Page 33 of The Duelist for the Ton
“No,” Portia said, bitterly. “Hewouldn’t. He would see any expenditure a frivolity unless it were to make myself more attractive to a potential suitor.”
“Then perhaps you should take his counsel and find yourself a generous husband.”
“Good Lord, Nerissa, what nonsense!”
“You cannot be the Farthing forever,” Nerissa said. “Sooner or later, your secret will be out. I pray that the revelation happens as a drawing room anecdote and not when someone pulls the mask off your lifeless body in Hyde Park at dusk.”
They continued in silence, and as they approached the entrance to the townhouse, Nerissa took Portia’s hand.
“Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Lady Portia. I speak only out of concern for you. I’d be distraught if anything were to happen to you. So would your brother.”
“He’d merely be angry that I was disobeying his orders.”
“His Grace is a harsh man, but it’s out of necessity in a harsh world. But he does possess a heart, even if he hides it well.”
Portia squeezed her maid’s hand. “What would I do without you, my lovely Nerissa?”
“You’d be late for breakfast,” Nerissa said with a smile. “Make haste. Go directly to your chamber and I’ll fetch your clothes.”
Portia made her way up the back stairs, pausing as she heard the bustle of activity in the kitchen. From the aroma, Mrs. Winston was preparing kedgeree, and Portia’s stomach growled with hunger.
As she slipped into her chamber to await Nerissa, the maid’s words hung in the air.
Luck always runs out.
Chapter Ten
“Look at theswans!”
Stephen’s heart lifted to hear the delight in Angela’s voice. How might she react to her first ball?
“Do hurry, brother,” she continued. “They’re getting away. Oh, they’re sobeautiful!” She let out a squeal of excitement and tugged on his sleeve. “Comeon!”
“Angela,” he said, “do you think Mrs. Stowe would approve of your outburst of enthusiasm?”
“She never said anything about not enjoying myself.”
“But I’m sure she’s warned you about the folly of expressing emotions so freely. Like it or not, Society prefers those who restrain themselves.”
“Like you, you mean?” She pursed her lips in a pout. “You never laugh—at least not since you returned from the war. I’d have thought you’d be glad to be back in England.”
“I am.”
“Then why don’t you show it?”
“Angela, just because I don’t smile every waking moment, doesn’t mean I’m happy to be here, with my beloved sister.”
“I suppose I must be content with that.”
“Areyouhappy here?” he asked.
“Oh, yes!” she said brightly. “And Mrs. Stowe isn’t nearly so staid as you said.”
“Is she kind?”
“You saw her at tea yesterday.”
“But what about when I’m not there? The true test of her character is how she behaves when she’s alone with you.”
