Page 23 of The Baron Takes a Wife

Annie made a face. “Yes, it is from a Greek tragedy. About a girl who dies for the honor of her family.” Annie’s face cleared, and she looked at Elena with curiosity. “Greece is not that far from your homeland. You did not learn the Greeks?”

“Some stories were passed on, but I don’t remember many tragedies.”

“Ah, I see.” She paused as if absorbing the information, then went on, “No one ever calls me Antigone but for Lord Michael for some reason.” Her cross expression gave away her thoughts on that particular gentleman, though Elena could not blame her. Whenever she saw them together, Lord Michael did seem to always try to pick at Annie’s idealism. Elena would have to ask David about that.

“I always say there is truth in names, but in your case, I hope there is not. Though I could not imagine you acting without honor.” Annie was so strong and calm. Elena could see her in a different life as one of those knights David liked so well.

As Annie blushed slightly at the compliment, Elena realized she could ask her about the Season.

“How are you enjoying your Season?”

Annie paused again as if she needed to weigh her words. “On some level, I am enjoying it, but in some ways, it is frustrating.”

Elena looked up at her for an explanation. Annie sighed.

“I’ve never been out in society before. I’ve mostly been around my father and his friends. They are interesting people who study or travel. Nothing like the ton…” Annie stopped walking for a moment as if she had to steel herself before she went on. “I recently became aware of rumors regarding my birth, which may have changed how some gentlemen treat me.”

Elena kept her eyes down to conceal her shock. Annie was the granddaughter of a marquess, had a large dowry, and was striking in her beauty. Elena had seen gentlemen fawning over Annie at several events. But then she thought back to the few occasions before David returned where gentlemen had propositioned her when she made the mistake of wandering into a secluded corner. Those gentlemen appeared to make certain assumptions about her marriage, likely deeming her a foreign trollop who had seduced her way to a title. She had been embarrassed and pretended not to understand what they were asking. She hoped Annie wasn’t receiving the same kind of treatment, as she always sought to protect Irene and Annie at any event.

“Ah, yes, I understand how those kinds of gentlemen can be.”

“It’s so unfair. They can do whatever they want, and I must be above all reproach at all times.” Elena glanced up at her and saw a faint redness on her high cheekbones that was no blush. “Apparently, someone started a rumor that my late mother had an affair with a peddler, cuckolding my father.” She practically spat the last word. “And I was the result of that union. Because I’m so dark.”

Elena wished she could take this pain away from her friend. “I’m sorry, Annie. I did not grow up in this society. I did not know how cruel they can be.”

Annie bit her lower lip. “I hate it. I hate how many of them look at me. I might as well marry quickly to avoid society as soon as possible.”

Annie looked so detached and sad as she spoke the words that Elena grabbed her hand. “I hope it is a good man you choose.”

“I always wanted a hero who would slay dragons and right wrongs.” She gave a small shrug. “I will just have to find him quickly.”

Elena squeezed her friend’s hand. “I hope you do.” She thought this might be an opportunity to broach the subject of Irene.

“What about Irene? Has anyone started rumors about her?”

“Irene? I don’t think so. I know the oldest families look down on her because the family is in trade, and Lord Grayston’s marriage to—” Annie cut herself off as a look of guilt crossed her face.

“To me?” Elena asked, scared to hear the answer. “Have I brought her shame?”

“No!” Annie said fervently. “You have been above reproach. I suppose it was all so mysterious and sudden. People are curious about you. You’re very…un-English. I think you’re wonderful.”

Elena looked away at the compliment. “The feeling is mutual.” She frowned, thinking. “Then forgive me, I would not ask you to betray a confidence, but why does Irene look so sad?”

Annie looked to be deep in thought again, and she took a moment before she spoke. “She has not shared any confidences with me. But I noticed it, too. Knowing her these years, the most I can say is that this was never her dream. She never fantasized about a lord she would marry. She admired her brother or her aunt Sophie and wanted to take after them. She seems happiest when she is here or when she is making music.”

Elena nodded absentmindedly as she shared that exact thought. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone walking swiftly by. Maggie, who was wiping her hands, stopped and waved at her friends.

“I haven’t seen both of you together in a while. Where is Irene?”

“I think she was near David last I checked. He was talking to a soldier.”

Maggie nodded solemnly. “I didn’t know he was coming.”

Elena smiled. “He wanted to see your mother. I forgot to ask her, when will she meet the queen?”

Maggie’s expression darkened. “The date was postponed indefinitely. Apparently, some of the queen’s advisors were concerned with the…optics of the meeting.”

Elena’s grim expression seemed to mirror Annie’s face as she thought she understood the deeper meaning of what Maggie was saying.