The Unwanted Suitor by Michelle Pennington

Author:Michelle Pennington
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2018-09-01T21:00:00+00:00

9

CONTRARY HEARTS

Cornelia was not precisely proud of her decision to leave a basket of fish heads under Sir James’ bed. More like justified. After all, he deserved it.

There was no hiding her growing feelings from him any longer, not after their frank communications, but why couldn’t he understand that his attentions were making her the topic of speculation? Already, she had overheard some of the matrons of the party gossiping about her behind their fans. No doubt because they intended her to hear.

Instead of behaving in a way that would quell the gossips, Sir James had continued to pay too much attention to the lowly lady’s companion. He’d given her his own handkerchief when she’d gotten a fleck of dust in her eyes, positioned her chair at dinner because the footmen had been engaged with others, and assisted her in organizing a game of charades for the entertainment of the guests in the drawing room afterward.

Then he’d put his arms around her in full view of everyone, making her blush and tremble in response since there was no hiding the spark of pleasure it gave her. It had all been part of the game, of course, but she had no doubt that others had taken note and drawn conclusions.

Irritated and flustered, she had thought of the plan as she had gone to perform her evening duties and seen the pile of discarded fish heads Alphonse had saved for the kitchen cat. If Sir James insisted upon being contrary, she would be contrary too. The odor was not too strong at the moment, but by morning it would be marvelously pungent.

Now, that the deed was done, a feeling that she had gone too far filled her with dread. What if it… decided him against her? The thought sent a pang of worry through her, but she forced herself to keep going. She still hadn’t decided, completely anyway, if she had forgiven him for his high-handed behavior with his brother and the proposal. Even if his smile did make her heart flutter.

As she reached the Countess’ rooms, she knocked lightly and entered when Brimsby opened the door for her. The Countess sat on a stool before her mirror, preparing for bed.

“Ah, Miss Greystock. Come to take Wellington out?”

“Yes, my lady. The rain has finally let up.”

Brimsby picked up a hairbrush and ran it through the Countess’ hair. Cornelia watched, thinking how lovely her employer must have been in her youth. The Countess’ whole attention was on Cornelia however. “You look flushed, my dear girl.”

“I have been rushing about a bit.”

“Are you sure you are not up to some mischief?”

Cornelia gave a prim smile, knowing the Countess would only be entertained should she find out. “Certainly not. You know I am a staid and unimaginative lady.”

The Countess gave a crack of laughter. “Anyone who thinks that has never taken notice of the gleam in your eyes. Well, have fun my dear, and may you get what you deserve.”

“No doubt I shall,” Cornelia said, thinking of the years of servitude that likely stretched before her.

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