Speaking kindly to kind people wasn’t the mark of a good person. Treating another as they have treated you was not difficult, and living tit for tat was no true test of character. Facing down cruelty and meeting venom with goodwill took far more strength. How could one claim to be good when that goodness was contingent on others’ behavior?
David knew plenty of people who thought decency was reserved only for those who showed decency in return and that reciprocating poor treatment was the only way to help others see the error of their ways. But that was lunacy. Maintaining the higher ground wasn’t easy and didn’t always gain the victory in the argument, but sinking to a lower level never won the day. Thoughts and behavior couldn’t be badgered or belittled into changing.
But heaven help him, David longed to rail against Mrs. Leigh. Heat swept through him as he stared at the lady, who didn’t notice her daughter marching away. Her treatment of Katherine was inconceivable.
“Benjamin is correct, Mrs. Leigh. Your daughter was there and unmarried, so he is not a ninny,” David managed to say, only when he was certain he wouldn’t say something regrettable.
Mrs. Leigh laughed and waved a hand. “She refused to wear a costume, so she can't have been your Mystery Lady. And even if she had, surely you would know her.”
That explanation was sound enough, but the lady’s flippant dismissal of her daughter sat uneasily with David. Her laughter hadn’t been born from such practical thoughts. But just as he was about to get to his feet and follow after Miss Leigh, Mrs. Tate swept into the room.
“There you are, my dear,” said Mrs. Leigh, rising to greet her daughter as the menfolk did the same. “Mr. Archer is quite determined to speak with you.”
But then, glancing behind Mrs. Tate, Mrs. Leigh frowned. “Didn’t you bring the boys? I long to see them.”
Stiffening, Mrs. Tate met that with a tight smile. “Theyandtheir sisters are at home at present. It’s time for their lessons. Besides, I called on Prudence before coming here, and I didn’t think it was wise to bring a herd of children to her home when she’s feeling so poorly. She has her hands full enough with her brood.”
Benjamin straightened. “What is the matter with her?”
Mrs. Tate waved his concern off as she set down her basket by the door and dropped her gloves into it. “The same thing that troubles most expectant mothers. I brought a tisane that helped me some with Gregor, so I hope it will alleviate some of her discomfort. But I fear she won’t be able to enjoy any of the Michaelmas festivities. Parker insists she needs to remain in bed for some time.”
“Such fuss. Her discomfort is nothing compared to what I suffered bringing you children into the world. Such vexation!” Pausing, Mrs. Leigh’s gaze softened as she looked at Benjamin. “Except for you, my dear boy. You’ve never been anything but a pleasure.”
Benjamin huffed and dropped back into his seat without meeting his mother’s eyes. “David was hoping to speak with you, Rosanna.”
Mrs. Tate’s brows rose as she and her mother took their seats. David joined them and dove into the explanation of the previous night—only omitting how the evening ended between him and the Mystery Lady.
Just thinking of that moment heated his blood, and David had to force himself not to grin like a fool. It wasn’t as though he’d been a wilting flower before; he was well acquainted with flirtations and little tokens of affection, but the kiss he’d shared with his Mystery Lady had outshone all other experiences, leaving all the others as naught but pale comparisons. Mere shadows.
“And you do not know her identity?” asked Mrs. Tate. “But what hints did she give? Is she from Greater Edgerton or a town roundabout?”
David shifted in his seat. “I do not believe she said either way.”
Mrs. Tate nodded with a puzzled frown. “Was she familiar with my family? Our invitation list was long, and not everyone was a close friend of ours.”
“She didn’t say directly, but it was clear that she knew me by reputation if nothing else.”
David scoured his memory for any other tidbit he had gleaned that might indicate her identity, but adoring music and reading were hardly noteworthy. But then, that was part of the appeal of their conversation. They had spoken together as though they were already dear friends, glossing over the inconsequential and diving straight at the heart of things.
However, David couldn’t help but feel a pang of discomfort when he realized how much of that conversation had revolved around himself and his interests. But then, he hadn’t expected her to disappear so suddenly.
“I recall seeing your Mystery Lady,” said Mrs. Tate with a furrowed brow. “But I cannot remember greeting her when she arrived at the party. There were a few ladies with simpler costumes, like what you describe, but I cannot say for certain that any of them fit your description of her. And there are many of our guests whose fancy dress, or lack thereof, I cannot recall.”
“I will take any guidance you can offer,” said David.
“Miss Hooper meets the costuming criteria the best, though I do not think she matches in any other fashion. Sweet girl, but she’s very young and incredibly timid. And I do not believe you are acquainted with her at all.”
David shook his head, but that did not signify anything. He may not know her, but that did not mean she was ignorant of him. Wallflowers saw all, and many of them embraced that role because of a natural propensity towards timidity. So, a quiet stranger was a possibility.
Mrs. Tate tapped a finger on her lips. “But if I had to guess based on personality, I would say Miss Seward or Miss Lyons—”
“Miss Seward was dressed as a queen,” interjected Mrs. Leigh. “Her gown was quite gaudy and not easily mistaken for anything else.”
Nodding, Mrs. Tate amended, “Miss Lyons, Miss Heber—”
“She was otherwise occupied with Mr. Brookman much of the evening,” said Benjamin.
Mrs. Tate gave her brother a narrowed look and sighed. “Am I going to finish my list or am I going to be interrupted every other word?”
