What sort of man did that?
If not for his lies, that question would’ve been easy to answer.
“And, Miss Leigh, I’ve never seen him go to such lengths to win over a lady before. He is clearly smitten.”
“Of course, he is,” replied Rosanna in a flat tone. “I’m beautiful and have proven myself to be easily manipulated. What more can a man desire in a wife?”
“Not at all.” Mrs. Bracegirdle frowned and turned away, pulling Rosanna along their chosen path. “I have known Mr. Tate for some years now, and I have witnessed how society treats him. He is surrounded by those who will do anything to trap him into marriage. I’ve seen him lied to again and again as ladies have feigned affection when their hearts belonged only to his bank account.”
“So, his solution was to lie to me?”
“I never claimed him to be an intelligent man,” replied Mrs. Bracegirdle with a wry tone. “He is a fool of the highest order, but I assure you his deception was born of stupidity and is not an indication of his worth as a beau.”
Rosanna’s tone matched her companion’s as she said, “And you aren’t here to convince me to forgive him?”
Mrs. Bracegirdle’s cheeks pinked as she laughed. “I suppose I have drifted far from my original intentions. I wished to meet the lady who has so captured Mr. Tate’s attention, not insert myself into your courtship.”
“We are not courting.”
Mrs. Bracegirdle nodded. “Of course not.”
And then the conversation drifted into a weighty silence. Though Mrs. Bracegirdle’s arm remained looped through Rosanna’s, it was stiff, and the lady’s gaze turned to the grass at her feet. Despite the meddling—or perhaps because of it—Rosanna’s heart felt heavy at the discomfort rife in the lady’s posture and reticence.
They were nearing the end of their circular path, and Mrs. Bracegirdle stepped away as though to leave, but Rosanna held tight.
“Is this your first visit to Greater Edgerton?”
Mrs. Bracegirdle glanced at Rosanna with brows raised. “Yes. I met my husband in London, and we remained there for business after we were married. We haven’t had the opportunity to return to his home until now.”
“So, are you from London?” asked Rosanna.
There was a slight pause before the lady answered. “I was born and raised there.”
Rosanna felt like she was holding a cup of tea that was filled to the brim, carefully walking forward so as not to spill it. “And how do you like Greater Edgerton?”
“The country is a bit of a shock after living in the city my entire life, but it is a lovely town.”
Something in the lady’s tone had Rosanna pausing, certain there was something to uncover yet uncertain of how to approach it.
“I am certain you’ve been swarmed by ladies wishing to welcome you into the neighborhood.”
Mrs. Bracegirdle smiled, though it was strained. Almost a grimace. “To be entirely honest, I find it overwhelming. And a tad intimidating.”
Rosanna fought back a huff of laughter. “I cannot believe anyone used to a much larger society would find Greater Edgerton daunting.”
“Contrary to my bold approach just now, I fear I am a natural wallflower,” replied Mrs. Bracegirdle. “I am not at ease in society of any sort. The only reason I introduced myself was because I knew I needed to meet the lady who had ensorcelled Mr. Tate.”
“Ridiculous!” exclaimed Rosanna, pulling the lady to a halt. “You are very lovely, and though we have only just met, I can tell you are an earnest and agreeable young lady. That is not the making of a wallflower.”
Mrs. Bracegirdle stiffened, her brows pinching together. They stood thusly for a long moment as she was gathering her courage to confess some direly important secret.
“Miss Leigh, despite my status afforded me as Mrs. Bracegirdle, I fear that looks are deceiving.” The lady took in a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh, her words spilling out in a rush. “My father is in trade.”
Rosanna waited for something more, but those five words ended in silence. Raising her brows, she asked, “And?”
Mrs. Bracegirdle huffed. “Do not pretend that it isn’t shocking. Though my family is wealthy, my father owns several shops, and since the moment Mr. Bracegirdle married me, it has been made clear to me again and again that I am reaching far above my station. A gentleman doesn’t marry a tradesman’s daughter, after all.”
“Ah,” said Rosanna, her thoughts sifting through what she ought to say, for Mrs. Bracegirdle certainly seemed to think this confession akin to some major sin. “I won’t pretend I do not understand your meaning, Mrs. Bracegirdle. And I assure you Greater Edgerton has pretensions aplenty, but our society is a much broader mix than you’re likely to see in London. Many of the mill owners are self-made men and more akin to tradesmen than gentry, yet they have the wealth and prestige of the upper class. Many may snub you, but that is merely a matter of meeting the right people.”
