The Last Eligible Bachelor - Ashtyn Newbold Page 0,57

confirm this rumor, for the sake of my other guests. You might also explain what the purpose was in such an endeavor, taking Miss Sedgwick aside from all the ladies here.” There was a distinct arch to one of her pale eyebrows.

I sat up straighter, lowering my fork as I watched all the other ladies do the same. My heart thudded against my chest, but Mr. Hill, ever collected, simply smiled. “It is true, I did speak with Miss Sedgwick.” He paused to take a sip from his goblet, and a collective force seemed to pull every woman forward in her seat, leaning just enough to ensure not a single one of his next words were missed. He met my eyes, and I shot him a questioning look.

Mrs. Ollerton’s brow twinged with annoyance when he failed to explain further. It seemed even she lacked the impropriety to force the answer out of him. It had been a private conversation for a reason, after all, but I feared that if he didn’t explain, it might reflect badly on my—or rather—Sophia’s reputation.

Mr. Hill met my gaze as he took another drink from his cup.

I held back my smile. My amusement with the entire situation was uncalled for, especially considering the risks his plan posed. But for tonight, I tried my best to relax. Roasted goose and potatoes were my favorite, after all.

“Ah, so you did.” Mrs. Ollerton’s voice raised at the end, making the phrase sound more like a question.

Mr. Hill smiled. “I am glad to have appeased your curiosity.”

Her nostrils flared slightly as she returned his smile, and the ladies around the table sat back in nearly perfect unison, the disappointment clear in the slip of their postures.

The conversation shifted to other, less intriguing things before it was time for the ladies to retire to the drawing room. Mr. Hill remained behind for port, as was customary, and I had the distinct impression that I was on my way to something of a war zone. Without Mr. Hill present, the drawing room would be just as it had been that afternoon. At least Mrs. Ollerton would be there to prevent any impoliteness from occurring. I squared my shoulders, willing myself to feel confident.

I glanced back at Mr. Hill as I left the room, catching the concern on his brow. I cast him a reassuring smile. Was he still worried that I couldn’t endure the company of the other ladies without being hurt? How fragile did he suppose me to be? Straightening my arms at my sides, I flexed my hands. I was not fragile. I was not weak. In something of a chant, I let the words echo in my mind as I exited the dining room and sat down on one of the red sofas.

Mrs. Ollerton took the seat on the cushion beside me, her rouge-covered lips stretching into another of her stiff smiles. “Miss Taplow, will you favor us with a song on the pianoforte?”

“I would be most honored, Mrs. Ollerton.” She beamed as she stood and found her seat at the bench, obviously quite pleased with the opportunity to showcase her talents.

The moment she began playing, Mrs. Ollerton leaned toward me to whisper in my ear, her moist breath uncomfortably close. “As your hostess, I must insist that you tell me the matter you and Mr. Hill discussed today in the drawing room. It is my responsibility to ensure your reputation remains…unscathed, if you will.”

I kept my gaze fixed on Miss Taplow at the pianoforte, too afraid to turn and see just how close Mrs. Ollerton’s face was to mine. “It was nothing of importance.”

“I do not mean to suggest that Mr. Hill is a dishonorable man, as I am certain he is not, but if he has developed an attachment, then you mustn’t deny me the reassurance that he did not succumb to any passion he may have in regard to you or compromise your reputation in any manner.” She inhaled deeply when she finished, the entirety of her warm, moist breath having been expended at my ear.

I shuddered. My face grew hot at her implications. “No, he did not. I assure you. At any rate, Mr. Hill does not have any passion for me.”

Mrs. Ollerton chuckled. “How I wish that were true. I would have preferred he choose Miss Downsfield, as they would make handsomest couple in the entire county.”

I leaned away to look at her eyes, insistent that not a single one of my words