“He’s a liar.”
Immediately Lady Selina’s handsome face stiffened into impassivity.
“You forget yourself, my good man.”
“Infernal cheek,” muttered Brian.
Gridley cringed.
“I beg pardon, my lady. I’m your ladyship’s servant. Young Exton said narsty things about you, my lady. Said you was responsible for the rotten conditions at his father’s farm. That maddened me, my lady.”
She turned once more to John Exton. He confronted her boldly but not brazenly, although it is likely that such a woman at such a time might mistake courage for defiance.
“Did you say that?”
“Something of the sort, my lady.”
“And then——?”