Millie pulled a face. “How could I forget with Nettie prattling on about it every moment of the day?”
“Girls,” Lady Asquith said as she ushered them into a bright yellow parlor, “if you must speak, speak loudly enough for all to hear.”
“But that would defeat the purpose, Godmama,” Lenora replied cheerfully.
“If it is not fit for everyone, it is not fit for anyone. Remember that!” Lady Asquith warned.
Millie raised her brows and touched her hand to her lips.
“Look!” Nettie shook Lenora’s arm. “Cakes!”
“Don’t even think about taking one,” Millie warned.
“She may, if she wishes.” Miss D’Acre swept into the room.
Lady Redver entered on the young girl’s heels. Again, Eliza was struck by the woman’s beauty. She looked otherworldly, almost elfin, and yet she had the regal air of one far more mature than her years would suggest.
“So kind of you to join us, Lady Asquith,” Lady Redver said as she closed the doors.
As Lady Asquith presented each of the three youngest Wainwrights to their hosts, Lady Redver parceled out treats.
“Dancing”—Lady Redver smiled kindly—“is so much more delightful after cake.”
“Everything is better after cake,” Nettie agreed, sharing a shy smile with Miss D’Acre.
Though the cake was light and sweet on Eliza’s tongue, the single bite she took stuck in her throat. Although Redver did not live here, this home belonged to him. Perhaps it was fancy, but she felt his presence.
Foolish.
She had to concentrate on Vane.
Were they to come to terms today, she could save Cassie and her sisters. The thought did not bring the comfort she’d expected.
“I hadn’t expected you, Miss Cassandra,” Lady Redver commented.
Cassie held up her hand. “I only came to keep Godmama company.”
“You are welcome, of course,” Lady Redver replied graciously.
“Oh yes,” Miss D’Acre said warmly. “And please do join us, Miss Cassandra. You too, Miss Wainwright.”
Eliza’s eyes settled on Lady Redver, but before she’d a chance to read the woman’s puzzling expression, the door opened, and the butler signaled to the mistress of the house. Lady Redver crossed the room and spoke quietly with him.
“Emily, show the Misses Wainwright into the rear salon, would you?” Lady Redver said. “The dancing master is ready for you.”
“But Eliza’s not finished with her cake!” Nettie exclaimed.
Lady Redver glanced at Eliza and raised an eyebrow. “Nor have I, it would seem. Miss Wainwright, Lady Asquith and I will join you shortly, girls.”
Cassandra eyed Eliza with deep unease.
Eliza squeezed her hand as if to sayI’m fine.
No sooner had the group of young ladies departed than the knocker sounded against the main door. Again, Lady Redver conferred with the butler.
She turned back to Lady Asquith. “I’ve just had a delightful surprise.” She clapped her hands together and held them tight. “A dear family friend, Mr. Vane, late of Switzerland, has come to call. I can ask him to wait in the south parlor, if you wish.” Briefly, her gaze flitted to Eliza. “Or I could make introductions?”
“Mr. Vane, you say,” Lady Asquith replied, with a slight narrowing of her eyes. “I believe we’ve met.”
