“I was not staring,” Annie pleaded, but Peggy carried on.
“Should no such other scandal happen, then I would say it will take a couple of weeks and a few events in which you are both take no interest in each other’s company. If you can be seen to be indifferent to him, then that shall solve the problem for you.”
“Yes, indifferent. That is what I am.” Annie was insistent, yet her hand shook a little around the fork as she delved into the cake again. She did not know how to put into words that Lord Yeatman kept appearing in her thoughts since the night before. It was a strange thing and something she did not understand. She knew if she spoke of it, then it would merely raise more questions.
I will push him out of my mind and think of him no more.
“What did your mother say on the matter?” Peggy asked cautiously.
“You know her too well without me having to say in full. Fury, and then acceptance that I was merely irritated at the man and being polite.”
“Was that what it really was?” Peggy asked, a small smile appearing on her lips.
“Yes, it was.” Annie prodded the cake again, trying to ignore the rather narrowed look Peggy was giving her. “Let us talk of another man. What of Mr Knight?”
“Mr Knight? Did you like him?” Peggy said in surprise, lifting her teacup another time.
“I would like to know him better.” Annie nodded firmly with the words. Yes, this was proper. Mr Knight was a true gentleman and had been very polite.Hewas the sort of man who should be occupying her thoughts, not Lord Yeatman.