She nearly groaned with dread at the idea of her mother being underfoot day in and day out. “She has this way of making me feel badly about myself. I fear she’ll derail our plans here. Please, I beg of you, do not offer. You will regret it, I can assure you.”
“I understand.” He tapped his index finger against his chin. “What if we were to give her some kind of job. Something to keep her busy enough that she stays out of your way?”
“What would that be? She has no skills. Other than to drive me mad.”
“What are her interests?”
“Clothes and other vanities. Going to parties and balls give her great joy. She’s not invited any longer but when we were children, she was never happier than when she was dressing for a social event.”
“Ah, yes, I’ve got it.” James leaned forward, blue eyes sparkling. “I’ll ask her to plan our first ball. A debut for the manor’s grand reopening.”
Her chest tightened. “No, you shouldn’t. It’s a terrible idea.”
“But why? She’ll be good at it. She knows all the right people to invite, would you not agree?”
“She does keep up with gossip,” Georgiana said, somewhat reluctantly. “She’ll advise you well in that regard. And she’s actually very talented at planning social events. Especially now that she has no outlet for such a thing. But please, you must keep a close watch on her. She’ll not hesitate to spend your money unwisely. I wouldn’t put it past her to pocket some for herself if she thinks she can get away with it.”
“I’ll keep a close watch on the spending. Nothing will be ordered without my approval.”
“Yes, all right. It will keep her occupied, which will mean more peace for me and Cecily. She’s going to be painfully focused on findingCecily a husband. I shudder to think of the trouble she might cause my sister.”
“In my experience, it is best for women like your mother to have something to focus on, especially if it interests them. I have another idea as well. My need for a gentleman’s wardrobe has been weighing on me. I fear I’m the opposite of your mother. Anything to do with fashion puts me right to sleep. But we must admit, I’m rugged looking and in need of help. What if we were to task her with working with a tailor to put together an entire closet fit for a gentleman?”
“She does keep up with the latest fashion. I’m loath to admit it, but she would be very helpful in that regard.”
“Yes, and she’ll be flattered that I’m looking to her for advice.”
“She loves being the savior,” Georgiana said. “Even though she’s usually more like the villain.”
“When you see her, ask her to join us for supper. We’ll present these ideas to her.”
Georgiana managed a weak smile. “God help us all.”
*
When they enteredtheir mother’s room at the inn, Lavinia sat draped across the faded settee as if it were a chaise in a Mayfair salon, a silk dressing gown tied loosely at the waist. A tea tray sat untouched on the table beside her, the porcelain cup cooling at her elbow.
“My darlings. At last. I feared you wouldn’t come.”
“We said we would,” Cecily said gently, pulling off her gloves.
Georgiana remained standing, hands folded at her waist. “Mother, what happened at Mrs. Cline’s? She was so generous to offer you a place to live. What did you do to her?”
Lavinia let out a tragic sigh. “Why do you think it’s something I’ve done? You know how other women can be. Jealous. Spiteful. Especially given how I’ve aged compared to her.”
Cecily glanced at Georgiana. “What did you do, Mother? Mrs. Cline is the nicest woman in all of England.”
“She certainly plays that role.” Lavinia gave a brittle laugh. “But you don’t know her as I do.”
Georgiana’s brows lifted. “Go on.”
Lavinia leaned forward slightly, as if letting them in on a secret. “It’s him she should be angry with.”
“Who?” Georgiana asked.
Lavinia rolled her eyes, as if it should be obvious of whom she spoke. “Charles. Caroline’s husband. He behaved very badly and now I’m to blame. It’s devastating to be betrayed in this manner.”
“What are you saying?” Georgiana asked.
