The Lady's Hero by Carolyn R. Scheidies

Author:Carolyn R. Scheidies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Betsy could tell from his expression that Edward mulled something over in his mind, and she half feared what it might be. Unable to wait, and knowing the answer, Betsy asked, “Have you made contact with your sister, Angella?”

Edward’s frown deepened. He glanced at her and away. The deep anger in his eyes bothered her. Angella had reason for concern about her brother.

“Not yet,” was all he said, though from the tightness of his shoulders and the death grip on the reins, Betsy sensed something seriously amiss. She considered telling him that he would be taking her to the very place her sister resided. In fact, she was about to speak when she started at Edward’s growl.

“I shall find her soon enough, and when I do, I shall know what that cousin of yours has been about.”

Betsy’s gaze narrowed at the implied accusation. She straightened. “Just what might you mean by that statement? Sounds like you accuse my cousin of something havey-cavey.”

“I have my reasons.” Edward stared straight ahead.

“Care to share what Spensor has done to raise your ire?”

Betsy sensed his tension and gritted her teeth. Getting information out of the man set her on edge. When Edward shook his head, she asked again, “What reasons might those be?” Betsy kept her tone deliberately calm and low, though her anger rose.

She took note they had left behind the hastily, badly constructed structures and now drove by more solid dwellings of those who labored for a living as shoemakers, milliners and more. Before long, she would need to provide directions.

“Do you really know Lucashire, know his reputation?” Edward did not wait for her to reply. “I have asked about him. He has been quite the man about town, indulging in many of the less than upstanding pursuits of his peers.”

Betsy knew and had no defense, except Spensor was not that man any longer—not since Angella. A small smile turned up her lips. “You refine too much on the tittle-tattle of jealous tabbies.”

“Maybe so.” Edward seemed to consider this. “But he took in my sister. You knew this, did you not?”

Betsy shifted in the seat. When a breeze picked up the edges of her gown, she carefully tucked it around her before answering, “Not at the time.”

Edward’s frown, which had eased, now deepened. “So he did take her in...and without a chaperone.”

What could she say? “So I heard. But it is not as you imagine.” Betsy tried to make him see beyond his fears. “Spensor is a good man.”

“So you say. What man would refuse an innocent the protection of a companion or at least a chaperone? The man is a rake out to make sport of my innocent sister.” Edward gulped and glared over at her. “I cannot hold that you stand up for him.”

Betsy sat up. “Stop right there, Reverend Denning. That is quite enough. Spensor is not a rake, and if he partook of what his society offered, it is because he...” Betsy wasn’t sure how to continue.

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