Remembering her Baronet by Olene Quinn

Author:Olene Quinn [Quinn, Olene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Olde Thyme Press
Published: 2023-06-07T16:00:00+00:00

Lady Elyse appeared as red-eyed and agitated as Fredrick had ever seen her. He was reminded of what his wife told him - that a young girl’s heart was fragile.

His suspicions had run parallel to his brother’s. Though he did not mind it, he always thought her ambitions were financial and, most likely, urged by her father. He could see now that he was wrong and he ought to have listened more closely to Anne.

They spoke a few pleasantries when they happened upon each other alone in the breakfast room. He thought it best not to mention the events of the evening before. Instead, they stumbled through a few general pleasantries as they tarried over the buffet that was laid out on the sideboard.

Fredrick and Lady Elyse did not make good companions, for they had nothing at all in common. Given what she overheard last night, she must feel that she had been misjudged by him and that he had lent too willing an ear to his brothers excoriation of her.

The truth was, he had been too distracted with Anne’s health to pay Lady Elyse much courtesy, or to take any care for his feckless brother’s treatment of her. He did not expect her to understand that, but Anne had charged him with being kind to the girl and he meant to fulfill her wishes.

Fredrick was very anxious to not take Anne’s good graces for granted. They seemed to have turned a corner this morning and his heart beat with hope rather than grief for the first time in more than a month.

However, it was a slog to converse with Lady Elyse and he hoped every second Anne would come downstairs and relieve him of the duty.

Eventually, he said, “I understand from Lady Kambray that you would like to return to London.”

“I would.” No feathered plumes quivered out of her plain coiffure this morning. She appeared to have forgotten to don any jewelry or lace cuffs. Her stubby fingers wrapped around her delicate teacup like a claw, her manners forgotten.

“It would be my privilege to make the arrangements for you. You may depart by first light tomorrow if you would like.”

“I would.”

“Lady Kambray was most anxious you should travel safely and in comfort.”

“She is very good.” Tears welled up at the corners of the girl’s massive, cat-like eyes.

“She is.” On that topic at least, they could whole-heartedly agree. “I have a new blend of tobacco I am considering importing. Would you be so good, Lady Elyse, as to take a sample to Lord Ramsay and ask in my stead that he write me his opinion of it? I value his opinion on the subject,” Fredrick added. He would not normally have out-sourced ideas for his business, but he felt he must do something to fortify the girl’s deflated ego. He stood drinking his own tea as he watched her.

“I am sure my father would be happy to give you his thoughts,” Lady Elyse answered, but she appeared to be savvy enough to understand what he was about and to take no heart in his empty offer.

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