The Headstrong Ward by Jane Ashford Page B

drove the blush from Anne’s cheeks. “That is precisely what Edward said. Do you Debenhams care for no one but yourselves?”
    Lord Wrenley frowned, the hint of interest in his eyes changing to a kind of self-conscious resentment. “I can only speak for myself, naturally. But I cared for my brothers throughout their adolescence, which seems to me quite enough for one lifetime.”
    â€œAs you ‘cared for’ me?” retorted Anne. The moment the words were out, she regretted them.
    His expression froze. “Precisely.”
    Anne’s anger overbore her manners. “Then all I can say, Charles, is that you haven’t the least idea of the meaning of the word ‘care.’”
    Silence fell: the two of them glared at one another across the Turkey carpet. Then, at the same time, Fallow came in to announce Arabella Castleton, and Augustus screeched, “At ’em, lads. Full forward!”
    Anne blinked twice and started to laugh. Lord Wrenley looked toward the parrot, his expression less severe, but he said nothing, merely bowing slightly and striding out of the room. Anne shook her head. The man was impossible. “Send Miss Castleton right up,” she told the butler, and she rose and walked over to Augustus’s cage. “There are times,” she told the bird, “when I cannot help but credit you with a particularly malicious sense of mischief.”
    â€œWhat has he done now?” asked Arabella from the doorway.
    Anne turned, smiling. “Merely routed Charles with one well-chosen phrase, which is more than most people could do.”
    â€œOh, dear, did he make him angry?”
    â€œNo, I did that. I’ve never needed any help to exasperate Charles.”
    â€œAnne.”
    â€œDon’t look so despairing, goose. It wasn’t at all important. Come, I have decided to move Augustus into Mariah’s garden. If she will allow it, that is. Let us go and ask her. You can see the place at the same time.”
    Looking rather anxious, Arabella followed her friend down the hall. They found Mariah digging energetically in the corner of the parlor and had no trouble obtaining permission to move the parrot. “I’m fond of birds,” said Mariah. “They’re pleasant creatures. Quite unlike moles—and rabbits! A rabbit will eat a green shoot as soon as look at it.”
    â€œI’ll bring him in a little while,” replied Anne.
    â€œVery well, my dear. I shall be here.”
    â€œHe…ah…he talks, you know.”
    â€œDoes he?” Mariah did not seem to be really listening; she was lowering the plant they had carried into the soil.
    â€œYou heard him, remember?”
    The other looked up, then smiled. “Oh, yes. A most interesting bird. I shall enjoy his company.”
    Anne smiled back at her and nodded. With a sign to Arabella, she walked out.
    â€œWhat an extraordinary place,” said the latter, who had gazed openmouthed at the transformed parlor the whole time she stood there.
    â€œIsn’t it? I am beginning to admire Mariah’s single-mindedness.”
    When they returned to the drawing room, they found Laurence there, looking for Anne. “Charles told me you wanted my advice on some invitations?” he said. His diffident tone made it a question.
    â€œYes indeed.” She pointed to the pile on the table. “I am to choose among these, but I don’t know anyone in London. I know; let us all go through them—the three of us. It will be great fun.” They sat down and Anne reached for an envelope. “A Venetian breakfast at the Drews’. I know no one by that name.”
    â€œYes, you do,” replied Arabella. “You met Mrs. Drew and her daughter last night.”
    â€œI don’t recall. What do they look like?”
    Arabella glanced doubtfully at Laurence. “Well, they don’t much resemble each other. Mrs. Drew is…tall.”
    â€œAnd