Page 81 of The Earl She Once Saved

“How reassuring.” She smiled. “I should dislike thinking you came all this way merely to offer advice.”

For the first time, Celestine’s smile faltered. She reached for the small reticule beside her.

“I brought this.”

An ivory card lay inside, edged in gold.

“My mother means to hold a small musical evening next week. Nothing so tiring as a ball. Rafe may be well enough by then.”

She placed the invitation upon the table between them.

“Please see that he receives it.”

Verity looked at the card, but she did not move to touch it.

“I shall see it reaches him.”

Celestine rose. “Thank you.”

Verity stood. They regarded one another across the tea things. Celestine’s expression was once again perfectly pleasant.

“I hope we may all be friends.”

“No,” Verity corrected her. “You hope we may all be polite.”

Celestine blinked. Then she laughed softly. “Perhaps you are right.”

“I generally am.”

Verity rang for the footman and Celestine took her leave. Verity remained standing until the sound of the carriage faded beyond the drive. Only then did she look at the invitation.

Rafe.

Not Lord Edgeworth, not even Mr. Thornlow in memory.

Rafe.

The name seemed to belong too easily in Celestine’s mouth.

Verity hated that she had noticed. She paced around the room for a few moments, when Win entered to clear the tea things. She lifted Celestine’s cup and examined the untouched cake upon the plate.

“She did not stay long.”

“Trust me, she stayed long enough,” Verity scoffed.

Win glanced at her. Verity reached for the invitation.

“I shall carry this upstairs.”

Win’s brows rose.

“No task for the mistress of the house,” she said. “I can take it.”

“I said I shall.” The answer came too quickly.

Silence followed. Verity looked at the card in her hand.

Win poured the cold tea back into the pot. “A woman does not live beside another for years without learning her.”