Page 70 of Heartbreaker of the Ton
She turned to Frances, who stood open mouthed in the doorway.
“Frances, dear, please take Gabriel to his chamber. And there’s no need to make tea. I have a feeling Lady Fulford will not be staying long.”
“Why, I’ve never been so insulted—”
“I mean no insult, Lady Fulford, I assure you,” Etty said. “I’m thinking of your welfare. A woman of your…particular sensibilitiescan find little enjoyment in spending time in a home that is so decidedly beneath that which you’re used to. I’m afraidI can never exist on the same level as yourself, and have no wish to prolong your discomfort by insisting you stay a moment longer than is necessary.”
Frances watched the exchange, her gaze flitting from Etty to her guest. The fear in her eyes lessened and a smile curved her lips.
“Come along, Gabey,” she said. “How about we play sailors with your boat?”
Gabriel reached out toward Frances, his gaze still fixed on Lady Fulford in the manner of a rabbit watching a fox. Frances swept the boy into her arms.
“Shall we play pirates?”
“Yes—pirate!” he cried, clutching the toy boat as Frances took him out of the parlor.
Etty rose to her feet to close the door, then remained standing.
“Now my son is safely out of the way, perhaps you’d be so good as to tell me why you’re here,” she said. “Are you perhaps come to discuss the village fete, or to ask my assistance?”
Lady Fulford curled her lip into a sneer. “Don’t be a fool!”
“I see no folly in my assumption,” Etty said. “I can see no other purpose for your visit,”
“Unless you’re a simpleton, you cannot be at a loss as to thepurpose of my visit.”
Etty winced at the spite in Lady Fulford’s tone. “On the contrary, Lady Fulford,” she said, smiling, “that’s why I asked.”
“You are extremely frank for a woman in your position,” Lady Fulford said. “It is a degree of frankness that borders on insolence.”
“Would you rather I spoke an untruth? Or—better still—if I didn’t speak at all?”
Her guest let out a sharp huff. “You must consider my position, if nothing else.”
“A position we very much share,” Etty said. “We are both women, are we not—and mothers?”
“Must you always answer back?”
“I’m merely responding to your remarks, Lady Fulford.”
“Insufferable creature!” Lady Fulford said. “I’m referring to my position ofrank, Mrs. Ward.” She leaned forward, her eyes glittering with spite. “That is…if your name really isMrs. Ward.”
Etty’s stomach clenched in apprehension. Did the woman know something, or was she merely speculating based on gossip?
“Why would you assume my name is anything other than that which I have told you, Mrs. Fulford?” Etty asked. “What purpose would I have in deceiving you?”
A gleam of triumph shimmered in Lady Fulford’s eyes. “I find it unfathomable that a woman of your circumstances would ask such a question of a respectable, titled woman such as myself.”
“I understand the title belongs to your husband, Lady Fulford,” Etty said. “And I fail to understand how the wife of a knight can claim superiority over the daughter of a baronet.”
“A…baronet?”
“Yes, that’s right, Lady Fulford,” Etty said. “The gentleman about whom I understand there has been a great deal of speculation among your particular set of acquaintances is, in fact, my father. Though why a father visiting his daughter and grandson is such a topic for gossip, I cannot fathom—unless you have nothing better to talk about.”
Lady Fulford let out another huff. “I see little point in discussing our relative positions of rank when my superiority is evident even to those of the meanest intelligence. Perhaps I should explain the purpose of my visit now we have dispensed with niceties.” Her face wrinkled into an expression of disgust. “Leave the vicar alone.”
“I beg your—”
