Page 66 of A Lady's Guide to Scandal

‘And what is that supposed to mean?’ she demanded.

‘Do you not think it unwise to let Miss Cecily and Montagu pursue their romance so boldly?’

‘Cecily and Lord Montagu?’ She was startled out of her anger for the moment, turning to look for her sister. The pair were standing, heads bent next to the refreshment table. Alone once more – which was not, admittedly, very wise. She ought to say something again to her, the poor girl had no idea what it looked like. She turned back to Radcliffe. ‘They are friends, no more – they share an interest in intellectual pursuits.’

He scoffed. ‘You are blinded to the truth – they consider themselves very much in love, any fool could see it.’

‘You are angry with me, and just trying to cause a nuisance,’ she dismissed. ‘Do you think I would not notice if my sister were in love?’

‘Do you think I would not notice if my brother were in danger?’ he returned, pointedly.

They glared at one another, eyes as cold as they had ever been in each other’s presence.

‘Do you know,’ she said, words hot on her tongue, ‘when we first met I thought you proud, stubborn, rude and with a sense of superiority the size of England. I had almost begun to think I had misjudged you – but I see now I should have trusted my first instinct.’

‘The feeling,’ he said coldly, ‘is quite mutual.’

They turned as one and walked away. Neither looked back.

31

Lord Radcliffe left the ball in a rage, not bothering to bid goodnight to the host or his mother. He flung himself down the front steps so fast that he ran into Captain Hinsley, who was only just arriving.

‘James, slow down – what on earth is the matter?’ Hinsley asked, looking concerned.

‘Nothing,’ Radcliffe bit out. He tried to walk on, but Hinsley gripped his arm.

‘Nothing? You’re quite shaking with rage, let me accompany you home,’ he commanded, turning to walk his friend down the path. Radcliffe attempted to shake him off, but Hinsley had his arm caught fast.

‘I’m quite capable of reaching home without a chaperone, Harry,’ Radcliffe said, voice dark with warning.

‘Of course you are,’ Hinsley said soothingly – and clearly with no intention of listening to him. He hurried into the carriage after Radcliffe, seating himself opposite his friend with watchful eyes.

‘What has you all at odds then?’ he asked again.

‘I-I got into an argument with Miss Talbot,’ Radcliffe admitted at last. ‘It started off about – about one thing, but then it led on to discussing Archie. She made a ridiculous accusation that Archie has fallen into a bad crowd – that I am so blinded by how my father treated my dalliances as a boy, that I cannot see what is right in front of me. She’s wrong.’

But Hinsley’s brow was furrowed. ‘Who’s the boy become friendly with, that’s worried her so?’

‘Lord Selbourne and his set,’ Radcliffe said impatiently. ‘But you’re quite missing the point, Harry—’

‘Selbourne? I do not like that much at all, James. You haven’t been in London for a while, dear boy – old Selby has quite the reputation now.’

‘Selbourne? He’s harmless. Why, I used to be very closely acquainted with the man – certainly fond of gambling and drinking, but not dangerous.’

Hinsley looked unconvinced. ‘From what I’ve heard, it’s a bit more than that. I’ll look into it – see if I can find anything out.’

‘I beg you – do not,’ Radcliffe snapped. ‘There is nothing to find out. Archie is not in trouble, and I would thank everyone to stop giving me unasked for advice.’

‘What if he is, though?’ Hinsley asked, not seeming to take offence at his friend’s tone. ‘Both she and I think something smoky is afoot – worth looking into, I say.’

‘My father dealt in “what ifs”,’ Radcliffe said. ‘I will not do the same kind of interfering for Archie. It does not make you a bad person to want to have a little fun, for God’s sake. Archie should be able to live and make mistakes and grow up unfettered by worries of duty and gossip.’

Hinsley held up his hands in surrender. ‘All right, all right,’ he said, looking at his friend closely. ‘What else did you and Miss Talbot argue about?’ he asked shrewdly.

‘It matters nought,’ Radcliffe said shortly. ‘I have tarried in London too long. Far too long – I shall leave for Radcliffe Hall tomorrow.’ They drew up upon St James’s Place and Radcliffe opened the carriage door immediately, without waiting for a footman. ‘This is goodbye, Hinsley. I shall write.’

And with that he walked into his house, slamming the door shut behind him.