Forever After by Cheryl Holt

Author:Cheryl Holt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: BookBaby; 1 edition
Published: 2017-07-14T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

“I have to tell you something.”

“What is it, dear?”

Mildred smiled at Sarah, and the poor girl appeared so miserable that she could barely stand to look at her. It was Mildred’s fault she was so forlorn. Fate had played a role too.

Nicholas and Sarah had shared such a potent attraction, and she’d wanted Sarah to experience a genuine amour, but she shouldn’t have tossed the pair into such tempting proximity. Especially with Nicholas being such a libertine.

There was no doubt about it. She was a cruel idiot. She’d promoted and facilitated their affection, being certain Nicholas would break down and propose, but it had been a deranged plan. He claimed he was no gentleman, but he was actually very gallant. He had no money, and he would never force Sarah to suffer the genteel poverty where he wallowed.

She deserved a much better conclusion, and he recognized that fact.

Mildred wished she was wiser or smarter so she could counsel the younger woman on how to muddle through without him. She should have been spewing platitudes about time healing all wounds, but she’d learned from her own pathetic situation that time did nothing of the sort.

“I hope you won’t be upset,” Sarah told her, “but I have to mention it or I’ll explode.”

Mildred’s spirits sank. “You haven’t misbehaved with Nicholas, have you? Please don’t tell me it’s that.”

“No, I haven’t misbehaved. I respect you too much, and I couldn’t bear to dim your esteem.”

“You never could.”

They’d been walking, investigating the architecture of some of the prettier cottages and evaluating the ornate carriages parked out front. They’d tried to deduce the names of the exalted families who were in Bath for the summer, and Sarah was adept at identifying the crests on carriage doors.

They’d dropped off a few calling cards, which was silly because Mildred wasn’t in the mood to socialize, and she’d like it if no one replied. They’d been shopping too and were both carrying baskets of food. Their loads were heavy, but luckily they were almost home.

Sarah put her basket on the ground so Mildred put hers down too.

“It’s about Mr. Winthrop,” Sarah said. “Last night, he stopped me in the upstairs hall for a private chat about you.”

“Oh, no.”

“He wanted me to tattle over how you’re spending your money and if you’ve been to the gypsies. He even asked if your lawyer had visited.”

Mildred sighed. “I’m sorry you had to endure it.”

Sarah held out her hand, a coin in her palm. “He slipped me a shilling when we were finished! He seems to suppose we’re in a conspiracy now so I’ll spy on you.”

“I’ll talk to him about it.”

“It’s more than that, Mildred. His conduct was deceitful and dishonest. I realize you’ve been acquainted with him for ages and that you deem him a friend, but he’s not. He doesn’t have your best interests at heart.”

“He’s a friend in some instances,” she said, “but not in others. He and Clayton like to confer about me.”

“I was wondering if that’s why he was so curious.

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