Chapter Twelve
Lanora woke peevish, which only made her more peevish. Why she’d expected Lord William to keep his promise of coming to the theater, she didn’t know. Obviously, having gotten his kiss, he had no more use for her.
She rose and dressed as Mrs. Smith, while making every attempt to put his tall form, dark curls and mercurial hazel eyes from her thoughts. Mrs. Smith was due at the church to pass out food, and she had a purse of money for Mrs. Banke, to which she’d added a few coins. Lanora’s life was too full for thinking about Lord William.
And his kiss.
“Good morning,” Grace said, bustling into the room.
Three terriers followed her, or rather, the tray she carried. Grace knew Lanora was headed to the church early and wouldn’t want to eat breakfast in the parlor dressed as Mrs. Smith. Even Aunt Edith would have the presence of mind to notice Lanora’s grey hair.
Grace set the tray down and turned to Lanora, expression clouding. Behind Grace, the terriers lined up, noses pointed toward the table. “You look out of sorts.”
“I’m perfectly well.” Lanora reached for the powder.
Grace snatched up the jar and puff. “No, let me. You make such a mess.”
“Then leave it for me to clean up,” Lanora snapped.
Grace’s eyes went wide. She set the powder back down with a thunk. “Youareout of sorts. Whatever is the matter? You came home so dreamy-eyed from your ride, and seemed equally so when you left for the theater last night. Did I go to bed too early?”
Lanora pressed her lips together.
“Lanora?”
“I was not dreamy-eyed,” she muttered. Not over Lord William Greydrake, rake and bounder.
“You were, and now you are not, and you’ve done your laces so tight, I think you shall faint.”
Lanora rubbed at her chest. She did feel a bit faint. She’d been very aggressive in her tying, trying to stave off disappointment with anger. She’d such delightful ideas the whole ride to the theater, the whole first act, of sneaking into an alcove with Lord William. Why ask where she would be if he had no desire to see her?
“What happened at the theater?” Grace asked. She set the powder aside and began loosening Lanora’s work.
“Absolutely nothing.” Which was exactly the trouble. What if he’d only asked where she would be to ensure he did not see her again? A cold lump formed in her belly at the notion. She drew in a long breath, then let it out in a sigh. “Lord William said he would see me at the theater and he did not arrive.”
Grace tilted her head to the side, considering. “Did he invite you to the theater?”
“No, I went with Aunt Edith, as planned.”
“So he merely failed to show?”
After kissing her. “Yes.”
“He may have a reason.”
Lanora shrugged. “He may.” Like, that he was out courting another unsuspecting woman.
“Shouldn’t you let him give it before you become quite so…worked up?”
“Worked up?” Lanora frowned. “I do not get worked up.”
“No, of course not.” Grace’s smile, glimpsed in the mirror over Lanora’s shoulder, was faint. She retied the laces and took up the powder. “Sit down. You’re too tall for me to do this with you standing.”
With Grace’s help, Lanora was soon ready. She ignored Grace’s wish for her to eat, not being hungry, though she did offer the patient terriers a few tidbits. She went down the back stairs, for the servants all knew what she was about even if her aunt didn’t, and left the townhouse to make her way to the church. A line had already formed outside the small building at the back. People greeted her as she went inside. The elderly priest stood within, passing out loaves.
“Father.” Lanora offered a courteous nod. “I can do this. Thank you for not making them wait on me.”
“Thank you for your work with the poor of London, Mrs. Smith. Send for me if you need me.”
