Free Lord Runthorne's Dilemma: A Regency Romance by Sarah-Jane Steele Page B

I…” Elizabeth stopped, unable to find the words.
    Mary dropped her hands. “Well, if you would like to know what I think,” she said with a hint of sadness in her voice, “I think you are a touch jealous.”
    “ Mary.”
    “ I am sorry, Elizabeth, but yes, I do. Oh, not in a nasty way,” Mary said, touching Elizabeth’s arm, “but think about it. Aurelia is so beautiful that it is natural to be envious. She is also popular and wealthy, just as you were. Perhaps you are missing, just a little,” she held up her finger and thumb a fraction apart, “being rich and popular yourself.”
    Her friend ’s eyes were anxious, searching, as though she feared Elizabeth would storm off. “She is also vain and a little silly,” Elizabeth said.
    And you were never vain or silly, were you? Her conscience really was most trying at times.
    “ Perhaps you are right, a little, my love.” Elizabeth held up her hand. “Oh, I could never lay claim to her beauty, but I must admit that I can see much of who I was in her.”
    Then something struck her. “How do you know that Miss Lacey is so wealthy?” she said.
    Mary smiled and blushed. Again. “Charles, I mean Captain Fitzalan, told me,” she said and almost ran away.
    “ He is in the large parlour,” Elizabeth called after her and watched as she changed direction. Her hand rose in thanks. Elizabeth shook her head and continued on to her room to change, but could not suppress a small smile. Somehow, things did not seem quite as black as they had a few moments ago.
    ***
    The sun was low in the sky, but still streamed through Elizabeth’s bedroom window. She clasped a single strand of pearls around her neck and smoothed her gown. There was still an hour before the dressing bell would ring, but Elizabeth had dressed early.
    Her riding habit still lay across a chair waiting to be sponged and put away when one of the busy maids had a moment. She picked up the edge of the long skirt. It was grey with dust but, with so many guests, Elizabeth knew it might well be some days before a maid had leisure to attend to her needs. For a moment she considered ringing for a bowl of water and dealing with it herself. Then she grimaced. She was dithering.
    Elizabeth needed to speak to her aunt and it would not get easier with delay.
    Before she could change her mind, Elizabeth draped a shawl over her elbows and opened her door. The corridor was quiet. Most of the ladies would still be in the parlour or drawing room gossiping, whilst the men would be hiding in the billiard room or outside until forced to dress for dinner.
    Elizabeth turned to her left, accompanied by the soft swish of her gown. The rich scent of wax polish, warmed by the sun, tickled her nose. It made her want to sneeze. It was a homely scent and it soothed her, giving her courage.
    It took just a few moments for Elizabeth to reach her destination. She knocked on her aunt’s door, which opened almost at once.
    “ Yes?”
    Elizabeth smiled but received no response. “I would like to see my aunt, Simpson. Please tell her I am here.”
    The lady ’s maid sniffed. “I am afraid she is indisposed,” she said and made to shut the door.
    Elizabeth put out her hand. “She was in perfect health when I saw her this morning.”
    Simpson glared. “Nevertheless.”
    “ If my aunt is unwell, I am sure she would wish to see me,” Elizabeth said, stepping forward, forcing the maid to step back.
    “ I am sure Mrs Maybourne does not wish to be disturbed.”
    “ Shall we ask her?” Elizabeth was now in her aunt’s sitting room. The door to the right, leading to the bedchamber, was a little ajar and she could hear her aunt’s voice. Suddenly her aunt giggled. It was a youthful and naughty giggle. There was also a very masculine chuckle. Elizabeth blushed and glanced at the maid who was giving her a satisfied smile.
    “ Perhaps I should come back later,” Elizabeth said.
    “ As you say, Miss.” Simpson opened the door to allow