A Lady's Virture by A.S. Fenichel

Author:A.S. Fenichel
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-11-16T11:28:14+00:00

Chapter 11

Sylvia had to find a way to make Anthony see that his pity was not needed or warranted. She would be fine, and his attention would do neither of them any good. How she was going to convince him, she didn’t know. Perhaps he would just lose interest or one of the ladies who distracted him in the past would come forward.

Still pondering Anthony’s behavior, she missed the approach of her mother until Felicia was standing directly in front of her.

With her lips pursed in typical disappointment, and her hands perched on her hips, Mother said, “Please tell me that you did not insult a viscount.”

It grated on Sylvia that Mother felt she could still badger her, even after she’d moved out of the house and was supporting herself. “To what are you referring, Mother?”

“You know exactly what I am referring to. Did you thwart an attempt to make amends by Lord March?”

Serena and Lord Stansfield inched closer until they flanked Sylvia.

Meanwhile, Sir Henry Parker stood just over Mother’s shoulder.

“If you are asking if I refused to dance with a man who publicly humiliated me, then the answer is yes. I have no intention of accepting any kind of amends from Hunter Gautier. I would rather be flogged in the town square.”

Lord Stansfield covered a laugh.

Sir Henry frowned. “You would do well to get into Lord March’s good graces again. He is a peer and has many friends. Besides, if you married him, even after all the gossip, all would be forgiven.”

Mother nodded. “At least someone sees my point.”

Taking a deep breath, Sylvia stayed her gathering temper. “Mother, I love and respect you, but your point is moot. I will never marry that miserable sod. In his social climbing efforts, he recently engaged himself to Miss Smyth. So you see, his intentions toward me are not honorable in the least.”

Serena gasped. “Mother, you have to admit, Lord March behaved very badly in the past. You cannot blame Sylvia for holding a grudge against him. His transgressions would be impossible for anyone to forgive.”

“He’s a viscount, Serena. I would think your sister could forgive him if he is willing to renew his interest.” Felicia stomped her foot.

“He is engaged, Mother. Are you proposing I become his mistress?” Sylvia’s temper could not hold on much longer.

Lord Stansfield cleared his throat and placed a hand on Serena’s arm for only an instant. His voice was soft but deep and firm. “I know that I am an outsider, ladies, but this conversation is drawing attention from the crowd. Perhaps you might continue it another time in private.”

Looking around, Sylvia noted several people had turned to watch the altercation. “Thank you, my lord. You are correct. This is not the time or the place for such talk. Mother, I will see you at tea on Tuesday, and you may berate me to your heart’s content at that time.”

Serena followed Sylvia to the hallway and into Anthony’s office. Once the door was closed, she sighed. “You did the right thing, Sylvie.

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