Part 51 (1/2)

”Does he often attend?”

”Harry?” Henrietta smilingly nodded to her gentleman and turned back.

”Occasionally--he's perennially invited but one never knows if he'll show.”

Henrietta's smile turned affectionate.

”Not one to run in anyone's harness, Harry.”

”No, indeed!” Lucinda ignored the questioning look her tartness invoked. A rage unlike any she had ever experienced was rising within her.

Was her invitation here Harry's way of showing her how he now viewed her?

That she had become one with these ladies, dallying with any gentleman who took their fancy? Had he sent her here to experience the 'congenial company'

she had a.s.sured him she was seeking? Or had he sent her here to teach her a lesson--and was planning to arrive just in time to rescue her from the consequences?

Her jaw set, her hands clenched, Lucinda abruptly stood. She felt like screaming, pacing the floor-throw STEPHANIE 173 ing things--she wasn't sure which of his possible motives enraged her the most. She dragged in a deep breath.

”I hope he comes,” she breathed through clenched teeth.

”Lucinda?” Henrietta leaned forward to peer up into her face.

”Are you quite well?”

Rigid, Lucinda plastered a smile on her lips.

”Perfectly, thank you.”

Henrietta didn't look convinced.

Luckily, the gong sounded, sending them to their rooms. Lucinda reined in her impatience enough to accompany Henrietta~to her door--then briskly strode down the corridor to the Blue Room.

”What have you heard?” she demanded of Agatha the instant the door shut behind her.

Agatha looked up from the navy blue silk gown she was laying out on the bed.

She took one look at Lucinda's face--and answered directly.

”Not much--but nothing good.

Lots of innuendo 'bout what the n.o.bs get up to o'nights. Doors opening and closing at all hours. ” Agatha sniffed.

”An' such like.”

Lucinda sat at the dressing table and started pulling pins from her hair.

She shot her maid a severe look.

”What else?”

Agatha shrugged.