Lord Grenville's Choice by G.G. Vandagriff Read Free Book Online

afternoon?”
    “Winton, that would be the act of a true friend. Maybe I could return home and concentrate on my correspondence, at least.”
    “It would be a pleasure. Are they going to Lady Frensham’s do tonight?”
    “They just arrived in town. It is too early for invitations to have been sent.”
    “Never mind. I shall escort both of them as my guests. Why do you not join us? ’Twould chase away that black humor of yours to go to a ball. I have not seen you in society this age.”
    Alex decided in that moment that he would insist on a conversation with Felicity this evening. He did not want to wait until the morning to learn about whatever maggot had gotten into her brain.
    “I am certain Anabella and Aunt Henrietta would accept your offer. They are very eager to enjoy the Season. Anabella has just sent another suitor packing. But I shall not join you. I wish for nothing more than a quiet evening.”
    “Does Lady Grenville not enjoy society? I have not seen the two of you at a ball for at least a twelve month.”
    “I am the culprit. It is not my wife. I have become a man of dull habits, I am afraid.”
    “And what does your wife do with her long evenings?”
    “She has friends. Felicity belongs to several literary salons. And she has her music. She is a talented vocalist, you know. She is forever attending or singing at musicales .”
    “Not exactly your cup of tea.”
    “No. We are not compatible in that way.”
    “A word of advice: if you want to stop this gossip, I should appear with her in public. The bigger the venue, the better. It is my notion that you ought to bring her to Frensham’s ball tonight.”
    “She would not come. Her father is ill. She will not leave his bedside.”
    “Ah! That complicates things, certainly. Is he at death’s door, then?”
    “No, as a matter of fact, he is doing much better than expected. He is recovering.”
    His friend was silent for a few moments as he lit a cigar. “Let me put it to you, Grenville. This gossip about you and Lady Beaton is widespread. Nothing society likes more than star-crossed lovers. But it is damaging to the lady. If you care about her at all, you will put a stop to it. Is Lady Grenville aware of it?”
    Alex nodded, grimly. “Unfortunately.”
    “She must want an end to it as much as you do. Put it to her that the best thing to do is to go to Frensham’s ball. Surely you could hire a nurse for the evening.”
    Alex felt as a beleaguered sailor must feel once he has glimpsed land. He turned to his friend and slapped him on the shoulder. “Excellent strategy! You are a friend, indeed.” He finished his claret in a single swallow. “Forgive me if I leave you. I must see to this without delay. Felicity will want to fetch a ball gown and such things. Dine with us at eight o’clock!
    Alex called on Felicity before tea. Glover informed him that she was with Dr. Caldwell, if he would care to wait.
    Irritated, he walked into the morning room. Why should he not be included in a conference on his father-in-law’s health? Officious butler.
    Alex walked out of the room and up the stairs where he made his way to his Lord Morecombe’s room. He heard Felicity’s voice in the sitting room. Without knocking, he went in.
    Felicity was seated next to the doctor on the small love seat. Until she looked up and blushed scarlet, saying “My lord!” in a tone of sheer surprise, he thought nothing of their closeness. The doctor sprang to his feet, clearly discomfited.
    “What is taking place here?” Alex asked, his voice thunderous.
    “Nothing with which you need concern yourself,” Felicity said, drawing herself up and looking him in the eye. “You should have knocked. I was consulting privately with Dr. Caldwell.”
    “You are ill?” he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.
    She put her head on one side and surveyed him levelly, as though making up her mind about something. “I had hoped to tell you when you were in a better mood, but the fact