A Madness in Spring Read Online Free PDF Page B

wall.
    To be honest, at least they were very interesting walls. The Friar’s House was an old monastery, built in the thirteenth century, but it was taken over when Henry VIII decided Catholicism wasn’t at all the thing. It was half torn down by the time someone decided to build anew atop its rubble. The result was half crumbled stone, half manor house, with a turret in one corner and Grecian columns lining another side.
    Everyone in the neighborhood knew the rumors of secret passages the monks had created to escape persecution as long as they could, and of the monk who still walked the halls of the old section.
    “And if this fete is meant to have dancing, we simply must book the musicians now – Tunbridge Wells has a few good quartets, but they are in high demand,” Belinda was saying, going down a checklist in her notebook. “I would recommend the Gregsons, they have a tuba, but the Dilby string quartet would do in a pinch –”
    Really, was this all women talked about? Details?
    “Who cares?” he said all of a sudden.
    All three heads of ladies turned his way. His skin burned hot.
    “I mean, certainly, that I have no ear for music, so I… I would not take much notice if there was a tuba there, or not,” he mumbled. “Perhaps I’m not suited to… help with musical choices.”
    “Perhaps?” This sardonic note from Belinda, who didn’t even look up from her notebook.
    “I know!” Miss Gage cried. “Cook is preparing several different treats for us to try for the party. You should try them for us first, refine the selection to your six or seven favorites.”
    “Refine the selection… test them for poison,” Belinda said casually.
    “Excellent suggestion,” Francesca said, ignoring Belinda. “We will call you if we need you.”
    “We shan’t need you,” Belinda said.
    “I’ll direct you to the kitchens, Mr. Sturridge,” Miss Gage said, jumping to her feet.
    She walked a little ways down the hall with him, until they came to an intersection.
    “It’s down this way, through that door at the end of the hall, then down the stairs. Tell Cook I said to start you with the cream puffs. They are Bertram’s favorite.”
    “Bertram,” Adam scoffed. “Yes, I imagine he does love a good cream puff.”
    “What was that?” Miss Gage asked.
    “Nothing,” Adam replied automatically. Then, he hesitated. “You mentioned the other day that you think your brother would be a good match for Miss Leonard. I simply cannot see it. In fact I have seen nothing out of the ordinary.”
    Miss Gage cocked her head to one side. “My brother is reserved. But I do know that he plans to ask her for the first two dances at the party.”
    Adam was flummoxed. “Yes, but… that doesn’t mean Belinda likes him at all.”
    Miss Gage watched him closely. “My brother is an eligible man. And I may be biased, but one I think very amiable. Would you deny Miss Leonard the chance to have her affection grow?”
    “No, but…” But what? But he wouldn’t wish Miss Leonard on anyone? No, that wasn’t it – that sentiment was rote; hollow.
    “It seems very unfair of you, you know,” Miss Gage was saying, her lips forming a perfect pout. “Miss Leonard will never have the man she wants, so why should she not find some happiness with a man who might want her?”
    His head snapped up. “What do you mean?”
    Miss Gage looked askance, as if she had been caught with a secret she shouldn’t have told. “Nothing important,” she said hastily. “Now, down the hall, through the door, and then down the stairs. Don’t forget!”
    She gave the world’s briefest curtsey, and trotted back to the parlor where Francesca and Belinda awaited her with no doubt endless questions about her preference in musical instruments. Which left Adam stunned in the middle of the hallway.
    What had Miss Gage meant when she said Belinda couldn’t have the man she wanted? There was someone Belinda wanted? Someone she couldn’t have?
    The idea of