Page 35 of Lady Dramatic
The terrible idea of Lord Thorpe failing to turn up gripped Serenity as she walked out the doors. It would be devastating! She would be shamed in some way. She’d have to carry on with the walk as if she thought nothing of it. Tears leapt to her eyes and she quickly wiped them away. It was well she did, as he was already at the gate that led into the square, Havoc by his side and wildly wagging his tail at the sight of Nelson.
Though she would like to proceed in some dignified manner, Nelson was equally enthused to get sight of Havoc and pulled her forward.
As the two dogs greeted one another in the rather off-putting way that dogs sometimes do, involving a lot of sniffing in unmentionable areas, Serenity averted her eyes.
“Lady Serenity, Mrs. Right, Lady Verity, Lady Winsome, Lady Valor,” Lord Thorpe said.
There were curtsies all round, though Valor’s was rather perfunctory. “Lord Thorpe,” Serenity said.
“Shall we proceed?” Lord Thorpe said.
Serenity nodded and they passed through the gate. Now that the dogs had greeted one another in their own particular fashion, they seemed happy to walk ahead, relatively side by side. There were the occasional stops to sniff at something along the path, and then Havoc took the opportunity to relieve himself, which Nelson felt compelled to investigate.
Both Serenity and Lord Thorpe pretended they did not notice these inelegant activities.
“I wonder if you will attend Lady Jellerbey’s candlelight picnic this evening,” Lord Thorpe asked.
“Yes, indeed I will.”
Valor sighed heavily behind her.
“My father claims it is rather ridiculous to go stumbling around in the dark,” Serenity continued, “however, Lady Jellerbey’s sideboards are said to be very good.”
Lord Thorpe nodded. “Lady Jellerbey herself is very genial and unlike a usual rout, she does not fill up her rooms to the point that it’s uncomfortable.”
“I was a little surprised that we were issued an invitation this year. Last year, my papa singed the lady’s curtains as he was demonstrating setting Lady Vanderwake’s curtains afire.”
“Ah yes, people do still mention Lady Vanderwake’s experience from time to time. Lady Jellerbey is good-humored though.”
“Yes, I suppose she must be, else she would have left us off the list this year.”
“Maybe she did!” Valor said.
“She did not, Poppet,” Mrs. Right said, “else they would not be going.”
“Singed curtains are not all that unusual,” Verity said, “at least, I have heard it often said.”
“From who?” Winsome asked.
Lord Thorpe’s eyebrows raised just a little over Verity’s comment and Serenity could see he was attempting to suppress a smile over her sister’s latest bit of nonsense.
“I had a thought this morning of hosting a dinner,” Lord Thorpe said.
“Oh, a dinner?”
“I thought I might repay the duke’s hospitality.”
“Not necessary!” Valor said.
“Valor,” Winsome scolded.
“I thought I might arrange things in a rather unusual manner,” Lord Thorpe went on. “I thought we might dine early, at six, as that might be more convenient for Lady Valor.”
There was not a peep behind them and Serenity supposed Valor was taking in this latest compliment. It was really very good of Lord Thorpe to take her youngest sister into consideration. And very clever too.
“It is a very kind thought, Lord Thorpe,” Serenity said. “I am sure my father would be gratified by such an invitation.”
“Excellent.”
