Love's Refrain Read Online Free PDF Page A

table.
    â€œMiranda, I know you don’t enjoy these events as much as I do, but you must show some decorum.”
    â€œI’m showing as much decorum as I can. Listening to this music is absolutely painful,” groused Miranda. “I couldn’t have borne another moment of it. I’m going to talk to Lucinda. Maybe she’ll have an idea how to escape this dreadful evening.” Without another word, she flounced away.
    â€œIt appears your young charge has a mind of her own,” a deep baritone rumbled from her right.
    Laura gasped in surprise and colored as she realized what the earl might have overheard. “I — er, please forgive Miranda’s manners,” she hedged. “I imagine she is upset about her own mother not being here to accompany her.”
    â€œPossibly. Or it could be she was never encouraged to appreciate fine music. How is it her tastes differ so greatly from her sister’s?”
    â€œMy father married Miranda’s mother only twelve years ago. My own mother was an accomplished musician, and my father, Lord Norwood, loved whatever made her happy. Er, did you wish to speak with Lady Miranda? I shall fetch her—”
    He reached out and caught her arm, and she froze at the contact, shocked at the jolt of awareness coursing through her arm.
    â€œThat’s not necessary, Lady Laura. I’m sure Lady Miranda would rather converse with her own friends than an elderly gentleman like me.”
    Laura’s mouth dropped open. “Surely she didn’t say that to you!”
    â€œNot in those words. But it’s obvious our age difference makes it difficult for her to appreciate the things I enjoy.”
    â€œI often found myself at odds with her when we shopped for her wardrobe. Her ideas definitely clash with mine,” agreed Laura.
    Andrew chuckled. “I can imagine. So, as you and I are of a like age, perhaps you—”
    A shriek from the other side of the room interrupted whatever the earl was about to propose. Laura noticed a group clustering together, and then a shout, “Lady Covington!”
    Andrew dashed to the scene with Laura close behind. Fighting their way through the crowd, they discovered the dowager countess lying on the floor, her eyes closed.
    ****
    â€œWhat happened?” Andrew asked those around his mother. He held the countess’s head in his lap while a crowd hovered uncertainly about him.
    Several people spoke at once, and Andrew struggled to make sense of the cacophony about him.
    â€œPlease, let the countess have some air,” Laura’s voice rang out. The onlookers quickly complied, to Andrew’s amazement. He was even more surprised at the calm reassurance spreading over him when she knelt beside him.
    â€œWhere is her ladyship’s reticule?” she asked. Finding it, she dug into it until she found a small, filigree case. She pulled it out, wincing at the strong vinegar odor, and held it to the countess’s nose.
    Lady Covington coughed and opened her eyes. “Oh! Heavens, what is going on?” Her eyes focused on her son. “Andrew, help me to sit up.” The earl quickly complied.
    â€œMy lady, perhaps we should take you to a more comfortable seat so that you can rest,” Laura suggested. She looked around at the crowd still milling about. “Perhaps some of you gentlemen could help? And perhaps someone could fetch Lady Covington something to drink?”
    Three men stepped forward to help Andrew carry his mother to the ladies’ retiring room. Another summoned a waiter to bring refreshments to the countess.
    Settled comfortably, away from onlookers, Lady Covington sipped from her glass. Andrew’s worry subsided as his mother’s color quickly improved.
    â€œThank you for taking me away from those prying eyes, Andrew.” the countess said. “It is mortifying enough to know I fainted in public, but to have everyone watching me — well,