“She informed me she would make her own decisions. I’m certain she is disappointed he isn’t here tonight.”
Dara was not going to correct Gwendolyn’s assumption. “I will discuss her behavior with her.” She would not let Mr. Brogan divide her family.
Of course, how to approach Elise? All of them were headstrong. However, the attention Elise had been receiving had caused her to start taking on airs. She was becoming quite full of herself.
Gwendolyn found it annoying. Tweedie had even corrected Elise a time or two. However, Dara had remained quiet. Elise was young and, right now, the beauty of the Season. What was wrong with a woman feeling a bit of her own power?
Except, as exciting as the London Social Season had sounded back in Wicklow, to actually participate in it was tiring. They saw the same people repeatedly. No wonder thetonseemed to live for gossip. It broke the monotony. Several said this Season had not yet had a good scandal... and it was Dara’s intent that she and her sisters not create one.
Chapter Ten
Ladies do not pursue gentlemen.
The Rules (according to Dara)
Oh, please, we all chase each other.
Tweedie’s aside
Mr. Brogan had obeyed Dara’s command to not call on the house on Willow Street. He might have been glimpsed at one of the parties, but he did not approach them, to Elise’s disappointment.
Whenever Elise expressed concern over Mr. Brogan’s sudden aloofness, Dara changed the subject. She would not even mention his name. She also didn’t confess about the kiss, even to Gwendolyn or Tweedie. It was her secret, and it was one that wouldn’t let her go.
She lay in bed in the room she shared with Elise, listening to her sister’s untroubled slumbers, while she tried to remember the minutest details about that kiss.
Mr. Brogan had smelled of the night air, the earthiness of the willow wood, and ginger. Hugging her pillow, she smiled at the thought. She’d long noticed his shaving soap had a manly spiciness that celebrated cloves and ginger. Or was that scent just unique to him?
His arms had been strong. There was no padding beneath his jacket. And even though he was almost a head taller than her, they had fit together nicely.
And thinking this waywas not sane. Because, every day, Elise hoped for him to call.
Dara believed that, in time, Elise would eventually stop looking for him. Someone else would capture her heart. That was Dara’s hope.
As for herself? Dara tried not to think on her future. She would marry. Eventually. It might not be a duke. A Season in London meeting real dukes had destroyed her illusions of them. They were men, like all the others. Although, they were, perhaps, a tad more disappointing since they were indulged by one and all.
Meanwhile, life went on with social engagements, gentleman callers at three o’clock every afternoon, services on Sunday, and trips to the lending library.
All seemed as if it would be fine, until Elise came down the stairs on Monday afternoon, dressed for going out.
Dara was annoyed. “Elise, it is a quarter pasttwo. Our doors will open to callers shortly. Are you intending to return in time? You are also taking Tweedie or Molly with you?” Dara didn’t see anyone following Elise.
Elise put on her gloves before confronting Dara’s questions as if it took great courage. “I’m not going to be here for callers. Lady Whitby will be by shortly to pick me up.”
“For what? And for how long?” Lady Whitby’s salons were rumored to take hours. “We are due at Lord Freeman’s musicale this evening. He has an Italian singer in.”
Elise answered as if she could no longer contain herself. “Idon’tknow if I will be available to attend. Lady Whitby is hosting the Reverend Roland Hastings, who will discuss his views on education for the poor in this country and I wish to hear him. Dara,Ineed to speak to people aboutissuesthat matter. I’m exhausted talking about dress patterns and asking puffed-up men about the weather.”
Gwendolyn had started down the stairs, a book in her hand. She stopped halfway to listen.
Dara made a commiserating noise. “I grow tired of mindless chatter myself. However, we have replied to Lord Freeman’s invitation. He is expecting us.” He had told Dara he was most anxious Gwendolyn and Elise attend because he wanted them to meet his nephew from the country. The extremely wealthy nephew was rumored to have a most unfortunate lisp and an overbearing sense of self-importance. Dara had kept that information to herself or else her sisters would never have agreed to attend. She seemed to be collecting secrets.
“Then you will have to make my regrets,” Elise answered as if it was a simple matter.
“You should have told me sooner. Or at least warned me of what you were thinking.”
“I didn’t because I feared you would carry on this way. I can’t sit on the settee for another afternoon and listen to gentlemen drone on about themselves. I need tothink.”
Or was she going to chase after Michael Brogan? That was Dara’s first suspicion.
