Read Splendid for Free Online Page A

unison.
    â€œWhere have you been?” Belle demanded, hands on hips. “We’ve been worried sick about you.”
    Emma sighed as she placed the bag of eggs on the counter. “Belle, couldn’t we discuss this later?” She glanced pointedly at the servants, whose mouths were visibly agape as they stared at her unashamedly.
    â€œAll right, then,” Belle agreed. “Let’s go upstairs right now.”
    Emma groaned. She was suddenly exhausted, and her head was pounding once again, and she didn’t know what to do about those cursed earrings, and…
    â€œOh my heavens!” Belle shrieked. Emma, her irrepressible and energetic cousin, had fainted dead away.

Chapter 3
    A lex stood in front of the Blydon mansion staring at the servants’ entrance. He’d seen a look of sheer panic in Meg’s eyes before he’d agreed not to accompany her inside. He scowled, worried that she might be punished for returning so late from the market. Although he’d met the Earl and Countess of Worth on several occasions, when it came right down to it, he didn’t know much about them. He had no idea what kind of household they ran. Some of the ton treated their servants abominably. And although he refused to believe he felt anything other than lust for Meg, he was terrified that she might be turned out or beaten. He had a strong urge to march right into the Blydon kitchen and make sure that Meg was being treated like the heroine she was. Alex sighed, slightly irritated at the extent of his concern. He wasn’t at all sure that she’d completely recovered from her fall. All he really wanted to do at that moment was take Meg into his arms, carry her up to her room and tuck her into bed with a nice cold compress on her head. He groaned at the vision he was painting in his mind. If he managed to get her tucked into bed, he doubted that he’d be able to stop himself from climbing in beside her.
    â€œAlex!” Sophie poked her head out of the carriage. “What are you waiting for?”
    Alex tore his gaze away from the mansion. “Nothing, Soph, nothing at all. I’m just a little concerned about Meg. Do you suppose she’ll be all right? What kind of people are the Earl and Countess of Worth?”
    â€œOh, they’re lovely. I’ve met them several times at parties.”
    â€œSo have I, brat, but that doesn’t make them paragons of virtue.”
    Sophie sighed and rolled her eyes. “If you ever spent more than one minute at the parties that Mama and I force you to attend, you’d know that the Blydons are simply wonderful. They’re very kind and not at all stuffy, Mama is extremely fond of Lady Worth. I think they have tea together at least once a fortnight. I don’t think we have to worry about Meg now that we know she works here. I cannot imagine Lady Worth allowing anyone to be mistreated in her home.”
    â€œI hope you’re right. We owe Meg a great deal. It’s the least we can do to see to her welfare.”
    â€œDon’t think I don’t know it, dear brother. I intend to call on Lady Worth this week to tell her how Meg saved Charlie. I am certain that she will not allow such bravery to go unrewarded.”
    Alex climbed into the carriage and sat back into its plush seat as the wheels started rolling. “That’s a good idea, Sophie.”
    â€œI’d go tonight, of course, but I really don’t feel up to it.”
    â€œWhat do you mean you’d go tonight?”
    â€œReally, Alex, you must keep track of things. Lady Worth is throwing a huge bash tonight. I’m sure you were invited. You’re always invited to everything even though you never go. If you don’t start—”
    â€œSpare me the you’ll-never-meet-a-nice-marriage-able-female-and-produce-an-heir lecture, please. I’ve heard it before, and I’m not interested.”
    Sophie shot him an irritated glance.