Page 43 of Revealing a Rogue
Chin to her chest, she didn’t dare look about. Prinny’s angry scowl would forever be burned into her memory. Uniform footsteps and the smell of fish wafted into the room. She loved fish, yet her stomach rolled as the scent permeated the room. Bronwyn blinked back the tears of failure as a square piece of poached salmon, centered on a petite dish and covered with a mousseline sauce, was placed in front of her. Thin slices of cucumber lined the edge of the plate. It was the most intricate appetizer she’d ever seen. Her family was one of a few that could afford three hearty meals a day. But none this elaborate.
Bronwyn scolded herself for having believed Landon’s claims that this evening’s dinner would be similar to those they had shared with Mary and Gilbert at Waterford’s castle. Mary’s cook had prepared meals similar to those prepared by her mum, except they were served on fancy plates. Her stomach was in knots. Fear manifested in the form of anger, and Bronwyn scowled at her plate.
Theo’s hand rested upon her forearm. “Landon said you loved salmon. Was I misinformed?”
“Oh, no. It’s…well, it simply looks too good to be eaten.”
A giggle escaped Lucy, and Bronwyn was acutely aware of the chuckles from the men. She hadn’t meant to sound like a peagoose.
Bronwyn noticed Lucy staring at Waterford and giggling. The men, too, were preoccupied with the peculiar expression that had settled on Mary’s husband’s features.
Theo said, “Waterford prefers beef to fish. But don’t worry, the man won’t go hungry. Two more courses and then he’ll be served what his heart desires.”
Lady Lucy snorted. “Certainly you don’t intend to serve Mary to him in front of our esteemed guest.” The quick-witted comment drew chuckles from all the guests within earshot. They all shared a sense of familiarity and comradery.
Bronwyn didn’t belong.
She peeked at Lady Lucy from the corner of her eyes. None of the guests seated near them appeared offended or repulsed by Lady Lucy’s blatant disregard for propriety. The woman didn’t abide by any of the rules Bronwyn had agonized over. A lump formed in Bronwyn’s throat. She couldn’t imagine herself comfortable, laughing, and making jokes like Lady Lucy with the guests seated at the table.
Bronwyn laid her fork back down upon the table. “I think I’ll go check on my mother-in-law.”
“There really is no need.” Theo placed a bite in her mouth.
“I want to.” Bronwyn plastered a look of genuine concern on her face.
Theo dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Very well. I’ll make an excuse for you if you’re not back by the next course. But Landon will want to make the announcement soon, so don’t dawdle too long.”
A footman assisted her out of her seat and escorted her out to the hall. As soon as they were out of sight, Bronwyn said, “Have a coach readied and waiting for me out back. And Larry, not a word to anyone. Am I clear?”
The footman nodded and dashed off to do her bidding.
She hurried down the hall, up the staircase around two more corridors, and came up short as she passed her mother-in-law’s chambers. Frozen, Bronwyn faced the door before her. She wasn’t a liar or a coward, but the fear of disappointing her sweet mother-in-law was paralyzing. Before she could flee, the door swung open and the dowager Hadfield stood at the threshold with her hands upon her hips. “What are you about, my dear?”
Under her mother-in-law’s piercing gaze, Bronwyn swayed as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. “I don’t fit in with his lot.”
One eyebrow arched, Landon’s mama said, “My son won’t give you up that easily.”
She would not change her mind. She was leaving. Hands clenched, Bronwyn said, “I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have agreed to marry him.”
The older woman wrapped her up in a hug. “I’ve come to love you as my own daughter. You are no ninny. If this is what you have decided is best, then I shall not be the one to persuade you otherwise. However, before you leave, you must inform me of your destination so I can go to sleep at ease.”
Blast.She hadn’t considered a destination; only her escape. Bronwyn was released from the woman’s warm embrace.
“I shall be going home. Back to London.”
“To the Hadfield townhouse or back to your parents?”
Bronwyn smiled as her plans solidified in her mind. “Neither. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe.”
Her mother-in-law frowned. “Tell me where and I’ll promise not to say a word.”
“Very well, you can find me at Ms. Lennox’s shop.”
“Will you be leaving a note for Landon?”
“I’ve not enough time. You’ll give me your word not to share with him my whereabouts?”
“You have my promise. However, I’ll be more than happy to pass along whatever details youwouldlike for me to share.”
