Her ladyship gave a trill of laughter as she walked into the room. She took a seat without invitation. “One must be early when they realize their dear friends have news to share.”
Dear friends?Knowing how spiteful Lady Byrne was, Dara’s first thought was the fear her ladyship had heard about Elise leaving. Dara and Gwendolyn sat on the settee across from her.
Then, to Dara’s relief, Lady Byrne clarified her meaning. “I hear we should wish you happy? Your betrothal to MP Brogan? It is all anyone could talk about last night. Such a juicy bit of gossip, especially since I left here yesterday believing all was lost.” She paused, and then she asked slyly, “Is it true he and Lord Holsworthy had a terrible row over you?”
Dara frowned. She had no idea what Lady Byrne was talking about. Neither did Gwendolyn, who had the good sense to say, “I fear we have not made Lord Holsworthy’s acquaintance.”
Lady Byrne’s eyes brightened. “You do not know Lord Holsworthy? Why, Mr. Brogan is his heir. The earl of Holsworthy is one of the wealthiest men in England. Certainly you knew about Mr. Brogan’s expectations.” She leaned forward as if she had the power to ferret out the truth from them.
She didn’t.
“One should not brag about expectations,” Dara responded sweetly, relying on one of her “rules.”
Lady Byrne’s smile widened to show her full set of teeth. “Apparently they made a spectacle of themselves in Brooks with Lord Holsworthy shouting that he would not support a match. In fact, the betting book in that establishment and others are rumored to predict that you will not marry.” She made a sound as if dismissing those rumors. “Men and their wagers. So ridiculous. Ah, but then, you understand. You are a gambler’s daughters. I wonder what your father would have wagered.”
Dara was speechless and a touch horrified by all the gossip surrounding her. Gwendolyn was not. She gave Lady Byrne her own serene smile and said, “That is a mystery since he is not here to share his opinion. As for us, we can let you know the chances of success after considering both sides of the issue. That’s what gamblers do.”
“And?” Lady Byrne prodded.
“I would never wager against my sister Dara.”
Dara wanted to cheer.
Lady Byrne was undeterred. “Lord Holsworthy threatened to disown Mr. Brogan if he married Miss Dara. It would be a pity to give up an earldom.”
There wasn’t much Dara didn’t know aboutSociety. Studying it had become her life’s work for the last year. “A man can’t disinherit a legitimate heir. The Crown makes those decisions.”
“The Crown does not control the money or any land that isn’t entailed,” Lady Byrne replied. “It would be a pity if you claimed such a catch only to find yourself poor.”
Gwendolyn spoke up. “Dara and Mr. Brogan are a love match. Money is of no importance to you, is it, Dara?”
“Oh, no,” Dara agreed, wide-eyed. “I admire Mr. Brogan for his personality. We’d be happy in a cottage in Wicklow, all tucked in around a peat fire.” Let her spread rumors about that statement.
Lady Byrne stared at her as if that was the most outrageous thing she’d ever heard any woman say. However, she’d accomplished what she’d set out to do—delivering insults while prying for information. “Well, then, you will have a fine future after Mr. Brogan gives up a fortune for you.” She rose. “I rushed over here because I believed you should be warned about what is being said. As a mother, it has been difficult to watch you girls struggle. Thank you for accepting my call, even so early.”
Dara and Gwendolyn had stood with her. Gwendolyn matched her false tone with one of her own. “We always enjoy a visit with you, my lady. Please, give our best to Helen and Sophie.”
“Oh, I will.”
As soon as Herald closed the door behind their guest, Gwendolyn mimicked Lady Byrne as if the lady were among her friends. “Can you believe she did not know he would become an earl?”
Dara clutched her chest theatrically and responded, “Those Lanscarr sisters aresonaive. Such apitythey don’t understand Society.”
And then the two of them collapsed into laughter, and it felt good. After all the stress of the past day, Dara needed the release. They were loud enough that Tweedie came downstairs to see what was so humorous. Soon she was laughing with them.
Dara was the first to sober. She glanced around at the group of them, and keenly felt Elise’s loss.
They noticed her expression. Gwendolyn said, “It isn’t your fault. Elise has always been headstrong, just like we are.”
Dara paused a moment and then confessed, “I’m beginning to wish we never came to London.”
“You?”Tweedie said.
Dara nodded. “I didn’t anticipate that this venture would divide us.” She drew a deep breath and then made her decision. “I am going to refuse the offer. I can cry off, and it will not reflect poorly on Mr. Brogan.”
Her announcement was met with silence.
Gwendolyn exchanged unspoken thoughts with Tweedie and then said, “Is that what youtruly wish to do? Or are you just so desperate for peace with Elise?”
