Free Journey's End (Marlbrook) by Bernadette Carroll Page A

not tease me so. You know that I am taken with bouts of the vapours. The doctors have assured me that it is not in my best interests to venture out of doors. No! Their professional advice is for me to rest and keep my sustenance up,” Ruth stated, as yet another bonbon disappeared from sight.
    Lady Catherine cringed, as the hideously absurd snorting, disguising itself as Ruth’s laughter, followed.  As usual, the middle-aged woman irritated Lady Catherine beyond belief.
    In reply, Lady Cynthia’s wit was sharp.  “ Catherine , you know full well that you would miss our company should we be restricted indoors. Who else would challenge your good will so?”
    Lady Cynthia rescued Ruth, as she did so on many occasions.  “Come , Ruth, the doctors are always right.  It is I who should be scolded for inviting you on this outing. We shall take you home immediately and have you put to bed until you are well again.”
      When the latch clicked shut behind her guests, Lady Catherine vented her frustrations.
    “If I come across one more of these creatures I shall, I shall - quite honestly I shall forget that I am a Lady and, and - see! I am conditioned not to think, let alone say what I would do with one of these women.”
    Lady Catherine ’s glare was sufficiently intimidating for Laura to form no opinion at all.  Not that Laura’s lack of interest caused concern , for Lady Catherine often answered herself.
    “Your lack of family does not appear to have harmed you!” exclaimed Lady Catherine .  “The women surrounding me have more blood relatives than I can count, and I cannot say that they appear to have benefited by their kindred’s existence. Wh at say you to that, my girl?”
    Lady Catherine fanned herself a bit too rapidly, a sure sign that she was agitated.  Laura responded to her antagonist with a knowing grin.
    Inwardly , Laura likened her Ladyship to a man about to enter a duel, but the weapon, her fan, could hardly be expected to harm anyone.  Laura banished the picture that formed in her mind of Lady Catherine and Ruth duelling at dawn, fans at the ready.  Her Ladyship would not see the humour.
    “Something amuses you, madam?” Lady Catherine never missed an opportunity.  “Perhaps you would like to share the focal point of your mirth and allow me to join you in your frivolity.”  Lady Catherine ’s stern face hardened against such a possibility ever occurring.
    “Ma’am,” Laura began, ignoring her Ladyship’s last delivery.  “I cannot deny my lack of family , but then the same cannot be said for Sarah, as she was raised by a caring father and therefore legitimately mourns her loss.  As for myself, I do not dwell up on such things.”
    Lady Catherine ’s mouth launched into an opening ready to retaliate, but the void remained empty of sound.
    “When surrounded by your welcoming household,” Laura continued, “I am encouraged to work even harder in your employ.”  Laura sat with a straight back and bearing that was not in the least bit fitting with decorum.
    Lady Catherine congratulated herself.  Her choice of companion had always held promise.
    A steady tapping seized Lady Catherine ’s attention, her cane the sly culprit.  She no longer exercised full control over some of her faculties, but no one would ever share this intelligence.
    “My son will soon establish himself at Marlbrook, as the estate demands his permanent residence here.”  Lady Catherine ’s tone was abrasive within the confined space of the parlour.  “He is a handsome rogue . A nd while you may look upon me as biased, I would dare you to find a mother, when confronted with this topic, who would deny the obvious.”  Lady Catherine paused, taking breath before adding.  “Henry is not responsible, Laura, and I have worked too hard to let my efforts go to waste.”
    Emily, daughter of the wealthy Parkinson’s of Kent , would see Lord Henry settled.  The girl’s family were greedy and craved a title to