“You’re blushing. Have I made you uncomfortable?”
“I don’t receive many compliments.”
“That’s a shame, and I shall make sure you receive all the compliments you deserve.”
“Shush.”
“Lady Isabella, you aren’t simply lovely but clever, witty, and pleasant to spend time with.”
“Stop.”
“And I immediately love anyone who openly disagrees with Grandmama. I had no opinion on women’s suffrage, but by Jove, now I support it.”
She laughed, maybe too loudly because she felt the Dowager’s glacial stare on her like when snowflakes slid under the collar of her coat.
She stopped laughing and raised her gaze. Yes, the Dowager was staring at her, and there was no need for words. That stare held not merely an entire conversation, but a complete course in manners, too.
She composed herself and focused on the chessboard. “So, shall we start?”
