“I always imagined you sequestered away in the countryside,” she admitted. “In a nice, modest estate somewhere, gifted by Hermia or Isabella, or even myself. You would write anonymous essays, and ladies of the ton would secretly rave over them, empowered by your words. I am the poet—or once was—butyou, Alicia, are the writer. The true writer. I write from the heart, but you write with fire and your brilliant mind. Do not let Mama ever overshadow that, all right?”
Alicia looked at her with wide eyes, as though she had not heard such encouragement for so long. Biting her lip, she nodded. “Thank you, Sibyl. But truly, if I have to force a smile for one more suitor, I shall make him send a physician, for my face will hurt so much.”
Sibyl snorted, catching the attention of a nearby couple who sneered at her. She tensed, but continued walking with her sister.
“Sibyl, how are you doing? Truly.”
“I am…” As she did with Isabella, Sibyl went for honesty. “I remain unsettled by the whole situation, Alicia. Although…”
“Although?” Alicia promoted.
“I find myself rather attracted to my husband,” Sibyl confessed, keeping her voice low. “And I worry I cannot afford it.”
“Why not? Heavens, you have all made things ever so complicated! No wonder I do not want to be involved in this mess. If you like him, then pursue him. He is your husband, Sibyl. If there is anybody you have the utmost freedom to pursue, it is him.”
Sibyl laughed a little. “Yes, but he is a mystery?—”
“A very handsome,bigmystery.”
“And those are never safe,” Sibyl finished firmly.
“Oh, Sibyl,” Alicia sighed. “Who cares about safe? Safe is for ladies who are not like you. Ladies who are scared. And youare not scared. Being unsafe isfun.Being safe is different, challenging. Goodness, being unsafe keeps your life exciting.”
“Being unsafe can get me into a lot of trouble,” Sibyl scolded. “With my heart, with my safety, and not to mention Rosie.”
“Sibyl, you have never been one to overthink the negatives. That was for Hermia and Isabella. You always followed your heart, and I think your heart aches for what the Duke could provide for you. Where is that sister I always teased for daydreaming of kisses and love and moonlight dances in some romantic setting? You could have that if you follow your heart.”
Sibyl blushed. But before she could respond, a group of ladies walked up to them, pointedly slowing down as their eyes slid over her and Alicia.
“You would think a duchess would make more of an effort to look fine at her first ball,” one lady scoffed.
“Perhaps the Duke did not want to buy her a new gown.” Another giggled. “After all, people say he was not quiet about his reasons for marrying her. Not to mention that she comes withbaggage.”
Sibyl’s heart sank to the floor at her daughter being calledbaggage.
“Well, Lord Ferdinand has his own thoughts about the Duke’s and Duchess’s hasty marriage.”
“One wonders if her daughter is even Lord Kerrington’s at all.”
“Lady Windon,” Sibyl cut in, her rage flaring. “My effort was simply following suit. I do believe I fit right into your… gaggle of women.”
“Gaggle of geese, more like,” Alicia snorted. “Now, ladies, how about you run along and criticize another poor soul rather than take out your frustrations on a baby? Are you truly so bored? I should tell Lord and Lady Livingston how boring their ball is, for you keep resorting to idle gossip.”
“Bold words for a lady who has still not been asked to dance at all tonight,” Lady Windon sneered.
“How about you return to your cold bed and wonder who else’s bed your husband warms, Lady Windon?” Alicia snapped.
Sibyl stepped in front of her. “Do not speak ill of my sister’s success on the marriage mart. Better to wait than, as she said, return to a cold bed.”
“Well, you would be the expert,Your Grace,” Lady Windon purred.
Sibyl pulled Alicia away first before her sister could launch herself at the women. She had seen it happen plenty of times when Alicia used to take out her fury on her tutor, not afraid to show her claws, no matter how much their parents scolded her for it.
But just as they turned, Sibyl intending on guiding Alicia over to the balcony for some air, they walked right into their mother, who looked expectant.
“Ah! There you are, I have been looking all over for you,” she said, pulling on Alicia’s wrist. “I do hope you were not causing trouble. Here, Lord Robert has returned to speak with you. He is most keen on asking for your first dance.”
“But Mama?—”
