Page 34 of Hot and Bothered in July
She would have laughed had the situation not been as dire. “I wish it were something that easy to sustain. As it stands, I feel I shall never be able to endure the heartbreak.”
“Heartbreak?” He set her at arm’s length. “What do you mean?”
It took her several bracing gulps of air before she could steady herself enough to speak without falling apart again. “Reed. He has left me.”
He seemed taken aback. “No. That is impossible. You must be mistaken.”
She suppressed the sudden urge to punch him in the arm. “I spoke to him just a few moments ago and that is what he told me,” she snapped. “He said awful things and said he was leaving me and this house behind forever. Ask him yourself if you are not satisfied.” At the sound of distant hoofbeats leaving the yard, another pang of anguish struck her. “Never mind. I fear it is too late.”
Rather than continue to console her, he shook his head and stepped back from her. “I do not understand. I spoke with Mr. Carrington this morning, and I can promise you that his outlook toward you was decidedly different.” He hesitated, as if reluctant to say more, but since he felt it was more imperative to tell the truth than harbor any secrets, he added, “He asked me if he believed Father would consider an engagement in truth, that he wanted to marry you. He fully intended to speak to Father when he returns from London to ask for your hand.”
Sariah frowned. “Then… why would he tell me he no longer cared for me?”
“I have absolutely no idea. I am just as perplexed as you.” He paused. “Unless…” His face turned dark and he started to stride toward the house.
Sariah was close on his heels. “What is it?” she demanded, but she was ignored.
They entered the house and found two men crossing the foyer, both with easy expressions on their faces. However, when it became apparent that the scowl descending on them was meant for one of them and not both, the second man quickly beat a hasty retreat.
Richard did not hesitate to grab Lord Michael by the lapels of his jacket. Hauling him against the wall, he said slowly, “Did you say something to Mr. Carrington?”
Sariah blinked, surprised that her brother would treat one of his oldest friends in such a crass manner.
Once Lord Michael recovered from his initial shock, he pushed back against Richard. “You forget yourself!” When he was released, he straightened his jacket with angry jerks. “I will ignore this slight because of our longstanding association, and because your sister is present, but I demand to know the reasoning behind this outburst.”
Rather than appearing chastised, Richard crossed his arms. “It is because I have known you so long that I have to wonder if there is some ulterior motive for your presence at this party. It was not until I mentioned meeting Sariah that you became interested in joining.”
Michael’s gaze slid to her and then back to Richard. “That is because I thought perhaps I could renew a former interest. But that idea was quickly adjusted by the lady herself.”
“Then what was your goal in altering Mr. Carrington’s opinion?”
This time, Michael looked genuinely confused. “What are you going on about? I have not spoken to Mr. Carrington sinceyesterday during the archery tournament, and that was only briefly. If you want to know what was said, I can offer several witnesses to attest to what was exchanged.”
“That is all?” Richard prodded. “You are certain?”
“Yes. You have my word, for whatever that seems to mean to you.”
Richard exhaled heavily. “The devil.”
“What makes you think I have anything to do with Mr. Carrington?” Michael asked.
“Because he was fine until moments ago when he told Sariah that he was ending their association. Quite abruptly, I might add, without due cause or reason,” Richard explained. “Since I know you are not someone who can be easily persuaded to change their ideas, I believed you were the cause of his recent departure.”
Michael said nothing for a moment, and then he slowly nodded his head. “I suppose he could have overheard David and I conversing. I thought I heard a scuffle outside the door, but I did not think anything more of it at the time.”
“What was said?” Richard asked.
He shrugged. “Nothing of much consequence. Merely that I had been interested in marrying and I had chosen the lady with whom I could see myself settling down with, thanks to your sister’s introduction. I already spoke to Lady Ava’s father and asked permission to formally court her.”
Sariah brightened slightly. “That is wonderful news. You could not find a more agreeable lady to take as your bride.”
His features softened slightly, and he offered a slight bow. “I do thank you for opening my eyes to other possibilities. I am sure once the lady and I spend more time together, I will heartily agree with your assessment.”
“It could be that Mr. Carrington overheard the conversation and believed he was discussing you, Sariah.”
Richard’s insight immediately caught Sariah’s attention. Relief began to flood her—but it was replaced by ire soon enough. “If that is true, then he owes me more than a simple apology. He would not even talk to me or try to explain the problem. He chose to leave instead.” She lifted her chin a mutinous notch. “This is a slight I shall not easily forgive.”
Richard expelled a heavy breath. He glanced at Michael. “I do beg your pardon for jumping to the wrong conclusions.”
