A Wedding In Springtime(14)

“Ungrateful whelp!” cried the muffled voice of the Dowager Duchess of Marchford from the other side of the closed parlor door.

The butler stopped, and the whole party stood still listening for a moment.

“Devious child. He grows more like his mother every day,” said the duchess, her voice slicing through the cracks of the parlor door.

The butler turned and attempted to move the party of ladies elsewhere, and indeed, Genie was uncomfortable eavesdropping on what must be a private conversation. But Lady Bremerton’s interest had been piqued and she held her ground in the corridor.

“How could he do this to me?” continued the duchess. “Unheard of in all of Christendom is a boy more ungrateful, more devious, more, more… and spineless! Has he the courage to say this to my face? No!”

“Madame, please.” The butler again attempted to move the party down the hall, but short of being physically removed, Lady Bremerton refused to budge.

“Nonsense, Antonia is my dearest friend. I must see her in her time of need,” said Lady Bremerton. But she made no effort to either leave the hall or enter the room, and instead waited eagerly to hear what the dowager might say next.

Genie glanced back at Penelope, who was still grasping her bandbox, her eyebrows knit tightly together. She gave a quick look behind her, as if considering making a run for it. Genie considered joining her if she did.

“Treachery is what this is,” said the dowager in seething accents. “Shall this be borne? It shall not! He has—”

“Your Grace!” cried the butler, opening the door to stop his mistress. “The Countess of Bremerton, Miss Talbot, and Miss Rose.”

The Dowager Duchess of Marchford froze, her eyes blazing. She was alone in the room. Clearly her tirade had been meant for her ears only. Genie wished her aunt had not chosen to intrude and wondered that Town manners could be so very different from country manners.

“Dearest Antonia,” gushed Lady Bremerton, flying into the room like an exquisite bird. “Whatever is the matter?”

“Nothing, my dear. Nothing at all.” The dowager attempted a smile, which came off more as a grimace. “Have you met my new companion?” said the dowager smoothly, as if nothing was amiss. While their attention was diverted she quickly stashed a paper under a book on a side table. “Let me introduce Miss Penelope Rose.”

“Ah, so it is true!” announced Lady Bremerton. “I heard you had done something to give Marchford’s nose a tweak. I do not blame you in the least. I hope for your sake he has given up this notion of forcing you to leave Town before the season is out.”

“I have no intention of leaving Town,” declared the dowager.

“Good for you, hold your ground. I could never be so bold, but I do admire a woman who can. Though one must take care not to appear odious and grasping, but you do it in such a manner, one could never say that of you! Besides, since Louisa and Marchford are not wed, there can be no reason for you to leave yet.”

Genie noted the dowager stiffened at the word “yet.”

“Please do sit down and introduce me to your lovely niece,” said the dowager.

“May I present Miss Eugenia Talbot,” said Lady Bremerton and Genie made a pretty curtsy. Lady Bremerton sat next to the duchess on the settee, while the younger ladies sat across from them, Miss Rose with her bandbox balanced on her knees.

“Are you enjoying the London season, Miss Talbot?” asked the dowager politely. “It must be a great change from the country.”

“Yes, Your Grace, although the countryside is very pretty this time of year. I enjoy calving season and hayrides with my friends. We have such a jolly time. I was sad to miss it, though I suppose London has its own amusements.”

“Hay rides?” The dowager’s eyes widened in horror. The thought that anyone could prefer country living to Town life was inconceivable. “Cora, is it possible your niece prefers sitting in hay and birthing cows to society?”

“No, no!” insisted Lady Bremerton. “She is such a silly girl, always saying the wrong thing. Remember, Genie, to sit and look pretty. Try not to open your mouth and never, under any circumstances, mention hay!”

“Yes, Aunt Cora,” said Genie, duly chastised.

“I heard Miss Talbot was recently presented in court,” said the dowager with a raised eyebrow, and it was Lady Bremerton’s turn to stiffen.

“I had hoped perhaps the news had not spread,” murmured Lady Bremerton.