The Black Widow Read Online Free PDF Page B

sermons she was reading aloud.
    “There is a gentleman here to see Miss Meribe,” the butler replied. “A Lord Thorverton.”
    “Why are you bothering us, Smucker?” Hester replied before Aunt Phillipa had a chance to answer. “You know we no longer allow gentlemen callers into the house.”
    “He said it was most important,” Smucker explained.
    “No,” Aunt Phillipa said flatly, and the butler left the room without further argument.
    “He probably wishes to gape at you again, Meribe,” Hester said gleefully. “I vow I do not know how you endure being stared at everywhere you go. If ‘twere me, I would have the hysterics, but then, you never had the least sensibility.’’
    “That is enough, Hester,” Aunt Phillipa finally intervened. “Now, where was I?”
    Neither of the two girls answered. In that one respect Meribe knew she and her sister resembled each other—neither of them actually heard a word of the improving sermons their aunt delighted in reading aloud.
    “Beg pardon,” the butler interrupted again. “But my lord insists that it is a matter of the gravest concern.”
    “Grave?” Hester said with a titter. “Oh, Meribe, my love, do you suppose you have dispatched another poor young man to his heavenly reward? Oh, Aunt, do let him come in, or I vow I shall myself expire of suspense.’’
    “I do not think—” Aunt Phillipa began, but before she could flatly refuse, Hester made another effort to persuade her.
    “Only consider, dear aunt, that if he has indeed come to tell us his baby brother has met with an unfortunate accident, how it will appear to others if we turn the grieving man away from our door.’’
    As irritated as Hester was making her by talking such nonsense, Meribe was still thankful when the butler was finally given instructions to admit Lord Thorverton.
    Would the viscount be as handsome by daylight as he had appeared by candlelight? A ridiculous question when she thought about it, but no matter how she tried, Meribe could not help wondering about the answer.
    “Good afternoon, ladies.” Lord Thorverton bowed formally, but Aunt Phillipa did not offer him a seat. He was about half a head taller than Smucker, who was only an inch or so taller than herself, Meribe thought. And he was quite handsome enough for any man.
    “I wish to extend my apologies to you ladies, and particularly to Miss Meribe Prestwich, for any discomfort my brother may have caused you by his actions. I have spoken to him, and in the future he will not bother you in any way.”
    It was very prettily said, but it was quite obvious that his words had not softened Aunt Phillipa’s heart in the slightest. She continued to look at him with an expression of extreme loathing.
    “Thank you,” Meribe said softly. “I accept your apology on behalf of your brother.’’
    He smiled at her, then caught her completely off-guard by continuing, “It would give me great pleasure if you would drive out with me this afternoon, Miss Prestwich. ‘‘
    Hester tittered, and Aunt Phillipa turned to look at Meribe, who hurried to decline. “No, thank you, my lord.”
    He looked as if he were going to press her to agree, so she repeated more firmly, “I do not wish to drive out with you.”
    “Tomorrow, perhaps?”
    She shook her head. “I prefer to stay at home.”
    Aunt Phillipa signaled the butler, and Smucker said smoothly, “If you will come this way, my lord.’’
    Thorverton paused, but then followed the butler out.
    “Do you suppose he came here on a wager?” Hester asked.
    “No, I do not,” Meribe said, then wished she had held her tongue. Every time she responded to her sister’s deliberate baiting, it only encouraged Hester to continue.
    “How many pounds do you think he has won by such great daring? Do you suppose it was one hundred pounds? Or perhaps even more?’’
    Doing her best to ignore her sister, Meribe looked down at her embroidery. Whatever had induced her to attempt a fire screen?