“Such gentlemen are either looking for a wife ingeneralor the money you bring to the marriage, and not courtingyouspecifically. If you don’t find that offensive, you aren’t paying attention,” Beatrice said.
Lily winced. “When you put it like that…”
“These gentlemen require a more direct approach.” Rachel patted her hand. “While you are doubtless exceedingly talented in many areas, getting rid of fortune-hunters is my area of expertise.”
Lily secretly wondered how the young lady could claim any expertise about courting when she’d also been presented this very Season. Though she was far too polite to ask, she couldn’t help her frown.
Beatrice looked heavenward. “What’s the matter?”
Lily cast about for the source of her discomfort and finally said, “I suppose it feels mean, somehow.”
Rachel abruptly turned to face her. “Do you enjoy the attention of these gentlemen?”
“Not particularly, but?—”
“And do you plan on marrying any of them?” she asked, her eyebrows raised.
“No, but?—”
“Have you encouraged their visits, perhaps out of vanity or a fear of being alone?”
“Certainly not.” Lily wrinkled her nose at the idea.
The lady nodded, her blonde curls bouncing. “Then it’s time for them to leave you alone.”
“I hardly think that the addition of two beautiful, eligible young ladies will discourage them from visiting,” Lily said.
Rachel inclined her head. “Your flattery is gratefully noted, but I shall get them to go elsewhere.”
“How can you be so sure?”
She smiled. “I’m very nearly as pretty as you, with just as large of a dowry, and I’ve spent the Season alone and unbothered enough to read all the novels in my brother-by-law’s house.”
“It’s true.” Beatrice nodded. “She’s to gentlemen callers what a terrier is to rats.”
“That’s not accurate, as I don’t kill them.” Rachel pursed her lips and tilted her head. “Though it would be an interesting career.”
“Killing them?” Beatrice asked.
“Heavens, no. Think of the disposal problems—they don’t make a bucket large enough. I meant the price-per-head model. What do you think the going rate is for repelling a gentleman caller?”
“I don’t think there’s a large demand for such services, unfortunately,” Beatrice said. “Perhaps if you could teach ladies how toattractgentlemen…”
“You and I both know that the gentlemen only come around because I’m beautiful and wealthy.” From anyone else, such a statement would be bragging, but Rachel was just stating facts.
“You’re also witty and intelligent and an excellent friend,” Lily felt the need to point out.
“Do you see the problem?” Beatrice gestured to Lily in exasperation.
Rachel nodded as if she were a physician who’d just discovered the right diagnosis. “Indeed. No wonder you can’t get them to leave.”
“Why is that?” Lily asked, though truthfully, she’d never tried. She’d thought the gentlemen would just get bored and move on eventually.
“You’re tookind.” Rachel made this pronouncement as if Lily had a dire illness.
“I’m sorry?”
“You see?” Beatrice shook her head at Rachel. “She can’t even help apologizing when there’s clearly nothing to apologize for.”
