The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen by Victoria Alexander

Author:Victoria Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2017-08-22T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Regardless of where wanderlust leads a lady traveler one should not discount the pleasure to be found in acquiring native goods as souvenirs of travel as well as gifts for those left behind. They are usually quite reasonably priced.

—The Lady Travelers Society Guide

“SO, MISS PRENDERGAST.” Lady Westvale set down her cup, folded her hands in her lap and smiled pleasantly. “Do tell me why you won’t marry my son.”

India choked on the bite of biscuit in her mouth, a bite that had been quite tasty a moment ago and now was reminiscent of sawdust. She covered her mouth with her hand. “I beg your pardon?”

“Oh dear.” Her ladyship refilled India’s cup. “I’ve startled you, haven’t I? A bit more tea perhaps?”

“Thank you,” India gasped out the words and accepted the cup.

“Tea is often helpful when one has choked on something, oh, unexpected.”

India sipped the tea and struggled to regain her composure.

It wasn’t easy. She’d been more than a little apprehensive ever since she’d received the invitation—although summons was more accurate—to join Derek’s mother, the Marchioness of Westvale, in her rooms for tea. The suite of rooms Lord and Lady Westvale occupied was even larger than Derek’s and decorated in a manner less feminine than India’s but quite lovely, with darker carved wood furnishings and light, pastel fabrics. If one had to imagine the sort of rooms suitable for a marquess and his wife, this suite would not be far off.

No one had mentioned the marquess and marchioness were expected, and India suspected his mother’s appearance was a surprise to Derek, as well. Surely he would have said something otherwise. Prepared India in some manner. Not that her preparation was necessary. In spite of everything that had passed between them, she was nothing more than his friend. Nor would she ever be.

Within minutes the marchioness had alleviated India’s misgivings. She was surprisingly friendly, engaging and quite lovely. Somewhere past her fiftieth year India surmised—a guess based more on Derek’s age than his mother’s appearance—she was no taller than India, with pale blond hair and eyes the same shape and color as her son’s. India found herself enjoying their light conversation about Paris and the challenges of travel.

Most of the comments had come from Derek’s mother, who appeared to be doing her best to put India at ease. And indeed, her efforts had worked. Until now. India hadn’t expected to have to explain her reasoning again today and definitely not to Derek’s mother.

“Is that better?” Lady Westvale asked.

India nodded. “Much.”

“Good, then we can continue.” Lady Westvale studied her curiously. “Now then, Miss Prendergast.” Lady Westvale paused. “May I call you India? Lovely name. So wonderfully exotic.”

“Thank you.” India smiled weakly. “Yes, of course.”

“Excellent. As I was saying, most women fall all over themselves at the prospect of marriage to Derek. I am curious as to why you do not.”

“Well...” India chose her words with care. “It seems to me, as Derek has not asked me to marry him, my reasons for believing such a match is impossible are irrelevant.

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