Grant?” asked Genie, feeling reassured enough in Pen’s friendship to speak of matters that were close to her heart. “He was the only one who was brave enough to speak with me several times at the ball, and I suspect he may have arranged with his aunt to invite me.”
“To be sure he did,” replied Pen. “I heard he garnered that invitation for you by promising to dance with all the young ladies at his aunt’s ball.”
“That was extraordinarily kind of him,” said Genie, her pulse increasing. Mr. Grant had indeed inconvenienced himself on her behalf.
“Mr. Grant is quite capable of making large grand gestures. He is well liked by his friends and critics alike.”
“Why do I have the feeling you are about to tell me something of him that is not good?”
Pen took a sip of her tea and shook her head. “I do not like to revisit the past, particularly in regards to my sisters, but I would not like to see you make the same mistake. It was several years ago when we first came to London. One of my sisters became well-known for her beauty, but our connections were very low, and we were snubbed by more exacting members of the ton. Mr. Grant was very attentive, very courteous. He even helped us gain entry into society in a way we could not have done without him, and for that I am thankful. My sister was quite taken with him, and we held hopes that the rumors about him were untrue. Surely such a charming man could not be the rake they described. We hoped for a proposal and at last one did come.”
Pen stopped and took another slow sip of tea.
“Your sister refused him?” asked Genie, impatient to hear the end of the story.
“His proposal was for her to become his mistress, not his wife.”
“Oh.” Genie sat back in her chair, deflated. “I see.”
“He is quite charming, but I thought you should know.”
“Thank you,” murmured Genie. She knew the warning was for the best, but Pen had poured freezing water all over her nice, warm dream.
“This story is not widely known,” said Pen.
“You can be assured of my discretion,” said Genie. She really did not wish to talk about it. The dream of Mr. Grant was best forgotten.
“Mr. Blakely,” announced the butler at the door of the drawing room.
Mr. Blakely entered the room in a double-breasted coat of dark blue, light trousers, and tan kid gloves. He might not be as showy as Grant, but he was not an unattractive man. He bowed his apology for being late to the dowager, with an excuse of a prior engagement. His manners were polished and pleasing, Genie decided.
Penelope vacated the chair next to Genie and Mr. Blakely was drawn to it.
“I will make my apologies to you too, Miss Talbot,” said Mr. Blakely, taking her hand in his gloved one and giving her a slight bow.
“Not at all,” said Genie. “I am pleased you were able to come.”
Mr. Blakely’s mouth twitched upward, in what Genie guessed was a smile. “I must thank you, Miss Talbot. On your advice I visited the British Museum. I can see now why you recommended it. I found the visit most educational.”
“Was it? I am pleased. The guidebook said it was not to be missed.”
“Have you not visited yourself?”
“No, not yet.” Genie’s aunt laughed at the idea of visiting the museum. It was apparently not how young ladies spent their time.
“Perhaps I could be your escort sometime,” suggested Blakely. “I should like to visit the museum again soon, and I could not ask for more pleasant company.”
Genie smiled and noted with pleasure that Mr. Blakely looked her in the eye, not down the front of her gown. “I should like that very much. My guidebook lists many sights in London that should not be missed.”
“A guidebook sounds sensible. Perhaps I could avail myself of it?”
“By all means! I am glad to hear you say it. You cannot imagine the grief I have endured for that guidebook. My aunt threatened to burn it if she ever saw it again. I have learned it is not considered fashionable.”
“I should not like to think the opinion of others should prevent me from enjoying the history or architecture of this city.”
“Exactly what I think! Thank you, Mr. Blakely. I am so glad to know I am not the only one who thinks this way.”
“I should go find the gentlemen and pay my respects to my host,”