Her aunt did not look pleased. “Pray tell, what do you think you two are doing?”
A mischievous glint sparkled in Elodie’s eyes as she held out the skirts of her gown. “We both liked this ballgown so we had it commissioned… twice.”
“I daresay that the guests will not be able to tell you apart,” her aunt remarked in a disapproving tone.
Melody smiled. “That is our intention. It is much more fun that way.”
Her aunt let out a sigh of disapproval. “This type of buffoonery will not be tolerated in London,” she warned sternly.
Elodie’s smile grew. “Where is the fun in that?” she quipped.
Her aunt glanced at the mantel clock. “It is too late for you two to change, but we shall discuss this later.”
“I shall have something to look forward to then,” Elodie remarked.
Bennett spoke up. “I think Father should marry Elodie off to the Duke of Devonshire. I have heard that he is looking for a young, vigorous wife to give him an heir,” he suggested with a smirk.
Elodie narrowed her eyes. “Father wouldn’t dare do such a thing,” she stated.
Her uncle shrugged his shoulders. “It does sound like a feasible option, considering you two are not taking this soiree seriously,” he said, giving his daughter a pointed look.
“Very well, I shall take the soiree seriously,” Elodie remarked. “And I promise that I won’t speak any hog Latin to Melody.” She hesitated before adding, “Or any other guest.”
Her uncle shook his head. “I’m beginning to wonder if I wasted my money on that prestigious boarding school of yours.”
Placing her hand on her husband’s sleeve, her aunt said, “Come now, it is time for us to arrive at the soiree.” She turned to Edwina. “When we give you the signal, you and Miles will join us on the dance floor for the rest of the set.”
Edwina nodded, placing a hand on her stomach to calm her nerves. “I understand.”
As they filed out of the library, Miles offered his arm to her. “There is no reason to be nervous,” he assured her.
“Is it so obvious?” she asked.
He grinned. “It is to me.”
“I suppose this soiree serves as good practice for my upcoming Season,” Edwina said.
Winston joined them, his arms clasped behind his back. “Out of curiosity, when do you plan on leaving Brockhall Manor, Miles?”
Miles seemed to consider Winston for a moment before answering, “I have yet to decide.”
“Interesting,” Winston muttered. “You would think with the Season approaching, you would need to tend to your estate.”
Arching an eyebrow, Miles asked, “Are you eager to be rid of me already?”
Winston’s hands unclasped from behind his back and dropped to his sides. “No, but I do think it is time for this game to end.”
“What game?” Miles asked.
With a stern expression, Winston replied, “If you don’t know, then it would be best for you to take your leave now.”
As Winston walked away, leaving them behind, Edwina furrowed her brow. “Do you know what game my cousin was referring to?”
“I think I have a fairly good idea.”
She glanced over at Miles. “Will you tell me?”
His jaw clenched. “Soon, I promise.”
