Tilly took another sip of tea to keep from rolling her eyes. Yes, Prudence was married to a baron and now wore gaudy, jewel spattered gowns, but that did not put her on level with a duke. Tilly was a bit jealous her sister had met Lord James, though. Their London homes shared a garden wall, but she had yet to set eyes on him. Prudence had not only seen him, but had been introduced.
“Was he handsome, though, dear?” Missus Clarke asked.
Prudence shrugged. “If you care for that sort of overdone, devil-may-care look and unfashionably dark attire. My Erwin would never be caught in anything so drab.” Prudence angled her nose farther into the air. “I’ll tell you one thing about him, he was quite rude.”
Tilly sighed. There was another person who’d met Prudence before her. Another who would dislike Tilly by association.
“Tilly, what did I tell you about sighing in company?” her mother snapped.
Tilly blinked. Now she was noticed again? “Not to.”
“That is correct.” Mother offered one of her more formidable frowns. “You can’t make proper conversation. You speak without being spoken to. Now, you have sighed. I think you must excuse yourself and go to your room. It’s time for you to consult your etiquette handbook once more. After Missus Clarke leaves, I shall examine you on it.”
Tilly set down her tea and bounced to her feet in a rustle of rose-colored muslin. Finally, she was excused.
“Oh no, Mama, I know you have more important concerns,” Prudence said. She cast Tilly a vindictive smirk. “I will examine Tilly on her manners.”
Mother smiled at Prudence. “Thank you, dear. It a blessing to have a considerate daughter in the house again.” She turned back to Tilly with a shooing gesture. “Run along now, Tilly.”
“Yes, Mother.” Tilly curtsied to Missus Clarke, who offered a grave nod. Ignoring Prudence’s smug expression, Tilly marched from the parlor.
