Wagers and Wallflowers 10 - No Good Dare Goes Unpunished by Clarke Alyssa

Author:Clarke, Alyssa [Clarke, Alyssa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance - Historical
Amazon: B09KZKXBD2
Publisher: Darkan Press Inc.
Published: 2022-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

A couple days after her reckless foray of breaking into the marquess’s home, Louisa enjoyed a breakfast of thinly sliced ham, bacon, eggs, kippers, pound cake, and toast with her family. Emily chattered excitedly about the attentions she had received at last night’s ball, while her father read his pressed newspaper. Their mother listened attentively to her younger daughter, an indulgent smile on her lips.

Louisa cleared her throat. “Mama…papa…there is a request I would like to make.”

Her mother set down her fork, a small frown puckering her brows. “Yes, dear?”

Her father lowered the paper and his warm brown eyes landed on her with affection. “What is it, poppet?”

“I would like to purchase a few new dresses and hats.” Louisa cleared her throat. “In more flattering colors and styles.”

Her mother and father shared a glance, before her mother’s lips flattened. “The season will soon draw to an end. I daresay there is no reason for it now.”

“Mama we are at least two months and a half away from most families retiring to the countryside. We have several more balls to attend and I do believe new gowns would make a difference in my reception. You ordered two new ballgowns and three day-dresses for Emily recently. My gowns are all from last season.” Or was it the season before?

“We will speak more on this later,” her father said gruffly. “I have business matters to attend.”

The viscount pushed back his chair and departed the breakfast room. A slight chill touched the base of Louisa’s spine. This was not the reaction she had anticipated. “Mama…did I misspoke?”

The viscountess dabbed her mouth with the napkin. “If your sister does not receive a notable offer this season, we will have to retrench and practice greater economy. We might not be able to sponsor another season for both of you.”

Emily gasped and straightened in her chair, and Louisa could only stare at her mother. “Papa…is in financial trouble? Does Anthony know?”

Her brother had recently bought a racing phaeton and matching pair of horses from Tattersalls. Surely, he would not have taken on such an expense if he knew of papa’s troubles.

Her mother’s lips pinched. “As your father’s heir your brother is aware of all matters relating to the estates. These worries are not for you girls.”

Tamping down her ache, she began, “Mama—”

“Louisa! We will not speak of this further. However, both of you must understand that a respectable marriage for our family is a necessity.” Her mother’s voice cracked, and she took a steady breath before continuing, “Preferably with a family of estimable connections. There are little hopes for you, Louisa, to secure any match, so we have to rest our hopes on Emily. We cannot spare the funds to purchase any more new gowns or fripperies.”

“Perhaps Louisa and I might share the new gowns, mama,” Emily offered, her gaze soft with sympathy. “We are of a similar build and—”

“I daresay it will make little difference,” the viscountess interrupted. “Emily dearest you are asked to dance at every ball, whereas Louisa is not given any attention.

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