Page 61 of Heartbreaker of the Ton
“Good. Then I shall see you at three o’clock.” The edict delivered, she turned her attention to her husband. “Well, Sir John?”
“Yes—yes, of course, my dear. Vicar.” He gave Andrew a curt nod, then escorted his wife away. The rest of the congregants parted to make room, leaving Etty standing in the doorway, Frannie beside her, holding Etty’s child in her arms.
“Mrs. Ward, might I have a word—in private?” Andrew asked, glancing toward Frannie.
“You have nothing to say to me that Frances cannot hear,” Etty replied, her voice tight.
“Nevertheless, I ask.”
She sighed. “Very well. Frances, sweetheart, perhaps you’d like to spend some time with Freda? I’m sure Gabriel would enjoy a little walk.”
“Yes, Mrs. Ward.”
“You can tell Freda about the vicar’s sermon,” Etty added. “Particularly the passage about the responsibility of men and how those in a position of power must not be permitted to abuse it.”
Andrew’s cheeks warmed. Could she make him feel any more ashamed?
After Frannie had disappeared around the side of the church, Etty fixed her clear blue gaze on him. “Well?”
“I-I wanted to apologize,” Andrew said.
“What for?”
“For yesterday.”
She tilted her head to one side. “Much happened yesterday, Mr. Staines. If I am to appreciate and accept your apology, I must at least understand the transgression you believe yourself to have committed.”
“I-I fear I may have acted inappropriately toward you.”
She folded her arms.
Heavens—this is going to be harder than anticipated.
“And…I wish to convey my apologies and promise that I will not do so again.”
“What part of your behavior yesterday did you deem inappropriate?” she asked.
For a brief moment, her gaze flicked toward his breeches before she resumed her attention on him, and he shifted his legs to ease the ache in his groin.
“A man cannot be blamed for…”
“For responding to the temptations of women?” she said. “Are those your words, vicar, or Sir John’s?”
“I-I was afraid,” he said. “I was angry with you, but that anger came from fear.”
Her expression softened and his heart ached as she placed a hand on his sleeve. “Afraid of what?”
“Afraidforyou,” he said. “When I saw you in the sea, I couldn’t help myself. The thought of you, in danger, in those currents…”
“I was in no danger, vicar,” she said. “I’m a strong swimmer. But I thank you for your concern.” She smiled. “I confess, I’ve raised my voice at Gabriel many times when he’s placed himself in danger. Anger is a natural reaction when you fear for someone about whom you care.”
Why must she say such a thing? Did she not realize the pain it caused, knowing that she was attached to another?
“I-I will not plague you again,” he said. “I have no right. Not considering…” He was unable to articulate the words. Voicing it would only confirm the reality.
“Considering what?” she asked softly.
He shook his head.
