“I have the privilege of hosting her for the Season,” Harriet revealed.
Lord Featherstone nodded his understanding. “She is a most fortunate young woman to have your tutelage.”
Harriet smiled. “Thank you for your kind words, but we must be off.”
Lord Featherstone stepped aside to allow them to pass. “Of course, but I do hope to see you at Lady Bryum’s ball later this evening.”
“We shall be there.”
With a smile on his lips, Lord Featherstone directed his attention to Lady Emma. “I do hope you will save me a dance.”
“I would be honored to,” Emma replied.
“Until tonight, then.” Lord Featherstone offered them a slight bow.
As they walked away, Emma leaned close to Ellie. “You need to be mindful to stay clear of Lord Featherstone,” she whispered.
“Why is that?”
“He is looking for a wife this Season,” Emma informed her, “but he has earned a reputation as a rakehell.”
“Is that so?”
Emma bobbed her head. “He may be looking for an heiress, but he takes no issue with ruining girls’ reputations along the way.”
“I’ll heed your words.”
“See that you do,” Emma urged. “Now, on to much more pleasurable things. Shall we look at hats or shawls next?”
“I propose we look at hats,” Ellie replied. “I was only able to bring the straw hat I’m wearing and a bonnet.”
Harriet looked at her with pity. “You poor thing.”
“I don’t know why I have to attend Lady Bryum’s ball this evening,” Roswell grumbled as he stood next to his mother in the entry hall.
“We need to show thetonthat we fully support Miss Bentley,” Harriet replied.
“Why can’t I support her from the townhouse?”
Harriet smiled, ignoring his boorish attitude. “I know you despise these types of social events, but they are important for you to attend.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you are a marquess, and it is expected of you.”
“Hardly,” he replied. “What is expected of me is to take up my seat at the House of Lords. Which I already did.”
“You need to find a wife.”
Roswell adjusted the sleeves of his white dress shirt. “I believe I have already informed you that I have no desire to rush into an unwanted marriage.”
“Not all marriages are unwanted.”
He scoffed. “Most of them are.”
“Your father and I were a love match,” she reminded him.
“You were the exception, not the rule.”
