Page 98 of The Truth Serum
Fletcher barely hid his distaste of Kynthea, so that was no inducement. Rebecca’s mother, however, was delighted at the idea of befriending a duchess. As were several of the ladies sitting in Mama’s afternoon salon. So Fletcher would appear churlish if he openly scoffed at the idea. And though their mother usually bowed to Fletcher’s tantrums, he knew that even she would stand up to him at the prospect of entering the intimate circle of a duchess.
That was when Kynthea repeated the wonderful news that Rebecca would be one of her bridesmaids. Goodness, that set all the women into cries of delight. Which exactly echoed Rebecca’s feelings.
Fletcher was none too pleased. She knew his moods and could see the underlying fury beneath his genial smile. She didn’t bend, though. And with every other woman in the room delighted, he had no choice but to pretend to approve.
Then he got in his blow.
“Such a delightful celebration,” he said. “But I know you weren’t feeling well this morning. I think it would be best if youstayed home tonight to recover. Can’t have you looking peaked during the festivities, can we?”
“But I feel fine!” Rebecca said.
“Nevertheless, sister, I insist. Your health is of paramount importance.”
Such a petty revenge, she realized, taking away her treat just because he was ill-tempered. A week ago, she might have passed that off as misguided worry for her health. But the scales had fallen from her eyes, and she clearly saw the petulant child in him crying for attention in all the wrong ways.
Perhaps she could help him then. If he wanted attention, she would give it to him. “Very well, Fletcher,” she said. “I have been meaning to spend some more time with you anyway. A quiet evening of discussion with my brother sounds like just the thing.”
“Discussion?” he scoffed. “Whatever about?”
“Your negotiations regarding my dowry, for one,” she returned. “You should know that I wrote Henry this morning suggesting he sell my dower land. I should like to purchase something closer to London.” She glanced at Kynthea. “I have made friends here and would like to visit them more often. Cornwall is so far away.”
He straightened off the wall. “This is why women are not allowed into business affairs!” he snapped. “Selling that property is the height of idiocy!”
Perhaps. But it was also the best way to keep her brother from getting embroiled in the baron’s gun-running business. Without that land in her dowry, she strongly suspected the baron’s interest in her would disappear. Especially since plenty of other less difficult women had large breasts.
She squared off with Fletcher, her chin lifted and her eyes steady. And he matched her, though his hands were clenched into fists and his glare seemed to burn across the room.
“You will not do it!” he growled.
“Of course not,” she returned blithely. “Henry will. And as the head of our family—”
He jerked forward, as close to hitting her as he had ever been. Especially in public. But when their mother gasped—not to mention some of the other ladies—he abruptly stopped.
“Rebecca,” he growled, “you are meddling in things you do not understand.”
She swallowed. If anyone were to reach Fletcher, it would have to be her. Mama was not up to the task and Henry wasn’t here. And so she smiled at her brother. “Then please, Fletcher, will you not stay with me this evening and explain it?”
“Do not question me!” he roared.
“I am merely trying to help,” she said. “We were once great friends, you and I. Could we not spend an evening together talking? I should like to hear all your wonderful plans.”
Her tone was gentle, her expression warm. She called on all the ways she had reached him as a boy. She hadn’t been the best sister. He was two years older than her and had his own pursuits. But there had been good times between them.
Did he remember them?
She saw his gaze flicker. Was there a flash of yearning? A moment’s wavering to show that she had reached him?
Maybe. But a moment later, he locked it all down.
“Your judgement has always been lacking,” he drawled. “I see no cause to think otherwise now.” And on that, he spun on his heel and stomped out of the room.
Rebecca watched him go, her heart squeezing tight. She hadn’t expected him to open up to her, but she’d hoped for more than a flicker in his eyes. Still, that little waver gave her hope. She could still reach her brother before things got too ugly. Indeed, if she could delay things just a little bit, then Nate wouldcapture the baron and all of this traitorous business would be done.
She just had to hold on a little longer.
Meanwhile, Kynthea and the parlor full of ladies were reacting to what they’d just witnessed. And Mama launched in with her usual admonishment.
“Really, Rebecca, must you antagonize him so?”
