Amanda Scott - [Dangerous 02] by Dangerous Angels Page A

Charley finished hers, she resumed her discussion with the housekeeper about necessary arrangements for the forthcoming funeral, then took supper with Letty and found other small tasks to occupy her until bedtime. By the time she retired, she was exhausted, and fell asleep at once, just as she had hoped she would. She did not want to lie awake with only memories for company.
    The following morning, when she went downstairs to break her fast, she found Letty before her, chatting happily with the two footmen who were serving her. Charley joined the conversation, but ate less than usual, and was soon ready to depart.
    As they left the stable yard, followed by Teddy, the groom who had served Charley since her childhood, Letty said, “I like Jago and Pedrick. They told me about when Papa came here the first time, and how Mama always wore a bright red cloak then. I’d adore to wear a red cloak, but with my hair, I simply cannot do so.”
    “Certainly not with two recent deaths in the family,” Charley agreed. “What else did you talk to Jago and Pedrick about?”
    Letty eyed her uncertainly. “I hope you are not vexed with me for talking with servants. Aunt Davina said I consort far too much with the lower classes, but I like people who will talk to me. Here in England, even more than in France, I have observed that grown-ups frequently do not talk to children. Or, if they do, they talk to me as if I were a baby with no understanding whatsoever.”
    “I will tell you what Great-Aunt Ophelia said to me about that when I was your age,” Charley said. “‘I don’t care who you count as your friends,’ she said, ‘because every friend is more valuable to you than an enemy or a stranger.’ She did insist that I consider other people’s sensibilities, however, and take care not to offend them.”
    “Great-Aunt Ophelia is very old,” Letty said. “When we stayed with her at St. Merryn London House, Aunt Davina told me she is in her ninetieth year.”
    “She is elderly,” Charley agreed, “but she is no less formidable for being past the age mark.” She had a great fondness for Lady Ophelia Balterley, and wished very much that that staunch supporter of the female sex were at hand to advise her now. “You are very observant, Letty, and wise beyond your years. Moreover, I don’t mind confessing that you are much more of a lady than I was at your age.”
    “Ah, yes, but then I was born a lady,” Letty said, shooting her a mischievous look from under her auburn eyebrows.
    “Minx. I hope you don’t become saucy while you’re here with me. I know very well where your papa would lay the blame for that, and I’d prefer that you not give him my head for washing. He’s the only man I’ve ever known whom I could not wrap round my thumb.”
    Letty chuckled. “Mama says the same thing.”
    They were riding along the River Fowey now, their way shaded by overhanging willows and alder trees. They chatted in a friendly way about family matters until they reached the cobbled streets of Lostwithiel and drew rein before the dressmaker’s shop in the High Street. As they dismounted, Letty said with a twinkle, “Will she be offended that we came to her on horseback? Mama always visits her Parisian modiste in very grand style. She says Cerisette would be distressed if she did not.”
    “Today my need to ride was greater than my need to help Angelique impress her neighbors,” Charley said frankly. “I’ve ridden here decorously enough to avoid looking like a wild woman, but on the way home I mean to gallop away my fidgets. I’m still feeling battered and bruised, so I might regret it, but I’ve been cooped up in carriages for far too many days, not to mention the packet boat before London.”
    Letty shot her a quizzical look from under her eyebrows but said only, “I shall like a gallop, too. This horse you’ve given me to ride seems to have excellent paces.”
    “All Grandpapa’s horses have excellent paces,” Charley