Page 51 of Betrayal from Beyond
The duchess looked surprised. “Have we met before?” Her entire manner seemed one of puzzlement, as if the event and its purpose was something so outside of her experience that she could find no solid ground.
“Indeed, we have. Several months ago, at one of the queen’s receptions.”
“Oh, of course.” The woman clearly did not recall it, but she struggled on. “Miss Winther tells me that she resides with you at your estate.”
“Indeed. We could not do without her, her humor, or her many skills.”
“How…how nice. Bluefield Park, is it not? I have heard of its great beauty. It’s quite famous for it, isn’t it?”
“Thank you. It is quite beautiful, I admit. It has always been grand, but my mother was a great stewardess of the estate and made many improvements. I try to live up to her example.”
“I did know your mother, a little,” the duchess said. “A lovely woman. She had a sharp wit and varied interests, and yet she was such a lady.”
Kara knew a veiled criticism when it was thrown at her. She’d long ago developed the ability to let them slide off. She glanced at Gyda, who rarely let such jabs go and instead returned them in double measure. But her friend merely shifted and smiled wanly—and Kara hadneverseen her care so much about impressing someone. It spoke deeply about how much she must feel for Lord Charles Osbourne.
Well, then. Kara would do what she could to help. She turned a smile on Gyda. “Oh, but you must invite Lord Charles and the duchess to come to tea sometime.” She smiled at the woman. “We would love to welcome you.”
“I… Thank you.”
Clearly, the duchess had expected the invitation to come from Kara, and they had thrown the woman off balance once more. But Kara would show her how much a part of the family her friend was.
The duchess cleared her throat. “I would, of course, be delighted to visit, but if the recent months are any indication,then I suspect my son will be occupied for quite some time in the running of”—her hands fluttered—“the museum,” she finished weakly.
“We have been very busy indeed,” Gyda replied quickly. “And likely will be for the next few weeks, perhaps a couple of months, as the place gets on its feet and routines are established. But I suspect once that happens, both Ansel and Charles will see the wisdom in hiring a director. Ansel will wish to go back to his painting, and it seems to me that Charles so enjoys his travel, exploring old crafts and art and new industry, that I cannot see him giving it up for very long.”
The duchess looked pained to be reminded of her fourth son’s odd interests. Among her brood she numbered the very proper heir, spare—currently serving in the Royal Navy—and a third son—studying for the church. Charles, with his fascination with lacemaking, art, and industrial machines, was likely viewed as the broken cog in her well-oiled family. The only one not conforming to expectations.
In this area, Kara could help.
“But how wonderful it must be to have a son with such passionate interests. Not only that, but one with the will and determination to pursue them so boldly—and successfully, as we see tonight. You must be very proud, indeed.”
“I… Yes, of course.”
Kara leaned in and lowered her voice. “Do you know who I would not be surprised at all to see spending time here?”
“Who?” asked the duchess, clearly worried about the answer.
“Prince Albert. This seems just the sort of enterprise he would approve of,” Kara said with a nod. “You know he insists the royal family must have the finest education, including languages, arts, and sciences. And he clearly showed his preference for this sort of event with his work on the Great Exhibition.”
“Oh, yes. He did, didn’t he?”
“Everything Charles has curated here seems wonderfully suited to Albert’s interests. I predict he will become a regular visitor here,” Kara said knowingly.
“Do you really think so?” The duchess straightened and looked about. “That would be a fine thing for Charles, would it not?”
“Everyone can see that it took a unique perspective and a great deal of vision to make all of this happen. Not to mention hard work. I don’t think there is anything the prince consort would admire more.”
“Yes. I think you must be right,” the duchess said, growing more enthusiastic. “And so I shall tell his father.” She nodded at the crowd around them. “In fact, I think I shall do so right now.” She cast a friendlier look upon Gyda. “Do invite me to tea, my dear. I feel sure we have much to talk about.”
As she swept away, Gyda clutched Kara’s hand. “Odin’s arse, but you are diabolical,” she whispered. “And brilliant. Thank you!”
Kara waved a hand. “It doesn’t take a genius to understand that most mothers wish to be proud of their sons.”
“She clearly didn’t know what to make of all of this, but you put her on a whole new path.”
“She just needed a nudge to look outside traditional notions. It’s a small step, but hopefully, it will lead to more.”
“Wait until Charles hears! He will be so grateful!” Gyda pressed her hand.
