Page 62 of Cold November Rake

"My health is not what it used to be," she murmured under her breath.

"Quite so, quite so," the duchess said. "And ye, Lady Somerville?"

Lady Somerville lowered her glass. "I have not sorted through my invitations yet. I receive quite a heap before the holidays."

"I am sure ye do," the duchess said with a tight smile.

"The countess is looking very well," Lady Somerville said quickly. "And you must be so pleased, my dear, that Lord Sutton has brought you tonight, with Miss Sontag singing. He is such a devoted patron."

Temperance's smile did not move. Pity, she told herself. Look at her with pity. "He is devoted to many things. Our love of the arts is something we share. I am sure you know how imperative it is that husband and wife have similar interests. My husband and I have aplenty."

"Temperance is a woman o' many accomplishments," the duchess said. "She has a gift for cards, ye know."

That was a blatant lie, as Temperance had not played since she was a child.

"Lady Somerville," the duchess continued, unbothered, "weren't ye telling me ye were looking for more ladies tae attend yer card evenings on Fridays? I am sure ye havenae sent an invitation tae Lady Sutton since she has only just arrived, but wouldnae it be lovely for her tae attend?"

Lady Somerville pursed her lips. "I would absolutely invite the countess; unfortunately, this week my tables are full, and we are taking a break for the holidays after that."

"Oh, then I will happily relinquish my seat," Emily chimed in. "I am terrible at cards and I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home this week."

The two older ladies exchanged grim looks. Lady Somerville was cornered. If she came up with another excuse, it would be obvious that she was cutting Temperance, and she dared not do so in front of two duchesses.

Her mouth thinned. "We will be happy to have you, Countess."

After another brief chat, the three of them took their leave. In the corridor, Emily let out a chuckle.

"That was the most elegant ambush I have ever witnessed," she whispered.

Temperance pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. "You should see the schemes she runs at home," she murmured, with a glance at the duchess, who sailed on a few steps ahead.

"I can hardly imagine."

They had nearly reached the stairs when a cheerful voice rolled down the corridor.

"Temperance! My dear! Come here."

The Duke of Hardwicke stood in a knot of gentlemen near the foot of the stairs.

"Gentlemen, I should like you to meet the Countess of Sutton." He drew her into the circle with a hand at her elbow. "Hexley. Harlan. These are the men who have taken my money at Hades' Hell for twenty years." He beamed. "Be kind to them."

Temperance curtsied.

"A pleasure, Lady Sutton," Hexley said. "Any chance your husband will grace us in the Hell? His cousin Everly has graced us with many losses." He laughed.

"He is not very interested in cards, but I shall be winning a few shillings from your wives on Friday at Lady Somerville's," she said with a grin.

"Audacious, quite audacious," Hexley said with a tsk.

"And has the approval of Lady Somerville," Harlan added.

"Precisely," the duke said proudly. "Surely you will each tell your wives to come to our at-home in two weeks. I am sure our invitations got buried somewhere in the pile of correspondence. We are awaiting your response."

Hexley coughed into his fist. "I shall see to it, Your Grace."

A hand closed around Temperance's before she saw who it belonged to.

"Lady Sutton." Everly bowed, then pressed his lips to her knuckles, damp even through the silk. "Sutton has finally decided to share you with the world, I see. If you were mine, I would show you off every day."