“The curse of our age, but I support reform. Why shouldn’t a woman of property be allowed the vote? Don’t seek an answer,” Mrs. Beaumont said. “There isn’t one. But as long as men are allowed to imagine women inferior, everything will go to wrack and ruin.”
“Blanche is a fierce adherent of women’s rights,” Lady Ball said.
“You don’t think you’re inferior to men,” Mrs. Beaumont said to her.
“No, but different. We bear the children.”
“Which doesn’t deprive a woman of all wit and sense. And what of those of us who don’t?”
It was perhaps as well the curtain rose on the main play of the night, but Kitty wondered if her barrenness explained her bold spirit and desire to control her fate.
Chapter 40
The play was an adaptation of the successful novelGuy Mannering, with the addition of songs. Kitty had read the novel and knew the plot, but that didn’t affect her enjoyment. Indeed, she thrilled to see it come to life, with lost children, smugglers, and wild Meg Merrilies.
She had to stifle a protest when the curtain came down for the next intermission. Everyone left the box to stretch their legs and meet others. Kitty strolled with Braydon, talking about the performance when not being introduced again and again. She’d not expected this to be her first night amid the ton.
Again and again they were congratulated on their marriage, but twice a gentleman said, “Kitty!” before recollecting himself. At least no one called her Kit Kat, but Major Corcoran put his hand to his heart and enacted a tragedy over her being snatched before he had a chance.
“Don’t be foolish, Major. You know we would not suit.”
“Ah, but the not suiting would have been magnificent for a while. Your pardon, Dauntry, but a man can’t help but envy you.”
“And I can hardly object to such fulsome praise of my wife, sir.” There was a steely edge to it, however. Corcoran waggled his gingery eyebrows at Kitty and went away, leaving her annoyed.
“Please don’t bristle at such foolishness,” Kitty said, “or you’ll be bristling morning, noon, and night. I can handle such matters for myself.”
Before he could respond, three officers were coming toward them, including Edison.
“You look splendid,” he said to her, as if he had a particular right.
Kitty smiled at all three. “I’m delighting in the play. I’ve never attended one before. It’s sothoughtfulof Dauntry to arrange this treat so soon.” She made sure to give him a besotted smile.
“I invited you to the theater once,” Edison said.
Kitty wanted to hit him, and had to admit it might be useful for Braydon to freeze Edison away, but she’d claimed to be able to handle such matters herself. “What a shame it wasn’t convenient, sir. Are you soon to be posted abroad again?”
At her tone, he colored. “I must go where I’m sent.”
“And I wish you all success, Captain Edison.” She turned to one of the other men. “What prospects for you, Hallward?”
He’d caught her interaction with Edison, but he answered amiably. “I’m kicking my heels, but if that keeps me in Town while you’re here, Lady Dauntry, I don’t feel too hard done to.”
She appreciated his deliberate use of her title, which Edison had avoided, and settled to a light discussion of military prospects. She was glad when Edison stalked off. Surely that had been strong enough to stop his folly.
The next act was announced, and the other two men took their leave. Kitty prepared for something scathing from Braydon, but a thin, middle-aged gentleman approached.
Braydon greeted him with a bow. “Sidmouth. My dear, I present Lord Sidmouth, our Home Secretary.”
Kitty dipped a curtsy, wondering if some new drama had unfolded, for Lord Sidmouth looked odd.
“A word with you, Dauntry.”
Braydon escorted Kitty to their box door. “You’ll excuse me for a moment.”
“Of course.”
She watched him return to the Home Secretary and observed the brief exchange of words. It looked to come close to an argument, but she couldn’t hover there. She went in and took her seat just as the curtain rose. Even as the play captured her again, she was aware of Braydon entering behind her, and wished she could ask what had occurred. Later, unless his jealousy put him in a sour mood.
