Page 24 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Goodness,” Lady Vivian said, setting her gloves on the seat beside her. “You could cut the tension between you and Lady Sophia with a knife.”
I smiled. “I’m not sure my presence today pleased her.”
“I should think not. She’s been attending events in your name for the past six months. When Lady Georgina told me you were attending today, I was quite sure she was wrong.” She patted her cheeks. “According to your sister, you’ve been unwell for quite a while, so I was shocked to hear you say you’d fallen down the stairs.”
“Gosh, six months? Really?” My eyes widened. “I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t noticed. It wasn’t until earlier this week when I realised many of my invitations were from lower-ranking noble houses and none were from the main houses.”
“How did you find out about today?”
“I asked the maid who’d brought me the invitations who’d sorted them, and she couldn’t lie to me. Apparently, my stepmother has overseen them for a few months. When she brought them to me, the invitations were already open.”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “That explains Lady Sophia’s missing RSVP.”
“Oh, I have no idea what you’re suggesting.” I rested my hands in my lap and smiled innocently. “As Lady Blair said, things do get lost. The messengers and errand boys only have so many hands, after all.”
“Of course.” She grinned. “Well, Lady Sophia was sufficiently embarrassed today, so I doubt she or Marchioness Vermillion will be replying to any of your invitations anytime soon.”
“I should certainly hope not. It would be terribly awkward if they did, since I only accepted one other and sent rejections for the rest.”
“Where else did you accept?”
“Marchioness Velian,” I answered. “It’s her first tea party, and with it being ten days away, I thought it would give me enough time to rest after the spring ball this weekend.”
Lady Vivian nodded. “Are you attending all the events?”
“No, only the ball on Sunday. I’m still recovering from my head injury, and I can excuse myself from the ball if necessary. I wouldn’t go at all, but I cannot refuse an Imperial invitation.”
“Quite right. Well, I will be at the ball escorted by Lord Ivan, so I will introduce you both then. My brothers will also be in attendance.”
In other words, she would introduce me to her brothers who, as far as I knew, were all single… and would all be deemed suitable marriage prospects by my father.
Hmm. Not the worst thing in the world.
“I would be honoured.”
“I must confess, Lady Alicia, I don’t have to pick up my cousin’s dress. I merely wished to speak more with you.” She tilted her head to the side. “I’ve heard many things about you, but none of them seem to match up to what I’ve seen of you in person.”
“I’ve heard something similar from my father,” I said gently. “But there is a theory that one’s personality can alter after a life-changing event, so if I’ve changed, then perhaps my accident is the reason. I suffered quite the severe head injury, after all.”
“That’s very true. I’ve seen mages who have undergone almost a personality transplant after a magical mishap. Why, there was one around eight years ago who ended up speaking another language entirely. My father had to bring in a translator to identify it as none of us had ever heard it before! As far as I know, she transferred to the region the language was from and has lived there ever since.” She paused. “Either way, I quite like you, and I especially like how you appear to have kept your sister in check. I was under the impression that your stepmother and siblings walked all over you.”
Wow.
There was a great view of me out there, wasn’t there?
“They may have in the past, but I almost died. It’s put a few things into perspective for me.” I smiled. “I have decided to live for myself.”
“A noble cause. Where are you going to collect your dress?”
“I was planning on visiting Madam Fontaine’s. I wasn’t able to get a dress made as I didn’t have enough time, so I was going to see what she had available.”
She eyed me speculatively, then reached back and knocked on the partition between us and the coachman. “Excuse me, coachman?”
Harry slid it open, leaning backwards. “Yes, Lady Trelawney?”
“Good sir, would you mind changing course to the Trelawney estate?” Lady Vivian asked. “We have some sudden business there before Lady Alicia visits the town.”
“Of course, my lady.” Harry pushed the partition closed once more.
