“That is precisely why it is ten days. I want talk to be of how happy Lady Cassandra and I are.”
“They will talk regardless,” she insisted. “And they will talk abouther.”
“They will talk under my roof,” George said calmly. “Which allows me to control the narrative. You should be pleased that I thought of this.”
“Your sister is far too pleased by it.”
“I am indeed,” Philippa said unabashedly. “It is our home. People will finally see it as alive again.”
George glanced at his sister then, noting the brightness in her expression. She had been good with everything that had happened, even though it jeopardized her own prospects, and he wanted to show his appreciation for that.
“You may act as hostess, if you please.”
Her eyes widened.
“Truly? Do you think that I am ready for that?”
“Yes. It is time that you practiced all of those skills you learned in finishing school.”
Philippa threw her arms around him, thanking him profusely. The Dowager Duchess made a sound of deep displeasure, one that they both ignored.
“This is a mistake,” she muttered quietly enough that Philippa would not hear.
“Hosting is expected,” George replied. “And Philippa must learn.”
“At the expense of propriety.”
“On the contrary, she is the most proper of the three of us,” he corrected, before turning to their housekeeper. “Ensure the east wing is prepared. We will require additional staff, and the library and music room must be opened.”
“The music room?” Philippa asked eagerly. “Do you think she will play?”
“If she wishes. If not, there will be other young ladies that will be willing to play for us.”
The Dowager Duchess folded her arms. He knew that there would be no pleasing her, and so he did not take her demeanor personally. It was how he had had to be for years, for she never seemed satisfied with anything.
“You are assuming a great deal of compliance from a young woman who has demonstrated very little.”
“I am assuming nothing,” George said. “I am providing an opportunity. She may do with it as she pleases.”
Philippa glanced between them, sensing the friction.
“I, for one, like her,” she said suddenly.
It was not the best thing for her to say, but before their grandmother could say anything a footman appeared in the doorway.
“Your Grace, the steward wishes to confirm the arrangements for the opening dinner.”
“Tell him to proceed as discussed,” George said.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
When the door closed again, the Dowager Duchess spoke softly.
“You are building a stage for that girl. She is going to come here and she will refuse to play her part no matter what you do.”
“I think she will surprise you,” Philippa said carefully.
George tried in vain to conceal his smile, knowing that Lady Cassandra had already surprised him enough.
