I’ve heard women say things of other women that were untrue. I only elaborated on a physical characteristic.”
“Gossip is indeed cruel and as you say, sometimes untrue. But it is an undercurrent of ton life. Only rarely is there public humiliation. And you, my dear, from what I have been told, have become quite expert in skewering someone publicly.”
Arden was beginning to feel a little angry. Here was her father dressing her down for a few entertaining comments. People had laughed, hadn’t they? She was incapable of entering into the feelings of a Lord Heronwood or that squat adolescent she had dubbed “the Frog Prince.” The memory of his cold, moist hand on hers still made her shiver.
“Father, I still think you exaggerate the effect of all this.”
“No, Arden, I do not. You have, it would seem, over the past weeks, effectively ruined yourself.” As his daughter spluttered in protest, he put his hand up to silence her.
“Have you received vouchers for Almack’s?”
“Why, no,” she admitted reluctantly, only to hurry to explain that “Lady Jersey had been planning to send them, she knew, but had most likely forgotten. Now that you are here, I am sure we will receive them.”
“So you have had an effect on Celia’s Season as well.” The earl’s pronouncement lay there between them.
It was the first thing he had said that touched Arden at all. She frowned slightly and the earl was glad that something had moved her. He was beginning to wonder if his daughter had any feeling for others at all.
“Aside from Almack’s, which I had not connected with my reputation at all, I think Celia has had a pleasant start to her Season,” said Arden slowly, as though she were inwardly checking the accuracy of her own statement as she made it. “She is very popular with the young ladies and has attracted a few young men in addition to Heronwood. I am certain she will be entertaining several offers by June.”
“And if she accepts one of them? What will you do then?”
“Return home, as I said, and come back for a second Season next year. Although, unless some dark horse appears, I can’t imagine that next year will produce anyone who would tempt me to the married state.”
“What about your friends in the military?”
“My, you have done your research well, haven’t you, Father?” replied Arden tartly, getting more annoyed that her unexceptionable behavior was being scrutinized. After all, she had not acted in an undignified or immodest way. Had never moved off onto a balcony to allow a stolen kiss. Had never danced with anyone more than twice in one evening. “I have enjoyed the companionship of a few officers, that is true, but they are friends, nothing more. And I have been very careful not to cause a scandal with them or any others. This will blow over and I can start again next spring.”
“I cannot allow that.”
“What do you mean?”
“I cannot allow you to remain in Stalbridge without a companion.”
“But Aunt Ellen would be with me, if not Celia.”
“Your aunt has devoted enough of her life to you, Arden. She will, of course, be welcome anytime, but her presence will be needed by her own daughter, especially if Celia marries.”
“Well, then, I will find another companion,” protested Arden. “Or come with you.”
“My sister has expressed her willingness to help over the years. I chose Ellen because she was your mother’s sister. But I can send you to Millicent and resolve all our problems.”
“Millicent! That dried-up stick of a woman? Why she is a martinet. Boring and overbearing. You dare to accuse me of having no feelings, but your sister… Pardon my frankness, but I know you feel the same. She is a coldhearted, unfeeling woman. And you would have me live with her?”
“I would have you happily married or living with family when I return to the campaign. You cannot come with me. Perhaps I should have let you years ago, but you could not cope with army life
Longarm, the Bandit Queen