Gamble With Hearts by Hilary Gilman Read Free Book Online Page B

her young brother, swept into the room. Charlotte could not but find the sight of her friend painful, for she was reminded of the circumstances in which they had last met. She had forgotten her troubles for a little while chatting with her new acquaintance, but now they swept over her with a force that made her bite her lips to stop them quivering.
    ‘Why, Charlotte !’ exclaimed Mrs Carstairs. ‘I can see that you are still quite overset from our adventures yesterday. I hope you retired early to bed as I recommended.’
    Charlotte shook her head but was spared the necessity of answering by her mama and aunt who, not unnaturally, demanded to know what their guest was talking about.
    ‘You mean Charlotte has not told you? How odd of her. The fact is that we were held up yesterday evening on our way home from Richmond . Really, I am most surprised that Charlotte did not mention it for she had the most unpleasant experience. While most of the ruffians were engaged at the front carriage and we were being subjected to a search for our valuables, one of them sneaked to the back and accosted Charlotte . What he said she would not tell us, but she was much overset.’
    ‘My love, why did you not tell us all this?’ cried Mrs Wrexham in distress. ‘We should never have gone to Lady Marston's last night!’
    ‘Helen refines too much upon it, dearest. Indeed, the man said nothing I could take exception to. He was quite an amusing fellow.''
    ‘I'll wager he was!’ murmured Ruthin thoughtfully to himself. It was no secret to Lord Ruthin that several of his young friends had been imprudent enough to attempt to waylay a certain undesirable gentleman. If they had in fact been terrorising respectable persons in their attempts to do so then he would be forced to take them strongly to task. It was obvious that Miss Wrexham had been very much disturbed.
    The ladies were all still exclaiming over Charlotte and no one had thought it necessary to include Mr Edridge in their circle. However, Mr Edridge had, by this time, discovered Miss Milverly and was more than happy to sit staring at her, quite oblivious of his surroundings.
    Amelia strove to appear unconscious of the fixed regard but eventually she raised her eyes and gave him a look in which maiden shyness and mischief were enchantingly blended. It was enough to take him to her side saying: ‘Forgive me, but I—I mean— is it not a pleasant morning, Miss Milverly?’
    ‘It is most clement,’ she responded demurely.
    ‘Do you make a long stay in town, ma'am?’
    ‘Oh yes, for I have come to live here with Papa, and we shall certainly be fixed here until we go to Brighton in the summer.’
    Mr Eldridge, having exhausted his supply of conversational openings, was silent. Obviously he needed encouragement. Miss Milverly gave it. ‘I daresay you will be in town for the season also, Mr Edridge. Perhaps you would care to call upon Papa,’ she invited, smiling dazzlingly upon him. Mr Edridge sighed and explained that he was in London for only a few weeks more before he must leave to take his place at the University. Miss Milverly seemed disappointed and suggested that he might perhaps visit them in any event.
    ‘Oh yes, of course I will,’ he answered fervently. ‘But what is the use when by the time Long Vacation comes around there will be dozens of fellows hanging around you and I won't stand a chance!’
    Amelia laughed softly and cast him an inviting glance from under inky lashes. ‘Good heavens, Mr Edridge, I assure you that Papa will always be most happy to receive you, and so shall I.’
    It was as well for Mr Edridge's state of mind that the Marquis chose that moment to take his leave. He had, however, received an invitation to Charlotte 's ball and had promised to bring Miss Milverly who was eager to pursue her acquaintance with Miss Wrexham. Soon after this, Mrs Carstairs also took her leave, dragging with her a young man who seemed unable to comprehend most of what was