.

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