|
|
|
|
|
|
At odds with herself and knowing she would probably only make matters worse by trying to explain or, indeed, speaking to anyone before she had calmed herself, Rhiannon went out to walk. This time Math followed, which drew from his mistress several even less favorable remarks on his character. She returned only when the light started to fail, not actually at peace with herself but determined to speak the plain truth to Simon and cleanse thoroughly the wound of shame. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
She found that Math was not the only traitor whom she had unwisely trusted. Simon darted forward as soon as she came in, his eyes glittering with excitement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Your father tells me you have changed your mind," he said, seizing her hand and kissing it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Changed my mind about what?" Rhiannon countered coldly, infuriated all over again. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About me, Simon nearly said, but he swallowed the impulse, realizing that he had been incredibly gauche. In his eagerness to commit himself to her immediately and irrevocably, he had said what must be wounding to the pride of any woman and, worse, made himself sound like a cocksure fool. What Rhiannon might confide in her father and what Llewelyn might pass on in a spirit of helpful mischief could not be wantonly exposed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"About being involved in your father's political doings," he said, eying the gentlemen who were converging on them with an unholy light in his eyes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhiannon looked over her shoulder and withdrew her hand hurriedly from Simon's. He might have thought the glares directed at them were funny, but she did not. "I am glad to see you again, Sir Simon," she said with reserve, "but I am not dressed for an evening in company." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You are beautiful in any dress, Lady Rhiannon, even with cockleburs in your hair instead of pearls," Simon remarked sententiously. As Rhiannon wrinkled |
|
|
|
|
|