Page 25 of The Duke's Vice

Charlotte waved her daughter off with a scoff. “I just wanted people to see you socializing. If your head isn’t in a book it’s hiding in the shadows. People need to see you out there if you are to rightfully claim your title as diamond of the season.”

Beatrice looked at her mother in amazement. Even after living with all of her mother’s dramatics and scheming ways for the past eighteen years, there were times when her mother’s ruthlessness still shocked her.

“I do not want the title of diamond of the season, Mama. And can we at last acknowledge how sad it is that Cecilia’s entire family is ill and needed respite? Or are titles and marrying me off the only thing of worth around here?”

Charlotte set her tea down and collected herself. “You know I sent correspondence wishing for their return and full recovery, but I’m not ashamed to admit I also added that they should not rush their recovery.” A small smile tilted Charlotte’s lips.

Her mother groaned at her daughter’s eye roll. “Really, Beatrice. You act as if I am the one that planned their demise. Don’t give me that look. I did no such thing and the fact you think I’m capable of doing something like that is insulting.”

Beatrice was not convinced but gave her mother a shrug. “All I’m saying is that the further we go into this season the more reasons I find that validate my decision to retire after this season.”

“Beatrice, all I’m asking is you give it a fair shot. You have already made up your mind and I’m afraid you might misssomething that is right in front of you. Something that could make you happy if you give it a chance.”

Beatrice raised her eyebrow. “Like Graham.”

Charlotte laughed and picked her tea back up. “Heavens no, he was satisfactory in getting you noticed at the park today and at the ball, but I don’t think we need to use him anymore.” Charlotte took a sip of her tea and signaled to Elizabeth to bring them the plate of biscuits.

Beatrice took a biscuit and broke off a small piece. “Why don’t you like the Duke of Graham? You seemed to like him at Lady Swanson’s ball. You didn’t object to him dancing with me.”

Charlotte brushed the crumbs from her lap. “He’s not bad, per sé, he’s just not that good, either.” Charlotte offered her daughter a tight-lipped smile.

“Care to explain that, Mama?”

Charlotte brought her cup up to her mouth and took continuous sips. It took everything in Beatrice not to roll her eyes at her mother’s avoidance of the subject. When her sisters lived at home it took a lot of Charlotte to annoy Beatrice. Now that it was only the two of them Beatrice was finding it harder to remain calm in the presence of her mother.

“What was that, dear?” Charlotte feigned forgetfulness.

Beatrice bit her lip before proceeding. “The Duke, Mama. Why don’t you like him? Why is he not bad, but not good?”

“Why must it go further than that? Just take my word, my love. What about Lord Devlin’s son. Wasn’t he at the park, Elizabeth? I think I saw him.” Charlotte looked to her maid who looked put on the spot.

Before Elizabeth could open her mouth Beatrice raised her hand. “Mama. I’m not a child anymore. If you intend to marry me off then I am old enough to know what makes a man bad or good.”

“Fine.” Charlotte huffed. “I told you he is a known rake. And while no real scandal has touched him, it doesn’t mean I want to see my youngest daughter attached to a man with certain… proclivities and tendencies.”

Beatrice’s ears perked up. “Proclivities and tendencies?”

Charlotte’s eyes drifted to the two maids were huddled in the corner, watching with caution. Beatrice’s eyes followed.

“There’s been talk, love, about his behavior at certain parties.”

Beatrice returned her gaze to her mother’s. “Talk from whom?”

Beatrice looked back to Candace who was looking at the floor, then to Elizabeth. Why did Candace look like she was in trouble? Beatrice knew that Candace shared gossip with the other maids,it’s where Beatrice got most of her information. Why was Candace avoiding Beatrice’s eyes?

Elizabeth’s eyes were wide, staring at Charlotte in disbelief.

There was a tickle in Beatrice’s mind, a notion was forming and it brought a sense of dread down on her. Candace talked to Beatrice, but, Candace also talked to the other maids, including Elizabeth. If Candace was forthcoming with gossip to Beatrice, it’s only fair to assume Elizabeth was open with Charlotte.

A pit formed in Beatrice’s stomach. Did Candace tell Elizabeth about her midnight errands and therefore her mother knows?

Her eyes quickly returned to her mother’s who was sitting back, stirring her tea with her spoon.

“Oh, Beatrice, I know you know more than you let on. Elizabeth told me that Candace told you about the night life of some of the peerage. Although, heaven knows why anyone would want to travel down to that area is beyond me. I’m just thankful that your father and I raised you and your sisters better than to be seen at one of those establishments.”

Beatrice bit her tongue. Did her mother know? She wanted desperately to look at Candace for confirmation on how much she told Elizabeth but she was afraid any movement would give her away.

She took a sip to wet her dried throat. “You don’t have to worry about that, Mama. You know me, I’m naturally a curious person.”

---