That she washis.
Letitia, for all her bravado, was still a woman of the ton. She knew that beingunwelcomein a house of this standing was no small thing. Her eyes darted to Christopher, silently pleading for intervention.
“We will not impose further.” Christopher exhaled through his nose before rising stiffly to his feet.
Letitia’s expression soured, but she knew better than to argue with Simon. She turned back to Rachel, her smile tight and forced.
“Well, it seems you have found yourself quite theprotectivehusband.”
“Indeed,” she replied coolly. “And I suggest you remember that the next time you wish to insult me.”
Letitia muttered something under her breath.
Marina stepped forward hesitantly, quick to break the tension.
“I will see you soon?” she asked quietly, her voice almost pleading.
Rachel’s heart softened instantly. Marina, at least, had never been part of the cruelty.
“Yes,” Rachel said with a small smile. “I will accompany you to the next ball.”
“Truly?” Marina’s eyes widened.
“We will both be in attendance. And I expect you to introduce me to these suitors of yours,” Rachel nodded.
Marina flushed, glancing nervously at Letitia. “Oh, well?—”
Letitia rolled her eyes. “If you must waste your time on a baron and asecondson of a viscount, then by all means, parade them about.”
Rachel turned to Marina, ignoring Letitia entirely. “If they are kind to you, that is all that matters.”
Marina squeezed her hands, her gratitude evident.
Christopher, sensing the conversation was over, inclined his head toward Simon. “Your Grace.”
Simon did not bow, nor did he offer any parting pleasantries.
Letitia was the first to make her exit, dramatically as always. Rachel wondered if she was acting like this because she felt threatened by her now.
Christopher followed his daughter.
Marina was slower. She gave a final smile to her sister and then hugged her goodbye.
“I am sorry about all of this,” Marina whispered in her ear before leaving.
Now the two of them were finally alone. A silence fell between them.
Rachel turned to Simon. She should say something about what had just happened. It was embarrassing how often this sort of thing occurred with her family.
He was still watching her.
“You always stand up for me in front of my family,” she noted.
“Only because you do not stand up for yourself,” he replied. “You need to stop letting them get away with their petty taunts.”
“Old habits die hard.” She smiled, though it did not reach her eyes.
“Old habits need to be removed,” he told her. “Next time, I want to see you being firmer.”
