Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,25

nodded. “Is that so? I did not think he was within society much at present.”

Delilah’s spine stiffened and she forced herself to reply with both honesty and whatever slivers of determination she could find. “He was very gentlemanly indeed,” Delilah replied, her voice a little louder now. “I have danced with him once already and hope to do the same again very soon.”

Lady Parrington looked at Delilah with a hardness in her eyes. “I should advise you not to do so again, Miss Mullins,” she said, her lip curling again. “He is not worth your company—and certainly not your reputation.”

“I am well able to make my own judgments on such matters,” Delilah replied stoutly, a little astonished by her tenacity. “And thus far, I find that he is quite an amiable companion.”

The harsh laugh that came from Lady Parrington shook Delilah to the core.

“My dear Miss Jamieson, how can you be acquainted with a simpleton such as this?” she cried, throwing out one hand towards Delilah. “She is to be gravely pitied indeed if she considers Lord Coventry to be a suitable companion!” The laugh continued, echoing around the park and making Delilah flush with such a heat of embarrassment that she felt as though her cheeks were beginning to burn.

“I think, Lady Parrington, that you speak rather too freely and with a little too much arrogance.”

The laughter stopped almost immediately as Lady Parrington turned to face Lady Newfield, who was looking back at her with ice filling her eyes.

“Indeed, I think you should be rather ashamed of your conduct at present,” Lady Newfield continued, taking Delilah’s arm. “Miss Mullins, as your godmother, let me take you from this particular situation. You are to be the most elegant, the most genteel, and the most excellent of young ladies and this particular lady is not a good example of how one ought to behave.” With a pointed look at Lady Parrington—whose face had now begun to turn crimson, Lady Newfield tugged Delilah in between Lady Parrington and Miss Jamieson, who was staring at Lady Newfield with wide eyes.

“Good gracious!” Delilah heard Lady Parrington exclaim as they walked away. “What sort of creature has the audacity to—”

“If you will excuse me, Lady Parrington. Good afternoon, Lady Fenella.”

Within a few moments, Miss Jamieson was directly beside Delilah, her hand catching her arm.

“I can only apologize, Miss Mullins,” she said breathlessly, clearly aware of the thundercloud that was in Lady Newfield’s expression. “Lady Parrington was always a little conceited, I confess, but I did not ever think she would behave in such an improper and rude manner.”

“It is not for you to apologize, Miss Jamieson,” Lady Newfield replied before Delilah could say a word. “But Delilah, I should tell you that I thought you very courageous indeed to speak as you did.”

Delilah let out a long breath, not realizing that she had been holding it for some time. “She was very rude, indeed, was she not?” she said, a little laugh escaping her. “I do hope I have not made things worse for you, Miss Jamieson.”

Miss Jamieson laughed and shook her head. “I was acquainted with the lady before she wed and confess myself to have been a little surprised that Lord Coventry thought so highly of her when I knew her to be so...self-interested and proud. However, that has only increased now that she has wed.” One shoulder lifted. “As I have said, I care very little for the ton at present and certainly do not feel any particular desire to remain acquainted with Lady Parrington.” She shook her head, her brows furrowing slightly, and Delilah was certain she saw a hint of regret in her eyes. “We were rather well acquainted once but I do not think that such an acquaintance can continue, unfortunately.”

Sighing, Delilah smiled and made to say something more, only to notice that the gentleman now approaching them was, in fact, the very gentleman they had been talking of only a few minutes before. Her stomach tightened almost at once, not quite certain where she was to look as Lord Coventry came closer to them, his eyes seeming to fix upon her. Whenever she glanced up at him, he was staring directly at her, his mouth a thin, grim line.

“Miss Mullins,” he said, not even looking towards Lady Newfield or Miss Jamieson. “Might I speak to you?”

She swallowed hard. “Good afternoon, Lord Coventry,” she said a little hesitantly as Lady Newfield nudged her gently. “Yes, I am certain that