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“Rebecca.” She brushed past Romy without a second thought, obviously relieved at having been rescued from conversing with Romy further now that she’d done her duty. “How good of you to come.” Beatrice took her friend’s hands with affection.
The new Lady Carstairs greeted Beatrice warmly, spinning about to show off her plum-colored ensemble before her joy halted upon noticing Romy. Brow wrinkling in consternation, she nonetheless bobbed politely. “Lady Andromeda. What a pleasure to find you here.”
“Isn’t it?” Just imagining the tedious conversation she’d be forced into with Lady Carstairs was enough to send Romy sprinting across the lawn.
“A late addition to the house party,” Beatrice said. “Lady Richardson begged an invitation for Lady Andromeda and her sister.” A gloved hand waved in the direction of Theo, who winced as she stubbed her toe. “Lady Theodosia.”
Begged an invitation?She opened her mouth to object.
Rebecca observed Theo. “I thought Lady Theodosia wore spectacles.”
“Broken,” Romy bit out. “During the journey here. Very unfortunate.” The last thing Theo would appreciate was these two nitwits gossiping about her vanity.
“Rebecca,” Beatrice cooed to her friend. “My gown, the one I told you about, was finished just in time. You’ll have to come to my room later to see it. Madame Dupree has outdone herself. I confess, she is a marvel. There are even tiny clips for my hair to match the dress.”
Rebecca clapped her hands. “How splendid.”
“The clips resemble small suns,” Beatrice continued. “I shalloutshineevery woman in the room.”
“As you should,” Rebecca giggled, Beatrice’s pun more than her tiny brain could comprehend. “Granby won’t be able to take his eyes from you.”
Had she known the gown was going to Beatrice, Romy would have created tiny snakes instead of suns. A small snort left her thinking of Beatrice as Medusa.
Beatrice and Rebecca shot her twin looks of annoyance before proceeding to ignore Romy completely and exclude her from their conversation.
With a sigh, Romy cast a glance in the direction of the gardens, meaning to excuse herself for a stroll when she caught sight of Cousin Winnie beckoning to her with a wave. She stood next to an older woman who was busy directing one of the servants. Lady Molsin.
“Excuse me. My cousin bids me to join her.”
Neither Beatrice nor Rebecca bothered to acknowledge her departure.
Head shaking at their rudeness, Romy hurried to Cousin Winnie’s side, discreetly observing their hostess. Delicate and fine boned, with refined patrician features and ash-blonde hair, Lady Molsin bore little resemblance to her nephew. Powder blue eyes sparkled with warmth at Romy’s approach, her hand reaching out in welcome.
“Penelope,” Cousin Winnie said, “may I present my dear cousin’s daughter, Lady Andromeda Barrington. Andromeda, dear, this is our hostess, Lady Molsin.”
Lady Molsin took Romy’s hand. “Lady Andromeda. A pleasure. I regret I could not greet you upon your arrival. I’m afraid the other guests were demanding their luncheon, and I dared not leave the staff without direction. I hope Owens took good care of you?”
“Andromeda and Theodosia arrived much later than anticipated.” Cousin Winnie sent Romy a pointed look. “And you had other guests to see to, Penelope.”
“Indeed, Lady Molsin. I would not have wanted you to desert your other guests on our account. Owens was very welcoming and is a credit to His Grace’s household,” Romy said. “My apologies if our late arrival caused any undue concern.”
Lady Molsin waved away her apology. “Not at all,” she said, her grip on Romy’s hand firm as she studied her. “Quite beautiful, aren’t you? Like all the Barringtons. I am acquainted with your mother, though it has been some time since I’ve seen her. How does Amanda fare these days?”
“She is well, my lady. And in London, enjoying her grandson, Lord Welles.”
Lady Molsin nodded. “Good. I was saddened to hear of your father’s death. He was a lovely man. Quite the rogue, before marrying your mother. Caused quite a stir. I remember it well.”
At Romy’s questioning look, Lady Molsin only smiled broader. “Forgive the ramblings of an elderly woman.”
“Where has Theodosia gone?” Cousin Winnie said, clearly agitated. “She was right there only a moment ago.” Shrewd eyes scanned the terrace. “She should greet our hostess properly.”
“I’m sure Theo will turn up, Cousin,” Romy assured her, pondering Lady Molsin’s comment. “If you will excuse me, I feel the need to stretch my legs after our journey. I was thinking of a walk before dinner.”
“But dear,” Cousin Winnie turned back to Romy, “you haven’t yet met the duke.”
The verylastthing Romy wished to do was reacquaint herself with Granby.
“Nonsense.” Lady Molsin batted away Cousin Winnie’s concern. “My nephew has yet to appear, and Lady Andromeda won’t be gone long, I’m sure. The gardensarelovely. Very wild. The best thing about The Barrow, in my estimation. The gardeners took all their direction from the duke. His Grace is very exacting.”
