There were, of course, voices that wanted to diminish her worth, making subtle mentions to the scandals, but Prim had defendedherself in such a witty and elegant way that not even those that dare to accuse her had to admit defeat.
Now, she was attending a charity bazaar aimed at the hospital in East London. Her goal was to become a patroness of the charity foundation and establish herself as a figure in the social life of London.
“So who are you dazzling today?” Leo asked over his coffee one morning.
“There is a charity event that I have every intention of attending.”
“And what is the angle, my little strategist?”
“More like a target. It is common knowledge that Lady Hastings is proudly keeping her organization exclusive, with only a few people gaining access.”
“You want to be one of these people.”
“I do. With the help of your generous funding, of course.”
“And what exactly am I funding?”
“A hospital for children in East London.
“An admirable cause. I will make sure I allocate from my personal funds.”
“Thank you, Leo.”
“Do not thank me. I am following the plan you devised, and so far it has been working.”
“You flatter me.”
“I must admit it is a long-range strategy, but I think the impact will be visible soon. So far, we had the sheets offering their opinion on my person. Perhaps my best shield is to create a narrative around me that would make it a little bit more difficult to smear my reputation.”
“You strategize like an ancient Greek general.”
“I am aiming for less Thermopylae and more Battle of Marathon.”
“The fact that you are comparing the Persian Wars to navigating the social events over the ton is beyond my comprehension,” Leo said.
“Yet the analogies are great. I will be merciful today, and I will spare you the numbers.”
“Please see that you do.”
Prim drank some of her tea and looked out the window.
“My mother visited me yesterday.”
“That must have been interesting.”
“I didn't exactly get that particular sentiment. But she was open to discussing past mistakes and ways to improve her presence at least as a mother.”
“That is a triumph!”
“That is merely progress. ”
There was something more that she needed to talk to him about. Perhaps it was her newfound confidence that demanded some serious testing.
“Speaking of mothers, did you have any contact with your mother?”
His whole body changed, his relaxed, laid-back posture stiffened in an instant. The air in the breakfast room completely crystallized in icicles. Leo put the cup of coffee down, adjusted his cufflinks accordingly, and then turned to face with one of the coldest looks anyone could have. His blue eyes that were just dancing with mirth, were now hidden unbelievable blue color, same as a glacier. Prim really was afraid that if exposed to this look any longer, she would definitely get frostbite.
“Did I have any contact with my mother?” his voice was not the one that just teased her. “No.”
