The Last Season by Jenny Judson

Author:Jenny Judson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TouchPoint Press
Published: 2021-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

W

ithin a few short days, it felt as though they had known the Howards for eons. Though Lily Howard was easygoing in her manners and had a spontaneous, jovial spirit, the corners of her eyes curled, communicating constant vigilance. She was alert to all that went on around her. If a room was cold, she called for someone to light a fire before the chill was felt. If a glass was near empty, she would make sure it was filled before the drinker got the last drop. If a guest entered the hallway, she stood upright to greet him before he was announced. Cassandra had to wonder if Mrs. Howard had been deliberate in placing her father in the room beside Miss Fairfax’s.

“Tonight will be an interesting evening my dear, Miss Drayton,” Mrs. Howard said with more than a hint of sarcasm. “Cousin Lina has invited us to one of her grand soirees. We’ll be going up to her house on Fifth Avenue and we’ll see what fun we can have.” She raised a mischievous eyebrow.

They were seated in the parlor. The roaring fire and smell of evergreen made Cassandra want to curl up on the sofa like a little girl despite the stiff boning of her taffeta gown.

“By cousin Lina, she means her distant cousin Mrs. Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, who among many other things, had the good fortune to marry Mr. William Astor Jr. She holds court uptown at that monstrosity of hers.” Mr. Howard clearly did not approve of his wife’s cousin. He moved behind her chair, resting his broad hands on her shoulders as his index finger wandered in delicate circles over her exposed skin.

“It’s large but it isn’t a monstrosity. It’s actually quite elegant, if a little overly opulent.” Mrs. Howard awkwardly craned her neck to look up at her husband. “Charles, I know you aren’t jumping with excitement, but this evening will be a wonderful opportunity to introduce our guests to society.”

“It sounds lovely, Mrs. Howard. You’ve been so kind, showing us all the sights and shops in the city. I’m sure tonight will not disappoint. Thank you for including Papa, Miss Fairfax, and myself. I do hope we will be pleasant additions to the evening.”

“Of course, you will be. Cousin Lina will love meeting you and who knows, maybe you’ll find a handsome young American man and decide to move to New York!” She laughed, delighted by that idea.

“American men are much different from English men,” Mr. Howard followed his wife in her matchmaking intentions. “I’m sure you’ve already noticed that we are more forthright. And for the most part, we are industrious. We don’t just wait around for the next horse race or event. All but those in the highest circles.”

“Quite true,” Cassandra’s father chimed in. “Except, they all live very far from England!” Though he might have admired the American sense of purpose and drive, she was sure he would rather die than see her living in New York or Boston married to a merchant or industrialist, however rich he might be.

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