The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,26

was so concentrated on impressing her guardian with her inventiveness that she forgot the presence of Lady Grassmere.

"My family dates back many centuries and over the years many customs have changed but always there is an echo of the old days. The laird called all the clan together when his daughter came of age. For days they celebrated with fairs and games and, uh, hunting," Amity invented. Her eyes flashed as she became caught up in her own narrative. "At midnight the entire clan would stand in a circle and the proud father would lead his daughter to the center. Flagons of wine would be raised in a toast to the marriageable girl. Then, in order to prove that she was a maiden of exceptional beauty, he would rend her garments until she stood before the clan in nothing except the veil of her hair."

As Lady Grassmere took in the significance of the girl's words, her wrinkled cheeks flamed with color then whitened to an ashy pallor. Amity was immediately contrite, dismayed that her need to revenge herself on Max had led her to so distress the older woman. She ran forward and dropped to her knees before Lady Grassmere.

"I beg your pardon for my ill-considered words, milady. I have a wicked tongue and should be beaten for my remarks."

The tone of sincerity in the girl's voice did much to soothe the older woman's sense of ill usage. Her face returned to a more normal color and she patted Amity's cheek to indicate she appreciated the girl's concern.

"My apologies for my tasteless joke, Lady Grassmere. It was nothing but a bold fiction. In actual fact the torn skirts indicate that a young girl should not be judged by her wealth but the sweetness and generosity of her nature."

"That is charming," Cousin Hester said in relief. "Sentiments I can with whole heart approve. Now stand up and turn around so that I might see the full effect."

Amity did as requested and earned a wink of encouragement from Max who also was feeling slightly ashamed of his outrageous behavior. He had been much touched by his ward's immediate awareness that she had gone too far. He had noticed that despite Cousin Hester's fluttery ways and old-fashioned ideas, Amity never gave her anything but the utmost respect. Her laughter earlier had not been at the expense of the old lady but rather her enjoyment of the jest. There was much to be lauded about the girl, despite her impetuous nature. A ward to be proud of.

As the sounds of arrival echoed from the hall, Max gathered Amity and Lady Grassmere to receive their guests.

"Egad, Honoria, whatever are you about with such a paltry toilette?" Percy Waterston asked, raising his quizzing glass to stare at his sister.

"Shut up, you ninny," Honoria hissed, brushing out the wrinkles in her skirt. "I wanted a simpler ensemble tonight."

"Simple, ma dear," Percy drawled. "It verges on the bucolic."

Honoria wore a gown of heavy blue silk which was patterned in the Grecian style. The classic design did little to enhance her short, rounded figure. It had always been her custom to wear filmy materials that floated around her to emphasize her petiteness. Aware at twenty-six that she was no longer a debutante, she chose dresses with a youthful prettiness and was partial to ruffles and bows.

"Don't be nasty or I shant loan you another cent and you'll be forced to go to the moneylenders," she snapped.

Honoria's voice was shrill since she did not feel she was at her best in such a plain, unadorned gown. When she had first thought of the idea for Amity's dress she had imagined that the simplicity of her own apparel would further emphasize the gaucheness of the young girl. Now she was not so sure.

"Don't dawdle, Percy," she said, digging her sharp nails into the satin sleeve covering his arm.

"I say, we are in a wretched mood tonight." Percy led her toward the staircase, nodding to several acquaintances. "I can see nursemaiding the little ward has put you quite out of temper. I myself am most anxious to meet the delightful Miss Fraser. One senses the unleashed talons which are ruining my jacket are intended instead for the little deb, n'est pas?”

"Don't be boring, brother dear." Her voice was apathetic to indicate her disinterest but her eyes flashed for a moment much to Percy's amusement. "I have quite enjoyed jauntering about town with the girl. She's been bowled over by my offer of