Bertie scoffed.
Silas raised an eyebrow. “You disagree?”
“I know nothing of the society you experienced in the Sudan, but I’ve found society here to be its own kind of warfare.”
“Oh?” Mira said.
“Underneath the trappings of polite society, there is a calculated ruthlessness,” he said. “For instance, one could describe the conversations here as idle gossip or one could liken it to a type of reconnaissance. The socialites who know the most are the most dangerous, and there is a strategy in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.”
“I’ve never thought of it that way,” Mira said.
Silas clapped Bertie on the shoulder. “And there’s always the rivalry that comes from pursuing the same debutante, eh?”
“I wouldn’t put it that way.” Bertie’s demeanor chilled and he stepped away from Silas. “If you’ll excuse me.” He gave a short bow and left the group.
“An odd duck, that one,” Silas said.
“He hasn’t been the same since his brother died,” Maureen said with a sigh. “Killed in the war last year, poor man.”
“Yes, quite sad,” Silas said, pulling out his pocket watch. “I think I’ll pop out for a bit of fresh air, if you ladies don’t mind. It’s getting a bit stuffy in here.”
The room was warm, although less so now that the numbers had dwindled some. It appeared the families with younger children had left.
“Oh, of course. Please do,” Maureen said.
Silas tucked his watch away and left their company.
“He’s so interesting,” Maureen said. “I can’t imagine why Theresia doesn’t like him.”
“You mean, in a courting sense or generally?” Mira asked.
“Both. I mean, if you don’t like someone generally, how would you ever withstand a courtship with them? Of course, I’ve never been courted myself, and likely never will, so who am I tosay anything.”
“Don’t say that. You’re not even twenty yet.”
“Oh, I don’t mean because of my age or looks or anything like that. No. I simply don’t think Admiral Hoddle is over-keen on my meeting any eligible men.”
“Why do you say that?” Mira lowered her voice. “He isn’t misusing your estate, is he?”
“Heavens, no. He doesn’t have any real access to the trust at all. That’s all handled by my father’s solicitor. No, it’s just a feeling I get whenever we talk about my getting married or moving. I think he may just be attached to my aunt’s house here in Bath. Which is strange, since he’s only been living there a month or so.”
“That reminds me,” Mira said. “I had meant to ask you to introduce him to me.”
“I’d be happy to.” Maureen linked her arm with Mira’s and looked about the room. “I’m not sure where I saw him last.”
“He was near the fireplace earlier.”
“Oh, that’s right. On his third whiskey, if I remember correctly. He’s not there now.” Maureen picked up a plate from the table. “Perhaps we should bring him a peace offering.”
They took a few minutes to sample and comment on the refreshments before making their way around the room. They passed Theresia and the Risewells as they walked.
“Why do you think she dislikes him?”
“Who?” Maureen asked.
“Theresia and Silas. You said it was a general dislike. I wondered why.”
“Clash of personalities, I suppose. Although, I think I already told you that Theresia doesn’t really like any of her suitors. We aren’t close enough for me to ask why, and even if we were, I don’t know if she’d tell me.”
