Letitia blinked. That wasn’t the response she had expected.
“I remember it very clearly,” Rachel continued, folding her hands in front of her, “Because that was also the year Father decided I wouldn’t be debuting at all. He said it was more practical to save the expense and invest it in yours instead.”
“Well, that was not…” Christopher mumbled, looking embarrassed. His gaze darted towards Simon and then back to the ground. “That was a while ago now.”
“Either way,” Rachel smiled sweetly, “you did look nice in that gown, Letitia. Even if it was at the cost of my own.”
Letitia’s jaw worked. For once, she had no witty retort. She looked to Christopher, but the old man simply continued to train his gaze on the floor, unable to offer her any support.
There had been a time when that memory would’ve burned her. But now, it no longer held any power over Rachel. Her life had given her more blessings than she could count, and there was no use thinking about the past.
“Well, you managed perfectly fine, didn’t you?” Letitia replied finally in her usually sarcastic manner, and then, as if remembering not to offend Rachel, she changed her tone to one that was sickly sweet. “No debut, and now you are married to a man of title.”
“Yes, I suppose it all worked out for me.” Rachel returned the faux-smile. She could tell that Letitia was seething that she was not the one in this position instead.
So, Rachel decided to have a little more fun with that. Rachel turned her gaze to Marina, who had remained silent for the most part.
“Marina’s debut will be grand,” Rachel announced. “The finest musicians, the best chefs, no expenses spared. A far cry from Father’s ‘practical budgeting’ days.”
”No expense spared?” Letitia’s brows lifted, curiosity peeking through the crack in her pride.
Rachel could see the question brewing behind her sister’s eyes. Letitia had always prided herself on having had the grandest debut among them, so Rachel could see a flicker of jealousy dancing behind the practiced smile.
“None,” Rachel said. “My husband insists.”
“As I should,” Simon said smoothly, sliding his hand over Rachel’s. “It’s only fitting after all. Marina is like a sister to me as well.”
Letitia frowned, clearly not hearing the answer that she had been expecting.
“You seem quite set on giving her the grandest of debuts.” Her tone changed. Rachel wondered if she had switched course when she realized it was no longer beneficial for her to be snarky. “Of course, I wouldn’t mind helping if needed. I did have quite the debut after all.”
“How generous of you, Letitia.” Rachel arched a brow, biting back a smile. She was trying to get the upper hand again—it could not be more blatant.
“I’m sure there must be some area where I can offer guidance,” Letitia pressed on, not wanting to waste the opportunity. “Perhaps with the guest list? Which families might be… worth inviting?”
“You seem very invested,” Rachel commented. “I have never seen you take such an interest in our affairs. Or rather, affairs that do not relate to anyone but yourself.”
“It’s not every day one’s younger sister is presented to society,” Letitia defended herself. “Besides, I’m certain I still have my contacts from my Season, though I imagine some of them have married now. Or moved up.”
“Or moved on,” Simon murmured under his breath. Rachel gave his hand a warning squeeze.
“It’s kind of you to offer, Letitia,” Rachel smiled, “but everything is already arranged. Marina’s wardrobe is being designed in London, the invitations are being engraved, and we’ve already booked the musicians. It’s all in motion now.”
Letitia’s jealousy was painted across her face, but she did not respond. Only pursed her lips.
“I’ve left nothing to chance,” Rachel added to really make her point known. “She will have every advantage. Still, thank you for the offer. It’s always nice to know we have support.”
What Rachel really wanted to say wasWe do not depend on you anymore.All those years where her own family had let her down repeatedly were finally behind her.
“Of course,” Letitia pursed her lips.
Rachel saw the shift, like she finally had the realization that the balance between them had changed permanently.
Letitia had once stood at the center of their father’s attention, and Rachel had been the afterthought. Now, Rachel was a duchess, and Letitia was watching from the sidelines.
Rachel was enjoying herself far more than she ought to. It was a bit cruel, perhaps, to taunt Letitia like this, but it felt deeply satisfying after years of enduring the same kind of treatment from her.
“And what about you, Letitia?” she asked sweetly. “Have you any news to share? Anyone special on the horizon?”
