For a moment, Delia did not answer. Her mind was buzzing and she began to think she’d made an error of judgement. The words flew from her mouth as they entered her mind. “You’re telling me this because you want me to warn him off. You think I may have influence with him.”
The sneer returned. “Such an impulsive fellow, Giffard. Chivalrous too. I feel sure he will choose an honourable path.”
She could not stop the protest. “Honourable? Where is your honour, sir? You are a usurper!”
“Nothing of the kind, ma’am.” His voice became a purr. “I have carefully avoided any such accusation, despite the report of my cousin’s demise. Do you suppose I will let myself be ousted by this pretender?”
“He’s not a pretender! Giff is the heir.”
“Or some bastard who thinks to take what is not rightfully his. Which is how Society will see it, should he be so foolish as to make a public outcry.”
“Yes, because you’d make it appear so.”
“You may count on it. I’ll not relinquish what I hold. See that he understands as much.”
Unable to think of a suitable retort, Delia could only glare at the man.
His smile mocked her as he executed a graceful bow. “Until we meet again, Miss Burloyne.”
Delia watched him walk away towards the library door, beset by a horrid fear her intervention had only made things worse. Piers Gaunt would not easily be bested. He had too much at stake.
CHAPTER NINE
Delia would have welcomed a period of quiet reflection before facing her great-aunt, but the moment she set foot in the Assembly Rooms she was pounced on by Miss Watkinson.
“Miss Burloyne! Just the person I wanted to see. You must promise to go with us to Sandsfoot Castle. One cannot be in Weymouth without seeing the ruins, and I have set up an expedition for tomorrow. If the weather should be inclement, we will postpone it until the day after, but Mr Rodber is confident the weather-wise have it right for sunshine on the morrow. Do say you will come, Miss Burloyne, for we are to be quite a party. We will go in carriages, for there will be enough walking when we get there.”
Far too preoccupied to make any objection, Delia found herself committed and at once regretted it. Not that she minded the trip. It would serve for a useful distraction, except for taking her out of Weymouth. Suppose Giff made another of his flying visits and she missed him? Unthinkable. Somehow she must get word to him of his cousin’s schemes. If only she knew how.
What if she were to write to the rector? Had he any notion of Giff’s present whereabouts?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Miss Leigh accosted her, agog with excitement.
“Is it not romantic, Miss Burloyne, to be visiting the ruins at last? Mrs Dicker has given permission for me to go and I can hardly wait. You are coming, are you not?”
Tugging her attention to the girl, Delia agreed to it. She could not but pity Tabitha Leigh, obliged to fetch and carry for her invalidish relative. She’d seen how Mrs Dicker’s complaint made her crotchety and apt to snap.
“I am glad she can manage without you for a while.”
The girl blushed. “Oh, she is too amiable to prevent me enjoying myself. She says her maid may replace me for the time.”
Did she indeed? Then why was her maid not in evidence more often? But Delia refrained from saying this aloud. “I have yet to gain my aunt’s permission,” she said instead, “but I’m sure it will be freely given.”
A faint hope that Lady Matterson might object died at birth. She was more likely to encourage Delia to go, especially after the breakfast table inquisition. Indeed, it would be fatal to make the slightest suggestion of missing it. Aunt Gertrude would infallibly jump on it as proof of her assertions.
Accordingly, Delia made an effort to appear delighted with the prospect when at last the game of whist came to an end and the plan for the expedition was broached as they crossed the street towards their lodging.
“Oh, I know all about it, my dear. That wretched woman has been buzzing about all day like a raving hornet. No one could fail to have heard her haranguing everyone to join her scheme.”
The irascible note was pronounced, and Delia eyed her aunt closely. “Did you lose at whist, aunt?”
“Nothing of the sort. I was partnered with John and we won several rubbers.”
“Then what troubles you?”
A piercing eye was trained upon her. “I don’t see why I should confide in you, girl, when you won’t accord me the same courtesy.”
Warmth rose in Delia’s cheeks, and she could not prevent the snap in her voice. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Aunt Gertrude.”