Page 31 of The Season of Lady Chastity

“I think I shall return to my chambers.” Prudence slipped from Edith’s hold and took several steps away from the three women. “Join me, Chastity.”

Her sister was drawing a line and expected Chastity to conform to her expectations.

The three options were apparent: remain with Bastian, join Edith and her friends, or follow Prudence to their private chambers.

Always the good little sister.

“It is early yet.” Edith held out her arm in Chastity’s direction, the same arm that had clung to Pru only moments before. “We are going to join the men downstairs. They have promised to assist us with hanging the Christmastide garlands Lady Camden prepared.”

Chastity glanced at Prudence, who rapidly tapped her foot on the floor, the sound muffled by the runner on the stone of the corridor. Had it been six months ago, Chastity would have wished Ophelia, Luci, and Edith good evening, nodded to Bastian, and dutifully followed Prudence to their chamber to listen to her sister go on and on about whatever occurrence had irked her that evening. Was the food too rich at their meal? Did the gentleman seated next to her insist on conversation? Had the women taken to drinking too much sherry? Had Chastity’s absence after their meal irritated Pru?

Instead of accepting Edith’s invite, or cowing to her sister, Chastity had other plans.

“Lord Mansfield and I were just readying for a walk by the moat.” Chastity smiled, keeping her attention away from Prudence. “I fear I lost a”—she wracked her brain for something she could have left by the moat, settling on something Ophelia would deem a perfect excuse to leave the manor at such an hour to retrieve—“book from Roderick’s library. I would feel terrible if it were ruined due to my folly.”

“You are going outside without your cloak?” Prudence snorted in disbelief.

“Oh, leave her be, Pru.” Ophelia stepped forward, walking between Chastity and Prudence. “I am going to see Lady Mansfield and return below. Chastity, I do hope you find the book and that this morning’s dew did not damage its cover.”

“Do you need to collect your cloak?” Bastian asked.

“It is already below.” The garment was not downstairs, but Chastity suspected if she returned to their shared chambers, Prudence would say something that would have her changing her mind. “I will collect it on our way.”

“Very well.” Bastian was doing an admirable job of appearing as if they had indeed intended to journey outside. “I wish you all good evening. Lady Hawke, thank you again for staving off my mother’s boredom. I do believe she is resting at this moment, but you may leave the book with me.”

Ophelia clutched the book tightly to her chest, and Chastity suspected that the volume was not one she wanted Lord Mansfield to see. If the red-haired woman were skillful at anything, it was discovering hidden gems in libraries. There was no doubt the book was not socially acceptable, though it did not appear as if it were a penny novel. Actually, the leather cover appeared very old and worn.

Ophelia loosened her grip on the tome. “I can return in the morning. Or mayhap she will join us when we break our fast.”

There was little chance Lady Mansfield would be in any condition to journey downstairs in the morning; however, it was not Chastity’s place to speak on the matter.

“I think she would enjoy your company on the morrow,” Bastian said with a curt bow before holding out his arm for Chastity to take. “Shall we make our way to the moat and rescue Montrose’s book before it is ruined, or worse yet, lost forever?”

Slipping her arm through Bastian’s, Chastity said, “I will return as soon as possible, Pru.”

With a humph, Prudence crossed her arms, pivoted, and stalked in the direction of their room.

“Join us when you return,” Luci offered, ignoring the slam of Prudence’s chamber door. “We are gathering in the salon but will be working all over the house. Lord Mansfield is welcome, too.”

Luci spoke as if Chastity had any say in Bastian’s activities while at Oxburgh Hall.

“But do find my dear Roderick’s book,” Luci purred with a smile. “Though, I hope you find something more.”

Edith snorted, clasping her hand to her mouth.

Ophelia grinned.

While Luci only turned, wrapping her arms around both of her friends’ shoulders as they started back toward the stairs, leaving Bastian and Chastity alone in the hall.

The trio’s laughter could be heard long after they’d disappeared.

“Are we truly going outdoors?” Bastian inquired, starting down the corridor away from Lady Mansfield’s chamber toward the grand stairs.

“I fear we must. Although I have a confession to make.”

His feet faltered with hesitation.

Chastity glanced up at him. “My cloak is not below. It’s in my chambers.”