Several other guests had escaped the saloon and gathered in small groups in the hallway on the second floor and in the various rooms that were not otherwise private rooms.
That included the library, the portrait room with historic portraits that went back two hundred years—not as impressive as those at Sussex Square, according to Lily, and the trophyroom with walls lined with the heads of red deer, wild boar, and stuffed partridge and pheasant adorning the walls as if in flight.
Deer and boar looked down on us, as well as several other guests.
“For sport?” Lily commented hardly impressed. “How many people would those animals feed?”
Not unlike Brodie’s comment about the size of Marlborough House.
I understood her feelings, having been raised in a whorehouse in her early years. And before that? On the streets of Edinburgh, her family unknown, where food might have been a luxury.
I had to agree that it was excessive. And merely for sport?
“I agree with you, young woman. Quite ghastly.” A comment with a slight accent.
“Lady Forsythe, you must introduce me to this enlightened young woman.”
I turned and recognized Lady Blanche Somerset, Baroness Waterford.
I had met the Baroness previously. She was not beautiful but quite striking in that way of those who know their worth, and everyone else could take a flying leap.
While we had encountered each other just after my last year in Paris and that unique experience in Greece, I remembered her from a reception at Sussex Square.
“I have heard interesting rumors about your recent exploits, Lady Forsythe. Is this young lady a member of the family or perhaps a protégée?”
Lily maintained that curious yet cautious demeanor that had not changed since she first arrived in London as I made introductions.
“My ward, Lily Montgomery.”
“Ah, a member of that illustrious family. I thought I saw Lady Antonia earlier. You are part of a remarkable family,” she continued. “Quite colorful, but we all have our infamous ghosts. Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Forsythe?”
I did agree. Most of ours were well documented, aside from a highwayman or two and a well-known pirate for which there were only rumors and old stories.
“And quite insightful, my dear,” Lady Blanche told Lily. “I have never understood the fascination with killing a helpless animal.”
She stared at the boar. “Perhaps not completely helpless. One can only hope that the creature gave as good as it got.”
A unique perspective that I had not previously encountered among my great aunt’s circle of friends. I could tell that Lily was quite impressed.
“Have you ever hunted, your ladyship?” she inquired.
“Only men, my dear,” she replied with candor and a wink over at me. “That is something that requires great skill. For the most part, a great many men are not worth the effort.
“Now, you must tell me where you acquired that enlightened attitude, and we shall no doubt offend several others here, if Lady Forsythe does not mind.”
I caught Lily’s glance. She was enjoying herself very much. She had found another kindred spirit.
“Not at all. I have seen it before. I will see you back downstairs when you finish your tour,” I told her.
I did want very much to see if Brodie had returned from his meeting with the Prince of Wales and Lord Salisbery. And I was confident that Lily was in good company.
LILY
The room and the displays were impressive, if one didn't mind being surrounded by dead animals.
I thought it was sad as I continued about the room with Baroness Waterford.
“It’s about the hunt,” she explained. “There is something quite primitive in most men—the need to hunt, chase some poor creature down, and then kill it. Then what do you have? Heads on a wall.”
