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Eden’s heart sank as she took it—it was The Tatler. Halfway down, she saw it under the “Weekend Whimsy” section:
Terror of the Ton takes on Hellion of Holker Hall
At Lord and Lady T.’s dinner party on Saturday the TOT’s unexpected arrival delighted hosts and unwed female guests alike. Of note was the renowned Miss L., to whom he paid especial attention. If the couple’s conduct was disappointingly proper, there can be no doubting the serious nature of their association. Speculation remains only as to when their engagement will be announced.
Handing back the offending sheet, Eden laughed. “If this is enough to elicit a march down the aisle then half of London’s eligibles will be married by the end of the week. Did the papers not make similar predictions concerning me on three separate occasions last Season? This is nothing more than the usual annoying commentary. I happen to be the subject of their ramblings today. Tomorrow, it’ll be someone else.”
Catherine’s lips thinned. “All the same, I henceforth forbid you to see him without my direct supervision. It is plain I can depend on neither of you to do what is right without my prompting it.”
“Shall you write a letter informing him of your edict?” Eden sniped, wounded.
“I shall refrain from doing so as long as you don’t give me any reason to think it necessary,” retorted Catherine, pinning her with a stony gaze. “Pray don’t make me regret my trust and leniency.”
“Trust? What trust is this, to be the subject of an accusatory inquisition regarding a matter over which I had no control?”
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p; “You could have kept your distance.”
“It was a social event,” she flared. “We played parlor games, a few with each other but mostly with other partners. As for dinner, I was not consulted on the seating arrangements made by our hostess. Again, if you doubt my truthfulness, feel free to verify my words with Lady Torrington or Lady St. Claire.”
A sigh issued from her stepmother’s frowning mouth. “Truly, Eden, I have no desire for such contention. We have always gotten on well, you and I. It is only recently that we have begun to experience difficulty seeing eye to eye. This matter of Tavistoke has driven a wedge between us. If I cannot resolve the problem, I shall have no choice but to defer the matter to your father. I did not want to bring him into this as he is heavy laden with other matters, but you may well have forced the issue.” She tapped the paper before again tossing it aside.
Papa. He hardly seemed to even notice her these days. He was far too busy with Parliament and her half brother Thomas. Though he was but eight, the boy’s “training” took up all of his attention. She didn’t resent him. Had her father been unoccupied, he would’ve been a bother to her long before now. Like so many men, he relied upon his wife to handle all matters pertaining to his female offspring.
“That will hardly be necessary,” she said, edging her tone with frost. “Henceforth, should he arrive at an event at which I am present without either you or Papa to act as my gaoler, I shall give my regrets to the host and leave at once. I’m sure Lord Tavistoke will understand. I’ll endeavor to explain it to him discreetly when I am allowed to see him next so he is prepared and does not think me indifferent.”
“Don’t be absurd, girl!” hissed Catherine. “To do such a thing would cause far worse speculation.”
“Then what would you have me do? It displeased you that we were both in attendance at the Torringtons’ party without you, yet you would not have had me leave? I know not the soul capable of winning such an argument as this!”
“I would simply like to know in advance if he is to attend an event at which you are also expected.”
“Are we to contact his secretary and take down his schedule, then? I am not his wife to be privy to such information and neither are you his mother-in-law.” Yet.
“He ought to have mentioned he was to attend when you first spoke of it in conversation. It would have been a courtesy. That he did not deign to reveal the information tells me—”
“And I suppose he arranged for your illness, too?” Eden interrupted, angry beyond caring. “Yes, I see it now. He deliberately neglected to mention his plans to attend and then cursed you with this cold so that you could not be there!”
“Eden!”
“Will you not simply admit your prejudice against him? No matter what he says or does, you will not forgive him his past!”
Silence.
“You are correct,” said her stepmother at last. “I cannot. What I know of his past—and I know only part of it, I’m sure—is unforgivable. He is, however, a marquess with many influential friends. As such, we cannot afford to offend him.”
Eden knew she was thinking of Thomas. Though he was but eight years old, the heir’s future was already paramount in his parents’ minds.
Catherine continued. “Therefore, our only course is to proceed with the utmost caution, behaving in every instance with perfect propriety and upright conduct. Anything less will result in your ending the Season unwed and unmarriageable.”
“You are determined that he is out to ruin me.”
“What other motive can he possibly have?” asked Catherine. “Does it not alarm you that he’s friends with two of the men you refused last Season? Does it not make you wonder at his sudden interest in you? Men are like wolves in so many ways, Eden. They hunt in packs, and are both cunning and ruthless. They prey upon the weak. You cannot afford to stumble lest you fall.”
All her doubts concerning his connection with Lord Wells came flooding back. She pushed them away. “And what if he does abide by your guidelines? What if he does come up to scratch?”
“You mean if he does not jilt you at the altar?” Catherine’s smile was bitter. “As I am but your stepmother I don’t suppose my opinion holds much sway with you, but for what it’s worth let me make my position perfectly clear. A union with that man will bring you no joy, Eden. Therefore, though the rest of the world may approve of it, I cannot.”
