Everyone was offering congratulations. Of course, almost everyone had drunk a wee bit too much, so the very popular physician received many hearty slaps on the back as he helped his future bride down from the stage. Even the young men who had only moments ago vied for Minnie’s attention seemed pleased for the couple.
The one person who was unhappy staggered toward Portia. “Are you ready to leave?” hermother said, her proud ostrich feathers now flopping forward. She pushed them to one side. “I am.”
“He’s a good man, Mother.”
Her mother snorted her opinion. “I must leave. General Montheath has been a nuisance all night.”
“I think it is dear that he has carried strong feelings for you all these years,” Portia said, thinking of Colonel Chattan’s request.
“If I’d wanted him years ago, I would have encouraged him. He was nothing like your father. Not half as handsome.”
“But, perhaps, the much better man?” Portia could not resist saying. “After all, he has position and fortune. Two things Father lacked at the end of his life.”
“Your father was a gentleman.”
“So is General Montheath,” Portia answered. “Of course, Father was more handsome, but handsome can’t take care of a woman.”
Those ostrich feathers quivered as her mother’s head snapped around to her. “And what would you know of it? What man do you have following you around? I will wait for you and Minerva outside.”
Several people around them heard Lady Maclean’s charge and now couldn’t help but look at Portia with sympathy.
Feeling humiliated, Portia wished she had bitten her tongue. No good came of ever talking sense to her mother. Lady Maclean refused to see Black Jack Maclean realistically. Not that Portia doubted that her father had been dashing at one time, probably much like Colonel Chattan whom, she noticed, had rejoined the company.
Dear God, she hoped he didn’t hear of this small scene with her mother.
At that moment, thankfully, Mr. Tolliver led a beaming Minnie over to her. Portia gave her sister a huge hug. “I’m so happy for you.” She then turned to Mr. Tolliver. “Sir, you do not waste time.”
“I took your words to heart,” he confessed, his cheeks turning bright with color. “I walked right up to Minnie, apologized, and declared myself. I said I wanted to marry her, just bold as you please. There was a line of men waiting to dance with her. They all heard me.”
“And they heard me shout yes.” Minnie had hold of Mr. Tolliver’s arm in a display of unbridled affection. “I am so fortunate. Thank you, Portia.Thank you.”
“I dislike spoiling the moment,” Portia said, lowering her voice, conscious that many ears were listening, especially after the dust-up with her mother, “but Mother is waiting for us. She wishesto leave. I imagine neither of you said anything to her in private before agreeing to marry?”
Mr. Tolliver started to color, but Minnie quickly declared, “No, we didn’t and I wouldn’t have. She would never have given her approval, Portia. You know that.” She moved closer to Mr. Tolliver. “Understand, I will not let her insult this man. I love him. She should never have interfered in the first place.”
“Agreed,” Portia said. “However, she is waiting outside for us to take her home.”
“Of course I’ll come,” Minnie said. She turned to Mr. Tolliver and gave him one more happy smile. He squeezed her hand.
“I shall call on the morrow,” he promised.
“I shall be waiting,” she answered.
“I am so happy.”
“I am happy as well—”
Portia stepped between them, or else they would be there all night. “Come, dear. We must face Mother.”
“Yes, we’ll be listening to an earful on the ride home.”
Mr. Tolliver made a commiserating sound but let them go.
As she was leaving, Portia had to steal one last look at Colonel Chattan. He stood by the punchtable. He didn’t hold a glass in his hand, which was unusual for any of the males in this group. He was temperate and was still sober. The majority of the other men were not. After having a father such as hers, Portia admired that quality.
And then Lady Emma walked up to him.
Portia looked away.
