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A miniature version of Jordan in a navy-blue suit, Jeffery announced, “We’re having tea with Grandmama today.”
Cheeks yet rounded with baby fat, Landon nodded. “We’ve been pwacticing ouw mannews with Miss Mayfield.”
“Well done, chaps.” Jordan motioned for them to join him on the settee. “Come, sit beside me.”
Theran expected them to dart to their father’s side, but behaving as perfect little gentlemen, they walked toward the ladies and, after executing perfect bows, settled in on either side of their father.
Purity had achieved that in a fortnight?
“What an unexpected treat.” Albertina didn’t spare the children a glance. She trained her entire focus on Purity, a brittle smile nearly cracking her face. “I’ve not had the pleasure of having tea with my granddaughter yet.”
Albertina had never shown the least inclination in being a grandmother to Bernadine.
“Then today is all the more special,” Mother skillfully covered. “Albertina, Athena, please permit me to introduce Bernadine’s new governess, Miss Purity Mayfield.” A smile wreathing her face, Mother set out four more cups and saucers. “Miss Mayfield, these are our neighbors and Theran’s in-laws, Mrs. Albertina Bambrick and Miss Athena Sommerville.”
“We’ve met,” Athena snapped, her face stamped with haughty outrage. “At the Mumfords’ house party.”
Teapot raised, Mother glanced up, confused. “Oh?”
“She convinced Theran to send me home, and it appears, has taken my place as governess.” Eyes overly bright, and a cunning smile bending her mouth, she delivered the coup de grâce. “One doesn’t need the second sight to know what means the tart used to persuade him to make that bargain.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Bambrick nodded sagely, malice glinting in her pale blue eyes so much like her daughter’s. “The low born will use anything at their disposal to achieve their ends.”
Forgive the delay in my reaching Trenthurst House. I met with an unfortunate accident in London and have broken my arm. Once the physician permits me to travel, I shall make straight for home. I have five weeks’ leave and look forward to the visit. I have gifts for everyone.
Lt. Raymond Rutland, in a short,
sloppy note penned in his left hand to his mother
Two endlessly long seconds later
“Cherry tarts are my favorite.” Bernadine’s childish voice rang loudly in the deafening silence that descended on the drawing room. She craned her neck to see the plates of dainties arranged on the tea table. A pout replaced her excitement. “I don’t see any tarts.”
“I do,” Mrs. Bambrick said, spearing Purity with a triumphant glance.
God above.
Mrs. Rutland gasped, her expression aghast.
Jeffery and Landon continued to munch on biscuits, oblivious to the tense undercurrent and foul innuendos.
Theran’s and Jordan’s black eyebrows crashed together simultaneously, but it was Theran who leveled each woman such a searing glance it was a wonder they didn’t go up in ashes on the spot.
“Try a ladyfinger instead, Bernadine.” Mrs. Rutland expertly distracted her granddaughter by handing her a biscuit.
Flames of mortification licking scorching paths up her cheeks, Purity wanted to slap the vile women into next Sunday. This was too much. The only reason she didn’t verbally fillet them was that children were present.
Flee. Leave. Escape.
“Excuse me.”
Purity didn’t wait for permission to leave. She turned on her heel and fled. The first scalding tears overflowed onto her cheeks before she made the corridor. God forgive her, but she hated Athena Sommerville and her evil mother for making her cry. Purity was made of sterner stuff. She didn’t dissolve into tears over unkind words and despicable insinuations.
“That was beyond the pale.” Mrs. Rutland’s voice crackled with winter frost.
“Purity,” Theran called, followed by the unmistakable sound of a teacup dropping and shattering and frustrated male muttering.
“Papa, you broke a cup,” Bernadine said.
