Lord Chudley’s dismissive tone about reformers made my skin prickle. Did he think Mr. Wilberforce’s work was so insignificant, despite all the lives it sought to change?
“Mr. Wilberforce is most passionate about his causes,” Sebastian replied after a pause, before casting me a sidelong glance as if to gauge my reaction. “I find his concern for his fellow human beings admirable.”
Lord Chudley arched an eyebrow. “I do hope you find yourself more inspired in the company of realists, Mr. Sinclair. That’s where the true power lies.”
“Lord Chudley,” I blurted, unable to hold my tongue any longer.“Surely you don’t oppose the good that ideals can bring. Mr. Wilberforce’s efforts against slavery speak for themselves.”
“Keep your ideals, Miss Grenville. They’re most charming in the fairer sex,” Lord Chudley said. I bristled, keenly aware of Edward, who shifted beside me. He remained unnoticed by our hosts.
“No politics today,” Lady Anne cut in, leading us farther into the house. “Come, Miss Grenville. We’ve planned a lighthearted gathering. Some of us prefer amusements unburdened by social causes. Do you still attend literary salons? I imagine the dusty tomes there are as tiresome as the conversation.”
I gritted my teeth. Who would have told her about my visit to the salon? Lord Chudley, perhaps?
“On occasion, Lady Anne. I intend to visit quite often this season. And as for dusty tomes, I doubt there’s a single speck in Lady Ashford’s library. She actually reads her volumes.”
Freddy shot me a warning glance as Aunt trailed behind us. Too late—I’d let my tongue run ahead of my sense again. Lady Anne only tittered, as if I amused her.
We followed our hosts to the back of the house, where a glass conservatory soared above us. The warmth hit me at once, sunlight gleaming on polished windows. In one corner, a small pool cradled a scatter of vibrant blooms, their petals stealing my breath.
“Look at those,” Sebastian said, nodding toward a cluster of delicate flowers that reminded me of the blooms from my childhood garden. Lady Anne lingered near his side—too near as she slipped her arm through his.
“The lotus,” I murmured, a pang of memory striking deep.
He gave me a questioning look. I longed to tell him how my mother used to pluck them from the pool where Edward and I played.
“My brother has an affinity for flowers from around the world.” Lady Anne looped her hand more securely through the crook of Sebastian’s arm. Before I could respond, I found myself guided toward the otherguests. Viscounts Castlereagh and Strickland, and their stately wives. Other names I didn’t recognize, no doubt men well-esteemed by the ton.
I felt suddenly very garish in my emerald gown when compared to the muted fashions of the women before me. Regardless, I lifted my chin and curtsied, but I felt a few men stare at me and one turned to his companion, not even bothering to lower his voice.
“Is that the one? She is a diamond of the first water. Chudley didn’t lie, did he?”
The other man, tall with silver at his temples, ogled me from my carefully arranged curls all the way to my matching green slippers.
“Pretty enough, but she is not the season’s incomparable. Poor boy needs a lorgnette.”
“You wouldn’t refuse her, Lord Sidmouth,” the first man teased. “Admit it.”
“She’s wealthy to sweeten the deal, eh? A nabob’s granddaughter, after all,” another added, his tone bordering on smug.
Many women would be flattered to be called a diamond of the first water, but despite my inexperience with men, I saw something beneath their hardened stares—something that made me feel brittle inside.
I was not the naïve miss they assumed. The slur “nabob’s granddaughter” made bile rise in my throat. My grandfather had amassed his fortune in India—enough to make him fear I might be ensnared by a charming fortune hunter.
But was he protecting my heart or his purse?
“I see we’re dining with a table full of Company men. Grandfather will be pleased,” Edward murmured as we made our way to the canopied table.
I frowned as I caught sight of where Edward had been directed—well away from our hosts, near the edge of the lawn. He and Fredericka sat beneath a rose-draped arbor, almost as if they had been deliberately exiled. A flicker of annoyance stirred in me. Edward deserved better thanto be tucked away like an afterthought—clearly a casualty of the invisible social lines still drawn, even in a garden.
I, on the other hand, was seated near his lordship, while Mr. Sinclair sat farther down the table across from Lady Anne. It wasn’t surprising, given Lord Chudley’s title. Aunt, much to her delight, was given a seat closer to mine.
As we settled in, Lord Chudley leaned toward me. “Miss Grenville, your attire brings such delightful vibrancy. It’s as if you’ve brought spring itself to the table. I should like to show you my country estate one day—the roses are splendid in summer.”
I glanced at Sebastian, who seemed absorbed in Lady Anne’s chatter. Had he heard?
“A visit would be enchanting, if it rivals your conservatory,” I replied, keeping my tone light, though my eyes remained on Sebastian.
“You find Lady Anne’s conversation diverting?” A coolness touched the earl’s tone.
