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One by one, they sat down at the table with their plates, listening to the older generations’ conversation.
“Did you see how unflattering this caricature is of the Prince Regent?” Lionel laughed, gesturing at the cartoon in the paper.
“I do believe it’s most disrespectful,” Francis said. “I think the Prince Regent’s power grab has been dishonest about the king’s condition.”
“It is quite like young sons to think they are better than their fathers, isn’t it?” Ranora asked.
Lydia looked from Ranora to Michael, who raised a brow at her.
“Any thoughts on the latest quarrel between the parties?” he asked. Lydia glanced up to see Joseph watching her.
“I try to avoid discussing anything contentious over breakfast,” she claimed.
“Your Grace, please, I beg you. I was already bored to tears,” Kitty groaned. “The viscount is very obviously in support of the king, while your aunt and uncle have been arguing the case for the Prince Regent. I’m quite tired of it already.”
“I’m sure we could find more enjoyable topics to discuss,” Lydia agreed, sipping her tea, noting that Joseph was watching her skeptically. Even Michael raised his brow at her refusal to engage in a political conversation.
“We must find somewhere to occupy ourselves away from them,” Kitty said in a low voice, tilting her head toward the other conversation.
“I’d love to hear you play pianoforte, as you mentioned earlier,” Lydia told her. “Your Grace, do you have a pianoforte?”
“Indeed, in the parlor. Though, I can only guess that we shall not be alone for long if we have music,” Michael told them.
“Do you play duets, Lady Lydia?” Kitty asked, wiping her fingers on her napkin delicately.
“My sisters love playing duets, so I’d be most accommodating.”
“Any news from your sisters?” Michael asked.
Lydia shook her head. “No, I’ve written to my eldest sister, but I’ve not heard any news back, quite yet. It has, after all, only been a few days. Uncle, have you had any news from mother?
Francis looked away from his heated conversation from Lionel and Ranora with a look of relief.
“Ah, yes. I had a note from her just yesterday. She said that they have had suitors calling on all of the girls almost every day since you left,” he said.
“That is promising to hear,” Lydia said, smiling.
“You must be so relieved to have made a match with our nephew,” Ranora said, a smile on her face. “For a girl like you, after so many unsuccessful Seasons.”
Lydia felt taken aback for a moment. Ranora had been so kind and polite to her so far that her snide remark caught her off guard.
“How many Seasons have you been out in society now?” Kitty asked. “At least four or five?”
“Come now,” Lionel said. “You cannot embarrass the girl to ask such questions. What does it matter now? Michael is an excellent match for any girl.”
At Lionel’s statement, Lydia could have sworn she saw Ranora smirk into her cup of tea, but if she had, she covered it up well.
“I’d be most interested to hear of your sisters’ success during the last few weeks of the Season,” Michael interjected. “You must keep me appraised, though, I do not know I need to hear the details of who danced with whom. After all, I try to avoid London for a reason.”
“Yet, that goes back to the intricacies of society, do you not think, Lady Lydia?” Joseph asked. “Who danced with whom gives good indication of some budding romance that has not yet become official.”
“It’s true,” Lydia agreed. “But everyone knows that.”
“She’s right,” Kitty agreed, which Lydia found unsettling. Kitty continued, “I would be most interested to hear of the latest gossip, right from a credible source. Tell me about your sisters.”
Lydia glanced momentarily at Michael before turning to Kitty to describe her sisters and their ages. Kitty seemed interested in their temperaments and appearances.
Lydia felt on edge through the conversation, given Kitty’s initial cold attitude toward her and wondered what had caused the sudden change of heart. However, Michael grew bored after some time and rose, offering his hand to Lydia.
