Page 58 of Lyon of Least Resistance

Georgiana colored, then she rose and approached the fireplace, as if to move herself as far from Cordelia as possible.

“Are you not taking a sherry, my dear?” James said.

“Oh, I-I didn’t think…”

“Georgiana, did you not offer my wife a sherry?” He turned to the footman. “Robert, please pour a sherry for Lady Bedford, and one for me also.”

“If she’s mistress of Bedford Hall, she’s capable of asking Robert herself for a sherry,” Georgiana said. “Did Lady Bedford ask you for a sherry, Robert?”

“That’s enough!” James said, as the footman colored. “Robert, do as you’re told, then tell Mrs. Vaughan we’ll take supper immediately.”

“Can I have a sherry?” the young girl said.

“Of course not,” Georgiana snapped. “Sherry’s not for brats. It’s for gentlemen. And ladies.” She turned her gaze on Cordelia. “So perhaps it’s not appropriate if you—”

“Pour my wife a sherry, Robert,” James growled.

The footman complied. Then the young girl at James’s side released his hand and approached Cordelia. She dipped into a curtsy.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am,” she said. “I’m Margaret.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you,” Cordelia said. “And call me Cordelia. ‘Ma’am’ sounds overly formal, does it not?”

“It does!” the girl said. “I told James that. I said I wanted to call you ‘sister,’ but he said I’d have to ask you first, seeing as it wouldn’t be proper.”

“Perhaps we can start with ‘Cordelia’ first, then you can call me sister, if you like, once we’ve got to know each other better.”

The little girl smiled and nodded. Then she dipped her head and a faint blush showed on her cheeks.

“You’re very pretty,” she said.

“Thank you.”

“I think that’s why Georgiana doesn’t like you. She’s jealous because she wants to be the prettiest lady in the county.”

Georgiana scowled.

Margaret pulled a face, then she slipped her hand into Cordelia’s and gestured toward the window.

“Have you seen the view? This is such a pleasant room to spend the afternoon in because of the view. You can see my favorite tree from here. Come and look.”

Cordelia glanced over her shoulder to see her husband watching her. He nodded encouragement, and she let Margaret lead her to the window.

“Do you like to walk?” Margaret said. “I could show you some of my favorite places.”

“Yes,” Cordelia said. She met Georgiana’s gaze and smiled. “I’m a great walker.”

“See that?” Margaret continued, pointing to a solitary oak beyond the lake. “I can climb it all the way to the top.”

“Don’t be a fool, Margaret,” Georgiana said. “You can’t climb to the top. It’s too high. And you shouldn’t be climbing trees at all. Ladies don’t climb trees.”

“But I’m not a lady, Georgie. You’re always saying as much.”

“And you never will be if you climb trees.”

“Then I don’t want to be a lady,” Margaret said. “Do you climb trees, Cordelia?”

“I-I’m afraid to admit that I’ve never tried.”