A Fall from Grace by Jennie Goutet

Author:Jennie Goutet [Goutet, Jennie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jennie Goutet

Chapter Fourteen

After depositing his phaeton with Holbeck’s undergroom, Lucius made his way to the house, dressed in his best evening finery. The fact that he was early did not escape his sister’s notice.

“Lucius!" she exclaimed. "Perhaps we need not despair of you yet. I see your family affections bring you here, and I am gratified."

"Yes, I suppose if I am going to be here, I may as well make myself useful. Where are Philippa and George?" He searched the room, ostensibly looking for them, but hoping to catch sight of Miss Lockhart. He was anxious to see her after his visit to Harrowden two days ago had produced nothing better than a run-in with Miss Woodsley.

“I haven’t seen them at all this past hour,” Maria said. Lucius studied his sister more closely. She looked harried.

“I can only trust that Philippa is finally getting dressed after debating an excessive amount of time over which of the two ball gowns she should wear when we had already decided on the pink,” Maria said. “George was taking a great interest in the card tables being set up, which is worrisome.” She shot Lucius an apprehensive glance. “You don't happen to know the state of his quarterly allowance, do you?"

"I know it was paid, and it will not be paid again until the quarter is over. He will need to take care, or he will be living frugally,” Lucius replied.

Maria pursed her lips. "Yes, and I fear he will be living frugally here, for he cannot abide to live with Mother cosseting him at every turn, and you refuse to take too much of a hand in his upbringing.” She frowned at Lucius. “Why he doesn’t have more sense, I cannot explain. I know I don’t lack any.”

No, but you lack imagination, Lucius thought—which was almost a greater flaw. “George will come about eventually,” he said, and opened the door so she could precede him into the drawing room. Servants were setting up refreshments on long tables draped with white cloth and lighting the candles in the chandeliers. The candles reflected on the windowpanes created a warm glow. George entered, looking particularly dashing in a discreet, well-fitting coat and fine, pale breeches.

“Handsome coat, George. Where did you have it made?" Lucius had not displayed such good taste when he was George’s age. In fact, he still did not show to advantage next to his younger brother. He did not care enough to wear anything uncomfortable.

“This?” George said. “I had it made by a tailor in Oxford. He is reputed to be as good as Schultz. And I learned how to tie the ornamental.” He lifted his chin, showing his perfectly tied cravat. “As you can see, I have quite the hand. It has only taken me three tries." He grinned.

"If only you had such a light touch with cattle," Lucius said.

“I only overturned once, and you refuse to let it go,” George protested with a laugh.

Maria came up to them, wringing her hands. “The guests will be arriving shortly, and the ones staying here have already come down.

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