Emily Hendrickson Read Online Free PDF Page A

Brentford dropped her needlework, ignoring its fall to the floor. She stared at her son as though he had just gone mad. “You surely do not mean that!”
    “I do. I fancy it is the influence of this young woman that led you into such absurdity. You are barely on your feet, and now you plan a house full of guests to entertain. I forbid it.” He had no doubt she wanted the party. The question was, would she survive it!
    She sank back against her chair, her right hand clutching her throat while her left grabbed at the arm of the chair, as though she was about to faint. “I cannot deny you the right to cancel an event in what is, after all, your home. Although it was mine before you were born.” She looked into the glowing fire a few moments before returning her gaze to him.
    It was an anguished gaze, causing Adrian to waver in his determination. He truly loved his mother; he had never been very good at showing it. But he also knew what her doctor had told him, that she must lead a quiet life for some time to come, else her heart might be weakened.
    “I thought you cared enough to permit me the company of a few friends,” she declared in quiet accusation. “You are never here. I become lonely. It has been better since Drusilla came, but still . . .” She straightened in her chair, composing her hands in her lap and glaring at him in a defiance she’d not have done before that young woman came. Dru.
    “The little affair you had here a few weeks ago did no harm?” He was weakening and he hated that. Once he set a course, he usually was determined to stay with it.
    “No, no. I have been just fine. Drusilla took care of all the details for me. All I did was sit quietly and visit with friends, enjoy excellent meals, and listen to Drusilla entertain us with music in the evenings. She is a very accomplished musician.”
    “I am sure she is accomplished at a number of things,” Adrian said dryly. “Nevertheless she must go, and you must forget about that party. Cancel it at once and send your regrets.” He placed his hands behind his back, pacing before the fireplace while thinking furiously.
    “Did I hear you correctly? You not only want me to cancel this party, but send Drusilla Herbert home?”
    “Yes.” He nodded at her comprehension.
    “I cannot believe what I just heard.” Tears rolled down her porcelain cheeks from eyes so like his. She found a handkerchief in her reticule and dabbed at her eyes, blowing her nose in a refined manner. “You do not know what this girl means to me. She is like a daughter. I thank heaven every day that my dear school chum was willing to share one of her five girls with me.”
    She had hit a vulnerable spot, for Adrian well knew how she had wished for a daughter.
    “Nevertheless, she must go. I blame her for this party nonsense. You would not have thought of it on your own. Believe me, I only want what is best for you.”
    “Drusilla takes care of every concern. I’d not have been able to cope with all the details.” She rose from her chair to confront her only son. “I shall see you later. I have no desire to look on your face at the moment, for I do not believe you care what is best for me.” She went to the door, her skirts swishing about her slender form.
    Adrian watched as she disappeared from his sight. He only wanted what was best for her.
    The house was utterly silent.
    Upstairs the silence was broken when Drusilla found her mistress weeping quietly as she walked to her bedroom.
    “My dear ma’am, what has happened? I thought with your son here all would be well.” Privately she thought Lady Brentford looked on the verge of a collapse.
    Her ladyship halted. With a hurt expression she stared up at Drusilla. “He insists I must cancel my party. Worse yet, he demands I send you home. Heartless child! How can he be so cruel? Promise me you will defy him. I will not be denied your company to please some whim of his. That my own son could contemplate such a thing! It