A Madness in Spring Read Online Free PDF

an idiot. That was worthy of scorn, not lovely, lyrical laughter!
    Ah, that must be it. She must be simply humoring him. Being polite to their new neighbor in the face of his obvious stupidity.
    So, when they walked out the next day through Hemshawe to look in shop windows, and Belinda ended up on Bertram’s arm, he knew she took it only out of a desire to not embarrass either Miss Gage as the man’s sister or Francesca as his host.
    Yes. That was the only reason.
    Thus, Adam was content that there was no feasible way Bertram Gage was interested in Belinda. Or, if he was, certainly Belinda was not at all interested in
him
. In fact, she likely found his attentions odious. Hence the over-bright smile and the cheerful laughter. She probably hated to be in his presence at all. Absolutely dreaded being left alone with him. Not that there was any danger of their being left alone together… or was there? If Miss Gage was cunning – and she certainly seemed to be – then she might engineer a way for the two of them to be separated from the group. And Francesca – wanting nothing but happiness for her friend – would go along with it.
    It was with that in mind that he decided it would be best – yes, it would be – to protect Belinda from such a fate.
    As much as he might loathe Belinda Leonard, it was, without a doubt, the gentlemanly thing to do.
    “Where are you going?” he called out from the great curving staircase in the main entrance hall. He’d used to slide down these banisters as a child (and all right, as a young man – and a not so young man) but at that moment he simply bounded down them two at a time.
    “To call on Miss Gage,” a surprised Francesca had replied, as she pulled on a pair of gloves and her cloak – it was still too cool to go without it.
    “They’re… they’re not coming here today?” he asked. Damn, he’d had it all worked out. He’d get John to leave off his desk and papers for once and get Bertram to help him do… something, and Belinda would be free to go about ordering everyone around and making very long lists without Bertram over her shoulder.
    “We decided yesterday that there was no use in planning a party at the Friar’s House if we weren’t at the Friar’s House.” She looked at him skeptically. “For heaven’s sake Adam, you were there when we discussed this yesterday.”
    “I was?” Yesterday was a bit of a blur of silly party details and watching Bertram Gage drool over Belinda’s hand. “I was, I suppose. And yes, that would make sense.” Adam nodded quickly. “Actually, I might be able to be of some help. I’ll come along, shall I?”
    “How,” Francesca asked, bewildered, “could you be of any help?”
    “I can… go up on ladders and hang things, or move heavy furniture. That sort of thing.”
    “There are footmen for ‘that sort of thing,’ and besides, we are only discussing and making lists today. Wouldn’t you be happier –”
    “Too late, my coat’s on,” he said, flipping his coat over his shoulders and onto his back. “Besides, I’ve always wanted to see inside the Friar’s House… shall we?”
    So it was that Adam ended up in the parlor of the Friar’s House, listening to the endless discussion over which butcher in town would be able to provide the best spring lamb, and what flowers would be available from Sturridge Manor’s gardens.
    And Bertram Gage was nowhere in sight.
    “My brother?” Miss Gage said, when he entered. “He’s gone over to speak with our landlord today. Wanted to make sure they are informed of the party, no doubt, and the he thinks my rooms are too chilly.”
    “Yes, it’s so unfortunate,” Belinda said.
    “It is?” Miss Gage replied with a light in her eyes as she glanced to Adam.
    “It is?” Adam said, his brow coming down.
    “Yes – he would be able to tell us what capacity the stables have, for when the guests arrive.”
    And so he was stuck. And halfway to banging his head against a