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Mrs. Peagilly's affirmation seemed to soothe Edyth’s ruffled feathers.
“Faith…?” Constantine said before taking in his family’s avid attention as one and all trained their inquisitive focus on him.
This was not a conversation he wanted to have with witnesses peering on. Instead, he sought to send them on their way. “Won’t the guests become suspicious with all of us closeted in the study?”
Mother pursed her mouth and made a flippant wave of her hand.
“La. It’s too late for that now. Ramona and Tabitha heard your quarrel with Miss Roth.”
Devil a bit, they had.
Mother arched a perfectly plucked, disapproving eyebrow. “They wasted no time informing me and, even now, are probably scurrying from guest to guest sharing the greatly embellished and exaggerated news.”
“Gads,” Edyth said. “Before it’s all done, they will probably have Miss Roth slapping you for indecent advances.”
The merest hint of pink tinged Faith’s cheeks. Hopefully, the Kellinggraves would attribute the attractive coloring to bashfulness and not hit upon the truth. He and Faith had kissed.
And she had not slapped him. No, indeed.
Only by biting the inside of his cheek did Constantine curb the primal male smile that tried to bend his mouth upward. He probably looked like he’d swallowed something foul, but better that than his far too astute family stumbling upon the truth.
“It’s not as serious as all that,” Father said, sitting back in his chair and folding his hands over his slight paunch. “Everyone knows those two prattle brains haven’t the acumen of a sparrow, and anyone with any sense disregards most of what they say.”
Harsh words from Father, who seldom remarked darkly upon anyone’s character.
“Ahem.” Faith cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention back to her once more. “As I was saying, before Lord Constantine and Lord Kenworthy arrived, I have accepted a position as companion to Mrs. Peagilly. We sail for the Mediterranean next month.”
No! You cannot leave.
For a horrifying moment, Constantine feared he’d shouted aloud. It took several more heartbeats for his breathing to resume after the bludgeoning to his soul that Faith’s revelation caused.
Who will transcribe my notes?
If possible, he’d kick himself in the arse for his despicable shallowness.
Notes, you dimwitted dolt?
Faith’s worth went far beyond her scrivener duties.
“That is wonderful,” Charlotte said with a wide smile. “If I weren’t getting married, I would envy you.”
“I certainly do.” Edyth shrugged when several astonished gazes swung at her. “I’ve always wanted to go on a grand adventure, but no one ever asks me what I want.”
“You are too fond of bathing, wearing clean clothing, and sleeping on a soft mattress, Edie,” Cedric jested. “Trust me, dear sister. The reality of grand adventures is not glamorous or romantic.”
His tone took on a harshness around the edges.
Yes, definitely an agent of the crown.
Edyth stuck her tongue out at him and gave Cedric an exaggerated pout. “You’re home less than an hour and already a teasing beast.”
“Hush, children,” Mother admonished. “Miss Roth was speaking.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Speaking with the aplomb of an Almack’s peeress, Faith straightened her shoulders a fraction. “I shall continue with the betrothal charade until after the wedding, and to curtail gossip, I shall stay in Lady Edyth’s bedchamber, if that’s acceptable.”
“Of course it is, dear Faith!” Edyth’s enthusiasm caused Father to spare her an indulgent smile. “I’ve planned hot chocolate and shortbread for us tonight.”
“That is most kind of you, Lady Edyth.” Faith’s eyes softened with sincere affection before she addressed the duchess again. “That is if you can assure me that Mercy and Ronan Brockman are not guests. I thought I saw Mercy earlier, and if she is here, she will know that I am not affianced.”
