“Our aunt is often cross,” Lady Valor clarified.
Percy had seen that well enough the evening before. He’d been casually acquainted with Lady Marchfield for some years but had never observed her temper before that.
But what could be the meaning of Lady Felicity pretending at a headache at the last minute, though nobody understood why she was meant to? He was not wholly against the idea, as Lady Marchfield had speculated that Lady Cyprion must have an eligible gentleman available for Lady Felicity. Whoever thatfellow was, he could not be up to scratch, or Percy would have heard of the family.
“It is a mystery, you see,” Lady Felicity said. “Only our Mrs. Right knows why I am to have a headache.”
Mrs. Right bobbed her head up and down. “I’ll say nothing for now.”
“We do like a mystery,” Lady Winsome said. “Except for Patience. And Valor.”
“I don’t like mysteries because you don’t know what they’re about. It’s scary,” Lady Valor said.
“I don’t like to wait,” Lady Patience said.
“All will be known soon enough,” Mrs. Right said mysteriously.
“I hope it’s to do with driving Mr. Sykes-Wycliff from the house,” Lady Winsome said.
“Perhaps, in a roundabout manner,” Mrs. Right said smiling.
“We watched him run round the square this morning,” Lady Serenity said. “He was very out of his breath. He was clutching the railing of the park and heaving.”
“I’m sorry—your butler was running round Grosvenor Square?” Percy asked.
“Oh yes, that’s to do with—”
Lady Felicity cut off Lady Serenity before she could explain what it was to do with.
“Never mind what it’s to do with,” she said hurriedly.
“I have been assured that Jimmy is making a wonderful recovery,” Lady Valor said, “if that makes you feel better, Mr. Stratton.”
Percy was entirely lost. All he could gather was there was a mysterious dinner Lady Felicity would not attend, and it was indeed mysterious—he’d never heard of Lady Cyprion. Who on earth was she? As well, they were set on driving the butler fromthe house, which somehow involved him running round their square. And who was Jimmy? What was he recovering from?
Percy thought the butler might be well served to set off running and keep going from whence he came. Maybe he ought to take Jimmy with him!
Mr. Lackington came back with an armful of books. Lady Felicity was to be gratified in her wish to gain more knowledge regarding the habits of stoats, though Percy could not think it a wise choice to emulate Lady Albright on any matter.
It seemed there were endless choices regarding gothic novels, and the four sisters who requested them were to be scared out of their wits for weeks to come. Lady Valor was equally satisfied, as she perused a book calledThe Gentlest Unicorn.
“Well, ladies, I think Mr. Lackington has things well in hand,” Percy said. “Lady Felicity, I hope to see you at Lady Lewellyn’s ball.”
Lady Felicity nodded prettily.
“I suppose you will insist on taking her first dance, Mr. Stratton?” Lady Serenity said.
Before he could answer that rather forward question, Lady Patience said, “No, Serenity, Mr. Stratton will wish to take the dance before supper. For extended conversation, you see.”
“Oh yes, that does make sense,” Lady Serenity said.
All eyes looked toward him, but for Lady Felicity’s, as she had turned away.
“Perhaps Lord Rustmont will beat me to it,” Percy said.
Why did he say that? What a stupid thing to say.
“Lord Rustmont?” Lady Winsome exclaimed. “I should hope not. He ran away, Mr. Stratton. At the critical moment, he ran away from the tiger.”
