Page 32 of Lady Graceless
“But he is not welcome at your house?”
“He is not.”
Grace burned to know why not. Was there something to know about Lord Montclave? Or were they simply oil and water? But, she could not bring herself to ask such a direct and personal question.
“I did mention to him that we had met when you were shipwrecked on the beach. He was very interested in whether or not you swallowed seawater.”
“I bet he was.”
“I told him I did not know. He also opportuned me about coming to the dinner on Tuesday, but I said only my father could issue invitations. It was quite the fib, I will admit.”
“I am glad. My cousin and I do not get on.”
Grace could see that, though Lord Dashlend had not given out any clues as to why. She remembered Lord Montclave had said they lived on neighboring estates. Perhaps they both carried forward some old boyhood grudges?
Seeing that she would not discover anything firm, Grace turned the conversation to the other thing that had weighed on her mind.
“Lady Lavender was at the dinner too. I do not know if you know the lady, but she seemed very pleasant.”
“Lady Lavender?” Lord Dashlend asked. “What on earth was Wembly thinking?”
“Oh, you are acquainted with the lady?”
“Only recently, it is her first season out. She played the pianoforte at Lady Elspeth’s musical evening last night.”
“I suppose she was very good.”
“Yes, indeed she was. She seemed to have a very natural ear.”
“Yes, she seemed the sort of lady who is good at everything,” Grace said pensively.
Lord Dashlend laughed. “Yes, I suppose some ladies are. Accomplished, is what I believe they are called.”
Accomplished. That short time they’d had a governess, Miss Pynchon, she’d gone on and on about developing accomplishments. She and her sisters had laughed over it, but now she was beginning to think Miss Pynchon had been right all along.
Lady Lavender had accomplishments, one of which had been on display last evening. What accomplishments could Grace Nicolet claim? Certainly nothing to do with the pianoforte.
“What will you do to ensure you do not accept another invitation that might be better declined?” Lord Dashlend asked. “I would look them over if you like.”
“That is very kind, Lord Dashlend. My father has determined that my brother-in-law, Mr. Percy Stratton, will be given the task.”
“Stratton, yes, he’s sensible. He will be sure to steer you in the right direction.”
Grace thought that while she could not turn over her social calendar to Lord Dashlend, she should not lose the opportunity to inform him of what events she and her father were to attend in the near future. She listed them out as best as she could remember them. She was gratified that Lord Dashlend seemed to be paying close attention. She was not quite as gratified that he would not attend Lady Luthering’s ball on the morrow, as he was committed to dining with one of his father’s oldest friends. She was both nervous and looking forward to dancing with Lord Dashlend.
But then, perhaps it was best that she get some practice being at a ball before dancing with him.
“We ought to return to the others, lest Lady Margaret begins to think I step over a gentlemanly line.”
Grace nodded and they made their way back. Winsome and Verity were debating some point, while Patience toe tapped over it and interjected the occasional, “Nobody cares, nobody has ever cared, nobody will ever care.” Valor was telling Lady Margaret all about Mrs. Wendover.
Lady Margaret patted Valor’s hand. “It’s a very fine thing to have your own particular friend.”
“You could be my friend too,” Valor said.
“I’d be delighted. Should we correspond?”
“You mean write letters?” Valor said, looking deeply impressed over the idea. “I should like to get letters in the post.”
