He trod over to her swiftly, and raised her hands to his lips, and kissed them both. “No, no, I could never think that!” he said. “I should not have saddled you with such a tiresome burden!”
“Very true!” said the Dowager.
“Do you know, then, Gilly?” Harriet asked, her eyes searching his face.
“Yes, I know. Belinda has run away again.”
“I was just writing a note to tell you of it. I have been driving out with Grandmama and when we returned, I discovered—Gilly, is it—is it Charlie?”
“Yes.”
She saw the same tightening of the mouth which had alarmed Nettlebed, and timidly laid a hand on his sleeve. “You are very angry! Pray do not be! I think—I think Charlie did not exactly understand the nature of the affair!”
The irrepressible old lady by the fire gave a croak of sardonic mirth. “Small blame to him! I have no patience with these missish tricks, girl! One would say a young man had never before mounted a mistress!”
“Oh, Grandmama, hash! Of course I know—But I promised Gilly I would let no harm befall Belinda!”
“Harm, indeed! The minx does very well for herself, I vow! I see no occasion for these tragedy airs!”