Page 6

Oh, bother.

Mercy met Corinna’s chagrined gaze in the mirror. “Sit down, and I shall fix it while you tell me what has happened.”

Sighing, Corinna sank onto one of the gold and ivory striped seats. As briefly as possible, she explained her unpleasant encounter.

“It’s my own fault.” She gave a disconcerted shrug and pulled her right glove on. Drat. Several small flecks of blood dotted the ivory satin. Likely they were ruined. “Not the most ideal way to begin a house party.”

Mercy stepped back and examined her handiwork. She adjusted a curl then gave a satisfied nod.

“I say good for you.”

“You do?” Relief and gratitude suffused Corinna as she tugged on the other glove.

Mercy gave Corinna’s shoulders an encouraging squeeze. “Women need to defend themselves against the likes of that bounder.” Mischief narrowed her eyes, and she chuckled. “I daresay Parnell-Calloway will finally accept your disinterest in him now.”

“You knew?” Corinna’s gaze flew to her sister-in-law’s as she stood.

A gentle smile swept Mercy’s mouth upward. “He’s besotted. Men do stupid things when smitten. As unacceptable as his behavior was, Parnell-Calloway was as much a victim of the cruel prank as you.”

“That is true.” Corinna touched Mercy’s arm. “Don’t tell Ronan, please. He’s likely to do something brash in my defense.”

“I shan’t say anything unless he asks me directly.” Mercy’s pretty features crumpled into a frown. “I’ve half a mind to inform Miss Marchette’s and Miss Haywood’s parents of their daughters’ reprehensible behavior.”

“I honestly don’t believe they’d give two farthings.” The girls weren’t the spoiled, unkind misses they were for no reason. “Rotten fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to the Marchettes and Haywoods.”

Corinna gave Mercy a hug. “Thank you for fixing my hair. I’m rather hopeless at styling it.”

Mercy looped her hand through Corinna’s elbow. “You have other talents.”

“That is kind of you to say so.” Corinna twisted her mouth into a wry grin. “Regardless, I don’t think my fascination with architecture, ancient writing, or herbal medicines ranks high on the list of desirable wifely attributes.”

Mercy cocked her head, her expression interested but not prying. “I didn’t think you were overly interested in matrimony.”

“I’m not, per se.” At least not a typical haut ton match.

They stepped through the doorframe onto the Axminster carpet. Candles flickered in the numerous brass and crystal wall sconces lining the corridor between ornately framed landscape paintings.

“I’m not opposed to the institution itself. You and Ronan are a lovely example of a successful union.” Corinna shut the door. “However, I shan’t be a chattel to any man. I’d have to respect my husband, and he’d have to respect me and my values and interests. That doesn’t necessarily mean he has to be a pious teetotaler, either.”

“In other words, he can be a rapscallion or a rogue, but he had better be worth the risk?” Mercy teased.

“Precisely.” Corinna’s grin mirrored her sister-in-law’s.

“Perfectly reasonable.” Mercy steered them toward a balcony, festooned with ruby-toned velvet draperies tied back with thick gold cords, that overlooked the dance floor. “Marriage must be a partnership where each party wants what is best for the other and is willing to make sacrifices.”

Corinna stepped into the enclosure.

The small area might’ve been used as a minstrel’s gallery, but tonight the musicians were situated at the front of the ostentatious ballroom.

Hands resting on the polished rosewood balustrade, Mercy searched the guests below.

Corinna had no doubt she looked for her husband.

“I honestly never expected to marry. But when I met Ronan…” A giggle escaped Mercy, and she sent Corinna a sideways glance. “Actually, I abhorred him when we first met. He was awful. But when I allowed myself to know him, really know him, I fell in love.”

Ronan and Mercy were so in love that it was embarrassing. So were Benjamin and his wife, Isadora. Only Sanford, their eldest and the most taciturn brother, remained unmarried. In truth, he heartily disapproved of Ronan’s and Benjamin’s choice of brides. In his arrogant opinion, both were too unrefined and common.

“And I am very glad you did.” Corinna placed her hand upon Mercy’s and squeezed.