Page 105 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
It was her turn to sigh. “Simon, you’ve wanted me to grow up and live my own life. Well I am. As long as I choose a man acceptable to you, you need to allow me to make my own decisions. I don’t need rescuing anymore. Unlike Louisa.”
He was startled and uncomfortable at the sudden change in topic. “Louisa? This isn’t about her. She’s strong and independent, and doesn’t need rescuing, especially by me.”
In a disdainful voice, she said, “You must be blind.”
He opened his mouth, but couldn’t think of a retort. What did Georgie see about Louisa that he didn’t? Did Georgie actually think he should…pursue Louisa?
She left him sitting there alone.
~oOo~
Louisa spent the afternoon as she’d begun her stay at Enfield—doing embroidery with Lady Wade and Georgie. It was a comfortable, peaceful, sad feeling, and Louisa didn’t converse much as she tried to find the best way to tell the two women that she was leaving.
The butler interrupted before she spoke, and intoned, “Ellen, Viscountess Wade.”
Louisa saw Georgie and her grandmother exchange shocked glances, but both swept to their feet and Louisa followed. Georgie’s mother strode into the room, full of purpose and command, and came to a halt, wearing an intimidating frown. Her blond hair, lightened with white strands, was swept up elegantly. She had a handsome face in a remote, cold way that might have been truly beautiful with a more pleasant expression.
She opened her mouth to speak, and then she saw Louisa. Her eyes widened, then narrowed, and Louisa felt the first whispers of unease. Ellen, the younger Lady Wade, did not look exactly friendly.
The dowager viscountess smiled at her daughter by marriage. “Ellen, you’ve come so quickly from Scotland. I would have thought my invitation had only just arrived.”
Georgie stared at her grandmother in shock. “Mother, I didn’t think you needed an invitation to visit Grandmama and us.”
Lady Wade—Ellen—looked at her mother-in-law. “The invitation to the house party only just reached me, but I had already packed to come…visit.”
She glanced at Louisa, who felt that cool regard like an icicle dagger.
Georgie turned back to her grandmother. “House party?”
Lady Wade smiled. “Ellen, first allow me to introduce my companion, Miss Louisa Shelby. Miss Shelby, my daughter-in-law, Ellen, Lady Wade.”
Louisa curtsied silently, submitting to Ellen’s deliberate perusal. Ellen nodded and turned away.
Well, Louisa thought, as they all sat down, Simon’s mother would be thrilled that Louisa wasn’t permanently joining her family.
“House party?” Georgie prompted again.
“This weekend,” Lady Wade informed them. “I took the liberty of inviting several couples—and many eligible young men.”
Georgie groaned. “Grandmama—”
“I decided this before your recent preference for Mr. Reyburn, Georgie my child. Do not be angry with me. And if you do not wish to enjoy the attentions of bachelors, Louisa certainly can.”
Louisa felt her face redden as they all turned to stare at her. “Lady Wade,” she began.
Ellen interrupted. “So you are matchmaking for the servants now, Mother Wade?”
“Louisa is my companion,” Lady Wade said coolly, “not a servant. She is a gentlewoman.”
Ellen’s glance in Louisa’s direction clearly showed that she was doubtful.
And then Louisa understood—Ellen must know about Louisa’s reputation. And she was obviously not happy that Louisa was in such close proximity to her children.
Louisa would have gladly packed and left before the house party, but she knew that Lady Wade would be hurt. And the older woman had been so kind to Louisa. No, Louisa would have to endure the house party—and leave immediately afterward.
“What is this about Mr. Reyburn?” Ellen said to her daughter.
“He frequently visits because he lives nearby,” Georgie said firmly. “You know how close he is to Simon and Leo.”
