Lords of Discipline--3 Book Box Set by Alyson Chase

Author:Alyson Chase [Chase, Alyson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: iBooks, iBooks 7.4.19
Publisher: Alice Weiss
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Winnifred examined the row of forks beside her plate and grimaced. What a foolish conceit member of the Quality had when it came to such things. And more fool her to think that she would fit in such company, even wearing the beautiful new emerald-green gown her husband had given her.

She darted a glance down the Earl of Abercairn’s long dining table, wishing custom hadn’t separated her from her husband by several chairs. Lord, she’d even have wished for Summerset to be seated next to her at this interminable dinner party. At least his hostility was open and honest. The vipers at this table hid their malice behind coy smiles, and double-edged words.

“My dear girl, it is so brave of you to attempt that fashion.” Lady Abercairn, the viper with the sharpest bite, cooed to the guest across from Winnifred. Lady Abercairn’s voice held only the barest hint of a brogue, and Winnifred could only assume years spent in London with her husband had smoothed over the harsher burr of her people.

Lady Margaret Masson, daughter to the Earl of Brandon, flushed brick red. She fingered the military-style braiding on her bodice, her long à la mameluke sleeves swamping her hands.

Lady Abercairn buttered a roll and poked her knife in her victim’s direction. “A real triumph of spirit over caution.”

Winnifred stiffened as her hostess turned to her. “Lady Dunkeld, you have yet to say how you find our fair city. This is your first visit to Glasgow, is it not?”

“Yes, although I cannot yet give you much of an opinion.” Winnifred nodded to the footman to refill her wineglass. “We only arrived just this afternoon. But from what I saw on the ride from our lodgings to your home, it does appear quite lovely.” It would have been lovelier still if she had remained at their apartments as Sutton had. She knew as Sin’s wife she needed to embrace society, but after a day of travel, she didn’t know if her fortitude would last the night.

“I hope you go to St. Mungo’s.” Mr. Neil Masson, the earl’s younger son, leaned forward. He sat next to his sister, and the fact that they were allowed to sit together while she and Sin were separated grated against Winnifred’s sensibilities. “The cathedral is necessary for every visitor to see.”

“Yes, the Lady Newton said the very same thing when she visited with me last summer.” Lady Abercairn lifted her wineglass and examined Winnifred over the rim. “Are you acquainted with Viscount Newton’s wife, Lady Dunkeld? She holds the best soirees in all of London.”

Winnifred pushed at a turnip on her plate. “No, I’m afraid I don’t have the fortune of her acquaintance.”

“No, I suppose you wouldn’t.” Lady Abercairn sipped her wine. “But I believe your husband knows her.” She raised her voice. “Isn’t that right, Dunkeld? That you were once a particular friend to Lady Newton?”

Silence descended on the table. Winnifred clenched the napkin on her lap, refusing to look at Sin. Of course, he’d lived a full life before her, but she didn’t need to see such knowledge in his eyes.

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