A Wedding In Springtime(61)

Pen stopped and took another slow sip of tea.

“Your sister refused him?” asked Genie, impatient to hear the end of the story.

“His proposal was for her to become his mistress, not his wife.”

“Oh.” Genie sat back in her chair, deflated. “I see.”

“He is quite charming, but I thought you should know.”

“Thank you,” murmured Genie. She knew the warning was for the best, but Pen had poured freezing water all over her nice, warm dream.

“This story is not widely known,” said Pen.

“You can be assured of my discretion,” said Genie. She really did not wish to talk about it. The dream of Mr. Grant was best forgotten.

“Mr. Blakely,” announced the butler at the door of the drawing room.

Mr. Blakely entered the room in a double-breasted coat of dark blue, light trousers, and tan kid gloves. He might not be as showy as Grant, but he was not an unattractive man. He bowed his apology for being late to the dowager, with an excuse of a prior engagement. His manners were polished and pleasing, Genie decided.

Penelope vacated the chair next to Genie and Mr. Blakely was drawn to it.

“I will make my apologies to you too, Miss Talbot,” said Mr. Blakely, taking her hand in his gloved one and giving her a slight bow.

“Not at all,” said Genie. “I am pleased you were able to come.”

Mr. Blakely’s mouth twitched upward, in what Genie guessed was a smile. “I must thank you, Miss Talbot. On your advice I visited the British Museum. I can see now why you recommended it. I found the visit most educational.”

“Was it? I am pleased. The guidebook said it was not to be missed.”

“Have you not visited yourself?”

“No, not yet.” Genie’s aunt laughed at the idea of visiting the museum. It was apparently not how young ladies spent their time.

“Perhaps I could be your escort sometime,” suggested Blakely. “I should like to visit the museum again soon, and I could not ask for more pleasant company.”

Genie smiled and noted with pleasure that Mr. Blakely looked her in the eye, not down the front of her gown. “I should like that very much. My guidebook lists many sights in London that should not be missed.”

“A guidebook sounds sensible. Perhaps I could avail myself of it?”

“By all means! I am glad to hear you say it. You cannot imagine the grief I have endured for that guidebook. My aunt threatened to burn it if she ever saw it again. I have learned it is not considered fashionable.”

“I should not like to think the opinion of others should prevent me from enjoying the history or architecture of this city.”

“Exactly what I think! Thank you, Mr. Blakely. I am so glad to know I am not the only one who thinks this way.”

“I should go find the gentlemen and pay my respects to my host,” said Mr. Blakely. “I expect to return soon.” He gave her a warmer smile and bowed his exit from the room.

In his absence, Genie was the object of four knowing smiles from the ladies in the drawing room.

“That was promising,” commented the dowager with a cunning grin.

“I do hope something definitive can be arranged quickly,” worried Lady Bremerton. “If Genie could at least be betrothed respectably, her value would increase and perhaps we could start receiving more invitations. I do not dare ask for a voucher to Almack’s for her, not with that Jersey gel as a patroness.”

“An invitation to Almack’s would be just the thing,” said Penelope. “If the patronesses of Almack’s endorse her, she must be accepted by society at large.”

“But how could this miracle be made to occur?” asked Lady Bremerton. “Surely you have been in London long enough to know Almack’s is the most exclusive club in London. With Genie’s reputation, how could it be made to come to pass?”

“I have seen the most atrocious behavior be tolerated and even celebrated by society. The only hope is to show her as an original,” said Penelope.

“Quite right!” said the dowager, rapping the floor with her cane. “Never show fear in society. The gossips will eat you alive. Confidence is what you need, gel.”

“I shall certainly try,” said Genie with a smile. “If only to please you.”

“No need to try to win my favor,” said the dowager, but she nodded in approval. “What you need is a good man.”