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Chapter One
Felicity was going to scream. And that would cause a scandal. And then perhaps she would be ruined and wouldn’t be required to debut for real. But if she were ruined, there was a very real chance that her younger sister, Graciela, would have no chance of a successful debut. That would be a shame, since Graciela’s temperament would probably allow her to make a success of a debut. Provided she could convince herself to leave the house, of course.
She almost shook her head as she was distracted by thoughts of her sister. Felicity loved Grace quite fiercely, but she couldn’t understand how her sister could be so content with home life. Felicity certainly wasn’t. All she wanted from life was exactly what she wasn’t allowed to have. She would love to study something more interesting than deportment and needlework. She wanted to see more of the world. But not in company with her next oldest sister.
Vigilia and her husband had offered to take her along with them in some of their travels. Felicity had actually almost accepted, since it was better than nothing. And Vicky’s husband wasn’t cobbled by antiquated ideas that those of noble birth needed to avoid industry or enterprise. Much of their travels were connected with his business interests in other parts of the world, and it would be fascinating and satisfying to get to see it for herself. The problem was Vicky. Or rather Vicky’s similarity to their mother when it came to her ideas of what’s appropriate for Felicity. Somehow Vicky had decided it was her mission in life to find an appropriate nobleman for Felicity to marry. This was how she found herself in a crowded receiving room, surrounded by perfectly pleasant people vying for her attention while struggling with the decision of whether or not she ought to scream.
With a concerted effort, Felicity managed to swallow the scream that was scratching at her throat. Despite her offensive ideas toward her little sister, Vicky was a lovely person, and Felicity had no intention of offending her for her hospitality. But she was definitely going to have to come up with a plan. Because this was most definitely not what she wanted.
“The modiste did just marvellously with my new gown, would you not agree?”
“You have to see the matched bays they have found for me at Tatteralls. They are surely far better pacers than the ones Fred Smythe was driving last week.”
Felicity was certain the smile on her face was strained despite her best efforts to appear as though the conversations going on around her were not making her nearly cross-eyed with boredom. Her mind started to drift toward the book she had hidden under her pillow in her bedroom. Her brother-in-law’s library was the best stocked library she had yet had the pleasure to visit. Reading about Richard Trevithick’s use of steam locomotives for colliery railways was certainly far more fascinating to her than which modiste was the best. But Felicity at least had the sense to realize that she couldn’t say so in such an environment. There were actually very few places she could truly express herself. Her brothers-in-law, especially Ashford Northcott and the Duke of Wexford, were willing to entertain her questions and fascination with all things industrial, but her sisters were far less appreciative of her interests and questions.
After her guests left, Vicky was quick to point out where Felicity had gone wrong.
“You really ought to try a little harder, Felicity.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
Vicky laughed. “I know thetonis not your favourite, but what do you think, Felicity? It’s not as though Mother is going to allow you to set up a laboratory so you can start examining alchemy or some such. You have to get used to it. I know you cajoled our parents into allowing you to postpone your debut but surely, you’ve put it off long enough. It’s time you got on with your life. You know you cannot stay home forever.”
“Nor do I want to. But surely, there has to be something else that would be acceptable for me to do. I cannot abide talking about fashion or gossip.”
“That would be hard to tell from the number of letters you send and receive every day. What are you discussing in your letters, if not the latest gossip?”
“Do you really think I’m gossiping in my correspondence? Do you really know your sister so little?” Felicity didn’t want to make a scene, but the comment stung her feelings.
“I do apologize, Felicity, but if not gossip, what do you write about?”
“Well, I suppose you could call it gossip, as I do wish to know how everyone goes on. But I don’t pass people’s information on to others. Some people actually have interesting things going on.”
“Such as what?”
“Some people actually pay more attention to science than fashion.”
“Are you discussing science in your letters, then?”
Felicity gritted her teeth over her sister’s questions. Despite the fact that Vigilia seemed ready to arrange a wedding for her sister, it was obviously hard for her to see her as someone who had grown up and had a brain in her head. It was the strangest thing and irritating beyond belief.
“Never mind, Vick, it’s probably nearly time for me to return to Glendale, as I’ve quite taken up enough of your generous hospitality.”
“Oh, no, surely you ought to remain a little longer. I haven’t yet convinced you to make your debut.”
Felicity couldn’t remain angry with her sister and grinned at her, despite her irritation. “Were you hoping to be able to crow about that victory?” She laughed as her sister’s cheeks appeared to warm. “Well, then I am sorry to disappoint, but I am still holding out hope that I will be able to convince Mother to allow me to remain at home until I can take advantage of Grandmother Sherton’s bequest.”
“Do you truly have no desire to wed, then?”
Felicity shrugged. “It’s not that I have anything truly against the wedded state, it is just that I have no interest in wedding anyone that you or Mother would consider appropriate.” At her sister’s aghast expression, Felicity tried to explain. “I see how close you and your husband are and Bel and Hilaria with their husbands, and I do wish to experience that. But how can I find that with anyone who doesn’t share my interests?”
Vigilia sighed, searching her face with concern, and then finally nodded. “Stay just a little longer, and I’ll try to find someone who you might find interesting.”
“You are nothing if not tenacious, I can certainly say that for you. Very well, I will stay for a couple more days but surely, I ought to return home and check on Mother and Augustus and Gracie.”
“You know they are all fine. You would have received a letter if they were otherwise.” The two sisters shared a laugh, still in good spirits with one another despite their vastly varying temperaments.
Seven days later, though, Felicity was safely returned home, sharing tea with her youngest sister.
