Page 128 of Storm of Bells
A squeak came from behind the fan.
‘That means yes,’ I translated. ‘She’d behonoured to accept.’
Amy’s jaw dropped.
‘What are ye tryin’ to do?’ She hissed,sidling up to me.
‘Me?’ I blinked up at her.
‘Don’t ye bat yer eyelashes at me, Missy! Areye tryin’ to discorrupt my friend and lead ‘er off the path ofrightouslessness?’
I cocked my head at her. ‘I thought youwanted to go hunting for men.’
‘Yes, but…but not for this! This fellow ain’ta john! He…’
‘Excuse me,’ I interrupted her, speaking upaudibly. ‘May I enquire after your name?’
‘But of course.’ The young man bowed in mydirection. ‘How neglectful of me! My name is Wetherston. Lord JohnWetherston.’
‘There, you see?’ I cocked my head at Amy.‘He is a John.’
Amy shot me a glare that could have sent atigress running. ‘Ye know dat ain’t what I meant, you weasellylittle—’
‘And of course,’ I talked straight over herwith a beaming smile, ‘you’ll need a chaperon for your outing. Howabout Amy here? I’m sure she’d love to!’
Amy’s jaw dropped.
‘Great idea!’ I suddenly receivedreinforcements as Jenny grabbed Amy’s left arm, and Lady Samanthacame up from behind.
‘A senior should also be present,’ the Ladystated, matchmaking mania sparkling in her eyes. She put Lord Johnin her crosshairs. ‘Why don’t you bring a friend or two of yoursalong? I’m sure Miss Amy and Miss Jenny would love somecompany.’
‘Well, actually, I—’ Amy started.
I stepped on her foot.
‘Ow!’
‘Wonderful! Shall we say tomorrow atten?’
‘Th…that sounds l…lovely,’ Cora managed tostutter.
‘I shall not be able to breathe until I seeyou once more.’ Lord John bowed over her hand one final time,evoking another squeak from behind the fan, then strode away as ifwalking on clouds, his eyes shining.
‘W-what just happened?’ Cora whispered,daring to peek out from behind her fan.
‘You were courted,’ I told her, speaking withthe certainty of an expert on the subject.
‘’e…’e called me a lady! No one ever calledme a lady!’
‘Then you’ve been spending time with thewrong men, dear,’ Lady Samantha said resolutely.
Cora stared off into the distance with afaint smile. ‘Aye. Maybe I ‘ave.’
‘And the same seems to go for you toodarlings.’ Lady Samantha grabbed hold of Jenny and Amy. ‘We’ll haveto find you decent men as well. After all, you’re bridesmaids.You’ll need someone to accompany you to the wedding.’
Amy’s eyes widened in horror. As she wasdragged away by Lady Samantha, she turned around to throw me aglare…which, at the very last moment, seemed to turn into a look ofmingled hope and thanks.
Instantly, she whirled around.
