Page 27
“Sir Brenton,” Lady Asquith continued, “suggested you need practice.”
“Me specifically?”
Lady Asquith confirmed with a regal nod. “And then he pointed out that you will never have any practice while you and your sisters stick to one another like glue.”
“But Millie and I sharing the Season was your idea!”
“A sound idea, too. Saves on expenses. And mourning delayed your debut long enough. Still, my brother was not wrong. Now, I’m less concerned with Miss Millicent, as she is plenty assertive on her own. You, on the other hand...”
Again, Lady Asquith raised the magnifier. For the second time in one day, Lenora felt herself being scrutinized with the same level of attention she gave to others. And for a second time, she shifted uneasily in her seat.
The experience was almost enough for her to give up mimicry. Almost.
Even now, she was contemplating buying a quizzing glass of her own. She wondered if peering through the glass at her sisters would have the same quelling effect.
“We have a great deal of work to do,” Lady Asquith said. “I want you to come and stay with me. You can take Cassandra and Elizabeth’s old room.” Lady Asquith smiled indulgently. “Imagine having a whole room to yourself, if only for a few weeks. Don’t you think that’s a splendid idea?”
Splendid wasn’t the first word that came to mind.
Lenora counted on her sisters. Each evening, they prepared for sleep by brushing each other’s hair. How would she sleep without the comforting ritual?
Moreover, Asquith would think she suggested the scheme to his mother. Once again, he’d be furious, and the tender progress they’d made this afternoon would be ruined.
“What is a splendid idea?”
As if summoned by Lenora’s fear, Asquith entered the room.
“Simon! My dear!” Joy brightened Lady Asquith’s face. “What a surprise.”
Lady Asquith presented her cheek to be kissed. Asquith dutifully complied.
“What are the two of you up to?”
“Lenora was just about to agree to stay with me for a few weeks.”
For a moment, Asquith simply froze. Then, he slowly turned his head. His gaze met Lenora’s. “Lenora is just full of interesting ideas, isn’t she?”
No! Not my idea. But a vehement protestation would only make Lady Asquith suspicious.
“I, for one, am looking forward to the diversion,” Lady Asquith replied. “Imagine, a Wainwright under this roof again. And this time, I can focus all my attention on you, Lenora. Simon, don’t you think the idea is splendid?”
Asquith glanced between them, clearly calculating. “Of course,” he answered with a slight bow. “A delight.”
The hardness in his eyes told Lenora he was feeling anything but delight.
“Now,” he said. “I must be on my way.”
“So soon?” Lady Asquith asked.
“I only came by to check on Mont.”
“Very well.” The dowager waved her hand. “Young men are always flitting about pretending they are urgently needed.” She winked. “We know better, don’t we?”
“Lenora certainly knows something about pretending,” Asquith said under his breath.
“What was that?” Lady Asquith asked.
“I am sure,” Lenora replied, “Lord Asquith does have very pressing concerns.”
