The Gossip of an Earl by Linda Rae Sande

Author:Linda Rae Sande [Sande, Linda Rae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-10-07T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Unwelcome Flowers

Rumor has it Lady W ordered over a dozen potted palms from a Chiswick greenhouse for the back of her ballroom. The palms are a favorite of the wallflowers—far better to keep company with a potted palm tree than with the wallpaper—as well as some couples who just can’t seem to wait until they’re back in their bedchambers to steal a kiss or two! Lord and Lady M have their favorite tree, it seems, as do Lord and Lady B. ~ An article in the May 7, 1818 issue of The Tattler.

May 7, 1818, Lady Stoneleigh’s townhouse

As her butler nearly collided with her at the door to the study, Jane worked hard to rein in her anger. She feared snapping at the older man should he put voice to any kind of pleasantry. Perhaps he sensed her distress, for he didn’t say anything when he held out the salver containing that day’s mail.

Jane gave him a quick nod as she took the missives. She rifled through the envelopes as she made her way into the hall and past the round table at its center, a part of her heartened at the number of invitations. Goodness! It was as if everyone in the ton knew she was done with mourning. Maybe it would be best to put off her move to the Continent until after the Season’s events, she considered, remembering that today was the day she was to make the necessary arrangements to escape London.

Reviewing the wax seals on the backs of the envelopes, she recognized the Morganfield, Aimsley, and Torrington crests as well as several others. Pausing to open one of the envelopes, she dropped the others on the table.

Although the crystal vase in the middle had been empty since this morning—none of the summer flowers in the back garden were in bloom quite yet—a giant bouquet of white daisies now filled the vase.

Staring at the flowers, Jane angled her head to one side.

“Aren’t they beautiful, my lady?” her housekeeper, Mrs. Adams, asked as she joined Jane at the table. “They arrived only a few minutes ago.”

“Arrived?” Jane repeated before she noticed a card tucked into the top of the vase. She plucked it from its wooden holder and unfolded the missive. I hope you’re having a brilliant day. See you at four o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Love, A.

Jane sighed, a small smile touching her lips. How lovely of him, she thought for a fraction of the second before she remembered just how angry she was at the banker.

How duplicitous! What a rake!

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