Marjorie gave her an amused look. “I daresay that you broke Miss Skeffington.”
“She deserved it,” Henrietta asserted. “She was so vain and pretentious.”
“Miss Skeffington was the granddaughter of a baron.”
“You do not need to remind me, because she spoke of that quite often.”
“That she did.” Marjorie paused. “Do you think either of us will end up as a spinster?”
“There are worse things,” Henrietta said.
“Worse than being forced to work for an income?”
Henrietta nodded. “I would say that being trapped in a loveless marriage would be far worse.”
“I disagree,” Marjorie said. “I would rather be married than work as a companion or governess.”
“With any luck, we both will be wed and be deliriously happy.”
A sad look came to Marjorie’s face. “I hope so.” She rose. “It is late, and I think it is best if I retire for the evening.”
“If you find yourself unable to sleep, I will be in the library.” Henrietta watched as her sister walked away, unable to decipher the mood that had come over her. What had caused her sister to become so despondent?
4
HENRIETTA REINEDin her horse outside of the stables and effortlessly dismounted. As she extended the reins to a groom, he asked, “Are you going to join us this afternoon for a game of cards?”
“I’m afraid I am unable to do so,” she replied. “I have to sit in the drawing room, in anticipation that someone will call upon my sister.”
“I understand, miss.”
“Perhaps I can sneak away tomorrow for a game or two.”
The groom tipped his head and led her horse into the stable. She turned towards the townhouse and stifled the sigh that was on her lips. How she dreaded the monotony of her days in London. It was entirely too predictable. Some people wished for a life that was simple and planned, but she wanted more from life.
Frankly, she didn’t know how that was possible. She was the daughter of a viscount, and she was expected to behave accordingly. Her parents were constantly chiding her for unladylike behavior, despite her best efforts to conform.
She started walking towards the rear of the townhouse when the door was opened. Walters greeted her with his usual smile. “Your mother has requested your presence in the drawing room,” he informed her.
“Did she say why?”
“She did not, miss.”
Henrietta entered the townhouse and headed towards the drawing room. She suspected that someone had called upon Marjorie, and she would be expected to play the part of a dutiful sister.
As she stepped into the drawing room, Henrietta saw a seemingly enamored gentleman sitting across from Marjorie. Her mother glanced over and gave Henrietta a disapproving look before saying, “You have finally returned from your ride.”
“I have,” she replied. “I do apologize for my late arrival.”
The gentleman rose from his seat as her mother provided the introductions. “Lord Featherstone, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Miss Henrietta.”
Lord Featherstone turned his attention towards her and perused the length of her, making her deucedly uncomfortable. “Enchanted,” he said, performing a slight bow.
Knowing what was expected of her, she dipped into a curtsy and murmured, “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“I am most fortunate to be around such beautiful women,” Lord Featherstone said, turning his attention back to Marjorie.
Henrietta walked over and gracefully sat down next to her sister, being mindful to be on her best behavior.
