Page 43 of Her Summer Duke

Lady Peabody went to Lady Mantrell, and patted her arm consolingly.

“There, there, my dear. Perhaps you can turn all of that planning to Lady Phoebe’s benefit – I am sure that both her mother, and Lord Montpelier, would welcome your extensive skills in wedding organisation.” Behind Lady Mantrell, Lord Montpelier stiffened, and delivered Lady Peabody a most scathing look. “And as for society’s opinion – well, should the rather arbitrary rules of propriety for mourning be allowed to stand in the way of true love? I think not.”

Lady Mantrell fixed Lady Peabody with a blistering look.

“You empty headed woman, what do you know of love and propriety?”

Lady Peabody drew herself up, but before she could speak, Lady Huntington chimed in.

“Yes, this scandal will be the talk of town. The gossiping will not stop for months! How will you ever live it down, Lady Mantrell? What a thankless task to raise this young woman and have her shame you in front of the entire town.”

Adam caught Lady Margaret’s hand in his.

“My dearest Lady Margaret, will you be marrying me or the ton? We are in love. Our love is true.”

Margaret’s eyes glossed with tears, as all of the drama of the day came crashing down on her. How could she know what was right? How could she make everyone she cared about happy at once?

“Are we too impetuous, Captain? What is love?”

Lady Peabody shook her head.

“This is what love is. You have it. Do not hesitate, Lady Margaret. True love is a rare gift. Be strong! Enjoy your love! Do not allow the dictates of society to steal it from you.”

“Lady Peabody I am shocked at your response!”

Lady Mantrell’s voice was high pitched. Lady Huntington kept sniffing and sighing.

“As am I. Come Lady Mantrell, let us go for a cup of tea. Nothing will settle our nerves more than to withdraw from this circus and hope that sanity may eventually prevail.”

Lady Mantrell did not move. Her voice came softly, full of a tone that Lady Margaret had heard many times in her life – resignation, and a little sadness.

“Do reconsider, Lady Margaret.”

Margaret looked her guardian in the eyes.

“Nothing matters in this world, Lady Mantrell, nothing, except for our love.” She smiled at Adam. “Our one waltz was the ever-lasting waltz of our hearts. Forever after.”

He brought her hand to his lips.

“Yes, my dear sweet Lady Margaret. Forever after.”