"Now he listens," Letitia remarked, shooting a mock glare in his direction. She then settled into her seat. "However, there were certain highlights to the night."
“Oh? Do tell,” the Dowager Duchess said, curious.
“I did quite enjoy the music, and there was also the dance with Lord Brentworth. Although, he is quite a terrible dancer,” she said, giggling behind her hands.
Benedict glowered. He had forgotten all about Lord Brentworth until she reminded him. While he had been off dancing with Lady Augusta. Letitia had secured a dance in her card. The cowardly man had not even been brave enough to ask while he was standing there, and he hurriedly ran off the moment they returned from the dance.
“You can relax, brother. While I am glad to have danced with him, despite his terrible dance steps, I do not care to know the man. Although he is quite the conversationalist,” she said, grinning when she saw the look on his face.
“Well, I’m glad that you enjoyed the ball,” the Dowager Duchess said with a smile.
“There is one other thing that made it quite worthwhile,” she grinned, looking at him. “Or should I say person?”
Benedict rolled his eyes and picked up his mug. She did not have to say it for him to know who she spoke of.
“Lady Augusta was quite amazing with how she got Lord Colin to back away,” she said.
“Ah, yes. I don’t believe I have ever met a lady who is so interested in making sure other ladies are safe from promiscuous rakes, at the detriment of her own reputation,” the Dowager Duchess commented.
“I am certain you haven’t because she did not have to do so. You have me to protect you from men like him, and the lies that they sell,” Benedict said plainly.
“Of course, brother, but what about the ladies who lack protection. Should we leave them to deal with such horrid fate all on their own?” she asked.
Benedict’s brow furrowed at this. She’d sounded exactly like Lady Augusta had, during their argument while they danced the waltz.
“Her actions are not wrong, however, it does not bode well to anger men who could do anything when they feel slighted. There is also the matter of her reputation and how it affects her family. I don’t have to explain that to you, do I?”
Letitia shook her head, a sudden solemnity overtaking her. While his broken engagement had been a personal matter for him to handle, it had repercussions not only for him but also for his family.
Members of the ton had dissected every detail like vultures, yet even that hadn't satisfied their curiosity. They patiently awaited the revelation of what had truly transpired, their eyes trailing after him in anticipation.
"I comprehend your point, but it doesn't diminish her bravery. I'm certain every woman wishes for a friend like her when they first enter society. It would undoubtedly have made many lives easier," the Dowager Duchess remarked.
“I’m certainly grateful to have met her this season,” Letitia said suddenly. “Speaking of this season, have you heard the news, Benedict?”
“What news?” Benedict asked, setting his tea aside. He gave her all of his attention, curious to know exactly what she had to say.
“I suppose there is no easy way to say this, but it is better for you to know and be prepared for when it happens,” she began. “It is only that Juliet is back in town and she intends to attend the season.”
His jaw ticked at the mention of her name. It had been a while since he heard her name. Just as long as it had been since he last saw her. People tended to avoid mentioning her name even when he was undoubtedly the subject of conversation.
He had chosen not to think about her in the time that had passed and he intended to keep it that way.
The Dowager’s eyes cut to her sharply, silently reproaching but Letitia stood her ground. “He has a right to know. I will not have him be blindsided and unprepared when he sees her.”
He released his hand, which he hadn't realized had clenched tightly around the teacup, and turned to face forward, his eyes glazing over. He had no desire to speak about her, and the unspoken tension in the otherwise calm room made his reluctance clear.
His mother and sister looked between themselves, eyes revealing their uncertainty as to what next they needed to do. He sighed and pushed away what was left of his food. It had suddenly lost taste in his mouth and he could not stomach another bite.
“I think I will wear the blue gown for the next ball,” Letitia said, her voice shaky. “What do you think, Benedict? Will it be enough to find me a man you will approve of?”
Benedict chuckled and looked at his sister with gratitude. He appreciated her effort to provide him with a distraction from his troubles even if it involved dresses. She smiled at him as an unspoken pact was made to not bring Juliet up again.
“No man will ever be good enough for you,” he said.
“I know that but do you think there will be one that could come close enough?” she asked. This time, his laughter was genuine.
Benedict shook his head, grateful for the support his family had been in his trying times. “Perhaps there will be one I will approve of, if he proves himself worthy of you.”
