Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,24
the expectation, she had felt the sting of his rebuffing for the rest of the evening. She knew nothing of Lord Coventry’s character, of course, and thus could not decide whether or not he was guilty of such a crime.
“Good afternoon, Miss Jamieson.”
Delilah stopped dead, only just realizing that she had fallen a few steps behind her friend as she had considered what had been said. Miss Jamieson was now being greeted by a very fine young lady indeed. There was a haughtiness in her expression that immediately pushed Delilah away, and she deliberately held herself back, not quite certain what she ought to do.
“Good afternoon, Lady Parrington,” Miss Jamieson said easily, sending a sudden chill through Delilah. “How good to see you again.”
“And you,” Delilah heard Lady Parrington say. “Might I also introduce my acquaintance, Lady Fenella.”
Blinking rapidly, Delilah made to turn away, made to speak to her godmother so that she would not interrupt this meeting, only to hear her name mentioned by Miss Jamieson.
“I have a new acquaintance also,” Miss Jamieson continued, quickly. “Might I present Miss Delilah Mullins? Niece to the Earl of Denholm.”
Delilah curtsied quickly, seeing the slight curl of the lady’s lip as she watched with sharp eyes as though deciding whether or not it was suitable.
“Miss Mullins, this is Lady Parrington, married to the Marquess of Parrington. And Lady Fenella.” There was a slight awkwardness in Miss Jamieson’s expression at the introduction, realizing that Lady Parrington had not properly introduced her acquaintance. Delilah saw Lady Fenella curtsy but look away, clearly used to having Lady Parrington garner most of the attention.
“How very good to meet you both,” Delilah found herself saying before quickly introducing Lady Newfield. It came as no surprise to her that her godmother did not shy away from the Lady Parrington’s supercilious expression but arched one eyebrow and looked at her steadily. Lady Parrington’s tight expression lingered but she turned her eyes away from Lady Newfield as though she could not bear to look at her any longer.
Was this the lady that Lord Coventry had thought to marry? What was it about her that had drawn Lord Coventry to her? From what she could see, it did not look as though Lady Parrington had any warmth whatsoever.
“How long have you been in town?” she asked with as much politeness as she could. “And are you enjoying the Season so far?”
Lady Parrington’s expression grew pained as though she disliked the question and now found it a great ordeal to answer it. “It is satisfactory,” she answered, turning her face away from Delilah. “I presume you are taking every opportunity to enjoy the Season, however.” Her smile was a little twisted. “You have no need to do so, of course, Miss Jamieson, given that you are already engaged.”
Delilah did not know what to say, finding the lady’s condescension very rude indeed, but at the same time, finding herself intimidated by it. She looked helplessly at Lady Newfield but the lady in question was doing nothing other than glaring at Lady Parrington, her dislike very clear indeed. Lady Fenella had moved a few steps away from them all now, evidently not wishing—or knowing that she would not be permitted—to be a part of the conversation.
Taking a deep breath, Delilah tried to add something to the conversation so that she would not be as Lady Fenella was at present. “I find that London society can be rather difficult to traverse,” Delilah answered after a few moments. “Although I am glad to be a part of it, of course.”
“Of course,” Lady Parrington remarked quickly, showing very little interest in Delilah at all and instead turning her full attention to Miss Jamieson. “I must ask you, Miss Jamieson, whether or not you have seen him within society.”
A panic came over Delilah and she felt her heart begin to pound furiously, her stomach tighten, and a cold fear rushing over her. Lady Parrington was already condescending enough, and Delilah was a little uncertain as to whether or not she would be able to withstand any more.
Try to gain a little strength.
The silent, quiet voice within her began to grow as Miss Jamieson answered that yes, she had seen Lord Coventry—as had Miss Mullins. As she gestured to her, Lady Parrington’s face was covered with evident astonishment, her eyes widening, her color pulled from her cheeks, and her mouth a little ajar.
Just whatever was the matter with the lady?
“You have seen Lord Coventry?” Lady Parrington asked as Delilah