“I am so glad,” said his lordship. “Consider the blow to my self-esteem if Charlotte were to accept Arnold’s hand in marriage.”
Horatia twinkled. “Well, you n-need not put yourself about, sir, for Charlotte says she is going to D-dedicate her Life to M-mama. Oh, are you going already, Louisa?”
Lady Louisa had risen, drawing her scarf round her shoulders. “My dear, I have been here this age. I came only for a word with Marcus.”
Horatia stiffened slightly. “I see,” she said. “It was a p-pity I came in, perhaps.”
“Horry, you’re a silly child,” said Lady Louisa, tapping her cheek. “I have been telling Rule he should beat you. I doubt he is too lazy.”
Horatia swept a polite curtsy, and closed her lips firmly together.
The Earl escorted his sister out of the room, and across the hall. “You are not always very wise, are you, Louisa?” he said.
“I never was,” she answered ruefully.
Having seen his sister into her carriage the Earl returned rather thoughtfully to the library. Horatia, swinging her hat defiantly, was already crossing the hall towards the stairs, but she paused as Rule spoke to her. “Do you think you could spare me a moment of your time, Horry?”
The scowl still lingered on her brow. “I’m g-going to luncheon with Lady M-Mallory,” she informed him.