Annabel laughed. “There is no entanglement, Duchess,–that is, on my part.”
“Then why throw yourself continually in the young man’s way?”
“You are scarcely polite. He throws himself in my way.”
“Pardon. I meant nothing disrespectful.”
“And I have reasons.”
“May I know them?”
“Yes. Mr. North’s mother was particularly insulting to me at the last Morning Concert I attended. I heard also that she had spoken of me as ‘an Indian girl of doubtful parentage.’ She is particularly fond of Cecil, who is her youngest child, and she is trying to make a marriage between him and that enormously rich Miss Curzon. I am going to defeat her plans.”
Then the Duchess laughed. “I never interfere with any woman’s retributions,” she said. “But do not burn yourself at the fire you kindle for others.”
“I am fire-proof.”
“I must think so, or surely Piers would have influenced you.”