Treacherous Temptations(7)

The countess made an expression of distaste. “Molly? I’m afraid that will not do at all! Why would anyone christened after two queens choose to be called by a name reserved for tavern wenches and chambermaids? It is beyond my comprehension! No, my dear girl. Henceforth you must answer only to Mary or Mary Elizabeth, but never again shall you be Molly.”

Mary gaped as Lady Blanchard proceeded to remove her hat pins. “Now then, Miss Mary Elizabeth Edwardes, you might also wish to know that in polite circles, it is considered excessively vulgar to stare.”

Mary felt the spots of color rise in her cheeks. “I-I beg your pardon, my lady. I have never moved in polite circles.”

The perfectly shaped lips that had chastised her formed a slow smile that displayed pearly little teeth. “Then it is a blessing I have come, is it not?”

“But I am confounded as to the nature of your visit. Have we a mutual acquaintance?”

“La, child! You really have no idea who I am?”

Bewildered, Mary shook her head. “None at all.”

“My dear, dear girl, I am come at Sir Richard’s bidding.” She smiled as if that statement would bring enlightenment.

“I’m sorry, my lady, but I am still quite in the dark. He came to see me several weeks ago, but I have not heard from him since.”

“Botheration!” the countess sighed, placing her plumed hat upon a half moon table. “One can leave nothing of import to a man!” She plucked off her gloves one finger at a time, placed them with her hat, and then tripped across the room to perch upon the settle. After making a great production of arranging her voluminous skirts, she beckoned to the younger woman. “Come, my dear.” She patted the space beside her, offering an encouraging smile. “It seems we have much to chat about.”

Mary seated herself stiffly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, feeling more self-conscious of her dowdiness beside her elegant guest.

“We indeed have a mutual acquaintance in Sir Richard Fiske,” the countess explained. “He has acquainted me with your somewhat…unique…circumstances, and it seems he is quite at wits’ end what to do with you!” The countess chortled.

If Sir Richard had sent the countess, Mary’s wish that the subject of her marriage would be forgotten had apparently been in vain.

The countess continued, “Of course, as a man, he is oblivious to the trials of introducing a young lady into society, let alone one who has been isolated in the country.”

“He doesn’t understand at all!” Mary said.

“But I do, child.” She laid a comforting hand on top of Mary’s. “Although it took no small effort on my part to convince him how unprepared a young woman of your situation would be to face a London season, he finally had the wisdom to acknowledge your need of genteel feminine guidance.”

“Is that why you have come?” Mary asked. “To provide guidance?”

“Exactly, my child! How clever you are! At Sir Richard’s behest, I am to instruct you in the ways of polite society and feminine comportment.”

“With all these coaches, servants, trappings, and trunks?”

“All necessary implements for your transformation,” Lady Blanchard answered with aplomb.

Mary’s stomach roiled. “Wh-what kind of transformation?”

“To that of a modish young lady, of course. When my abigail and dresser are finished with you, you will be one of the toasts of London.”

“But why would I wish that?”

The question caused the countess a visible start. “Dear girl, how absurd you are! To snare a titled husband, of course!”

“Snare? Like a rabbit?”

“But of course! For what man willingly enters wedlock? Fortunately, you my dear, have more than adequate bait for your snare. Your wealth should draw them like bees swarming to honey.”

“Truth be told, my lady. I don’t truly wish to wed at all, but if I must, it should be to a man who at least desires me.”

“La, child! Your notion of marriage is quite misguided. In the class to which you aspire, sentiment is rarely part of the bargain, for gentleman of rank and station are an entirely covetous breed. They wed for money and estates and the heir to continue the line. But once an heir or two has been produced, most husbands are no longer much of a burden for their wives to bear.” She gave Mary a meaningful smile.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that they take mistresses, darling, although it is exceedingly ill-mannered to speak of such things.”

“But my father never had a mistress,” Mary said. “And I don’t desire a husband who would.”

“Poor dear, you truly do have no understanding at all.” Lady Blanchard patted her hand. “Men are naught but rutting beasts, driven by carnal desires that a gently bred woman simply does not share. Thus, it is much more pleasant to allow them to tend those baser needs elsewhere. Don’t you see?”

“No, my lady. I don’t see. Surely there must be some men who cherish their vows?”

“La, child! ‘Tis a pity I must shatter your illusions but you will eventually come to see how it is. For your own sake, I would bid you to lay aside your romantic notions and accept my guidance in all matters matrimonial. Indeed my little Cinderella, you must think of me as your fairy godmother.”