For once, a different Spurnrose popped into her mind, and she thought of how Mr Spurnrose had once stood before her, threatening her, only to turn around and practically beg for her help.
And that thought caused her to smile. She squeezed Daisy’s fingers in return for her friend’s own comforting grip before she sighed and shook her head. “There is nothing like that going on at the moment.”
A shiver of dread ran down her spine to think that perhaps she might be speaking too soon. If indeed she had been wrong about Lord Spurnrose’s ailment, she might well have a mob at her door yet.
That won’t happen,she told herself over-firmly.I was correct in my diagnosis.She had to believe that, or she might run right to Lord Spurnrose’s estate just to be sure he was well.
Almost as though Daisy had read her mind, she asked, “Your odd mood doesn’t have anything to do with one of your clients, does it?”
Melissa bit the inside of her lip to stop from blurting a response too quickly.
“Why would it?”
“Because you appear to be in a world of your own.” Daisy sighed and looked her dead in the eye when she added, “Even more so than usual.”
Melissa offered a half-laugh at that and responded, “I thought you would have been used to that by now.”
Daisy eyed her closely, still gripping her hands tightly before she demanded, “This doesn’t have anything to do with Lord Spurnrose, does it?”
Just hearing his name said out loud made Melissa’s insides tingle oddly. It was not an entirely unpleasant sensation, but it most definitely disquieted her.
“Why ever would you believe that?” she demanded, her heart clenching. Again, she could not believe that her friend could read her so easily. If she believed in such things, she might have accused Daisy of being a witch herself.
“You were spotted visiting his estate,” Daisy said. Her cheeks flushed as though she was embarrassed to admit such a thing.
“Daisy, have you been having me followed?” Melissa exclaimed, feigning offence. “I cannot believe you would do such a thing!”
“Don’t attempt to change the subject,” Daisy protested. Her face twisted with annoyance. “We both know that nothing happens around here without somebody finding out.”
“And I also know that news always manages to find its way to you.” Melissa sighed with a roll of her eyes. “Anyone would think you had your own little network of spies.”
“Who is to say that I don’t?” Daisy chuckled. She released Melissa’s hands, stepping back a little as though she had been stung. “This does have something to do with Lord Spurnrose, doesn’t it?”
Melissa’s jaw clenched painfully. She most definitely did not like this line of questioning. Nor did she like lying to her friend at all, though she couldn’t bear the thought of what Daisy might try to encourage if she knew the truth.
“I visited once upon your advice to make friends with my neighbours. That is all,” she said firmly, never allowing herself to blink or lose her connection with Daisy’s eyes, fearing her friend might read too much into it. Then she added, “My mood now has nothing to do with him.”
At that lie, Melissa’s throat tightened. She had to hold her breath to stop herself from admitting something that she might well come to regret.
“You’re certain?” Daisy asked, and how she looked at Melissa said she wasn’t entirely convinced. Even when she nodded, Daisy continued to look slightly suspicious.
“I can assure you all is well,” Melissa insisted, hoping she would be able to dissuade the final concern.
For a few seconds, all was silent. Then Daisy reached out again, and this time, she only took hold of one of Melissa’s hands. Pulling it towards her, she held it close to her chest and suggested, “Perhaps you ought to come to London with us? I hate to leave you in Oxford alone.”
Melissa squeezed her friend’s fingers before gently easing her hand out of her friend’s grip. “It is a kind offer, but I am happier here.”
Daisy looked even more disgruntled than before, shaking her head as though she would not take no for an answer. “I know you are not too keen on London, but a change of scenery may well do you a world of good.”
Seeing from her expression that she would not take an outright answer, Melissa sighed and said, “I shall think about it.”
Though silently, she could not think of anything worse than going to London, especially while the Season was in full swing. There would be all too many people willing to stick their oar in where it was not required. And the thought of facing even one pompous London doctor made her nauseous.
“Oh, yes, you must!” Daisy insisted, smirking at Melissa as though she was already imagining all they could get up to were she to join them on their trip.
“Do you not wish to be alone with your husband, Daisy?” Melissa asked, hoping to put her friend off the idea a little.
“Oh, don’t be silly. I shall manage plenty of alone time with Anthony whether you join us or not,” Daisy insisted, clicking her tongue against her teeth in a scolding manner. “Besides, it would be wonderful to have some company during the day while he is working.”
