Evan rolled his eyes. “You loved school. I don’t see why your children would be any different.”
Peter arched an eyebrow and gave his brother a look that he often gave when Evan was being particularly dense. “I loved any place that wasn’t that bloody orphanage.”
“Fair point.” Evan knew very little of his brother’s first six years of life. Peter claimed not to remember much at all. As far as he was concerned, his life began at Blackwell Manor when the stableboy found him sleeping in an empty horse stall. Much to Peter’s surprise, he was brought before the Duke and Duchess of Blackwell, who decided to adopt him as their ward by the end of the day.
Peter stood up. “I shall stop disturbing your peace. Personally, I am glad you are going on dates with some of the young ladies of theton.Maybe one of them will surprise you.”
Evan didn’t really think so. In his experience, the eligible ladies shared more similarities than differences, and none of them had previously piqued his interest. It wasn’t that he disliked conversing with members of the opposite sex. He was simply bored by them. To be fair, he didn’t find conversation with most men particularly stimulating, either.
“I highly doubt that.”
CHAPTER 2
“Iam so glad you are in London for the Season, Joanna. It feels like it’s been ages since I last saw you,” Lady Penelope said to her friend.
“I am happy to be here. Thank you for having me for tea.” Joanna decided not to mention that she wasn’t really attending the Season. Yes, her family was staying in London for the Season. Her father would surely see a few friends and acquaintances while attending to matters in the House of Lords. But her family would likely not receive many visitors or get many invitations. Her family’s situation was, unfortunately, well known among theton.
She was grateful that Penelope, her old friend from finishing school, did not care in the slightest about her father’s gambling debts or their financial hardships. She was happy to host Joanna for tea, even though her father, the Earl of Northwick, disapproved of their friendship.
“How’s Aurelia doing? This is her last year at school, is it not?” Penelope asked as she sipped her tea.
Joanna carefully nibbled on a chocolate scone even though she wanted to devour it with hedonistic delight. All she and her mother had to eat recently was plain bread and stew in an effort to stretch money as far as possible. This morning, she hadn’t even eaten at all because she knew she was attending tea with Penelope that afternoon.
“Yes, it is. She’s doing well. She and her friends have started an unofficial book club of sorts. On the weekends, they discuss what they read at length.”
The other lady laughed. “It sounds like she’s turning into a bluestocking. How wonderful! Remember when we were the same? Mrs. Avery was so angry when she caught us reading past bedtime.”
Joanna smiled. “I remember that she caughtyou. I blew my candle out quickly enough.”
Penelope grinned. “I truly was a menace, wasn’t I?”
“Yes, you were.” Joanna laughed. Penelope was always getting in trouble at the finishing school they attended together. Much to the dismay of their teachers, Penelope liked to wear her hair loose, in messy, wild curls. On hot days, she would take off her shoes, even in the middle of a lesson, and she only took an interest in the art of conversation so she could learn to savagelyinsult someone in an elegant manner. The Headmistress, Mrs. Avery, was happy to see her leave.
“I am sure Aurelia is being a perfect angel, just like you were in school,” Penelope said. “She must be so excited about her upcoming debut.”
Joanna’s stomach tightened with anxiety, and she put down her teacup. “Of course she is. She will be wonderful.” As a daughter of a viscount, Aurelia deserved a proper introduction into society.
Unfortunately, that would be too difficult, considering their financial straits. Most of their money went to settling her father’s gambling debts. Even though he had been banned from most gambling dens in London, there were still a few he frequented, so there was no end in sight to their hardships.
Having a proper Season in London was expensive. It was even more expensive to provide the necessary dowry, should Aurelia find a suitor willing to marry her. But perhaps they could still provide her sister with a simple but pretty debut gown, if there was still a jeweled necklace or a pair of silver candlesticks somewhere in the house that could be pawned.
Penelope reached out to place a hand over Joanna’s. “Forgive me,” she said softly. “I didn’t think before I spoke. I did not mean to?—”
Joanna smiled and shook her head. “There is nothing to forgive. You are right. Aurelia will be a splendid debutante, and I am sure she’s looking forward to it.”
Before either of them could speak, a footman entered the room. He bowed to the two ladies before holding out a card to Penelope. “A message arrived for you, my lady. Lady Atwood has already taken the liberty of sending a response on your behalf.”
Penelope frowned as she looked at the card. When she read what was written on it, her face went pale. “Oh no,” she whispered.
Joanna leaned forward. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“It’s…” She shook her head and turned to the footman. “When did my mother respond? Perhaps we can stop the messenger.”
“I am afraid they have already left, my lady.”
Penelope sighed. “Thank you.”
The footman bowed and left. As soon as he was gone, the young lady sprang to her feet. “This cannot be happening. How dare my mother respond on my behalf!” She started pacing around the drawing room, wringing her hands.
