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“I accept your apology,” she said politely.
They were standing very close together, and he didn’t move. He smelled woody and green, as if he’d been in the fresh air. Ella’s instincts were ringing as loudly as the bell on a fire wagon dashing down the street.
Lord Peregrine was disturbing.
“I do not require blue eyes and gold hair in my bride,” he stated.
Perhaps she had made him feel shallow?
Ella grinned, enjoying that thought. “If not, then you have been remarkably lucky.”
She wasn’t quite certain, but did he steal a glance at her bosom?
“I have always considered myself so,” he stated.
CHAPTER SEVEN
A VERY SMALL WAND RESEMBLES A NEEDLE.
In the next two weeks, Fulvia became fast friends with Lady Regina, regardless of the fact that Regina used to be betrothed to Lord Peregrine. The lady made it clear to everyone that she had tossed his lordship’s ring back, in contrast to the odious rumor that his lordship had rejected her.
Ella reserved judgment on that front.
She disliked the lady more and more every time they met. In her opinion, Lord Peregrine had had a lucky escape. Regina was mean, and Fulvia was so used to ignoring unkind remarks that she paid no attention to Regina’s waspish commentary.
The first time Regina paid them a morning call, following the evening at the Theater Royal at Drury Lane, Ella had joined the family for tea, wearing an elegant morning gown. Regina had treated Ella as an equal, patting her hand and suggesting she avoid parsnips as they were known to have fattening effects on the bosom.
On her second visit, Regina advised Ella that the tea leaves must have been exposed to air, as its flavor was acrid. Five minutes later, she questioned whether Ella had properly trained the downstairs housemaid, as she detected a lingering odor of coaldust. The last straw was when Regina gave the viscountess—who despaired over her belly—a dietary recipe designed for older women that had the lady in tears after Regina left.
After a few such cheerful occasions, Ella suggested that the girls entertain each other, and her aunt gratefully agreed. Fulvia and Regina spent whole days together, chattering about everything from lip color to handsome actors. In the afternoon, they would drive off in Regina’s phaeton to visit Hyde Park. One day they didn’t return until six, because they had attended a matinee of Catherine and Petruchio, seated in Lord Peregrine’s box, of course.
“You should have informed me,” the viscountess said over dinner.
“You were lying down when we left,” Fulvia said. “But I have the most marvelous news, Mama. The actors playing Catherine and Petruchio at the Theater Royal have agreed to perform a scene from Romeo and Juliet at our ball.”
The viscount scowled and put down his glass of wine. “Nonsense!” he barked. “Balls don’t offer theatrical entertainment.”
“Mine shall,” Fulvia replied serenely. “Catherine and Petruchio is a sensation. Having the two lead actors perform for us will ensure that ‘Starry, Starry Night’ is the premiere ball of the entire Season.”
“Humph,” the viscount grumbled, clearly accepting her point. “How do you expect to pay for them?”
“Lady Regina and I summoned the two leads to Lord Peregrine’s box and simply asked them. No mention of payment was made. I am certain that anyone who has not seen the play will buy a ticket the day after my ball.”
Ella couldn’t help laughing. Fulvia had learned that trick at her father’s knee.
“Are you certain it’s a good idea for Fulvia and Regina to be so independent?” she asked her aunt later.
“Oh, definitely,” the viscountess said vaguely. “And in any case, Lady Regina is always accompanied by a maid. Dear, would you mind fetching me a wet cloth for my head?”
“I think we should summon a doctor,” Ella said. “You’re so tired these days.”
“Nonsense,” her aunt murmured, closing her eyes. “The truth is that I’m getting old, Ella. I’m going through the change of life.”
Oh. What did Ella know of that?
Nothing.
When the “Starry, Starry Night” ball was only a week away, Mrs. Quimby sent a message asking that they visit the Emporium to be fitted for their gowns.
