Chapter Eighteen
Millydid not ride in the park the following morning, or the two after that. She did not take morning callers, nor did she leave the house. In fact, she was tempted to get into her carriage and leave London, and would have, were it not for her aunt.
“We are going to Lord and Lady Shubert’s garden party today, Millicent, and do not try any of your excuses on me. We are going. I have quite made up my mind.”
They were taking breakfast in the pretty little lemon parlor, which was another favorite of Milly’s. She loved the dainty roses on the curtains, and the way the sun streamed through the windows early in the morning. There was not much she did not like about this house, possibly because it belonged to her alone.
“Oh, Aunt, must we?” Milly sighed. “They are usually such extravagant affairs, and Lady Shubert will coo and gush over me, simply because I have added some spice to her party.”
“Millicent Lawrence!”
Milly looked at her aunt. She was not happy; in fact, when her lips drew into a line like that, it meant she was furious.
“You are not now, nor have you ever been, some freak in a carnival!”
“Aunt!”
“You are a Marquess’s daughter, and you need to act like one. These people are your equals. So enough of your moping and sulks. We are going, and I will hear no more on the matter.”
“Must I?”
“I have allowed you to stay inside for days, receiving no visitors, but enough is enough!”
“Very well, if I must. But I refuse to stay all day.”
“Excellent, we will leave when we are both ready. I have had your maid lay out the pale blue silk.”
“But that is very... very….” Milly searched for the right word.
“Revealing? Figure hugging? Yes, to both, and as yours is a particularly lovely figure, you shall wear it.”
“Do not set your heart on me finding a husband, Aunt, it will not happen,” Milly said, disliking the look in her eyes.
“I know what you have said, but I can still hope, especially as Lord Ellsworth is still single.”
“There is nothing between us, nor will there ever be. In fact, I have heard his name connected to another,” Milly said, disliking the fact that her heart beat a little faster at the mention of Joseph’s name.
“I have not heard anything,” her aunt declared. “Remember, he is an ally, Milly. He has not said a word against you in my company, nor has he shunned you, when he very well could have. Perhaps you could be nicer to him.”
“I am nice.”
Her aunt made a humming sound but said nothing further.
Why she was upset over his engagement, she did not know. After all, he was nothing to her. What had happened between them on the carriage journey here was forgotten. A lapse in judgment from both of them.
“Lord, will you look at poor Lady Shubert’s butler. He has on a leather vest and Viking helmet. Surely a man of his age and position should not be forced into such a costume.”
Joseph followed his brother-in-law’s gaze to where the man stood. He did look uncomfortable.
“Do you remember that year they were Grecian themed? Miss Tuttle fainted at the sight of the footman’s bronzed chest.”
“Yes, but it was a very deliberate faint, into his arms,” Charles said.
“Why do we come?” Joseph asked.
“It’s like a carriage accident, you have to look.”
“Charming.”
