The LadyShip by Elisabeth Kidd

Author:Elisabeth Kidd [Kidd, Elisabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1983-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Lord Vernon was the first to catch his breath, and he used it to remark, in the tone of one who had expected as much, “Silly chit.”

“But that’s impossible!” Elinor exclaimed involuntarily.

“Not at all, ma’am,” Felix said, “for she has done it.”

This impertinence brought Allingham back to reality, and he adjured Felix not to let the agitation of the moment betray him into incivilities. He presented him to Elinor, upon which Felix was forced to make a civil bow and wait for the lady to speak.

Elinor said nothing for a moment, finding her mind in something of a muddle. Her first thought was for Mr Allingham, but when she glanced tentatively at him, she saw not the shock and pain she would expect of a man whose heart had been dealt a numbing blow, but quite a different look. Instead of blighted love, the scowl that crept over his forehead seemed more indicative of wounded pride; in fact, he looked more exasperated than hurt. He must be in a state of shock, Elinor told herself; something would have to be done before he recovered from the initial blow and felt fully the grief that would surely be his when he had absorbed this news—or so she told herself.

“I am so sorry, Mr Dudley,” she said, after what seemed hours. Shaking his hand and making an effort to speak normally, she explained, “You must understand that you have brought a most astonishing piece of news! Please do be seated while I fetch a hot drink for you. When you are quite comfortable, you may tell Lord Vernon and Mr Allingham precisely what has happened.”

Lucy came quickly forward then to relieve Mr Dudley of his coat and hat. She smiled gently at him, and for a moment Felix stared at her, apparently transfixed by something in her that he had not seen at his first fleeting glance around the room; but when Elinor made the introduction, Lucy lowered her eyes and backed away, saying she would see to having a hot toddy brought up for Mr Dudley immediately. He thanked her, but then caught Allingham’s eye on him and said with a slight stammer, “I should also be grateful for some hot bread and cheese, ma’am, if it is not too much trouble. I have not stopped to eat since breakfast,” he added defensively. Allingham’s scowl faded at that, and he smiled faintly.

Lucy went off then and, with a last questioning look at Lord Vernon—who smiled and shrugged, thus deepening Elinor’s bafflement—she followed her sister. It was only after she had sent Lucy up again with Mr Dudley’s restorative potion and a large platter of cheeses and fruit that it occurred to her that in the excitement no one had asked whom it was that Miss Dudley had run off with!

She was shortly to be informed, however, for it was less than half an hour later that a summons sent through Teddy brought Elinor back to the parlour. There she found

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