Honeycutt stepped inside and announced, “Her Ladyship, the Dowager Countess of Rosehaven.”
“Lady Rosehaven.” Claire curtsied and slipped out without another word, leaving me alone to face the formidable presence now crossing the threshold.
“Grandmother, how pleasant to see you.”
Her eyes—keen, incisive—took in every inch of me with the thoroughness of a general reviewing a regiment. The years had etched fine lines at the corners, but nothing escaped her scrutiny.
“I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Of course not,” I said, though intruding was something she never hesitated to do. I crossed the room and kissed her cheek. Her scent—lavender and starch—was both comforting and disapproving. A rare combination.
“You look tired,” she said, settling on the settee.
“I have been occupied.”
“I am very aware of that, unfortunately.” She inclined her head toward the sofa across from her. “Please sit. I do not wish to strain my neck looking up at you.”
I complied. “Would you like some tea?”
“No. Thank you.” Grandmother folded her hands over the top of her cane. “I had a visit from Lady Marwood this morning.”
“My condolences.”
“Do not attempt flippancy, Rosalynd. It seldom works, and never when I am already displeased.”
A cold pebble formed in my stomach. “You are displeased, then.”
“I am concerned.” Her gaze sharpened. “Did you imagine I would not hear of your recent adventures with the Duke of Steele?”
“People talk a great deal, Grandmother. I cannot control what they choose to say.”
“You can control what you give them to say.”
“That is unfair.”
“It is accurate.” She tapped her cane once against the carpet. Then again. A measured cadence, as though marking each count of an indictment.
“Lady Marwood was eager to recount her triumph,” she continued. “Naturally, she spoke of her ball. The gowns. The floral arrangements. The distinction of her guest list.” Her eyes did not leave mine. “And then she spoke of you. And of Steele.”
“Of course she did.”
“Do not be impertinent, Rosalynd. It does not suit you.”
“My apologies.” I tried to keep my voice steady. “What did she say?”
“You arrived with Cosmos, Chrissie, and Lady Edmunds. Steele arrived later. Within half a minute, he cut through the throng and located you. After a short conversation, the three of you and Steele vanished from view.”
“We stepped out for air. The ballrooms were overheated.”
“Lady Marwood keeps careful watch over her terrace,” my grandmother continued, “particularly because of the alcoves. No one saw you there for at least twenty minutes.”
The pebble in my stomach grew heavier. “I was with Cosmos and Claire,” I said. “Surely there can be no objection to that.” A small prevarication. We had been together for at least part of that time.
“Do not insult my intelligence.” Her tone did not rise, which made it far more dangerous. “Cosmos and Claire were observed strolling the garden together. Neither of them was with you. Nor with Steele.”
I drew a careful breath. “He and I needed to speak.”
“I am not enquiring into what you did,” she said, lifting her chin. “I trust you retain sufficient sense not to surrender your wits.” Her gaze sharpened. “What concerns me is that you felt comfortable enough with the Duke of Steele to absent yourself in such a manner at all.”
