A pause. Then Lady Provie’s mouth curved faintly. “How charming. Though I suppose that depends on whether the teaching is effective.”
Gabriel exhaled slowly, his patience already thinning. “She is competent.”
“That is not what I asked.”
He leaned back slightly, studying her. “And I believe I have answered sufficiently.”
Lady Provie set her cup down with deliberate care. “Gabriel, I have traveled a considerable distance. I do not intend to be told I must wait until dinner to see a woman whose name is already circulating through half of London.”
“Then perhaps London should concern itself with more meaningful pursuits,” he replied dryly.
“London never does,” she said, “ which is precisely why one must take caution.”
Gabriel rose from his chair, moving toward the mantel as though distance might improve his mood. “She is not a scandal, Aunt. She is employed here.”
Lady Provie’s gaze followed him with sharp interest. “A runaway lady does not simply become ‘employed’ in an unmarried duke’s household without consequence.”
He turned slightly. “She has proven to be a fine governess.”
“That is irrelevant.”
“Is it?” he asked coolly.
Lady Provie tilted her head again. “Of course, it is. Perception is everything.”
He let out a faint, humorless breath. “Then I am fortunate I do not live my life by the perception of the wagging tongues of London.”
“And yet here you are, hosting a ball to polish the reputation of your niece while simultaneously sheltering a lady who appearsto have left quite the impression on society. Do you not think it will harm Valerie’s reputation to be living in such a home?”
I had not thought of that. She has a point. Blasted.
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “You seem remarkably informed for someone who has only just arrived.”
“I have friends,” she replied simply.
“Unfortunate ones,” he muttered under his breath.
She ignored that entirely. “I want to meet her.”
“You will,” he repeated, “at dinner.”
Lady Provie’s expression sharpened further. “No. I wish to meet her now.”
Gabriel closed his eyes briefly, as though collecting his remaining patience. When he opened them again, his voice was calm but edged. “Miss Shirley is not a display item, Aunt.”
Lady Provie waved a hand dismissively. “Do not be dramatic. I simply wish to assess her.”
“Assess her,” he echoed flatly.
“Yes,” she said. “If she is to remain in your household, I should like to know what sort of influence she is exerting. If she is an unattractive plump woman of many years, then there should be no harm done.”
Gabriel gave her a long, unimpressed look. “She is exerting influence over nothing. She is teaching children arithmetic and trying not to be driven mad by them, and it makes no difference how she looks.”
That, unfortunately, was not the truth.
Lady Provie studied him. “You are defensive.”
“I am not.”
