Part 35 (2/2)
”So you don't stumble.” Into another rake's arms.
”Ah.” Lucinda nodded sagely. A delighted, distinctly satisfied smile on her lips, she let him lead her, very slowly, into the crowd.
Lucinda's head was throbbing when she followed Em into the carriage.
Heather tumbled in after them and promptly curled up on the opposite seat.
Settling her skirts, Lucinda decided that, despite her minor discomfort, her evening had been a success. ”d.a.m.ned if I know what Harry's about,” Em stated as soon as Heather's breathing subsided into the soft cadence of sleep.
”Have you made any headway with him yet?”
Lucinda smiled into the gloom.
”Actually, I think I've at last found a c.h.i.n.k in his armour.”
Em snorted.
”Bout time. The boy's too d.a.m.ned stubborn for his own good.”
”Indeed.” Lucinda settled her head against the squabs. ”However, I'm unsure how long this c.h.i.n.k might take to develop into a breach, nor yet how potentially difficult it might prove to pursue. I don't even know whether, ultimately, it will work.”
Em's next snort was. one of pure frustration.
”Any- thing's worth a try.”
”Hmm.” Lucinda closed her eyes.
”So I think.”
On Monday, she danced twice with Lord Ruthven. On Tuesday, she went driving in the Park with Mr Amberly.
On Wednesday, she strolled the length of Bond Street on Mr Satterly's arm.
By Thursday, Harry was ready to wring her pretty neck.
”I suppose this campaign has your blessing?” Harry looked down at Em, settled in majestic splendour on a chaise in Lady Harcourt's ballroom. He made no attempt to hide his barely restrained are.
”Campaign?” Em opened her eyes wide.
”What campaign?”
Harry gave her one of her own snorts--the one that signified incredulous disbelief.
”Permit me to inform you, dear Aunt, that your prot6g~e has developed a potentially unhealthy taste for living dangerously.”
Having delivered himself of that warning, he stalked away. Not, however, to join the crowd about Lucinda Babbacombe. He propped the wall nearby, far enough. away so that she wasn't likely to see him, and, eyes glittering greenly, watched her.
He was thus engaged when a hearty clap on the shoulder very nearly sent him sprawling.
<script>