Page 88 of A Scandalous Bargain
Chapter 16
As she escaped the copse of trees, Beatrix saw a squirrel dart away. She narrowed her eyes at the wee beast and silently chastised it for cutting short her time with Tom.
Even so, it was probably for the best since her absence was likely due to be missed if she’d been gone much longer. Society and its rules were so annoying.
She didn’t particularly want to stay and promenade with Lord Sandon. Making her way back to Jane and Phoebe, who were standing near where their blanket had been, Beatrix wondered if they were ready to leave. The fact that she couldn’t just go home by herself was another stupid rule.
“That is not true!”
Beatrix turned to look at who had said this rather loudly. It seemed to have been Lady Sutton—Tom’s cousin—who was speaking to an older woman. Lady Sutton looked angry, her cheeks dark pink and her eyes slitted.
Phoebe looped her arm through Beatrix’s. “Come, we must leap to Aquilla’s defense.”
“Do you know what’s going on?” Beatrix asked as they strode toward Lady Sutton.
“Not the slightest idea,” Jane said.
“I would expect you to defend him,” the older woman said. “However, Mrs. Chamberlain would not lie about such a thing. The poor woman has endured unimaginable tragedy of late.”
Phoebe gave the unknown—at least to Beatrix—woman an acid-filled smile. “Please excuse us.” She let go of Beatrix and took Aquilla’s arm. The four of them marched away.
“You’re shaking,” Phoebe murmured.
“Did you hear what that awful woman said?” Lady Sutton threw a glare back over her shoulder.
“No, we were too far away,” Jane replied.
“Apparently, it’s all over the picnic. Lady Rockbourne’s officious mother is saying my dear cousin actually pushed his wife to her death.”
Beatrix stumbled, prompting Jane to reach for her and ask if she was all right. “I’m fine, thank you, just a bump in the lawn.”
Lady Sutton stopped and pivoted, her gaze sweeping over the people still milling about. “Where is my aunt? Has Rockbourne left already?”
“I don’t see him,” Jane said, scanning the area.
Beatrix didn’t see him either. Had he left? And if so, had he done so before hearing the rumor, or had he heard it too? This was terrible, and not just because it was completely untrue! It was perhaps time she came forward as the eyewitness he needed to put all this behind him.
Yes, it would ruin her reputation, but what did that matter now? Still, there were Selina and Harry to consider. She would talk to Selina as soon as she got home. How she hated to intrude upon her happy honeymoon with this.
She’d tell Selina everything, including how she’d fallen in love with Tom. Perhaps Selina could help her decide what to do.
“I don’t see your aunt either,” Phoebe said. “However, there is Lord Sutton.” Phoebe gestured several yards away.
Lady Sutton started in his direction, moving as quickly as her pregnant state allowed.
Beatrix and the others followed her, but then hung back as she reached her husband. He put his arms around her and glowered over her head toward no one in particular.
Beatrix turned to Jane and Phoebe. “I don’t suppose either of you are going to leave soon?”
“Did I miss you promenading with Lord Sandon?” Jane asked.
“No, but I think I’d prefer to go home. That despicable rumor has rather turned my stomach.”
Jane’s eyes sparked with anger. “Rumors are reprehensible. Those who spread them should be the ones expelled from Polite Society.”
“I completely agree,” Phoebe said, touching her friend’s arm.
“Particularly when they could cause real damage.” Beatrix gave Jane a look of apology. “I imagine you know that better than anyone.”
