Page 68 of Oddity of the Ton
“That’s not the point, child,” Eleanor’s mother retorted. If you knew an invitation was forthcoming, you ought to have ensured that the whole family was invited—don’t you agree, Juliette?”
“Yes, Mama,” Juliette said, sweetly, though she shot Eleanor a look of dislike.
“We’re all invited to dine at Rosecombe at the end of Eleanor’s stay,” Papa said.
“Leonard, it’s at least a day’s ride.”
“Grace, my love, do you wish to dine there, or don’t you?”
Eleanor’s mother huffed. “I suppose dinner at Rosecombe is better than nothing.”
“And you were looking forward to Lady Granleigh’s ball, weren’t you?” Papa said.
Mother nodded. “I suppose Iwas. Her invitations are highly sought after—she’s a friend of Lady Jersey, you know—and we weren’t invited last year. I wouldn’t want to be seen to snub her, not if there’s a chance she might secure me a ticket at Almack’s. Very well—Eleanor can go to Rosecombe on her own. I doubt Lady Granleigh would missher.”
Eleanor exchanged a glance with her father, and he winked.
“Have you already secured dance partners for Lady Granleigh’s ball, Juliette?” Eleanor asked her sister.
“At least two. The Duke of Dunton and Mr. Moss. Colonel Reid asked me in Hyde Park yesterday, but, of course, I refused.”
“Why?” Eleanor asked. “He seems amiable to me.”
Juliette rolled her eyes. “Because I’ve refused his hand, of course. It’s a waste of a dance card to fill it with a man in whom I have no interest. If he wishes to continue chasing me, then he’s a fool.”
“Perhaps he’s still in love with you,” Eleanor said.
“Your sister can do better,” Mother said. “Reid might be the son of an earl, but he’s only ayoungerson. Now, about your gown…”
Father stood—somewhat abruptly, but talk of gowns and frippery tended to result in him making a swift exit.
“Eleanor—would you accompany me to my study?”
“Of course, Papa.” Eleanor rose and followed him out of the morning room.
Once inside the study, he settled behind his desk, while she took her usual seat opposite.
“I take it the invitation to Rosecombe was not a surprise.”
She shook her head. “He invited me last night—he’s offered to let me study a painting. A Stubbs.”
“A Stubbs, eh? And it takes a fortnight to study one?”
“Is it too long to stay?”
“I’m only teasing, Eleanor love. You’re to be mistress at Rosecombe, so there’s no impropriety in your visiting. Though, of course, your mother and sister are disappointed.”
Eleanor felt her cheeks warming under his scrutiny, and she lowered her gaze.
“Never mind,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll recover. But can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Do youreallywant to go? You’re betrothed, so it’s not unexpected—but it all seems to have happened so quickly. You’re usually so careful when making decisions. This is the most important decision of your life—perhaps even yourlastdecision.”
“What do you mean, my last decision?”
“We live in a man’s world, child,” he said. “When a woman marries, she surrenders her freedom of choice.”
