She never meant to embarrass any of her family, but that was all she seemed capable of doing for the past few months.
“I didn’t plan on jumping in the lake, Mama.” She hoped she could coax her mother into better spirits. “Although the water did manage to rid me of those dratted ringlets Tinsdale gave me earlier.”
Lady Ravensdale moaned. “My darling girl, if Tinsdale isnot your maid, then what are we to do with her? She has given her entire life to help me raise you children. She has no family of her own and is now past her most productive years. I fear she would decline if there were no purpose in her life. What would you have me do with her?”
“She could beyourmaid,” Natalie said, deadpan.
“Oh, do be serious.”
“I am being serious, Mother! If you do not wish to have her as your maid, why ever would I?”
This silenced her mother. Natalie took the opportunity to further her cause. “Perhaps Father could settle a pension upon her—set her up in a charming cottage somewhere?” The words landed between she and her mother with a thump. Natalie regretted them as soon as they left her lips.
“You know we cannot.” Her mother stood, signaling an end to their conversation. “But I will discuss the situation with your father, and he might assist us in finding a better solution to her employment.”
As annoying as her parents could be at times, she never, ever, doubted their love. “Thank you, Mama.” She rushed into her mother’s arms with the intent to reassure her. “And please, do not fret for me. Soon this summer will be over, and then we can go to London for the Little Season. We can shop and make visits and not feel as though we must wallow in the country hiding my shame.”
Her mother put one hand on Natalie’s cheek. “I have never been ashamed of you, my dear. A little embarrassed, perhaps, on a few occasions”—her smile was watery—“but never ashamed.”
Natalie blinked away a few tears. “Thank you, Mama.” She hoped her papa felt the same.
Calm and at peace,Natalie felt unusually graceful as she stepped into the drawing room just before dinner. It was not the dress. It was not the loose chignon Tinny had assisted her with. Nor was it the new pair of gold slippers she wore. No, something inside her had shifted. She was not even embarrassed over the incident at the garden party.
In a distracted manner, she fidgeted with the glass of wine handed to her by one of the footmen and wondered if this was what it felt like to grow up.
Little matters, once so important to her, suddenly seemed trivial.
Very grown-up emotions made themselves known tonight, most evoked by Lord Hawthorne.
Natalie had seen a bleakness in his ebony eyes when he pulled her out of the water. He’d been frightened for her, as though he actuallycaredabout her.
Which was preposterous, considering his reputation. The man had admitted to consorting with experienced widows, dancers, and opera singers. Natalie was an inexperienced debutante. The extent of her sensual experience could not even fill a thimble, for heaven’s sake.
But she could not dismiss what she’d seen in his eyes. Was it merely the effect one felt in the aftermath of a harrowing situation? Would he have viewed Miss Penelope Crone or Miss Abigail Wright with the same gentle sensitivity? The thought alone made something dark and cold curl within her chest.
Ha! Caring indeed! It seemed to her that she might be the one with the unfortunate affliction.
Spotting Miss Crone and Miss Wright sitting on the large wing chairs near the grand fireplace, Natalie approached them with a polite smile and greeting. The ladies stood anxiously, and Miss Wright reached out both of her hands to Natalie.
“Oh, my lady, I do hope you are feeling well after your frightening experience this afternoon? And the little pup, hashe recovered too?” Natalie allowed the lady to grasp both of her hands. The fact that Miss Wright included Baby Bear in her concern raised Natalie’s regard of her immediately.
“Thank you. And yes, Baby Bear and I are both unscathed by this afternoon’s events.” In fact, this very minute Mrs. Tinsdale was likely spoiling the little imp.
Miss Wright smiled. It brought a prettiness to her that Natalie hadn’t noticed earlier. “Baby Bear is his name? How adorable! I have always wanted a pet, but my mother is allergic and could never tolerate an animal in the house.”
Miss Crone rolled her eyes. “Your mother—” She paused for effect. “—barely tolerates other humans about—” A warning look from Miss Wright silenced her comment, so Natalie changed the subject.
“Do, let’s sit. I do believe summer has arrived.” Natalie fluttered her ivory fan before smiling and turning her attention to Penelope. “Did my brother charm you? Please tell me he didn’t bore you with statistics and economics. He tends to get carried away conversing on agricultural outputs and trading prices.”
Penelope answered in all seriousness. “He was quite charming, but yes, in fact, that is exactly what we discussed. Why would such a topic be considered boring?”
Miss Wright smiled at her cousin. “I’m sure Penelope instigated the topic herself.” Ruefully, she added, “Penelope avoids anything resembling flirtation or romance when a gentleman dares attempt such with her. She is determined to remain unmarried.”
“And what of you, Miss Wright?” Natalie ventured. “Did you find it necessary to avoid the duke’s advances?”
With that, Miss Abigail Wright gave her a sideways accusatory stare. “You were very wicked to pair me with Monfort. A duke, no less! What was I to do when plunked down in a boat with aduke, of all things, for nearly forty minutes? What does a grown woman, one who is for all intentsand purposes on the shelf, speak of with a duke? Very naughty indeed, Lady Natalie,” she admonished again. But Natalie’s curiosity was aroused.
“Whatdoesa woman who is practically on the shelf discuss with a duke for forty minutes, Miss Wright?”
