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“My goodness,” Papa said weakly.
“Girls, you are excused,” Helen ordered.
“But—” Jeannie started to protest.
“Come along,” Cara whispered before dragging her reluctant sister from the room.
“That will be all,” Helen said to their still-paralyzed butler. “Try, if you can, to see that we arenotdisturbed again.”
“What, no tea?” Gillian drolly asked.
Kathleen could practically hear her stepmother grinding her teeth, while Jensen’s eyes rounded with panic.
“Um, ah . . .” stuttered the butler.
“Never mind,” Gillian said. “Away with you, Jensen, before your mistress has a fit.”
“Really, Your Grace,” Helen huffily said as their butler made a hasty exit.
“Yes, I’m completely outrageous.” Gillian gracefully sat next to Kathleen. “But I really am here to help.”
“How did you find out about this mess?” Kathleen asked.
“Charles was out for an early ride in Hyde Park, where he encountered Mr. Carling. The man was happy to rattle on about his son’s news.”
“I would truly like to murder that family,” Kathleen groused.
“Agreed, but we’ll manage with something less drastic.” Gillian’s smile was wry. “Scandals are my forte, you know.”
“Yes,everyoneknows that,” Helen snapped.
Though Papa looked ready to expire from embarrassment, the duchess simply lifted a brow and studied Kathleen’s stepmother with polite disdain. The normally unflappable Helen flushed pink under that silent scrutiny.
“I do have a great deal of experience, as does my husband,” Gillian finally said, “and he wishes to help. We’re very fond of Kathleen.”
“Your assistance would be most welcome,” said Papa, flashing Helen a warning glance. “I’m sure my wife agrees.”
Helen fussed with her skirts as she resumed her seat. “I beg your pardon if I conveyed a different impression, Your Grace.”
Gillian climbed off her high horse. “I’m sure you both wish me straight to perdition.” She shifted her gaze to Kathleen. “Not the best timing on your part, dearest. You could scupper your brother’s engagement.”
“Yes, I . . . I’m afraid I neglected to think about that,” Kathleen said. Truthfully, she’d not really thought about anything but having a jolly little lark.
Gillian patted her arm. “A tip for the future, dearest. Avoid scandals that bring others down with you. That way, if the whole thing blows up in your face, no one else gets hurt.”
“Did that work for you?” Kathleen asked.
“Not according to my husband. Fortunately, my scandalous days are over.” She tilted her head. “I believe it’s time for yours to be over, too.”
“We canallagree on that,” Helen said.
Kathleen suspected she had a few scandals left in her future but tried to look contrite.
“Your Grace, how did your husband respond to Mr. Carling’s accusations?” Papa asked.
“He told Carling to keep such rank speculations about Kathleen to himself. As Charles pointed out, his son and his dreary little friend can hardly be considered reliable witnesses, given that they were exceedingly drunk. Charles will also find a way to quietly relay that message to Lord Bevington. My husband will manage that piece of the puzzle, never fear.”
“Then I won’t have to leave town, after all?” Kathleen cautiously asked.
