“I have.”
“Time is running out,” came another gentle reminder.
“It is.” Lady Orpington’s gaze narrowed on Gwendolyn as if she was still not certain. “She appears presentable. And she doesn’t sound coarse or annoying.” She gave a sniff, a sound echoed by the pup. And then, reaching a decision, she waved a purple gloved hand at Gwendolyn. “Sit in a chair, Miss Lanscarr.”
In truth, Gwendolyn would have happily walked out the door at the “nothing good comes out of Ireland” comment. However, her purpose here was to see what Mr. Steele wished of her. She did believe he would make an appearance—sooner or later. Therefore, she would persevere. And shewouldbe polite. But Lady Orpington had best be careful.
She started for the comfortable-looking chair next to Mrs. Newsome. Lady Orpington redirected her. “Not that one. The one directly across from me.” She pointed at a severe-looking high-backed wooden chair that stood out plainly against the cream-and-gold furnishings of the room. “Prepare everything, Vera.” She directed this comment to Mrs. Newsome.
“Leonard?” Mrs. Newsome said in her fluttery voice to the butler who waited by the door. “Please have the table set up for whist.”
Whist?
Two bewigged footmen in plum livery came forward to carry a gaming table from the wall and set it between Gwendolyn and Lady Orpington.
“Here, take Magpie.” Her ladyship held up the dog to one of the footmen. Magpie, who had been grumbly but docile, came alive. With a growl, she snapped her unhappiness at the footman, who pulled his gloved hand back just in time. “Go on.Take her,” Lady Orpington said. “She needs to wee.”
As if on command, Magpie did exactly that, in the direction of the footman’s chest. To Gwendolyn’s amazement, he calmly took the dog, still weeing, and carried it from the room. The other footmen followed, leaving the women alone.
Lady Orpington acted oblivious to her pet’s actions. Or the urine that was on the plush India carpet covering the floor, not to mention thefootman’s livery. Instead, she reached for a small inlaid chest and set it on the table. She took out a deck of cards, squared them up, and then looked to Gwendolyn. “Shuffle.”
“Because?” Gwendolyn said pointedly. It was high time someone explained what was going on.
Lady Orpington frowned as if confused that Gwendolyn wasn’t jumping to her command. She glanced at Mrs. Newsome, who had set aside her knitting. She gave her cousin a small shrug as if to say she didn’t understand Gwendolyn’s question either.
“Because we are going to play whist,” Lady Orpington snapped out.
Gwendolyn decided directness was best. “Lady Orpington, why am I truly here?”
“Didn’t he tell you?”
“Whotell me?” Gwendolyn wanted to hear her say Mr. Steele’s name.
Lady Orpington did not comply. “I am looking for a whist partner. I now wish to know if you are any good. He claims you are. However, by the looks of you, I doubt it. Too pretty. And you are Irish.”
“Then, obviously, there has been a mistake,” Gwendolyn said coolly, rising to her feet. She was done with this woman’s manner. “Please, if you will have your coach carry me home, I shall remove my Irish self from your presence.”
She would have turned and walked out, but Lady Orpington barked, “You will stay right here.” She looked over to Mrs. Newsome. “Since we have her, we should see what she can do.”
“What if I don’t wish to do anything?” Gwendolyn countered, vastly annoyed with this woman who didn’t speak to her directly except to bark orders.
“Then that will be a disappointment,” Lady Orpington said. “I was assured that you were the partner I needed to defeat Lady Middlebury. Time is running out. Her house party is next week.”
“The Middlebury house party?” The Marquess and Marchioness of Middlebury owned Colemore, rumored to be the finest estate in all of Britain. Their house party was one of the most coveted invitations of the year. Even Gwendolyn knew the significance of it.
“Yes, I need a partner,” Lady Orpington said with the dismissive air of someone who believes a matter to be solved. She began taking off her purple gloves, preparing to play. “Now, shuffle.”
Gwendolyn would not be spoken to as if she was a servant who had to let her ladyship’s dog pee on her. “Tell Mr. Steele that if he wishes to speak to me, he may pay a call.” She turned to go—
“I said you will play.”Lady Orpington’s voice echoed through the room. “If I wish you to play, you will play.”
“Please, Miss Lanscarr,” Mrs. Newsome said as if she hastened to tack on a touch of gratitude to her cousin’s edict. “This game is very important to Lady Orpington. We need to find a partner before next week.”
“Why?” Gwendolyn pushed again, insisting they explain themselves to her.
Lady Orpington blinked several times as if Gwendolyn had splashed water in her face. Apparently no one ever challenged her rudeness. She was surrounded with money, luxury, and servants. Everyone jumped to her command... but not thisIrishUpstart.
Abruptly, Lady Orpington’s manner changed. She gave a snort of laughter. “He told me she wasn’t one to be cowed, and he was right, wasn’t he, Vera? Very well.Please, play, Miss Lanscarr. Let us test your skill on the card table to see if it matches your pride.”
