Mrs. Ellsworth entered a moment later, looking slightly windblown and very displeased. “It’s your mother, miss. She wants to speak with all three of you.”
Georgiana barely had time to sigh before Lavinia swept into the drawing room in a rustling cloud of plum-colored silk and indignation disguised as graciousness.
“My dears.” She paused just inside the doorway as if waiting for applause. “I come not in anger, but in resolve.”
Georgiana set her cup down carefully. “Good evening, Mother.”
“Lord Ashford,” Lavinia added with a small, elegant nod. “I hope you’ll pardon the late hour, but I felt it best we clear the air sooner than later.”
James folded his arms across his chest. “Go on.”
Lavinia laughed just this side of brittle. “Truly, my darlings, you must listen to me. A young debutante cannot, must not, enter Society without her mother beside her. It would cause speculation. Therewould be gossip about her sponsor and perhaps the nature of his relationship with Cecily’s older sister. It’s ripe for scandal.”
Georgiana really hated to admit it, but her mother’s arguments had merit. Since their altercation earlier, Georgina had not been able to set another fear. What kind of trouble would her mother cause should she not be with them? Wilting away in the country as she’d so delicately put it earlier?
Lavinia lifted her chin. “In addition to the threat of gossip, a true debut requires a mother’s touch. The right whispers in the right ears. You’ve already almost blundered by leaving me behind. What will you do without me there to ensure our reputations are intact? You’ve said yourself, my lord, that you have much to learn about being a gentleman. Please, let me help.”
“And your wardrobe?” Georgiana asked, too tired to be subtle.
Lavinia’s eyes sparkled. “I’m so glad you brought that up. It would be an embarrassment to my daughters and to you, Lord Ashford if I were seen in last year’s gowns. I’ve already drawn up a modest list. Three evening ensembles, two for daytime appearances, and a walking dress or two for Hyde Park.”
“A modest list,” James said wryly.
Cecily bit her lip. Georgiana rubbed her temple.
“I know I’ve been misunderstood lately,” Lavinia continued with a tremble in her voice that fooled no one. “But surely you don’t mean to deprive me of seeing my youngest presented? It is, after all,mytriumph as well.”
There it was. Not Cecily’s future. Not Georgiana’s labor.Hers.
James raised a hand, echoing Georgiana’s thoughts by saying, “It would reflect poorly if we left her behind. She’s right about that.”
Georgiana stiffened, wanting to fight, but knowing it was futile. Her motherwasright. It would cause talk if they were to arrive without her.
Lavinia smiled like a queen receiving tribute. “I knew you’d seereason. I’m so relieved.”
“And the gowns?” Georgiana asked.
“I’ll keep expenses within reason,” Lavinia said. “I do know how to be practical when I must.”
“That would be a first,” Cecily muttered.
James glanced at Georgiana, then back at Lavinia. “Very well. You make good points. We shall bring you. But understand this, if you cause any trouble to either of your daughters, you will have me to answer to. I’ve fought in wars, Lady Linley, and right now you feel very much like the enemy.”
Lavinia gasped, her cheeks paling. “How dare you speak to me that way. I’m their mother. They may not like that fact or me but it’s true just the same.”
“I’ll speak to you any way I wish, Lady Linley,” James said. “That’s the privilege one has when one is paying the bills. Do see that you keep your dress expenses to a minimum. Whether you can admit it or not, your time as the center of attention is long gone. This is about Cecily. I hope you’ll remember that.”
Lavinia pursed her lips. “Fine. When will we depart?”
“Late April,” James said. “Our wardrobes should be finished by then. Mrs. Ellsworth is finding a suitable rental in London.”
“Mayfair, darling. It must be just right for my Cecily.” Lavinia brightened, clasping her hands together. “Think of all the callers she’ll have. Oh, it’s simply too wonderful.”
Lavinia kissed Cecily’s cheek, floated past Georgiana and flounced from the room as dramatically as she’d entered.
They all sat in stunned silence for a moment.
“She is right,” James said. “We really have no choice. We were kidding ourselves to think otherwise.”
