“Think of it as an accomplishment,” Margaret quipped. “You’ve kept them entertained.”
They paused as a couple passed by, the lady’s sharp gaze lingering on Beatrice’s gown before flicking toward Edward across the room.
Beatrice stiffened.
Margaret noticed. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t catalog them,” Margaret urged softly. “They aren’t worth the effort.”
Beatrice exhaled. “I wish I believed that.”
“You will,” Margaret said. “Eventually. Or you’ll grow bored. One of the two.”
Beatrice’s mouth curved faintly. “I do hope boredom arrives first.”
Margaret hesitated, then lowered her voice. “How is she?”
The question warmed Beatrice instantly. “Pip is well. Very well. Mrs. Hart adores her.”
“She’s perfect,” Margaret murmured. “I’ve never seen a sweeter baby.”
Beatrice’s throat tightened. “I worry about her.”
“You worry about everything,” Margaret pointed out gently. “It’s what makes you such a good mother.”
Beatrice looked down at her gloves, smoothing a nonexistent crease. “Do you think people truly believe that she is… ours? That the headline about the scandal is true?”
“I think,” Margaret said firmly, “that anyone who matters sees exactly what they should see, which is clearly a child who is loved.”
Beatrice swallowed. “And those who don’t matter?”
“Will grow bored.”
“I worry that people will keep whispering as she grows older. That she will hear it.”
Margaret’s tone sharpened. “Then they will answer to me.”
Beatrice glanced at her. “You cannot duel half of London.”
Margaret smiled wickedly. “Watch me.”
Beatrice nodded, but she still felt uneasy. She glanced across the room—almost without meaning to—and found Edward immediately.
He was speaking with Sebastian, waiting for their drinks, his expression composed but sharpened by attention. Even from a distance, he seemed aware of everything around him. Ofher.
The realization sent a small, unwelcome thrill through her.
Margaret followed her gaze and grinned. “You keep doing that.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Looking for him.”
“I am not.”
“You are,” Margaret said calmly. “Looking at him like he’s about to set fire to the curtains.”
