“It is a rather gothic romance, quite titillating,” Lady Rawley said.
“What would a gothic romance have to do with a society that examines respected literature?” Percival asked through gritted teeth.
If his aunt had any notion of interfering with his society, of inserting herself and her dreadful taste in books, well, he would quash that notion firmly.
“I’ve had a notion,” Lady Rawley said, “what if we shake the dust off this little society of yours? What if, at the next meeting, we introduce this fascinating book?”
“Absolutely not,” Percival said.
The footman came hurrying back with the sheets of paper outlining the topics for this season’s meetings. He handed them round.
“Come now, nephew,” Lady Rawley said. “Do not be such a stick. One must be continually open to new ideas. We ought to at least try it out.”
“As I said, absolutely not. Aunt, ladies, if you wish to discuss any dreadful doings in a dale, you are encouraged to start your own society. Such drivel will never darken my doors.”
He turned on his heel. Before he could get too far, he heard Lady Rawley assure her friends that he was “likely to come round.”
He would not come round. His mother could not write enough letters on the importance of family for him to come round. Somehow, he must get his aunt and her friends out of his society.
Chapter Five
Cordelia felt humiliated.They had all, quite naturally, been entirely lost on the subject ofCardenio. They had briefly ventured a discussion onDon Quixote, as certainly they had all read it. But, it seemed nobody hadactuallyread it, though they all owned to starting it at some point.
That result had, also very naturally, led to a discussion on what theywereall reading at the moment, since of course it was notCardenioorDon Quixote.
Her aunt had mentionedThe Dreadful Doings of Dembric Daleand then to everybody’s delight, it was discovered that Lady Rawley, Lady Agatha, and Mrs. Robinson were reading it too.
That had all been very wonderful. Then, Lord Harveston had joined them and was most sympathetic to their unfamiliarity withCardenio. And did not inquire into their unfamiliarity withDon Quixote.
It had been very charming of him actually. Very kind, she thought.
If only the conversation had ended there!
It had not ended there, though. Lady Rawley had insisted that they introduceThe Dreadful Doings of Dembric Daleto the society.
It had, at first, seemed a worthy idea. She would like very much to discuss and debate the twisting plot and the way the author made one guess at what would happen next.
That was, it had seemed a worthy idea until she saw Lord Harveston’s expression upon hearing it. He’d been outraged. He looked down upon the book, though he had clearly never read it.
It was the type of book he looked down upon.
This somehow felt a reflection on herself, and on her tastes. As if she were not sophisticated enough or learned enough. As if she were silly to countenance such a book.
She supposed a gentleman like Lord Harveston would never read such a book.
“Do not fret over it,” Lady Rawley said. “Young gentlemen propose themselves to be invincible, but the truth is they have very fragile feelings. His selection has been pronounced dry and he feels the sting. Harveston will take the time to reflect on my suggestion and then he will see the sense in it.”
“But Lady Rawley,” Cordelia said, “he did seem so…so firm in his opinion. Perhaps the gentlemen here would not like to hear of our dreadful doings in the dale? Perhaps they are satisfied with the topics that Lord Harveston has composed for them?”
With that idea, they all looked down upon their papers.
If there were any of the ladies who understood any of the topics proposed, they did not say so. Cordelia, herself, was entirely lost.
“This might as well be written in Greek,” Mrs. Robinson muttered.
“Greek would be a deal more understandable than this!” Lady Agatha said.
“It is the precise evidence proving that my nephew has gone astray,” Lady Rawley said. “Certainly, nobody would wish to discuss St. Thomas Aquinas’ idea that no man can be a judge of himself and how it relates to Aristotle’s opinion that most people are bad judges of their own case?”
