Matilda and Montagu by Emma V Leech

Author:Emma V Leech [Leech, Emma V]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

To Experiment with Desire

Book Eight

Chapter 26

20th December 1814. South Audley Street, London.

“Minerva, darling, how lovely to see you, and what a dashing outfit. I declare you look more enchanting every time I see you.”

Minerva laughed and did a little twirl for Matilda. “Thank you, Tilda. Coming from you, I take that as the greatest compliment, for we are all copying you unashamedly, as I’m sure you know.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, darling,” Matilda said, taking Minerva’s arm once she’d dispensed with her hat and coat. “Actually, that’s a lie. Don’t stop.”

Minerva grinned at her. “Is Jemima still staying with you?”

For a moment Matilda’s smile faltered. “She is,” she said, her blonde brows drawing together. “But she’s not here. It seems she’s been left a generous bequest by her aunt and she’s forever off doing things. I believe she’s gone to the country for a few days to find a place to live.”

“By herself?” Minerva asked, a little shocked, now understanding why Matilda looked troubled.

“Not exactly. She’s employed a companion, and I believe she will have a maidservant.”

“Oh, well, that’s all right, then.” Minerva let out a breath. Though she thought Mr de Beauvoir’s assertion that men and women were equal fascinating, and agreed wholeheartedly, he was also correct that there was one rule for men, and another for women. A woman living by herself would be open to all manner of speculation and gossip, none of it pleasant.

“Yes,” Matilda said, nodding, though there was still a glimmer of anxiety in her eyes. “Yes, that’s all right, then. Now, I have the most decadent selection of cream cakes for you, and I hope that you will be an absolute glutton, so that I may join you. Don’t let me down.”

“You can rely on me,” Minerva said staunchly, following her friend into the parlour.

Once a staggering amount of cream cakes had been disposed of, and three cups of tea apiece, Minerva steered the conversation around to the point of her visit, for Inigo’s letter hadn’t been the only one she’d received of late.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t come sooner,” she said, setting down her teacup. “I’ve been staying with Prue and Robert, but in your letter, you said you urgently needed a confidante and that you’d done… you’d done something—”

“Remarkably stupid,” Matilda supplied for her with a wry smile. “Yes. I remember.”

“Oh, dear.” Minerva twisted her fingers together, having a fair idea of what, or rather who, her friend had been stupid with. “Montagu?”

Matilda’s blush was startling and vivid, but she held Minerva’s gaze and gave a taut nod.

“Oh, dear,” Minerva said again, knowing that was not the least bit helpful. She took a breath and straightened her spine, keeping her tone brisk. “Well, it appears whatever happened, no one knows about it, so there’s no harm done.”

Matilda groaned and put her head in her hands.

“Oh my, did… did someone see…?”

“No.” Matilda shook her head and peered at Minerva through her fingers. “No one saw, but I cannot agree that no harm was done.

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