“I see!” she gloated. “There aretwosecrets revealed today! And here I thought this would be a dull meeting to discuss my friend’s nuptials.”
Behind her, Mr. Darrow cleared his throat meaningfully. “Speaking of which, Miss Dunbar, should we proceed to the rectory? I can take notes for the arrangements in my study. And the chairs are more comfortable than our pews.”
“You go ahead, Mary dear,” Miss Sangford purred. “I shall amuse myself here instead.”
Mr. Darrow frowned. “May I remind you, Miss Sangford, that this is a house of God? It is not a venue for superficial entertainment.”
“Why, Mr. Darrow, I merely wish to further my acquaintance with these darling souls of your flock. You would not begrudge me that, would you?”
“My wife can offer you a hot cup of tea and a warm parlor instead,” he tried again.
“I am in need of neither,” she said.
“I wish you would come with me, Irene,” Miss Dunbar complained. “You have such a good mind for details. That is why I asked you in the first place.”
“Oh, I shall be along presently,” her friend replied without even looking at her. “There are just a few arrangements to be made here first.”
Miss Dunbar paused, her eyes flitting from Miss Sangford to Tobias. “Don’t waste your time on a lost cause, dear.”
“Oh, I think I have it all in hand, thank you.” Miss Sangford formed a terrifyingly friendly smile that lurked like a stranger upon her face.
“Very well. But do be quick. I quite rely on your sharp mind to steer me through all that must be done.”
Miss Sangford nodded, sustaining her smile with remarkable skill until Mr. Darrow escorted Miss Dunbar through the doors of the church. Then, it folded in upon itself. And the prowling hunger was back.
“How dare you!” Adriana flew at her, seething with rage. “How dare you insert yourself into our company and spoil our day! You are not welcome here!”
“What?” The smile returned, but it was not friendly. “You wish to banish me from this sanctuary? That is rather presumptuous, don’t you think?”
“No more presumptuous than your insinuations about our family and that of Lord Carthige.” Adriana’s fists were balled. She had them primed at her side. One wrong word from Miss Sangford and she would very likely need to be held back. Freddy put a protective hand on his wife’s arm, though Sophia knew it was Miss Sangford who was truly in danger.
Tobias stepped between them. “I think it best if you go, Miss Sangford. There is nothing for you here.”
“Oh, I disagree,” replied the harpy. And she sat down.
The tension in the room thickened.
She patted the pew. “Please, do join me. We have much to discuss.”
“We will do nothing of the sort.” Freddy growled. “Come, Adriana, we must get your sister home before…”
“Before your father knows she is missing?” Miss Sangford inquired innocently.
“It is none of your business,” Adriana hissed. “Return to your friend and your menial amusements. Leave us alone.”
“You do not give me enough credit, Mrs. Wynn. Come. Sit down. Let me explain my little scheme to you.”
Sophia’s chest tightened. Warning signals chased up her spine, and dread seeped into every limb. This woman was dangerous. Of that, she had no doubt. She could see the fear in Adriana’s eyes, despite her fury. And if Adriana was afraid, it was very bad indeed.
When no one moved, Miss Sangford sighed. “Very well, stay as you are. It makes no difference to me.” She picked at animaginary speck on her skirt, flicked it away, then folded her hands upon her lap to signify readiness.
“You have married without Mr. Grant’s blessing,” she said matter-of-factly. “Nay, I would go so far as to say, without his knowledge. Your sister is co-conspirator. And Mr. Mannerly is unknown to him entirely. How am I doing so far?”
Sophia squirmed with the accuracy of these deductions. Her companions stood rooted to the spot, waiting for their accuser to reveal her intent.
“What of it?” Adriana managed to say, though her voice was unable to match the nonchalance of her words.
“Certainly, you expect your father to discover the elopement. No doubt you have a brave spirit, Mrs. Wynn. I admire that. But he would be doubly betrayed if he knew your sister had attended the wedding behind his back. And one can only guess at the heights of wrath he would reach if Mr. Mannerly’s role were discovered.”
