Perhaps she should just accept Lord Ware’s offer.He’d promised her control of her assets and with that money she’d be able to properly care for her mother.
She had so many questions.Still.
She ought to eat her breakfast.She’d need to be at her best today but as she looked down at the delicately prepared eggs, her stomach turned.Pushing the plate away, she pressed her hands together, attempting to decide how to proceed.
It was only a matter of time before the tension in her home exploded and she had no doubt she’d be the loser when it did.
Her gaze lifted to her mother, Eugene now bent over her, attempting to yell her into submission.
Priscilla rose, her heart in her throat.“Eugene,” she called softly.
It must have been the plea in her voice that caught his attention because he abruptly stopped, turning half toward her.“What?”he barked, sharp and angry.
She raised her hands in a silent plea.“I think we’ve all had enough this morning.Let’s take a break and we’ll each consider our possible options moving forward.”
A light gleamed in his eye.“You’re considering your options?”
She gave a stiff nod.It wasn’t a lie, she was considering them.All of them.
Her meeting with Lord Ware today, she’d have to find some way to see him outside her home.She’d not bring him here again.It had only ratcheted up the Eugene’s agitation in a way that felt dangerous.Her eyes closed again, that deep wish that someone sweep in and rescue her, rising in her before she pushed it back down.“Mother, I’d like visit the haberdasher today.I think if best if I rework some of my hats and bonnets from last season rather than buying new ones.”
Eugene gave her a glowing smile.He hated when she spent money he considered his on her own person.“Excellent idea.”Did he see this as her concession to his offer of marriage?Let him.
“We’ll go this afternoon,” her mother answered, understanding exactly what Priscilla’s plan entailed.“Allow me to send some correspondence to change my plans for the day.”
“You had plans?”Eugene asked, his gaze narrowing again.
“Just tea with the Duchess of Durham,” her mother softly murmured.“But she’ll permit me to reschedule.”
He harumphed, returning to his seat and shoveling a large bite of eggs into his mouth, heedless to the fact both women still stood.
Had he received no training in gentlemanly behavior at all?
Priscilla looked at her mother, hoping herthank youshined in her eyes.Leaning forward, she softly whispered the two words.
You’re welcome, her mother mouthed back and then they both sat.
Once the meal was over, Priscilla knew her mother would send the note to Lord Ware, changing the location of their meeting.He’d be taking them to the haberdasher today rather than strolling about their garden.
Her mother wouldn’t leave to do the task now.It was understood that neither of them ever left the other alone with Eugene.
And so the note would wait until after he’d finished his breakfast.
* * *
Wyatt stood justoutside the haberdashers, watching for Priscilla’s carriage.He’d not had to think very hard to understand the change in plans.
They were subverting Eugene.
He ground his teeth together, hating that the man had such control over Priscilla and knowing that Ralph had been correct: he’d some emotional investment in Priscilla that he’d not had with anyone for a very long time.
Maybe not since Ralph.
The damned idiot had suffered greatly for his relationship with Wyatt and he hated what Ralph had endured on his behalf.Being the half-brother of a viscount shouldn’t mean that his life was constant suffering.
“Has she arrived yet?”Ralph asked from behind him, making Wyatt’s teeth clench even harder.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
