“I’ll do it.” Miss Walker lifted her chin. “And ask someone to dry those puddles you’ve brought in.” She strode from the room.
Southey watched her go before returning his attention to my new lace trim.
The attorney ran his hand up the back of his wet head. “Well, I guess I’ll go clean up.” He moved just as Miss Smith did, the two almost bumping into each other. He moved left just as she moved right. He went right as she stepped left.
Miss Smith stepped back, sighing heavily. “This won’t do. ‘And Benjamin, among the stars, beheld a dancing, and a glancing, such retreating and advancing—’”
“—‘As, I ween, was never seen, in bloodiest battle since the day of Mars,’” Mr. Evans finished.
Miss Smith’s eyebrows shot up. “You read modern poetry?”
Mr. Evans arched his own dark eyebrow. “I may not have attended Eton, Miss Smith, but even us lowly solicitors enjoy reading. In fact, it is what we are best trained to do.”
Miss Smith crossed her arms over her chest. “Clearly. An Eton man would know to formally request a dance. And provide some music.”
“Next time then.” The attorney swept a magnificent leg, bowing deeply, with his arm extended to allow her to pass.
Miss Smith’s lips twitched as she walked past him to the sideboard.
“Good evening,” Mr. Evans said to the rest of us, and left the room, a trail of water following after him.
“Well, at least we’ve had some entertainment.” Lady Havenstone pursed her lips. “And that Miss Walker seems awfully familiar with the household doings of Perrin Manor.”
Her husband nudged her, and jerked his head toward Miss Smith. “I’msureit’s just the familiarity from living so close to Perrin Manor.”
The lady colored. “Oh, yes, I’m certain you’re right, of course.”
“Don’t be certain on my account.” Miss Smith picked up a napkin and unfolded it. She returned to my chair and knelt beside Southey. “While I am only a guest in this house, MissWalker can be as familiar as she wishes.” She took a bit of this evening’s dinner from the napkin, a chunk of overcooked chicken, and fed it to the dog.
Southey wolfed it down, not seeming to mind the inferior cooking.
Lady Havenstone scooted to the edge of her seat. “But aren’t you to become the mistress of this house? Heed my warning, a neighbor like that will be trouble.”
And if the baroness hadn’t looked so gleeful at the idea of said trouble, her warning might have had greater effect.
Miss Smith finished feeding Southey and refolded the napkin. “Nothing is settled as yet.” She rose to her feet. “I’m going to check on my father. The last time he played billiards, he broke his cue stick in anger.” With a nod and a tight smile, she departed.
I shook my foot, dislodging Southey. The girl didn’t seem as eager to wed an earl as I would have expected. But Perrin was over twice her age. I could see how that would be hard on a young woman.
Lady Havenstone sat back in her chair. “My advice was well-intended.” She lifted her chin.
Lord Havenstone patted her shoulder before making his own exit. Mr. Taylor and Bertram began making their excuses until only I and Lady Havenstone remained.
“Well, this is the dreariest party I’ve ever attended.” Lady Havenstone poked at the bowl of nuts next to her and picked out an almond. “Though we have days yet. It could become more lively.”
“Yes.” Or it could be a full week of tedium. I wondered how Jane, my lady’s maid, was spending her time. She was bound to have better conversation than this. It was times like these that had me especially missing my club. The Minerva Club was neverlacking in interesting conversation. I had just resolved to retire myself when Miss Smith hurried back in, dropping onto a settee.
Southey trotted over to her and sniffed her feet.
My eyebrows drew together. “Are you all right? You look quite flushed.”
Miss Smith smiled tightly. “I’m quite well.” She bent and picked up the dog, settling him on her lap.
Mr. Taylor strolled in, and Miss Smith tensed.
Ah. More unwanted advances from the secretary. That man had more bollocks than brains if he made an avid pursuit of his employer’s affianced. It almost made me respect the man.
Mr. Taylor wandered about the room, adjusting a picture, poking at the fire. When he came near my seat, he picked up the knife that lay on the side table. “You couldn’t get anyone to join you in throwing practice, Lady Mary?” A smile curved his lips.
