Читать книгу Chosen by the Lieutenant - Anne Herries, Anne Herries - Страница 12

Chapter Four

Although they met at a card party and again at a dinner, with readings of poetry afterwards, Amanda did not have the opportunity to speak to Phipps privately until the morning of her own dance. He called then to bring her a posy of beautiful white rosebuds. She happened to be at the top of the stairs when he was admitted and went down to greet him and take the flowers from his own hand.

‘It was so kind of you to bring me these,’ she said. ‘As it happens they will be perfect, for my gown this evening is pink and white. Thank you so much, sir.’

‘You will save me two dances,’ Phipps said with a caressing smile that made her heart jump for joy. ‘You are looking very well, Miss Hamilton. Are you anticipating this evening with pleasure?’

‘Yes, very much,’ Amanda replied. ‘I think it may be our last big engagement before we leave for the country. You know we are to stay with Lord Armstrong and the countess for another few days, but I think we shall attend only small affairs, though the countess will give two evenings of music and cards herself.’

‘I hope I shall be invited?’

‘I was asked who I would like to invite, sir. I gave the countess your name, also Major Brock’s and Jane Field’s. Jane is to stay with me after we leave town, just for a week or so...’

‘I am glad you made friends with Miss Field. I think her a nice girl and Brock likes her. He was angry when Shearne frightened her, you know.’

‘I meant to tell you,’ Amanda said. ‘We encountered him in the street a few days ago and his behaviour towards her was predatory—and to me hostile, because I’m afraid I gave him a set-down. He made what I considered a threat towards Miss Langton and I said something unwise. Indeed, I warned him that I should inform her of his true nature when I next see her—I fear I may have made an enemy of the marquis.’

‘And do you intend to say anything to Miss Langton?’

‘When I see her I shall attempt to warn her...but one must be careful of such things. To write hints of what I suspect in a letter would be slander.’

‘No, you must not do that, for you have no proof.’

‘That was my own thought, but when I see her I may hint a little. I spoke thoughtlessly, out of anger at his manner towards us, and I think it was unwise.’

‘If he should do anything at all to upset you, Miss Hamilton, you have only to tell me or Brock.’

‘I should not wish to cause trouble for anyone. Mama did not invite the marquis this evening—and I dare say I shall not see him again before we leave for the country.’

‘I heard that he was leaving town for his estates this weekend. If he took himself off and never returned, it would not be a bad thing,’ Phipps said. ‘Had I known he’d upset you, I should have given him a thrashing.’

Amanda pealed with laughter. ‘Please do nothing of the sort, sir. I fear you would make an enemy for life. I may have piqued his pride, but he will soon forget me—if you took a horsewhip to him he would not cease to look for his revenge.’

‘I am more than a match for his ilk.’