A Spirited Courtship by Jane Charles

Author:Jane Charles [Charles, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jane Charles

Chapter 9

James came to his feet, intent on going after Diana.

“Sit,” the old gypsy barked. And like a good hunting dog, James did just that, though he hadn’t considered his reaction until he once again settled on the stool.

“You!” she pointed a crooked finger at him. “You caused Diana pain. Explain.”

Though Madam Boswell was an ancient gypsy, bent from age, she still terrified him. “Nothing.”

She snorted.

“If anyone has been wronged, it is me,” James defended, then went on to explain his courtship, and how it was Diana who had crushed him.

“That girl.” Madam Boswell shook her head in disgust without offering anything further, but he didn’t dare stand again until told to do so.

“Go.” The gypsy waved him away. “I tire of imbeciles. Leave me.”

“I’m not the one being foolish.”

The gypsy snorted. “You are as guilty as she.” The gypsy pulled herself slowly to her feet. “Not only does Lady Isolda’s future lie in the balance, but I fear Diana’s does as well. Think, speak and act wisely, Lord Somerton.” She turned her back and hobbled to the wagon, leaving James to stare after her.

Think, speak and act wisely? What the blazes did she mean by that? Further, he certainly had no power to destroy Diana.

Maybe the old woman was a bit daft.

Shaking his head, James headed back to the castle.

“Where have you been?” his mother demanded as soon as he entered the castle. “You were to accompany Faye into Bocka Morrow, yet she returned with that Vail chit.”

James pulled back in offense. “She’s the one who left me behind. Absconded with the carriage if you must know, and I was left to return on foot. If anyone needs a lecture, it’s your daughter.”

His mother harrumphed. “That wouldn’t have happened if you would have kept a better eye on her.”

Bloody hell! Was he expected to dog Faye’s every step?

“I do not like her choice of friends,” she offered. “It’s bad enough when you were chasing that other Vail girl about London last spring, and I will not have my daughter befriended and influenced by another of them.” Venom dripped from her words.

“What exactly do you find so objectionable about Miss Vail?” He’d asked before but his mother was vague in her answer.

“That family is entirely unsuitable to be linked to ours and that is all I will say on the matter.” With that, she turned in a huff, nose in the air and marched off.

James simply shook his head and turned for the billiards room, in much need of brandy.

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