Page 21 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
“At last,” Lady Francesca remarked bitterly. “I had quite given up on you.”
“My apologies, Lady Francesca.”
She stood and brushed down the back of her dress. “You were in there far longer than I expected.”
“You are not the only one who is surprised.”
“It was a success, then?”
Adelaide gave a small shrug. “As successful as it could be, given the nature of my betrothed.”
“But your engagement still stands?”
“As far as the Dowager is concerned, it does.”
Lady Francesca clapped her hands together in delight. “That is splendid news! Goodness me, I was so afraid for you.”
“Truly, I thought my heart might leap right out of my mouth.”
“Well then, what do you say to a celebration at Miverts Hotel? My treat. Edith, you do not mind, do you?”
The chaperone shrugged. “You may do as you please. You usually tend to.”
Adelaide giggled. “How can I possibly refuse?”
They were halfway down the street when Lady Francesca removed something from her small bag. “That reminds me, a rather unpleasant young man handed us this note whilst you were inside. He said I was to give it directly to you.” She handed Adelaide a square of paper that had been folded and sealed without an emblem.
“Did you get a good look at the man?”
“Not really. He appeared to be an urchin of some kind. He frightened Edith half to death.”
“He did that, Lady Adelaide,” Edith conceded.
Adelaide frowned. “How very peculiar.”
Lady Francesca nodded. “I thought so.”
Cautiously, Adelaide unfurled the square of paper and read the words within. She held it close to her chest, to avoid the peering eyes of Lady Francesca. The handwriting was instantly recognizable.
I am almost disappointed, my love. Don’t you know, marvelous things come to those who wait? Do not become like all the other girls, I beg you. Thinking of you.
So, this is a game,she thought sadly. What was she supposed to do whilst she waited? After all, as she had said, patience was not a virtue she possessed.
Chapter 8
Jasper wandered along the Chelsea embankment, admiring the River Thames as it flowed away towards the sea. He often liked to walk by the riverside. It cleared his mind, blowing away any lurking cobwebs.
That afternoon, he had much to think about.
Memories of the previous day came flooding back, more troubling and vivid than ever. He pictured Adelaide staring listlessly out from the front step of her home, tears streaming down her cheeks. The desperation with which she had scoured the newspaper was not something he could easily forget. He could not recall a time when he had seen her in so much distress. Not knowing how to help her, he had placed his hand on her shoulder and hoped for the best. Even now, he chided himself for not doing more.
Just that morning, he had attempted to speak with her. He had longed to make amends for his lack of fortitude in the face of her sadness. Upon arriving, however, he had found that she had already departed for Mayfair. She had gone with Lady Francesca, by all accounts. A surprising truth, for he did not think they were particularly close acquaintances.
You ought to have done more,he told himself.You simply stood there and let her cry. Perhaps, she is seeking friendship elsewhere because you cannot offer the kindness she requires. Not to mention the fact you told her you would cast her aside in favor of Miss Green. Could you really do that to her? No wonder she is finding alternative company. Adelaide sent you away, didn’t she? When has she ever sent you away before?
After her outburst, she had asked him to leave. The act had stung him to the core. It was not like their usual conflicts. There had been no playfulness to it. Truly, he had wanted to do so much more for her, and he had seen the disappointment in her eyes when he did not.
From his window, he had watched her turn Miss Green away from the house, too. He had thought to run down and speak with Miss Green himself, to try and explain matters, but she had looked much too enraged. He was no coward, but he had learnt a long time ago that it was prudent to leave furious women alone.
