The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics (Feminine Pursuits, #1)

by Olivia Waite

Catherine fidgeted slightly. “Please allow me to apologize for being such a poor hostess last evening.” “Apologize?” Miss Muchelney stopped fussing with her skirts and looked up, cocking her head. “What for?” Catherine pressed her lips together and tried not to squirm with embarrassment. “Surely it’s not a good thing to send a guest running from the dinner table in tears.” Miss Muchelney’s head cocked a little farther. “But all you did was compliment my gown.” “I . . .” Catherine stopped, and took a breath, and groped for words. And let the breath out again in a frustrated huff. Miss Muchelney’s lips quirked in amusement. “Did you mean it as an insult?” Now it was Catherine’s turn to blush. “Of course not.” “So what is it you’re saying you’re sorry for?” The words were gentle, almost laughing, but Catherine winced as though they were shards of glass. Because the truth was that she did not know—and it was mortifying to have it pointed out. She swallowed hard and tried again. “I am glad to see you are feeling better this morning.”