A Secret Surrender - Darcy Burke Page 0,37
just have to accept that his wife enjoyed seeing Madame Sybila. So long as the woman wasn’t fleecing Mother, what harm did it truly cause?
“We’re still working on your voucher for Almack’s,” Delia was telling Miss Whitford. “I expect we’ll be able to accomplish it within the month for certain. Mark my words, you will be presented there before the Season draws to a close.”
Miss Whitford had charming dimples when she smiled, as she was doing now. “I deeply appreciate your assistance. I’m having a dress made especially for the occasion.”
Imogen sat down on Miss Whitford’s other side and asked about the dress. As Miss Whitford described the costume in excruciating detail, Harry wondered where Rachel had gone only to see her standing with his mother and Lady Gresham. Rachel was angled toward Lady Gresham, her gaze darting toward Harry as she spoke.
What on earth was she saying to poor Lady Gresham in her effort to make a match? Hell, was that a pained expression in Lady Gresham’s eyes?
Knowing the need for a rescue when he saw one, Harry excused himself from his brothers-in-law and circuited the seating area on his way to reach Lady Gresham.
“Oh, Harry, how nice of you to finally join us and welcome Lady Gresham,” Rachel said, pulling him into their half circle so that he was between her and Lady Gresham.
Harry quashed the urge to glare at his meddling sister. “Good evening, Lady Gresham.”
“We were just telling Lady Gresham how the entire family meets for dinner most Thursdays during the Season,” his mother said. “I feel so fortunate to have everyone so close.” She looked to Lady Gresham. “And every other Sunday, my grandchildren come over after church to spend the day. They’re such a delight.” Her gaze shot briefly to Delia on the settee. “And we are soon to have another.”
“How many grandchildren do you have?” Lady Gresham asked.
“Seven. Delia has three already, as does Rachel. Imogen has but one so far, but I suspect there may be another soon.” She arched her brows briefly and smiled.
Rachel pursed her lips. “Mama, you shouldn’t speculate about such things. You don’t want to curse anything.”
“Nonsense. I’m not speculating. A mother knows things. Besides, Madame Sybila told me recently that there would soon be even more additions to our family. The cards never lie.”
Rachel rolled her eyes, which Harry found amusing. “Let me understand, Rachel. You believe in curses, but not the forecast of a fortune-teller?” He laughed softly and had the strong impression Lady Gresham was doing her best not to smile.
“Oh, laugh all you please. I don’t like to speculate about babies—too many things can go wrong.”
“That is very true,” Lady Gresham agreed. Once again, Harry wondered if she’d lost a child.
“Not wanting to discuss whether someone will increase is not at all related to fortune-telling.” Rachel turned her head to their mother. “You’re still seeing Madame Sybila? I thought Papa forbade you.”
Mother waved her hand and scoffed. “Your father doesn’t forbid me to do anything. He strongly suggested I find another hobby, as he called it, but I enjoy seeing Madame Sybila. She’s a lovely woman with a kind heart. Did you know she supports several charitable endeavors, such as the Magdalen Hospital?”
“Unless she showed you receipts for her donations or personally visited the hospital with you, I’m not sure I’d believe that,” Rachel said wryly.
Harry hadn’t realized his sister possessed such a cynical opinion on the matter. If she’d tried and hadn’t been able to persuade their mother to give up the fortune-teller, he didn’t think Lady Gresham could.
“I saw Madame Sybila just the other day,” Lady Gresham said, clearly surprising his mother. “I also found her to be very kindhearted. In fact, I visited one of the charities she supports and was delighted to donate to their cause.”
Looking very pleased, Harry’s mother grinned at Lady Gresham. “Which one was that?”
“The Home for Wayward Children. A wonderful couple has taken in many children and are doing their best to provide a home and comfort so the children do not fall victim to the streets.”
“Good for you for going to visit,” Harry’s mother said. “Perhaps we should coordinate an excursion to this home with Madame Sybila. Several of my friends see her and donate to her causes, and I know they’d love to contribute more.” Enthusiasm gleamed in her tawny-brown eyes. “I’ll speak to Madame Sybila when next I see her.” She inclined her head to Lady Gresham. “You should do the same.”
Lady Gresham