Read Darrington 01 - Marriage Minded Lord for Free Online Page B

didn’t have an invite, perhaps he’d find a way to make certain one arrived at the Drummond residence. At least then he’d be guaranteed to see Miss Delacroix again. Now, who did he know in Amherst’s camp who could help?
    Roberta set her fork onto her plate with a sharp clatter. “Who is her companion? Have you met her?”
    Tread carefully. His mother was like a dog with a bone if she sniffed gossip in the wind. Felix nodded. “I have.” As if he had all the time in the world, he cut pieces from a chunk of cheese. “At the musicale yesterday, Lady Drummond had unfortunate luck. A trifle fell into her lap and ruined her gown. When she retired abovestairs to attend to the mess, I happened to meet her genteel companion, a Miss Clarice Delacroix if I remember correctly.” Just uttering her name sent tendrils of heat spiraling up his spine. He rather enjoyed it.
    “The name is not familiar to me.” Roberta resumed picking at her food. “She must be a poor relation of some sort if she lives between classes in a companion role.”
    Was it his imagination or did his mother breathe a quick sigh of relief? He narrowed his eyes. Why shouldn’t he try and spend time with the woman if it would make him happy? He deserved to finally do something for himself. “I have it on good authority she’s not remotely related to the Drummond family.” Should he hint at her titled French bloodlines?
    “Ah, then she must be someone’s desperate castoff. After all, who but a woman down on her luck would choose to be a companion to Olivia Drummond?”
    A stab of annoyance sliced through his gut. He narrowed his eyes. Perhaps now was not the time to talk her up to his mother. “Shall I not further Olivia’s acquaintance then?”
    “Good heavens , Felix. The woman has money. For that I can overlook her penchant for questionable dealings.”
    What sort of trouble had Olivia gotten into and why hadn’t he heard about it?
    “Please, Mother. You know I don’t adhere to rumors.”
    “There is talk about a shopkeeper on Bond Street.”
    Bother . “Oh please. A woman of Lady Drummond’s standing wouldn’t really conduct a dalliance with a shopkeeper.”
    “Unless that lady doesn’t give two braces for her reputation.” Charlotte dabbed at her mouth with a linen napkin. “I know of Miss Delacroix. I’ve seen her accompanying Lady Drummond about town on a few occasions.”
    “Oh?” Though he tried to infuse a note of boredom into his voice, Felix’s heartbeat raced. He was anxious to know what Charlotte thought of her. How often did Miss Delacroix leave the house, and when she did, was she alone or always in Olivia’s presence? If he walked around Mayfair, would he be able to accidentally run into her?
    “Yes. I’ve never spoken with her, but she seems a pleasant sort.”
    “She is. Very intelligent.” He picked up his fork, but his hand shook so badly he was forced to set it down again.
    Roberta sniffed. “I’ve heard she possesses a quick temper. She’s reported to be a daughter of a dancer or opera singer or some such questionable business, and French no less.” From the tone in his mother’s voice, one would think being French was a fate worse than death. “It’s best you stay away from that piece.”
    He bristled at the slight. She was not “a piece.” And how did his mother know more about who Miss Delacroix’s mother might be than he did? Blasted gossip. “While I will say I’m not one to champion a cause backed by the French so soon after my own injuries, those roots should have no bearing on Miss Delacroix’s character.” He grabbed his paper and unfolded it. The urge to announce her pedigree grew strong, but he bit the inside of his lip to keep the words from forming.
    “Calm down, my dear.” His mother’s eyebrow went skyward again. “It’s not as if a companion is worthy of your time. You won’t be courting her so the subject is moot. Let’s forget such a murky topic and instead discuss the