Lady Summerlin focused on her and Peyton could immediately see Alec’s resemblance to his fair mother. “I understand you were injured, dear. How is your head?”
“Much better, thank you,” Peyton replied. “Your surgeon gave me a remarkable medicine and the ache is nearly gone.”
“Excellent,” Lady Summerlin replied. “How misfortunate that you fell and struck your head. Are you always so clumsy, dear?”
Peyton raised an eyebrow, hearing Alec’s version of the story in his mother’s words. “I…. nay, my lady, not usually.”
Lady Summerlin nodded faintly, her eyes roving over Peyton as she inspected her closely. Peyton was self-conscious with the scrutiny and lowered her gaze, wondering what else Alec had told his mother.
Inspection complete, Lady Summerlin took a deep breath and put her bejeweled hands on her hips. “I can see that you do not require any further attention from me. My husband requested that I assist you, but you seem to be well enough,” she gazed at the gowns strewn across the bed. “I shall expect you ladies downstairs, then. Alec and Ali will be up shortly to escort you.”
Peyton and Ivy glanced at each other. “We are not planning on attending the party, Lady Summerlin,” Peyton said. “I…. Istill do not feel well and my sister is…,” she looked to Ivy, “fatigued.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Summerlin snapped gently. “I demand you show yourselves for a few moments. Surely a bit of fine wine and music will not tax you overly.”
Peyton grappled for words; she did not want to offend Lady Summerlin, but she had no desire to attend her gala. She looked to Ivy for help, but Ivy was at a loss for words too. They both watched impotently as Lady Summerlin shuffled through the gowns on the bed, pausing a moment to hold up a brilliant red silk. She turned to Ivy.
“This would be perfect on you, dear,” she said firmly. “Put it on now or I shall do it for you.”
Mouth agape, Ivy kept silent for once and did as she was told. And as her sister had little choice against Lady Summerlin’s directives, the same went double for Peyton.
Alec’s mother quit the chamber to seek escorts for her young guests. The two sisters gazed at each other with great hesitation, primped and dressed and glittering with accessories. One moment, they were preparing for a quiet evening in their chamber; in the very next, a beautiful bully of a woman practically shoved them into their finest garments. Peyton was willing to attend the party for fear of Lady Summerlin’s wrath. Certainly, she did not want to pique the woman’s anger as she had done so well with the husband. She knew that Lady Summerlin’s fury would be far worse than Lord Brian’s.
But the inherent stubbornness still lingered. Once Lady Summerlin was gone, Peyton stared at her sister a long while before speaking.
“Are you a brave girl, Ivy?”
Ivy met her sister’s sapphire blue eyes, the familiar words ringing in her ears. “I knew you would not disappoint, Peyton. What do you have in mind this time?”
A defiant smile creased the peach-ripe lips.
*
Alec was enjoyinghis fourth glass of wine when his mother brushed alongside him, her blue eyes drifting appreciatively over her gay party.
“Go upstairs and escort Lady Peyton to the party,” she ordered quietly. “And find Ali. Her sister will need an escort as well.”
Alec swirled the wine in his chalice. “I am sure Lady Peyton would rather be escorted by someone else, and there is no love between Lady Ivy and Ali. They were fighting like rabid dogs earlier today.”
“That is not my concern,” Lady Celine replied steadily. “You will do as you are told. Go and retrieve them.”
Alec looked at his mother, careful to remain expressionless. His mother was not beyond pinching him or taking him by the ear in public. “I would rather not, Mother. Besides, I promised Lady Caroline I would dance with her.”
Celine passed a glance at Lady Caroline Morford. “Lady Caroline has no shortage of suitors. And no shortage of bed partners either, I am told. I am sure she shall find another to keep her company while you are occupied.”
Alec’s mouth twisted wryly for a split-second as he prepared another refusal, but his father’s rapid approach saved him from his mother’s wrath.
“Did you see to Lady Peyton?” he asked his wife. “How does she fare?”
“Well enough,” Celine replied, eyeing her stubborn son. “A beautiful girl, truly. I had the privilege of helping her dress for the party and found her to be delightful. A most attractive figure.I do not believe I have ever seen a woman more perfectly formed than she.”
“I am glad to hear she is not seriously injured,” Brian answered, seeing that Celine was attempting to interest Alec. His son remained as impassive as always, his blue eyes focused on the activities of the room. Stubborn man that he was, he would need more than simple words to interest him. He needed a kick in the arse. “Well, Alec? Are you going to retrieve your betrothed and introduce her to our guests?”
Alec did not react for a moment. Then, slowly, he turned to his parents. “My betrothed?”
Brian met his gaze firmly. “I suggest you do it soon before everyone drinks themselves into oblivion. We want them to remember the proclamation.”
Alec’s eyes were like ice. “We have had this discussion, Da. The purpose of this celebration was for me to inspect Lady Peyton. I have yet to approve the betrothal.”
