Or did he object to Lady Isolde for some reason and was trying not to offend his hosts?
Either option was fascinating. Allie could barely suppress her glee.
“Likewise, Lady Allegra,” Lady Isolde replied in a low contralto. “I understand that, like myself, ye are recently returned from living abroad. I have been living in the United States for the past several years.”
Unlike her very English mother, Scotland laced Lady Isolde’s words. Her lilting accent sounded similar to Ethan’s—a subtle, aristocratic brogue.
“Indeed, how interesting,” Allie said.
Lady Isolde smiled widely, the expression taking her face from merely beautiful to breathtakingly exquisite.
Kendall inhaled sharply.
Allie stifled a giggle.
“I should dearly love tae hear about your life on the Continent,” Lady Isolde said.
There was a sharp knowing in the woman’s gaze.
This was no ordinary débutante, Allie realized. Lady Isolde was also much older than she appeared, likely closer to Allie’s own twenty-seven years.
So not a débutante at all.
“And I should like to discuss your life in America,” Allie replied, leaning toward Lady Isolde. “I shall make a point to seek out your compan—”
“If you will excuse us, Lady Hadley, Lady Isolde.” Kendall wrapped his hand around Allie’s elbow, abruptly cutting her off. “I see someone with whom we must speak.”
Securing Allie to his side with an iron grip, Kendall ushered her out the pair of doors to the terrace.
“Really, Kendall,” Allie chided, hilarity in her voice. “That was abominably rude.”
“No, it was abominable of Lady Hadley to force an acquaintance withthat womanupon us.” His voice vibrated with rage. “It was my understanding that Lady Isolde would remain in London for the duration of the house party. I would never have accepted Hadley’s invitation otherwise. Your reputation is precarious enough as is, Lady Allegra, without the added taint of associating with Lady Isolde. She may be Hadley’s daughter, but she is hardly goodton.”
Oh! This was too delicious.
Kendall was livid.
And over a woman, no less.
Allie barely caught a laugh. “IknewI liked her.”
Kendall pivoted to a stop before the terrace balustrade, glaring down at Allie. “Lady Isolde graduated with a degree from a university in the United States, of all places. A woman! At university! Can you imagine?!”
Good for her, Allie thought.
“Ah, yes, an educated female brain,” she deadpanned. “The horror. Does it give you nightmares? Do you startle awake at night in a cold sweat, haunted by the images of women spouting Milton and performing algebraic equations?”
Her twin’s glare morphed into a dark scowl.
“I was unaware you took such a dim view of the education of women, Your Grace,” Allie continued. “Seems rather small-minded of you. Or are you like our sire, and prefer your ladies to be docile, biddable lap dogs? Perhaps you should lobby Parliament to pass a law requiring women to wear collars . . .”
Kendall sucked in a sharp breath. “My objection has nothing to do with the education of Lady Isolde’s mind and everything to do with the daughter of an earl sailing halfway around the world to attend university classes with strange men. She was unchaperoned for much of her time in the States. It is ruinous conduct.”
“Yes, I have heard tales of gentlemen’s scandalous behavior while discussing Plato’sRepublic.” Allie leaned toward him, as if to confide a secret. “Is it true? Do you removeallyour clothing?”
If her brother had been an engine, steam would be billowing from the top of his head.
“Lady Allegra,” he bit out, “cease this vulgarity. Remember our agreement!”
