Page 18 of The Viscount's Diamond Bride
“That is quite true,” he said. “You have my agreement, then. If we can come to a settlement, I’ll do it. I shall wed your daughter.”
Chapter Six
“Poets and philosophers are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.”– Percy Blythe Shelley
Ursula scribbled another line of poetry, sitting back to inspect her work. Muttering to herself, she scratched out the words.
“How is your poem coming along?” Charlotte asked, coming to stand behind her.
“So far, I have a page full of scratched-out words and crossed out verses,” Ursula muttered. “I thought writing a poem would soothe my jumbled feelings, but it seems to be tangling them up even further.”
The sun was setting, and she had passed the entire day within the confines of her room. Until now, of course. She was surprised that Charlotte had been allowed to pay a visit to her, and even more surprised that she had been allowed to enter.
I thought Papa told me I would see no one and go nowhere.
She put aside the thought. It was not helpful.
“I’m surprised Georgiana hasn’t come to visit you,” Charlotte added, laying a hand on Ursula’s shoulder. “She’s so devoted to you.”
Ursula clenched her teeth. “Not devoted enough to tell the truth, apparently.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
Ursula sighed, and the whole story came out. She told how Georgie had wanted to go for a walk and gone back for her dance card, seemingly forgetting these crucial details later on.
She had expected outrage and anger from Charlotte, but her friend only sighed and shook her head.
“Georgiana can be a little weak-minded, you know. I daresay she was terrified of being implicated. Perhaps she has even forgotten. Don’t hold it against her, Ursula.”
Some of Ursula’s anger faded away at this point. She leaned back in her chair, sighing, and glanced up at her friend.
“You are entirely too sensible for your own good, you know.”
Charlotte only smiled wryly. “One does one’s best. Nevertheless, scandal has a way of turning sour, does it not?"
Ursula felt the familiar dread come crashing down on her shoulders once again.
“Not this,” she murmured. “This will never be forgotten. I’ll never be free of this scandal. Mama told me I was ruined, and Papa can’t even bear to look at me in the eye. I can’t believe thatyourparents allowed you to visit me.”
Charlotte grimaced. “Ah. About that. Mama and Papa may be under the impression I am visiting somebody else.”
Ursula threw up her hands. “Do you understand? Even you cannot visit me without the threat of being ruined. This is hardly just! Indeed, it is not just at all.”
“You aren’t a child,” Charlotte responded. “Don’t act like one. Stay calm and think of a way out of this. Perhaps you may receive a matrimonial proposal after all.”
“From who? It would take a miracle to save me now.”
A polite cough came from the doorway, making them both flinch. Spinning around, they saw that Evans stood there, looking faintly abashed.
“Forgive my interruption,” he murmured, “But his lordship, your father, requests your presence in the study, Lady Ursula. And Miss Winter, you are requested to collect your things and leave.”
Ursula flinched, her face reddening on Charlotte’s behalf.
“That isn’t fair, Evans. We can’t pack Charlotte off as if she were selling buttons on the doorstep. She is my oldest friend.”
Evans bowed apologetically. “Do forgive me, Lady Ursula, but Lord Farendale requested it.”
“Do not fret, Ursula,” Charlotte murmured, reaching down to pull her into a quick, tight hug. “I’m not offended. I’ll comeback, if I can. In the meantime, do as I say and try andthink, my dear.”
