“It’s a deal.” I curtseyed back, nearly falling over in my ridiculous shoes.
“And stay away from Hathaway!” With a final wave, Professor Carmichael disappeared into the crowd.
Chapter Ten
Half an hour and five pairs of stockings later, Heathcliff and Morrie were properly breeched, buckled, and cravated. They looked amazing, even if Heathcliff kept scratching himself and Morrie’s voice had risen half an octave from the tight stockings.
Lydia’s performance had left her with no shortage of admirers. Young girls fawned about her, excited to make acquaintances with the gregarious socialite who was quickly becoming the talk of the event. But her attentions were diverted by three male graduate students – wearing the red-coated livery of officers – who competed for her attention and made dates for her to sit at their table at breakfast. Lydia Bennet was in her element.
After wrangling Lydia away from her entourage, we presented ourselves to Cynthia, who deemed us properly attired. Finally, she led us up the sweeping staircase and right to the end of a cream-paneled hallway. “Here are your rooms.”
I sucked in a breath as I stepped into an extravagant suite. A canopy bed made up with blush-and-gold linens and draped with matching curtains stood on a raised plinth in the center of the room. Delicate vanity screens in the corner surrounded a claw-foot Victorian bath, set beneath a window overlooking the main drive and parterres. An alcove on the right led into a high-ceilinged study and opulent bathroom decorated in gold and white marble.
“Here is the second room.” Cynthia pushed open a door behind the bed, revealing a second room with a similar layout, decorated in teal and gold. A lounge suite was arranged around the high window overlooking the grounds. On the table in front of it stood a bottle of Champagne in a silver bucket and a tray of fancy chocolates.
“These are some treats from us. Grey is sorry he couldn’t be here to greet you in person. They’re pushing ahead with the King’s Copse development, and he’s on site at all hours trying to get as much done as possible before the weather turns completely dreadful.”
“Tell him we’ll happily save his bacon anytime.” Morrie was already working the cork off the Champagne bottle.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Cynthia held out four lanyards. “These are your passes for the weekend. Wear them at all times to ensure access to the events, except for the ball. You’ll find ribbon wristbands inside for that – we can’t have these ugly things ruining our outfits! If there’s anything you need, speak to one of the staff and they’ll accommodate your every whim. Have an Austentacious time!”
Cynthia left in a whirlwind of perfume. As soon as she was out of sight, Heathcliff loosened his cravat. I kicked off the silk slippers and slid on my Docs.Ah, comfort, how I missed you.
“The Lachlans certainly are going above and beyond to give us the star treatment,” Morrie said, handing me a glass of Champagne. I noticed he wasn’t in a hurry to remove his outfit. Heathcliff was already gulping from his hip flask as he stomped on his cravat.
“It’s just as well. From your little performance downstairs, I imagine this suite will quickly fill up with Lydia’s admirers.”
“Perhaps that was my plan all along, to divert her attention away from my own fragile body… speaking of the annoying wench.” Morrie held up a third glass. “Lydia, where are you?”
Lydia poked her head around the door. “I have decided Lord Moriarty and I shall take the pink room with the larger bed. It better suits my complexion.”
Morrie’s hand froze. “We’re not sharing a bed.”
“There are four of us, and but two beds,” Lydia pointed out. “How else do you propose we make our arrangements? Unless, perhaps, you are the kind of man who does not sleep, because he is awake all night taking care of his amorous duties?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Morrie said, his words careful.
“Silly goose! I mean that if you’re not to share my bed, then where will you sleep?” Lydia’s trilling laugh filled the room. “Because you’re not going to share with Mina and Heathcliff. Whatever would people say?”
“People wouldn’t say anything, because you wouldn’t tell them,” Heathcliff growled. “Our sleeping arrangements are none of their business.”
“And is your true origin none of their business, too?” Lydia asked sweetly, her eyes sparkling with malice.
I glanced at Morrie and Heathcliff, and read everything I needed to know on their careful expressions. Lydia’s presence had highlighted a key flaw in their operation – their honesty in the hands of the wrong book character might lead to their downfall.
I had assumed we three would share and leave Lydia on her own, but it occurred to me that even as flirtatious as Lydia was, she would not react well to the idea of a woman with multiple partners. And if Lydia chose to make her opinions public or make too much of a spectacle, as she seemed inclined to do, she could cause big trouble for all of us.
I sighed.Perhaps there’s a way we can solve this on Lydia’s terms?“None of us are married, Lydia. It wouldn’t be proper. Think what your poor father would say!”
She stamped her foot. “Damn their pomp and propriety. You have feminism now, you told me. And they’re not here! I shall never see them again.”
“Be that as it may, if you share with Morrie, word will get around that you’re committed to him, and your three suitors will quickly lose interest. The key is to incite jealousy, but not to deter them completely.”
“Yes, I suppose that makes sense.”
Ah, now I’ve got her.“You and I will share the pink room, and the boys will have this room.”
Lydia gasped.
