Page 9 of The Season of Lady Chastity

Not her sister or a friend.

Prudence shifted from foot to foot, and her hands landed on her hips. “It is highly discourteous to our hostess.”

Chastity bit her lip, refusing to rise to Pru’s bait and issue the sharp-tongued retort she wanted to reply with. It would only set her sister’s temper blazing.

Edith’s eyes widened with concern at the obvious tension in the air. “I do hope the pair of you are getting along.”

Before they’d found the letter in the Downshire attic, they’d never so much as argued. Now, however, the tension had risen between them, and Edith had clearly noticed. It would only be a matter of time before she told Triston of Chastity’s and Prudence’s contrary demeanors and they would have their brother’s questions to contend with.

Thankfully, Prudence realized the same thing. “I am out of sorts and weary from our travels, that is all. Neither of us is used to such draining coach rides.”

Chastity wasn’t the least bit tired, and it was on the tip of her tongue to say just that and admonish Pru for always speaking for her. It was a bothersome trait, but Chastity had never dissuaded Prudence from doing it before. Allowing her older sister to dictate their activities, feelings, and demeanor hadn’t always been the issue it now was. The pair had, on most occasions, been of a similar mindset with shared sentiments.

“Mayhap we should retire to our room. Some rest will help with our fatigue,” Prudence prodded.

The only thing Chastity was tired of was Prudence ordering her about.

“Do not rest overlong.” Edith smiled. “Luci, Ophelia, and I are gathering in the parlor later for games. I shan’t wish for either of you to miss the fun.”

“We shall not be joining—”

“I would love an evening of parlor games,” Chastity cut in. If there were anything Pru detested more than being stuck in a crowded ballroom, it was parlor games. There were few places to hide in a salon, and always someone seeking conversation.

“It will be a small gathering.” Edith attempted to draw Prudence in. “It will be great fun.”

Her sister took in Chastity’s cheerful demeanor, her own visibly souring as she frowned. “No, I think I will retire early and gain a good night’s rest before tomorrow.”

“Very well.” The disappointment in Edith’s tone was evident. “I will see you in a few hours, Chastity.”

With a small wave, Edith hurried across the lawn to join the other women—and a few men—who were playing shuttlecock.

“You needn’t be so stern,” Chastity said with a hiss as she climbed the terrace stairs and walked past Prudence. “A spot of fun and games will not gravely injure you.”

“Neither will it please me, or make the unbearable time in the country pass with an increased swiftness.” Prudence fell into step beside Chastity, and the pair nodded in unison at a matron as they entered through the terrace doors and continued through the luncheon room that was being cleared by Montrose’s servants.

The butler gave them a warm smile as they exited the room and made their way to the stairs.

Prudence slipped her cloak from her shoulders and handed it to the servant.

The man waited for Chastity to do the same, his smile faltering when she did not.

“I find I am chilled. I think I will keep my cloak on for now.”

“Very well, my lady,” he said, inclining his head. “I will send a maid up to stoke the hearth.”

She and Pru started up the stairs with Chastity falling in behind her sister, refusing to acknowledge the frown Prudence cast in her direction.

“I know what you have in your muff, Chastity.” Pru scoffed. “You need not tote it about the duke’s house.”

“Tote it about?” Chastity asked. Prudence’s back stiffened. “The letter, or mother’s secret?”

“Both. It is of no consequence. Perhaps, years ago, but not now. She is gone, we are grown, and dredging up a past that might not benefit you is in no way advantageous.”

And there it was, exactly as Chastity had assumed.

Her sister believed the tryst…the love affair…had come after her birth, and only affected Chastity’s parentage. It was Chastity who should not seek out the truth of her illegitimate lineage. This detail had remained unspoken until now. They’d both surmised the letter only affected Chastity but neither had admitted it to the other.

Yet, it was undeniable that the Neville children—Triston, Prudence, and Chastity—all held an uncanny resemblance to one another. Pru and Chastity, with their light brown hair and unremarkable eyes and pale skin—prime examples of plainness. Whereas the same features and coloring had Triston being compared to Adonis, or so Edith was fond of saying.