Page 60 of Doxy for the Ton
“You’remy friend also,” the duchess said. “Lavinia, we’re looking forward to your ball next Tuesday, are we not, Montague?”
Whitcombe frowned. “I thought you disliked balls, my love.”
The duchess gave him a sharp nudge. “Lavinia, were you not remarking on how few guests you were able to invite, given it’s the winter and most families have retired to the country?”
Whitcombe visibly winced. Sometimes the duchess had a habit of speaking most inappropriately—even though she often said what everyone else thought, but was too polite to say.
Alexander glanced at Mimi, who, given the distress lining her features, understood exactly what the duchess was doing—angling for an invitation. Eleanor meant well, but the inevitable snub from Lady Walton would distress Mimi more.
“I think it’s time we left, Lady Rex,” Alexander said.
Mimi’s frown deepened, then understanding flickered in her gaze. “Y-yes, perhaps I should return home.”
“But you haven’t—” the duchess began.
“Forgive me, Eleanor,” Mimi said, her voice tight. “I-I have an engagement. Lady Walton, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Such a shame,” Lady Walton said. “I was hoping to further our acquaintance, Lady Rex. Perhaps we might take tea sometime. And, of course, I shall ensure you receive an invitation to our ball. Do say you can come.”
Mimi glanced toward Alexander.
“And”—Lady Walton hesitated, as if steeling herself for a plunge into a cesspool—“Sawbridge—you’re invited also.”
“I say, Lavinia, is that—” Lord Walton began, but was interrupted.
“I’m sure Sawbridge would forgive the informal nature of my invitation, Peregrine,” she said. “Nobody expects awritteninvitation these days—not among friends.”
“I hadn’t realized I was a friend of yours, Lady Walton,” Alexander said.
“You’re invited as a courtesy to Lady Rex.”
“That’s good,” he replied. “I’d hate to think you’d invite just anyone.”
“I’ve long since realized that you’re notjust anyone,” she retorted. “In fact, I know just what sort of man you—”
“Lavinia, my love,” her husband said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Mimi shot Alexander a frown. “You’re very kind, Lady Walton,” she said. “I have no fixed engagements next Tuesday, and would be delighted to attend.”
“As would I,” Alexander added. “Will everybody be there?”
Lady Walton wrinkled her nose. “I suppose byeverybody, you mean every man and woman with a title. I am a little more selective with my guestlist.” She paused and stared at him. “Though it may not always be apparent.”
“Oh?” he asked, unable to resist the temptation to needle her.
“Viscount de Blanchard will never darken my door,” she said. “As to the Duke of Dunton, well, given how badly he treated Bella—not to mention Eleanor’s poor sister—you’ll not be surprised if he’s not on the guestlist. And as to that other repugnant excuse for a man…”
“Now, Lavinia, my love,” Walton said, “I’m sure our friends have no wish to hear about him—and we mustn’t give Lady Rex the impression that you’re a gossip.”
“Perhaps not, but I ought to at least warn her of the worst predators in town.” She glanced at Alexander.
“I would consider it a great compliment if others ranked above me on your list of repugnant males,” Alexander said.
“Only three others, I’m afraid.”
“The third being?”
“Earl Mayhew, of course. Thankfully, he’s rarely seen in London.”
