“I’d love to. I told my aunt I’d probably be gone most of the day, so she won’t be worried if I don’t arrive home anytime soon.”
“Excellent. If you’ve seen enough, shall we depart?”
“Yes. Now that you’ve mentioned luncheon, I find I’m quite famished.”
“Good. I’m quite hungry myself. Evans’ son is a demanding little fellow. Always wanting me to eat this or that.”
Lydia chuckled. “Do you believe you’re carrying a boy this time?”
Helena nodded. “I honestly do. I know Evans said it didn’t matter to him whether we have a son or daughter, but like every lord, I’m sure he wants a son. This pregnancy is so different from the last one.”
“He’ll be happy as long as you and the babe are healthy,” Lydia said.
MissDarvey was fumingas she watched the Marchioness of Evans walk away with that merchant girl. Susannah had made it her mission this Season to get close to Lady Evans, as she knew that Lord Evans was great friends with Lord Hutchinson. She’d thought she was being so clever at the Dresdan ball, keeping track of Lord Hutchinson’s movements. When he and Lord Evans had gone out on the terrace, she’d positioned herself at the door so when they reentered the ballroom, they’d have to acknowledge her. Unfortunately, that ploy hadn’t worked as well as she’d hoped. Lord Hutchinson had refused to sign her dance card and left the ball instead. How rude!
It hadn’t deterred her, though. She was determined to catch Lord Hutchinson’s eye this Season. Now that he was a marquis, there was no way he could marry that Weston chit, so that was one obstacle out of her way. After she’d told her mother what had happened at the Dresdan ball, Lady Knight had written to Lady Hutchinson. They’d been acquaintances for years, and Susannah was delighted when they were invited to tea. She’d been sure that she could capture Lord Hutchinson’s attention that day, but once again, her plans had fallen flat. Lord Hutchinson hadn’t even spent ten minutes with her before he excused himself and left the townhouse. That had been most disappointing, but it only inspired her to work harder to garner his good opinion.
Miss Darvey had been hoping that by becoming friends with Lady Evan, she could find out if Lord Hutchinson had plans to attend any othertonevents. So far, she’d been able to learn nothing about his calendar, and Lady Evans didn’t seem inclined to spend time with her, which made her irritable with her friends.
“Well, I never! Who’d believe that a marchioness would be friends with a girl in trade? It’s unthinkable.”
“I think Miss Weston is a lovely young woman,” Miss Burton said.
Miss Darvey pinned her friend with a glare that could freeze water. “Are you daft? She’s in trade. The only reason she’s ever allowed into an event is because she’s with Lady Evans or the Duchess of Wiltshire. And with the duchess not in Town this Season, she’s always dangling along behind Lady Evans.
Miss Burton shrank into herself. “Of course, you’re right. Forgive me for misspeaking.”
Miss Darvey harrumphed. “Let’s go get ices. I’ve had enough of this stuffy old museum.”
“I thought we were going to see the Elgin Marbles,” Miss Adams said. “I’d really like to see them.”
“Go off then, if you want to see them so bad, but I’m leaving.”
Miss Adams cowered at Miss Darvey’s tone. “All right. We can see them the next time we come to the museum.”
Neither young woman would ever defy Susannah. She was their leader and the daughter of a viscount while they were only the daughters of barons. They’d met last summer in Bath and become fast friends…that is, as long as they did everything Miss Darvey wanted. They’d learned early on that she was used to getting what she wanted. As the only child of Viscount Knight, she’d been indulged her whole life.
“What’s the rush? I can hardly keep up with you,” Miss Burton said, scurrying after her friend.
“I’m tired of this place. Keep up, or I’ll send the carriage back for you.”
Both women increased their pace.
The Knight carriage was brought around, and the driver handed up the women. “Where to next, Miss Darvey?” he asked.
“Gunter’s.”
“Very good, miss.”
The driver climbed back up on the perch and flicked the reins to get the horses moving.
“I’m looking forward to the Baily musicale this evening,” Miss Burton said, trying to lighten the mood in the carriage.
Miss Darvey refused to acknowledge her friend’s statement. She was still fuming at being dismissed so rudely by Lady Evans. “Must you prattle on?” she said, glaring at her friend. She knew she was being unreasonable, especially since none of what had happened at the museum was her friend’s fault, and she also knew she’d need her friends’ help if she was going to be successful in cornering Lord Hutchinson. She didn’t care if she had to orchestrate a compromising situation; she would find a way to marry Lord Hutchinson.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m just tired. Do you forgive me?”
“Of course,” Miss Burton said.
