A Question of Impropriety by Michelle Styles Read Free Book Online

be.’
    â€˜He made his own fortune, you know,’ Miranda Bolt continued on, her cheeks becoming infused with pink. ‘Papa said that all he inherited when his brother died was a bankrupt title. Luckily Lord Coltonby had already won his fortune. He apparently has an eye for the horses. Papa is very much hoping to persuade him to support him in a business venture.’
    â€˜Lord Coltonby is a force to be reckoned with.’
    â€˜Have you met him? He is your nearest neighbour, after all.’ Miranda Bolt clasped her hands together. ‘I do think he is the most handsomest of men. He called on Papa the other day and we were introduced. Mama is most hopeful.’
    â€˜How pleasant for you.’ Diana tapped her finger against her mouth, determined to make her voice sound casual, but to gently lead the subject away from Lord Coltonby. ‘The horses have good lines as well.’
    â€˜How can you tell?’
    â€˜It is the way they hold their heads and shift their feet. They have a bit of spirit. In the right hands that curricle would fly over the ground.’
    â€˜I knew you would know about carriages and that sort of thing. I have heard Papa converse with you about them before.’ Miss Bolt gave a little wave of her hand as if discussing the speed of carriage and horses were somehow slightly outré. ‘I will confess that they bore me sense less. All a carriage does is get you from one place to another and wild horses scare me. But if they are Lord Coltonby’s passion, I suppose I must assume an interest. It will be expected.’
    â€˜Horses are noble creatures. They deserve better than the conditions they are currently subjected to.’ Diana tightened her grip on her reticule. Rules. An accepted mode of behaviour. She must not give way to her anger and keep within the bounds of society. It was the only thing that protected a lady. Why did she always come so close to for get ting the basic precepts of etiquette in Miss Bolt’s presence? Diana strove to keep her voice light and bland. ‘Do you know how many horses are lost because of the mail coaches each year?’
    â€˜Mail coaches, Miss Clare, are a necessity.’ Miss Bolt looked down her nose. ‘How else would I know which regiments were in Newcastle?’
    â€˜How, indeed?’ Diana hid a smile and felt the tension ebbing from her shoulders. She would now bring the conversation to a close and every thing would be well.
    â€˜I do believe he has glanced this way.’ Miss Bolt rapidly smoothed her skirt and readjusted her bonnet. ‘Mama says that his fortune exceeds that of Lord Allendale and Lord Carlisle combined. Mama is always right about such things. Marriage is not something that should be left to the young. She is singularly determined.’ Miss Bolt gave another trilling laugh. ‘But I forgot, dear Miss Clare, you are unlikely to marry. The ever-so-sensible Miss Clare. Does it pain you when other people speak of marriage?’
    â€˜It does not affect me in the slightest, Miss Bolt. I take little notice of such things. If you will forgive me, Robert requires a few sweetmeats from the grocer’s. He particularly asked for candied peel in his last letter.’ Diana started to move away from Miss Bolt, but the young woman clutched Diana’s arm.
    â€˜Wait, please, Miss Clare. Your dear sweet nephew can have his things later. My need is at present the greater one.’
    â€˜Miranda Bolt, kindly contain your gesticulations.’ Diana stared in astonishment at the young woman. Andslowly Miss Bolt released her vice-like grasp. Diana rubbed her arm, trying to get the blood to flow again.
    â€˜If I have given offence, I most humbly beg your pardon, but please remain here with me.’ A faint glimmering of tears shone in Miss Bolt’s eyes. ‘Do not desert me in my hour of need!’
    â€˜Why? What is so urgent? What disaster can possibly befall you on