What a Spinster Wants - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,16
looking murderous as she set her son on the rug to play. “Or call in his old company. Henshaw and Sebastian…”
“Sebastian will go,” Kitty and Izzy said in almost an identical tone.
Edith laughed a watery laugh, shaking her head. “I have a servant that will do very well for that. You all know Owen, he has been with me for ages, and he is from home. He takes care of me as well as he can.”
Grace nodded. “Good. But I will still send some servants.”
“I cannot pay them,” Edith reminded her.
She smiled with genuine warmth. “That’s all right. I can.”
Prue sat forward as much as she was able. “Cam might be able to help your situation, Edith. His brother-in-law, Mr. Chadwick, has some high connections and works closely with Mr. Andrews. They are very familiar with the law and have a great many connections. Will you permit me to ask them?”
Edith nodded, feeling as though she might cry. “But discreetly. I cannot have Sir Reginald suspecting that I am working against him. He has all the power now, and I have none.”
Prue grinned a bit mischievously. “Oh, you have plenty of power, my dear. Between us and our husbands, who, by the way, are already quite protective of you, you will be quite powerful, indeed. Cam has already very passionately quashed some rumors and declared his loyalty and support of you, and I am delighted by it.”
Edith grinned at her sudden energy, as well as her complete lack of stammer. She was most touched by Prue’s words. “I hoped your husband might think of something, Prue.”
“He will,” she vowed, smiling at the mention of him. “He has a very intriguing view of the world and is quite brilliant. I think many would be shocked at how much he holds back. He will stand by you, Edith. He may even sleep on your doorstep to assure himself of your safety.”
Edith laughed at the image of the tall and rascally Camden Vale sleeping outside her door.
What nonsense!
“I shall be grateful for his help, however he may apply it,” Edith told Prue, taking her hand. She looked around at her friends, her heart tightening in her chest. “From any of you, and any of them.” She exhaled a short breath, then ventured to admit one thing more. “The fact of the matter is that I must find some protection this Season. If that means marriage again, so be it. If I may only find protection by the law, that will suit, as well. But the more my circumstances are made known, the more dangerous the path will be.”
A shudder rippled down her spine at the image of Sir Reginald from the morning before.
Charlotte and Grace looked at each other; then Charlotte smiled almost deviously at Edith. “Then, we have our mission.”
“Do you?” Edith queried, more wary than worried.
Charlotte nodded once. “We have to find you some gowns. Mine are upstairs, and I feel sure the others have some they will donate to the cause, as well. We’ll make a tour of our homes for the afternoon. Come with me now, and we’ll get them fixed up so you may come to the theatre tomorrow and outshine us all.”
Chapter Four
Proper attire is important in making the intended impression. It should be taken most seriously.
-The Spinster Chronicles, 24 September 1817
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
“That’s a terrible answer.”
“It’s the truth.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I’m your valet, my lord, not your chambermaid. I do believe I know what I am doing.”
Graham scowled at the almost painfully thin man currently tying his cravat.
Morgan had been with him for years, and apart from the fact that it involved the death of Graham’s brother, having this master inherit the title had been the greatest day of his valet’s life. Ages of trying to get his master to dress with more style and finery rather than the country simplicity he doted upon, and now, finally, he could have his way.
He had not stopped being superior yet, and it was getting rather tiresome.
If he didn’t trust Morgan to keep him from embarrassing himself in matters that Graham was completely ignorant of, he’d probably have thrown him out by now. His valet was also one of the few people in the world who hadn’t shifted his treatment of Graham because of the change in his position. One could always count on Morgan to be steady, honest, and resoundingly himself.
“Fair enough,” Graham grunted. “Just don’t make me into a peacock, I beg you.”