The Unruly Chaperon by Elizabeth Rolls

Author:Elizabeth Rolls
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2009-12-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

A week went by peacefully enough in riding parties, boating on the lake, walks in the park and enjoyable evenings during which the Malverns argued about everything under the sun with the greatest good humour. St Ormond paid no more attention to Tilda than to any of his other guests and she gradually relaxed, convinced that he had no real interest in her. A state of affairs that should have relieved her mind exceedingly.

Unfortunately, it merely gave her the opportunity to observe him without the distraction of wondering when he was going to pounce on her next. She was free to make all sorts of unhelpful observations about his person and character. Such as the regard in which he held his family. It gradually became plain to Tilda that St Ormond was head of his family in the best possible sense.

Far from being overbearing or telling anyone how to run their life, he was simply there to give advice. When requested. Overhearing part of a conversation between his Grace and Miss Hastings one evening, Tilda could not doubt this.

She did not wish to listen, but such was Louisa’s youthful indignation at her parents’ seeming callousness, that she had little choice since she was pinned to her seat by Lady Hollow, who was regaling her with a great deal of forthright advice on the rearing of daughters.

He listened to everything that Louisa had to say about the young neighbour who was showing signs of being thoroughly smitten by her. Much to Tilda’s surprise, when she asked his opinion, instead of simply telling her what to do, he commented that she was behaving very sensibly in considering her options and then asked her what she thought should be done. Did she wish for a London Season before making her choice? Or did she wish to bestow her hand and heart on the young man and retire to what he dubiously referred to as domestic bliss, without having a bit of fun first?

Not labouring the point, he immediately changed the subject—to the delights of the next year’s London Season and how much he looked forward to standing up with her at Almack’s.

‘It will convey such an aura of respectability on me,’ he said with a twinkle. ‘I shall be able to make the acquaintance of dozens of charming girls without anyone raising so much as an eyebrow!’

Louisa giggled and Tilda silently congratulated his Grace on a tricky situation well-handled.

He caught her eye and gracefully excused himself from Louisa’s side to approach her and offer to take his aunt’s teacup.

Lady Hollow snorted. ‘I can manage, St Ormond. Think I’ll take myself off now. Not as young as I was. Goodnight, m’dear. Don’t take what I said amiss. You’re doing a fine job with the girl!’ Heaving herself to her feet with the aid of her stick, she added, ‘And if St Ormond can keep Louisa from making a cake of herself, he’ll be doing as well!’

Crispin rolled his eyes at her departing back

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