Page 70 of Holly & Folly

“And what hope is that?”

“That my son will marry well.”

It was not said in a pointed manner, but Nell dropped her gaze all the same. “I am certain your hope will be realized, my lady.”

“We shall see.” There was a wistful quality to the words. “Thank you for your help, Miss Prescott.”

Nell ceded the basket to her. “It was no trouble at all, particularly when you have been so kind to host me—despite, I think, preferring not to.”

The countess’s cheeks colored slightly.

“I do not place any blame upon you,” Nell said. “Indeed, I would feel the same way in your position. My history makes me an unpalatable guest for any hostess.” She was being far more frank than she should have been, but she hadn’t the energy for anything else. “I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you. I did not intend it, but it was thoughtless of me to come.”

“Miss Prescott,” the countess said, “you are too hard on yourself, I am sure.”

“Am I?” Nell gave a rueful smile.

“We all make errors of judgment.”

“Yes, but mine have been catastrophically large ones.”

Lady Dalmeer regarded her with something much like pity.

Was that preferable to her dislike?

Nell could not say.

“I shan’t keep you any longer, my lady. I only wished to say thank you—and to apologize. I bid you good night.” She curtsied, then continued to the library, where she spent the next hour losing herself in the stories of fictional people whose troubles eclipsed her own.

But Lord Dalmeer’s ghost remained with her all the while, peering over the top of his book with his irresistible twinkle, as though to say, You shall never be free of me.

Twenty-Two

ARCHIE

Mr. Tomlinson’s voice droned on, echoing in the stone halls of the church.

Archie could not have named the subject of the sermon, despite the fact that it had lasted an hour already. Mother sat on one side of him, Miss Orston on the other, wearing an expression of polite interest.

Archie stifled a smile. Three more of Tomlinson’s sermons, and she would give up such an affectation.

He looked away, and his gaze found Nell. Far too easily.

Her lids were drifting closed, her head slipping to the side, where it would soon settle upon Mr. Tinston’s shoulder.

Envy flashed through Archie just as Miss Hollis noted the precarious situation of her friend and elbowed her.

Nell jolted awake, and Miss Hollis covered a laugh with her hand.

Nell shifted in her seat, as though staying awake was a mere matter of sitting in the correct position.

Perhaps if one had tacks under one’s backside.

Archie reached into his coat and pulled a paper from the inside pocket. With a glance at Miss Orston and Mother to ensure their focus was not on him, he opened it and read the words again.

To be loved without reservation.

To remain as I am.