Meg Alexander - The Passionate Friends

“Utter folly!” His voice was harsher than he had intended. “You have no notion of how to handle her.”

“You think you will do better?” A snort of disbelief accompanied Mrs Aveton’s words.

“Pray allow me to try. Won’t you send for her?”

His glance followed his companion as she rose to ring the bell. He detested her. Aside from anything else, the woman was a fool. His lips twisted in amusement. Did she really believe that she would get her share of Judith’s fortune?

An unpleasant surprise awaited her. She might storm and rage to her heart’s content, but she would have no redress. She could not force him to pay. Would she sue him in the courts? He thought not.

He turned as Judith came to join them; walking across the room, he took her hand.

“I hope I find you well, my love?” he murmured. “Are you, perhaps, a little low in spirits? You seem to have no smile for me…”

She looked at him uncertainly.

“Now let us sit down together,” he suggested. “Your mama has been telling me of her worries about your peace of mind. I have assured her that she is mistaken.”

“Thank you!” she said briefly.

“Come, you shall not be so stiff and formal. Mrs Aveton thinks only of your happiness and my own, my dear. I hope I have convinced her that nothing in your conduct could ever fail to please me.”

Judith gave him a grateful look. “Then I may visit my friends?”

“Of course! I would not have you consider me an ogre. Why should I object when these visits give you so much pleasure? There can be no possible harm in your going about just as you would wish.”

Judith smiled at him then, feeling that she had never liked him quite so much before.

“You are very good,” she whispered.

“Nonsense! A woman of honour must be the best judge of her own actions. Now, dearest, I have some boring details to discuss with your mama. Will you excuse us? I am somewhat pressed for time today, but I’ll call on you tomorrow.”

“I shall look forward to your visit.” With another charming smile Judith left them. Once again he had smoothed over an ugly quarrel. She sighed, wondering why she found so little pleasure in his company. It must be a fault of her own character.

“Well, ma’am?” The Reverend Truscott glanced at his companion. “Was I right?”

“I suppose so.” The admission was made with some reluctance. “You are mighty clever, sir, but the girl puts me out of all patience. She will bear watching. I wonder that you allow her so much freedom. Pray heaven that you won’t regret it.”

“It won’t be for long,” he promised. “Meantime, Mrs Aveton, you will oblige me by avoiding these unpleasant confrontations. Where shall we be if Judith takes against me? Very much out of pocket, I believe.”

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